Al-Zahrawi Journal of Medical Sciences, published by Al-Zahrawi University, is a peer-reviewed scientific platform for publishing innovative research and studies across various fields of medical and health sciences. The journal seeks to enhance scientific research and provide knowledge that contributes to the development of healthcare at both local and international levels. It covers a wide range of medical topics, including Clinical and Medical Sciences, Basic and Biomedical Sciences, Diagnostic and Allied Health Sciences, Cosmetic and Laser Medicine, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Epidemiology, Laboratory and Experimental Medicine, Disease Pathogenesis, and Pharmacology and Therapeutics. The journal welcomes articles from a wide range of research papers on medical subjects. All studies are published in the English version only. Al-Zahrawi Journal of Medical Sciences could be a discipline of science that applies existing knowledge domains to develop additional sensible applications, like technology or inventions. A branch of knowledge may apply formal science, such as Public Health and Medical Studies. Al-Zahrawi Journal of Medical Sciences is considered a major platform for research by scholars and researchers across all fields. The journal is for all the active members of society, who are eminent academicians, researchers, planners, extension workers, Innovative scholars, and students.
In-Vitro Antimicrobial Activity and Phytochemical Screening of Ethanolic Fruit Extract of Luffa aegyptiaca Against Selected Skin-Associated Pathogens
Background: Skin infections caused by microorganisms are a great clinical and public health problem, especially because antimicrobial resistance is increasing and there is a need for safer natural antimicrobial agents. Luffa <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:r>aegyptiaca</m:r></m:oMath><![endif]--> <!-- [if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/> </v:formulas> <v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/> <o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:45.6pt; height:10.8pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/Orbit/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.png" o:title="" chromakey="white"/> </v:shape><![endif]--> It is traditional bathing with a natural sponge and is expected to contain bioactive phytochemical constituents that may act as an antimicrobial agent. Aim: This study is looking forward to evaluate the qualitative phytochemical profile and in-vitro antimicrobial effects of the crude ethanolic fruit extract of Luffa <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:r>aegyptiaca</m:r></m:oMath><![endif]--> <!-- [if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:45.6pt;height:10.8pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/Orbit/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.png" o:title="" chromakey="white"/> </v:shape><![endif]--> against selected skin-associated pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. Methods: Dried fruits of Luffa <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:r>aegyptiaca</m:r></m:oMath><![endif]--> <!-- [if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:45.6pt;height:10.8pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/Orbit/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.png" o:title="" chromakey="white"/> </v:shape><![endif]--> were extracted using hydro-alcohol by maceration. The crude extract was subjected to phytochemical screening to detect secondary metabolites classes. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method at three extract concentrations<!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:r>: 0.001, 0.002</m:r></m:oMath><![endif]--> <!-- [if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:51pt;height:10.8pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/Orbit/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image005.png" o:title="" chromakey="white"/> </v:shape><![endif]--> , and <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:r>0.003 </m:r><m:r>mg</m:r><m:r>/</m:r><m:r>mL</m:r></m:oMath><![endif]--> <!-- [if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:54pt;height:10.8pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/Orbit/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image007.png" o:title="" chromakey="white"/> </v:shape><![endif]--> . The diameter of the inhibition zone is measured in mm, and a negative control was included to confirm the absence of antimicrobial activity from the diluent. Results: Phytochemical screening showed that the presence of terpenoids/steroids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, and flavonoids. The ethanolic extract exhibited concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms. At 0.003 mg/mL, inhibition zones of 20 mm were recorded against S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, and P. aeruginosa, while C. albicans showed the highest inhibition zone of 22 mm. At 0.002 mg/mL, the inhibition zones were 13 mm, 14 mm, and 13 mm against S. aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and P. aeruginosa, respectively, and 20 mm against C. albicans. No detectable inhibition was observed against the bacterial isolates at 0.001 mg/mL, whereas Candida albicans showed an inhibition zone of 15 mm. The negative control showed no inhibition. Conclusion: The crude ethanolic fruit extract of L. <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:r>aegyptiaca</m:r></m:oMath><![endif]--> <!-- [if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:45.6pt;height:10.8pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/Orbit/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.png" o:title="" chromakey="white"/> </v:shape><![endif]--> demonstrated preliminary antibacterial and antifungal activity against selected skin-associated pathogens, with the greatest activity observed at the highest tested concentration. The antimicrobial effect may be linked with the presence of multiple bioactive phytochemical constituents detected in the extract. Further studies, including MIC, MBC or MFC, compound characterization, and cytotoxicity assessment, are required to confirm the potential use of Luffa <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:r>aegyptiaca</m:r></m:oMath><![endif]--> <!-- [if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:45.6pt;height:10.8pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/Orbit/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.png" o:title="" chromakey="white"/> </v:shape><![endif]--> extract in topical pharmaceutical and dermatological formulations.
