Articles

Sonographic Assessment of Submandibular Salivary Glands in Hypothyroid Rat’s Pups Before and After Ashwagandha Root Extract Treatment
Zahraa Alhalawachee, Ghada Abd Alrhman Taqa (Author)
June 2023 ,Pages 1-6

Abstract: Background: One of the most common chronic diseases globally is hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormones serve a significant role in maintaining the proper function and shape of the salivary gland. The aim of the study: Investigate the function of Ashwagandha roots extract in providing a protection role for salivary glands in hypothyroid rats following postnatal exposure to Propylthiouracil. Materials and Methods: Ten pregnant albino rats were obtained. Until the rat pups were detected, each pregnant rat was kept individually in clean rodent plastic. At postnatal day 3 (PND3), forty male rats were randomly assigned to one of two groups: group A, which served as a control group, and group B, which received orally (1mg/kg) Propylthiouracil (PTU) for three weeks. At PND22, group B was divided up into three subgroups: B1, the hypothyroid group that got no therapy; B2, the hypothyroid group that received an aqueous extract of Ashwagandha roots (200 mg/kg) for 21 days; and B3, the hypothyroid group that received Levothyroxine (4g/100g/day) for 21 days. At the end of the trial, the submandibular gland was assessed using sonographic instruments in all groups. Results: the sonographic assessment of hypothyroid group’s submandibular gland showed an increase in the overall size of the gland, a heterogeneous gland with a honeycomb appearance and hypoechoic regions in group remains without treatment, while the results in hypothyroid pups fed with Ashwagandha roots extract indicated a small improvement in gland size and echotexture when compared to pups who received levothyroxine, owing to its antioxidant properties.

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A Narrative Review of Benzo-Fused Coumarins, Shedding Light on Their Medicinal Activities
Yasser Mustafa, Sarah Waheed, Sara Jasim, Rahma Jebir, Reem Ismael, Omar Qutachi (Author)
June 2023 ,Pages 7-16

Abstract: Background: Coumarins and their derivatives excel in chemical diversity, coupled with a wide variety of biological potentials, and tend to be beneficial to the health of the human body. One of these derivatives that has sparked the attention of medicinal chemistry specialists in recent decades is benzo-fused coumarins, which have demonstrated their potential as antioxidants, antimicrobials, antidiabetics, antithrombotics, and many more. Objective: This paper discusses the medicinal importance of benzo-fused coumarins derived from natural or synthetic sources. Conclusion: The researchers documented that benzo-fused coumarin's basic structure is a promising framework that opens up the chance of discovering innovative applicants with advanced therapeutic potentials.

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Cell Line Culture in Pharmaceutical Development and Application: A Review
Zainab Jassim (Author)
June 2023 ,Pages 17-22

Abstract: Background: The use of conventional animal testing to determine how medications affect a biological system comes with many challenges. In recent years, a variety of techniques to achieve these goals were presented, one of these is cell line creation technology that has dramatically increased in usefulness and efficiency of drug discovery researches. Cell culture is the term used to describe the removal of cells from an animal or plant and their subsequent cultivation in a lab setting. The Caco-2 model is commonly used in the early stages of drug discovery to make decisions about the permeability and/or absorption of tested chemicals. It is obvious that novel 3D cell culture models offer enormous potential for disease modeling and medication efficacy and safety assessment. However, the challenges provided by the inherent traits of Caco-2 cell variants and inter-laboratory methods have led to the development of irreducible data. Conclusion: These restrictions have an impact on the extrapolation of preclinical research results to clinical investigations on drug-drug and herbal-drug interactions.

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Docking Study for New 7-Aminocephalosporinic Acid Derivatives as Potential Inhibitors for β-Lactamases
Ahmed A. Saleh, Ahmed A. J. Mahmood (Author)
June 2023 ,Pages 23-32

Abstract: Background: Antibiotics with β-Lactam rings (β-Lactams), since they were discovered, have enhanced the typical treatment for bacterial infections. Though their resistance can quickly spread on a universal scale, bacterial resistance is primarily caused by the production of β-lactamases. Hence, there is a serious demand to design and create new anti-β-lactamases or inhibitors. Nowadays, the use of β-lactamase inhibitors with β-lactams reduces this resistance. Aim and Methods: This work aimed to help in silico design and dock two new series of 7-aminocephalosporinic acid derivatives (Schiff’s bases and amides) against both the TEM-1 and the IMP-1 β-lactamases. Results: The results revolve around the possible enhanced activity of eight amides and six Schiff base compounds compared with the standard inhibitors (clavulanic acid, sulbactam, and avabactam). These compounds show promising docking interactions with an active pocket site in both enzymes. Conclosin: We can conclude that both the halogenated and the hydrophobic substituents, alone or when containing oxygen atoms, will potentiate the affinity and the binding ability of any compounds when they are added to their structures to act as β-lactamase inhibitors.

