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Background: This study, conducted at Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Iraq, aimed to investigate the impact of education and home-based follow-up on diabetes awareness and behavior modifications among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients. Given the high prevalence and mortality rate of diabetes in Iraq, this research addresses a critical public health issue by exploring effective management strategies for one of the country's leading causes of death. Methods: We employed a semi-experimental, two-group design with pretest and posttest assessments. The study was conducted in 2023 in Baghdad, Iraq. Using the hospital's records and through direct involvement at the diabetes and endocrinology treatment center, 60 T2DM patients were selected. Participants, aged between 30 and 80 years with an HbAI c level of greater than 9%, were randomly assigned to either an intervention or a control group. The intervention group underwent four 1-hour training sessions and received 3 monthly home visits. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire and analyzed employing chi-square test, t-test, and ANOVA in SPSS software. Results: Post-intervention, significant improvements were observed in the intervention group in terms of diabetes awareness and health behaviors, with F and P values demonstrating these changes. For example, walking frequency improved (F = 58.45; P = 0.001), and better adherence to dietary guidelines was noted (F = 26.47; P = 0.004). These results contrast with less pronounced changes in the control group, indicating the effectiveness of the educational intervention and home follow-up. Conclusion: The findings confirm the effectiveness of Hospital-based education with home follow-up and follow-up in enhancing diabetes awareness and self-management behaviors in T2DM patients. This approach led to significant improvements in health behaviors and diabetes awareness, with potential economic benefits. Future research should explore the scalability and sustainability of these interventions in different settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study involved the preparation of the Saudi Arabian Cassia angustifolia Vahl methanolic extract and the production of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) nanofibers that contained the Saudi Arabian C. angustifolia Vahl methanolic extract. The reason for using polyvinylpyrrolidone is its bioactivity and its physical and chemical properties. The structure and characterization of the newly synthesized nanofiber were confirmed using the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum, elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image, N2 adsorption–desorption curve, hydrophilicity, compressive strength, and flexural strength. The biological activity, including anticancer properties against skin cancer cells and bone cancer cells and antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains, was assessed. The average diameter and the specific surface area of the synthesized polyvinylpyrrolidone nanofibers containing the Saudi Arabian Cassia angustifolia Vahl methanolic extract were 87 nm and 1,108 m² /g, respectively. High hydrophilicity compared to polyvinylpyrrolidone (contact angle of synthetic nanofibers was 21° and for polyvinylpyrrolidone was 52°), high compressive strength compared to polyvinylpyrrolidone (61.23 N/mm² and 34.52 N/mm², respectively), and high flexural strength compared to polyvinylpyrrolidone (16.1 N/mm2 and 11.4 N/mm², respectively) were other characteristics of the synthesized polyvinylpyrrolidone nanofibers containing the Saudi Arabian Cassia angustifolia Vahl methanolic extract. In the biological activities of the synthesized nanofiber, unique properties were observed. Regarding the anticancer activity, the IC50 values against skin cancer cells and bone cancer cells were observed to be 19.59 μg/mL and 29.57 μg/mL, respectively. For the antimicrobial activity, the MIC value between 4 and 128 mg/mL was observed. The biological activities of the synthesized polyvinylpyrrolidone nanofibers containing the Saudi Arabian Cassia angustifolia Vahl methanolic extract were higher than those of the Saudi Arabian Cassia angustifolia Vahl methanolic extract. The biological properties can be enhanced by various factors, including the high specific surface area of the synthesized nanofiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the utilisation of density functional theory (DFT) to examine unmodified and amino acid-functionalised C4B32 borospherenes as potential carriers for drug transport. The recent and significant finding of borospherenes, which are composed of a cluster of four carbon atoms fused into a B364- structure (referred to as C4B32), has provided a valuable opportunity to explore the potential capabilities of unmodified and alanine-modified C4B32 clusters as efficient vehicles for medicinal substances. The main objective of this study was to utilise Density Functional Theory (DFT) to examine the