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Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes by Using Molecular Methods in Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) patients in the Babil Site
Around the world, there is growing worry over beta-lactamase resistance in Enterobacteriaceae, specifically in Escherich coli (E. coli). The present study aimed to determine the frequency of the beta-lactamase-resistant bla-TEM and bla-AMPC genes in the Enterobacteriaceae family using PCR. Thirty isolates from the Babil Teaching Hospital were obtained for identification since E. coli beta-lactamase genes were discovered in certain laboratories among the 71.6 positive isolates. The current study's findings demonstrated that patients (2 to 18 years old) constituted the majority of the isolates of beta-lactamase-resistant E. coli. Across all bacterial isolates, bla-AMPC and bla-TEM were significantly more common than bla-CTX-M and bla-SHV-5 (<!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:r>p</m:r><m:r> < 0.05</m:r></m:oMath><![endif]--> <!-- [if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/> </v:formulas> <v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/> <o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:50.4pt; height:13.8pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/Orbit/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.png" o:title="" chromakey="white"/> </v:shape><![endif]--> ). bla-AMPC and bla-TEM had prevalence rates of 93.33% and 71.66%, respectively, but bla-SHV-5 and bla-AMPC had lower rates of 20% and 46.66%, respectively. In certain pathogenic bacteria, the potential relationships between virulence genes and antibiotic resistance were investigated. Considering Given that the existence of established infectious factors in clinical isolates could potentially facilitate infection and pathogen persistence, virulence factors were analyzed in relation to these genes and a few additional genes that were studied in the same lab. The current study demonstrated a statistically significant association between antibiotic resistance profile and virulence, with a person correlation of 0.957 between virulence and antibiotic determinants, according to the statistical analysis. The biofilm gene, which was found in 95% of the bacterial isolates, was the most prevalent gene according to the gene virulence data, followed by the iss gene (86.6%) and the fimH gene 85%. Therefore, the discovery of a relationship between virulence profile and resistance may contribute to the development of various bacterial infection rates and their recurrence in the clinical setting.
Synthesis of Iron Ferrite Fe3O4 Nanoparticles and Investigation of Physical Properties and their Magnetism for Use in Drug Delivery
The technology of combining magnetic oxide nanoparticles with polymers plays an important role in physics and material science. They are used in medicine as a targeted drug delivery system. Magnetite (Fe3O4) is one of the most important It is the most widely used iron oxide and has various applications in nanotechnology. In this research, first, iron oxide nanoparticles were made by the sonochemical method. To characterize the prepared samples, we used the diffraction scheme, the infrared Fourier transform spectrum, and a magnetometer with an oscillating sample. In the diffraction scheme, magnetite is the phase. It is original, and the resulting powder is crystalline and has an FCC cubic spinel structure. Using Scherer's formula, the approximate average size of nanocrystals for the Miller index (133) was found to be about 37 nm. In this research, alginate magnetic beads with chitosan coatings were prepared. According to the DLS results, the average diameter size of the nanoparticle with two different methods is about 3 mm and 13 nm. is confirmed in this nanocomposite. For (Fe3O4) magnetic beads, absorption bands were observed at 73.3061, 13.3130, 61.61, and 3611 cm1. Residual rings (H-M) of magnetite nanoparticles magnetic beads were measured at room temperature by a magnetometer with an oscillating sample, and the results of the measurements show a behavior similar to paramagnetic clouds in the produced nanostructures. The saturation magnetization values of magnetite nanoparticles were obtained (131.03 and 1117.30 g/emu, respectively). Considering that the magnetic beads are made of 13 nm, they have more drug-loading capability. Due to the similar behaviors of the paramagnetic cloud phase, the produced magnetic beads are most likely to have favorable performance in the targeted drug delivery system and heat therapy.
Impact of Obesity Upon Students' Schools Achievement at Secondary Schools in Al-Nasiriyah City
Background: Obesity has been rising sharply worldwide in recent years. This epidemic problem not only occurs among adults, but also becomes more serious in children and adolescents. Objective(s): To assess the impact of obesity upon students' school achievement at Secondary Schools. And to find out the relationship between impact of obesity upon students' School achievement with their selected demographic variables. Methodology: A descriptive (Cross sectional) study was conducted on students at Secondary Schools in AL-Nasiriyah City between the periods of 11 October 2022 to 20 April 2023. In a cluster random sample from 12 secondary school the number of student's `adolescent in these 12 schools was 4140 students aged 12–18 years. By use of convenience sampling found 310 students with obese. The data were analyzed through the application of descriptive statistic frequency, percentage, and the application of inferential statistical procedures, which include chi square. Results: The results of the study indicated the Impact of obesity upon students' Schools Achievement at Secondary Schools in AL-Nasiriyah City was 34.8% of the students were not successful, and we found that the proportion of obesity in girls 51.6 slightly more in boys 48.4, and the most prevalent category where the proportion of obesity is at the age of 18 years 22.2% and we found that the rate of obesity in grades high in the four-class average 27%. Conclusion: shows that there is a high significant relationship between obese students results in the first course and their sociodemographic characteristics which include (gender, age and class), while there is no significant relationship between obese students results in the first course and their sociodemographic characteristics (student living with parent, does the student have a chronic illness, place of living and monthly financial income) at p-value ≤ 0.05. Recommendations: Increase community awareness about the risks of epidemic of obesity among school children age, and regular physical activities to ensure normal weight should be encouraged among adolescents.