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Effect of Rosemary Extract on Some Internal Organs of Young Male Albino Rats: A Histological Study
Eman sheet, Zahraa taboo, Nadthem AL-Kassim, Waleed kasim (Author)
June 2023 ,Pages 33-40

Abstract: Background: "Rosmarinus officinalis"( rosemary) is a natural herb that is used by humans for the treatment of many conditions. The extract of this plant has been used as an antioxidant to improve memory, stimulate hair growth, treat asthma, treat gastric ulcers, and even, some time ago, prevent and treat cancer.  Aim: This work was performed to study the effect of different doses of rosemary extract on some internal organs of young albino rats whose mothers were treated with rosemary extract throughout the lactation period (21 days).  Methods: The animals were classified into three groups: the first was regarded as the control, in which mothers received no treatment, while mothers in the second and third groups were treated orally with rosemary aqueous extract (prepared by using leaves of this plant) at doses of 200 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg respectively. At the end of the study, the young male rats from different groups were sacrificed, and their livers, kidneys, and testes were prepared for histological examination. Results: The physical and histological assessment of the offspring showed that treatment of lactating mothers with a high dose of rosemary extract (1000 mg/kg) affected the health of their young infants as they failed to gain weight and revealed some atrophic and degenerative changes in their liver and kidney, while the germinal epithelium of the testis is restricted to the spermatogonia and primary spermatocyte with a significant reduction in Leydig cells number compared to other groups. Conclusion: The research concluded that a high dose of rosemary extract, rather than a modest dose, can affect the health of young infants whose mothers were treated with this extract during lactation, so this plant has teratogenicity and should be avoided by humans during pregnancy and lactation.

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Characterization of Constituent Therapeutic Components of Alcea kurdica Flowers and Leaves Using HPLC Technique
Dilbreen H. Abdulqader, Sami AL-Zubaydi, Enas Kadhim (Author)
June 2023 ,Pages 41-47

Abstract: Background: Malvaceae is a large herbal family with more than a hundred genera and thousands of species. Some of these species are well-known for their therapeutic activity, including Alcea. Aim: The purpose of this study is to isolate and identify the biologically and therapeutically active constituents of the flowers and leaves of Alcea kurdica alongside the characterization of the extract composition. Methods: Extraction was done with 70% ethanol using Soxhlet extraction method. The fractionated extracts were condensed, dried, and labeled as (LEA) for organic leaf extract, (LW) for aqueous leaf extract, (FEA) for organic flower extract, and (FW) for aqueous flower extract using ethyl acetate with an equal volume of water and shaken three times. Results: The isolated flavonoids and sterols were identified by comparison with the chromatograms of the standard compounds, which were prepared under standard circumstances. Flavonoids and sterols were found in the leaves and flower extract of Alcea kurdica after HPLC analysis.

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Cognitive Function Among Rural People in Nineveh: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Harith Al-Qazaz, Sadeel Shanshal, Islam Qasim, Fahad Saleem (Author)
June 2023 ,Pages 48-52

Abstract: Background: Early identification of cognitive weakening in previously undetected cases could help deal by starting programs for rehabilitation. Aim: The aim of this survey was to evaluate the prevalence and degree of cognitive impairment among adults of rural area in Nineveh, Iraq. Method: A cross-sectional study with convenient sampling technique was conducted to enroll subjects from a rural area in Nineveh. Cognitive function was examined in all the patients by the Saint Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS) is a screening tool for the cognitive state. A total of 213 agreed to participate in the survey with a mean age of 52.1 ± 11.8 years and higher percentage of participants were with primary level of education 125 (58.7%). Results: The mean score for the cognitive function examination was 18.85 ± 4.55 with significant differences were found between cognitive function and educational level, employment, and monthly income. Cognitive score was negatively correlated with age of participants (r= - 0.128, p value = 0.031). Although it was not significantly associated with level of education but around 43% of the study population suffered from mild cognitive impairment to dementia. Conclusion: The study concludes that there have been strong calls for program from the Ministry of Health to improve dementia care and support for societies with dementia and their occupations that will stay a life of that means and dignity. Efforts to make societies greater cognitively functioned, as well as, actively attractive patients will improve cost, the sustainable, treatment and care methods for diseases and quality of life.