interaction between unmodified and alanine-linked borospherenes and the medicinal substance Lamivudine (LV). The investigation results revealed that the incorporation of amino acids had a pivotal role in facilitating the distribution of bio-drugs, leading to an improvement in the binding capacity of the C4B32 cluster with the drug. In this study, the dispersion-corrected density functional theory (DFT) approach proposed by Grimme examined long-range interactions. The calculations were performed utilising the B3LYP functional, implemented with the 6–31 + G(d) basis set in the GAMMES software. The electronic spectra of the drug@cluster complexes were analyzed using UV-Vis calculations, revealing a noticeable shift towards longer wavelengths, commonly called redshift. The results above highlight the significant potential of alanine-modified C4B32 borospherenes in drug delivery applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, the potential of Si76, C76, Al38N38, V-Si76, V-C76 and V-Al38N38 nanocages to transfer the Mechlorethamine are examined by computational methods. Results shown that the water as polar solvent is increased the adsorption energy and enthalpy of Mechlorethamine on Si76, C76, Al38N38, V-Si76, V-C76 and V-Al38N38 nanocages ca 0.12 eV to 0.23 eV. Results shown that the HOMO of Mechlorethamine-nanocage complex is located on Mechlorethamine and LUMO of Mechlorethamine-nanocage complex is located on nanocages. The calculated ΔGadsorption of anticancer drug on Si76, C76, Al38N38, V-Si76, V-C76, V-Al38N38 are -3.06, -2.85, -2.97, -3.75, -3.53 and -3.61 eV. The V-Al38N38 and V-Si76 have higher Eadsorption to transfer the Mechlorethamine than C76 ca 0.17 eV to 0.21 eV. The recovery time (τ) values of complexes of V-Si76, V-C76, V-Al38N38 with anticancer drug are higher than Si76, C76 and Al38N38 ca 3.12 s to 5.49 s. Results indicated that the V-Al38N38 and V-Si76 are effective nanostructures to deliver the Mechlorethamine as anticancer drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread use of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) in various applications has raised concerns about their potential health effects, particularly regarding pulmonary toxicity. The purpose of this analysis was to delve into the dose-dependent pulmonary effects of SiNPs following subchronic inhalation exposure in rats. Adult male rats, specifically of the Sprague-Dawley breed, experienced filtered air (control), 1 mg/m³ (low-dose), or 10 mg/m³ (high-dose) of SiNPs (mean diameter 52.3 ± 4.7 nm) for 6 hours/day, 5 days/week, for 13 weeks. Pulmonary function tests were conducted periodically. At study termination, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed for inflammatory markers, and lung tissues were examined histopathologically. High-dose SiNP exposure led to significant impairment of lung function, characterized by decreased tidal volume (19.2%), increased respiratory rate (15.7%), reduced lung compliance (24.1%), and increased airway resistance (54.5%). Both low and high-dose exposures induced dose-dependent pulmonary inflammation, evidenced by increased total cell counts, neutrophil infiltration, and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in BALF. Histopathological examination revealed dose-dependent structural changes in lung tissues, encompassing increased alveolar wall thickness, overgrowth of alveolar epithelium, and inflammation in both alveoli and bronchioles. Notably, granuloma formation was observed in 62.5% of rats in the high-dose group. Subchronic inhalation exposure to SiNPs induces dosedependent pulmonary toxicity in rats, characterized by impaired lung function, persistent inflammation, and structural changes in lung tissues. These findings highlight the possible hazards linked to extended contact with SiNPs and underscore the importance of implementing appropriate safety measures in occupational settings where SiNP exposure may occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) is an allograft bone composed of native insoluble bone morphogenetic proteins and plays important roles in skeletal development, osteogenesis, and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. The osteoinductive capabilities of Allogenic DBM make it a potential drug delivery system for preventive treatment in various anatomical sites. In this study, the cytotoxic and teratogenic effects of DBM nanoparticles, on Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells and chicken embryos were evaluated. Materials and Methods: DBM nanoparticles were injected into fertile eggs at doses of 10, 20, 40, 80, and 100 µM / egg. Then morphological, histological, and skeletal malformations were evaluated. Cytotoxic effects of DBM nanoparticles on Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells were also assessed using MTT test. Results: Results showed that the fetal growth abnormality occurred only in embryos treated at the highest dose tested (i.e., 100 µM / egg) and MTT test showed no cytotoxicity in low concentration. Conclusion: These results indicated that nanoparticles do