Prevalence and Diagnostic Markers of Metabolic Acidosis in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study
Introduction: Metabolic acidosis (MA) is the most common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD), exacerbating the progression of disease and adverse outcomes. This study aims to determine the prevalence of MA and its predicting factors among CKD patients in the southern governorates of Iraq. Methods: A cross-sectional study of adult CKD patients (<!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:r>eGFR</m:r><m:r> < 60 </m:r><m:r>mL</m:r><m:r>/</m:r><m:r>min</m:r><m:r>/1.73 </m:r><m:r>m</m:r><m:r>²)</m:r></m:oMath><![endif]--> <!-- [if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/> </v:formulas> <v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/> <o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:120pt; height:10.8pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/Orbit/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.png" o:title="" chromakey="white"/> </v:shape><![endif]--> was performed in Basra, Thi-Qar, and Missan. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected, including blood gas analysis and electrolytes assessed using the epoc® Blood Analysis System. Serum bicarbonate levels determined the classification into MA and non-MA groups. Statistical analyses included t-tests, Pearson correlations, and logistic regression. Results: Compared with patients without MA, those with MA had significantly lower pH and bicarbonate levels and higher BUN and creatinine levels (<!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:r>p</m:r><m:r><0.001</m:r></m:oMath><![endif]--> <!-- [if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:38.4pt;height:10.8pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/Orbit/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image003.png" o:title="" chromakey="white"/> </v:shape><![endif]--> ). Lower GFR was independently related to MA (<!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:r>OR</m:r><m:r> = 0.929, </m:r><m:r>p</m:r><m:r><0.001</m:r></m:oMath><![endif]--> <!-- [if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:96pt;height:10.8pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/Orbit/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image005.png" o:title="" chromakey="white"/> </v:shape><![endif]--> ). Males were more affected by MA (67.3%) than were females (55.6%). Conclusion: MA is common among CKD patients in southern Iraq and strongly correlated with renal function deterioration. Early detection and treatment of MA is vital, especially in patients with reduced GFR.
Effect of Practicing Meditation Techniques on Vital Signs and Mindfulness Levels among Adolescents with Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis
Background: Adolescents with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis experience significant physiological instability and psychological distress, including elevated anxiety, depression, blood pressure, and pulse rate. Given the risks of pharmacological interventions in renal impairment, safe non-pharmacological approaches are essential. Aim: This study aimed to assess the effects of a regular meditation exercise on vital signs and mindfulness levels in this vulnerable population. Methodology: A quasi-experimental research design, the study was conducted in three hemodialysis units located in the Karbala Holy Governorate, Iraq, between the periods of April 14th and August 20th, 2025. A non-probability purposive sample of forty-four patients was selected, the control group, which consists of twenty-two patients, is not subjected to the meditation program, just routine care, while twenty-two patients in the study group are subjected to the practice of meditation techniques. Results: The mindfulness meditation intervention significantly improved cardiorespiratory parameters (heart rate and respiration rate) and substantially elevated mindfulness levels in adolescents undergoing hemodialysis. Conclusion: The study determined that the structured meditation intervention significantly elevated mindfulness levels and markedly improved specific physiological parameters, particularly heart and respiration rates, in adolescents undergoing hemodialysis. Recommendations: The application of meditation techniques in hospitals as a complementary nursing intervention for adolescents suffering from various chronic illnesses. Continuous training and workshops should be provided for nurses and healthcare staff working in hemodialysis units on the principles and techniques of meditation and mindfulness practices.
Genetic Expression of FAS and miRNA34a-5P with β-Thalassemia Major in Iraqi Patients: A Case-Control Study
Beta-thalassemia major (β-TM) is an inherited hematological disorder caused by mutations in the hemoglobin beta (HBB) gene, which encodes the β-globin chain; nevertheless, the micro ribonucleic acid 34a (miRNA34a-5P) gene is a key component of HBB gene defects. This miRNA34a-5P regulates fundamental aspects of erythroid cell survival, maturation and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress, excessive iron, and unpaired α-globin chains from decreased β-globin production may induce fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) gene expression and thus increase the rate of apoptosis of erythroblasts. Thus, the gene expression of FAS and miRNA34a-5P was amplified and quantitatively by RT-qPCR in β-TM patients from Diwaniyah, Iraq and show relative to a housekeeping gene (GAPDH). When comparing the β-TM case (G2) with the control (G1), expression levels of both FAS and the microRNA34a were significantly different (<!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:r>P</m:r><m:r>-</m:r><m:r>value</m:r><m:r>< 0.001</m:r></m:oMath><![endif]--> <!-- [if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/> </v:formulas> <v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/> <o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:74.4pt; height:10.8pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/Orbit/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.png" o:title="" chromakey="white"/> </v:shape><![endif]--> ). The second replication study confirms these above findings that the overexpression and amplification associated, respectively, of RT-PCR for FAS and miRNA34a-5P, as well that a correlation have been noted between the genes FAS and miR 34a with their appropriate diagnostic indication for the studied disease