not have significant toxic effects on chick embryos and cultured stem cells. Only high doses of DBM nanoparticles reduce growth in embryos and cultured cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The nephroprotective drugs are having essential roles in reducing or preventing the possibility of toxicity with wide range of drugs used for severe infections or cancers and still now the researchers investigate many drugs with different mechanisms and examine their possibility to combined with nephrotoxic drugs in different ways in order to reduce their toxicity or prolong the limited duration of treatment. In same way, the present study designed to find the potential nephroprotective activity of sildenafil in reversing or reducing the nephropathies induced by gentamycin. Methods: The experiment was designed to include thirty-two rats and these were divided into four groups. The first (control) group received isotonic saline (2mL/kg/day i.p.). Second (positive control) group were received only sildenafil (5 mg/kg/day orally p.o). Third (induction) group received gentamycin (100 mg/kg/day i.p.). Fourth (treatment) group received sildenafil (5mg/kg/day p.o.) followed by gentamycin (100 mg/kg/day i.p.). The course of treatment continued to ten consecutive days. All animal were anesthsized at day 11th. and blood collected by special tubes by cardiac puncture in order to be used for investigating of serum creatinine, urea, total protein, albumin and kidney injury molecules-1(KIM-1). Also, the kidneys were harvested and kept in formalaldehyde 10% for evaluation of histopathological changes. Results: The gentamycin (induction)group showed all features of nephrotoxicity by producing a significant elevation of serum creatinine, urea, and KIM-1levels, with a significant reduction in serum total protein and albumin levels. Furthermore, the histopathological changes proved the nephrotoxicity in compared to control group. While sildenafil (treatment) group displayed the ameliorating effect on serum biomarkers and histopathological changes in comparison with both control (non-significant changes) and induction group (significant changes) at level of significant 0.05%. Conclusion; This study ended with conclusion, which can be summarized as potential nephroprotective of sildenafil in selected dose against gentamycin nephrotoxic dose in rat model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Asthma care requires regular follow-up to adjust effective control in line to reduce asthmatic morbidity and impact society either economically or even morbidity. Nearby thousands require emergencies due to their technical misused inhalator. Aim of Study: To investigate the effect of Symbicort technical misuse on asthmatic attacks' frequency, financial cost, and emergency admission among the Iraqi population with asthma. Material and Methods: 133 participants were recruited from multiple outpatient clinics of major central hospitals in Nasiriya, Thiqar, Iraq, of both genders and were randomly assigned into two equal groups after being assigned a consent form. All participants' demographic and semistructural data regarding the asthmatic attack, financial, cost, and technical handling were collected, tabulated then statistically analyzed. Results: Strong statistical significant positive correlation was revealed between asthmatic attacks, and emergency readmission outcomes with technical misuse 1.23(95% CI 0.76; 1.84) and 1.36(95% CI 0.65; 2.68), respectively; plus good prediction was recorded with financial costing and cassation of Symbicort 1.35(95% CI; 0.74; 1.25), 0.83(95% CI; 0.67; 0.58), respectively. Conclusion: Current clinical study shows an obvious correlation between Symbicort's technical misuse and frequencies of asthmatic attacks, financial costs, and emergency readmissions. In addition to significant prediction of low education and limited awareness regarding Symbicort best technical handling among elder populations. Depending on our findings, it was recommended to take into consideration enforcing best technical handling at clinical regular sessions throughout asthmatic patient's follow-up algorism in Iraq. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiotoxicity is a life-threatening adverse effect of adriamycin and limits its clinical uses. Aim: This study is aimed to investigate the protective effect of pentoxifylline against cardiotoxicity induced by adriamycin. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four healthy rabbits were equally divided into three groups and were distributed into control group, adriamycin group and pentoxifylline group. Both the first and second groups were received normal saline (2mL/kg IP.), while the third group received pentoxifylline (100 mg/kg IP.) for fourteen consecutive days. All animals (except animals of control group) were given adriamycin (5 mg/kg IP.) at the 1st, 5th,9th and 13th days of experiment for induction of cardiotoxicity. On the last day of the experiment, blood samples and heart tissues were collected from all animals for biochemical analysis and histopathological examination. Results: Adriamycin induced cardiotoxicity manifested by a significant elevation of serum CK-MB and LDH levels, besides significant elevation in cardiac homogenate levels of MDA, TNF-a and IL-6 with a reduction in GSH level which was further confirmed by histological changes. Pentoxifylline significantly restoring the biochemical and histological abnormalities. Conclusion: Pentoxifylline has a potent cardioprotective effect and can be used as an adjuvant therapy to abrogate cardiotoxicity of adriamycin and extend its clinical uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycerol encouraged kidney damage through originating an oxidative injury to renal tubular cells which further leads to tissue necrosis and inflammation. While, roflumilast N-oxide is an active metabolite of roflumilast that rising the cyclic adenosine-3', 5'-monophosphate by inhibiting PDE4. Thirty rabbits were divided into three groups, control group was received normal saline intra-muscularly and drived from water for eighteen hours before. Second group was received a single dose glycerol injected intra-muscularly after drived from water for eighteen hours. Third group was received roflumilast intraperitoneal daily for three days after received a single dose of glycerol. All animals were sacrificed after 72 hour, and then blood collected by cardiac puncture for evaluation the changes in the levels of renal function tests and histopathological study of rabbit's kidneys tissues are evaluated evaluation and scoring the changes of tested agents. The numerical data are expressed as means ± standard error means and analyzed by using SPSS version 20. The results of the levels serum urea and creatinine found to be significantly reduced by roflumilast using ANOVA test. Besides, the histopathological changes showed ameliorative effects of roflumilast in compared to glycerol group. From this study, one could be concluded the protective effect of roflumilast in case of renal failure induction by glycerol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among food handlers working in restaurants and cafeterias are the primary source of food contamination and food poisoning Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among food handlers working in restaurants and cafeterias, and to explore the antibacterial activity of cinnamon and ginger extracts against these bacteria. Aim of the study: This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of nasal carriage of methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus among food handlers working in restaurants and cafeterias, and to explore the antibacterial activity of cinnamon and ginger extracts against these bacteria. Material and Methods: A total of 125 nasal swabs were collected from healthy food handlers, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were detected using standard methods. The antibacterial activities of aqueous and ethanolic spice extracts were evaluated against MRSA by using agar well diffusion method. Results: of 125 nasal swabs, 40 (32%) isolates were Staphylococcus aureus, among which 30 (75%) isolates were MRSA. Both spice extracts showed potent antibacterial activity against MRSA. Conclusion: This study revealed a relatively high prevalence rate of MRSA nasal carriage among food handlers. Cinnamon and ginger extracts had potent antibacterial activity toward MRSA, therefor can be used as a natural food preservatives and to treat infections caused by MRSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Diarrhea is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years old in developing countries. Objective: This study designed to investigate the occurrence of extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli (E. coli ) as etiological infectious agents of diarrhea in children, assessment of their susceptibility/resistance to antibiotics, and to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the macroalgae Cladophora crispata extract towards these bacteria . Materials and Methods: 150 diarrheic stool samples were collected from children less than 5 years and cultured. The isolated bacteria were subjected to various identification and biochemical tests. Then all the isolated bacteria (E. coli ) were subjected to ESBL-producing screening by double-disc synergy test, the antibacterial activity of algal extract and antibiotic susceptibility test against tested bacteria were determined by using agar well diffusion and disc diffusion methods respectively . Results: Out of total 150 samples, only 18 isolates revealed the presence of extended spectrum β-lactamase producing E. coli, which showed highly susceptibility to gentamicin and amikacin, Cladophora crispata extract revealed a strong antibacterial activity against ESBL-producing E. coli. Conclusion: Cladophora crispata extract showed a strong antibacterial activity against ESBL-producing E. coli which can be exploited as source of antibacterial drugs to control and treatment diarrheal infection caused by these bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]