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Energy Drinks: knowledge and Practice Among Non-Medical University Students
Sadeel Shanshal, Hiba Al-Sabbagh, Maryam Saadoun, Safinaz Abd alrahman, Zahraa Ahmed, Afnan Youssef, Juman Dujaili (Author)
June 2023 ,Pages 53-59

Abstract: Background: Despite their adverse impacts on human health, energy drinks (EDs) are becoming more and more popular, especially among young adults, due in part to the advertisement campaigns of manufacturing companies. This study aims at assessing the consumption practice of EDs among students at non-medical colleges along with their knowledge about EDs. Methods: The study design was cross-sectional in which an online questionnaire was distributed among students at non-medical colleges at the University of Mosul. The questionnaire included questions about knowledge and the practice of consumption of EDs in participants. The collected data were analyzed and presented as frequencies and percentages, in addition to assessing the correlation between knowledge and various characteristics of the students. Results: A total of 1039 students completed the questionnaire, more than one-third were in the 4th year. More than 80% of the participants knew what EDs were but only 30% were knowledgeable about their ingredients. Although the majority were aware that EDs have negative effects, only 45% knew that EDs cause insomnia. More than 70% of the students did not drink EDs, and among those who admitted drinking, one-third declared consuming 1-3 times monthly and more than two-thirds preferred sugar containing products. Helping to study was the main motive behind drinking as reported by the students while disliking EDs was the main reason given by those students who do not consume EDs. Gender, weekly income and being a consumer of EDs were found to have significant effects on the knowledge of the students. Conclusions: The level of knowledge was found to be low, which necessitates increasing the awareness of the public through official campaigns and warning labels on EDs.

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The Relationship Between Eye Diseases and Toxic Thyroid Gland: A Concentrated Study
Muthanna Khalaf, Ahmed Karmoosh, Akram Hamo, Zinah Mohammed (Author)
June 2023 ,Pages 60-64

Abstract: Background: When the thyroid gland becomes overactive or underactive, a variety of health issues may occur, including eye illnesses. Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are the two primary hormones produced by the thyroid gland. These hormones are essential for maintaining of proper eye function. When the thyroid gland is hyperactive, it can cause a variety of eye disorders for example Graves' ophthalmopathy. Aim: To explore the potential link between eye disorders and toxic thyroid glands, specifically how hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland) may contribute to the development of eye conditions like Graves' ophthalmopathy. . The ultimate goal is to enhance patient outcomes through better knowledge and management of these complicated illnesses. Patients and Methods: The second survey questionnaire was completed by 100 patients with thyroid disorders. Several approaches are available to assess the link between ocular problems and toxic thyroid glands. Among these methods are Thyroid Function Tests and a Comprehensive Eye Exam: Thyroid function tests include measuring the plasma levels of TSH, T3, and T4 levels to see if there is an underlying thyroid gland dysfunction which may produce abnormalities in the eyes. Results: The study included 100 patients, with 81% of them being women.  Individual ocular problems are more common in male than in female patients. Exophthalmos was reported by about 70% of the men (the most frequently). Patients also frequently reported redness of the eyes (68%), edema or swelling of the eyelids (67%), and ocular dryness (61%). They were less likely to have a hazy vision, but about one-third did. Conclusion: Hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease can lead to eye problems such as bulging eyes, double vision, dry eyes, and sensitivity to light. It is important to have regular eye exams and seek medical attention if any changes occur.  

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An Overview of the Effects of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors on Hematological Parameters in Diabetic Patients
Ghada Ahmed, Mohammed Abed, Fawaz Alassaf (Author)
June 2023 ,Pages 65-71

Abstract: Background: Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter-2 Inhibitors (SGLT2-IS) have been shown to increase hemoglobin (Hb) levels, hematocrit, and erythrocyte count. It has also been found that these agents can potentially reduce the risk of anemia and minimize the need for erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESA) and other treatments in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). However the precise mechanism for such an effect is still conflicting. Aim: We aimed at providing an overview of the effects of SGLT2-IS on hematological parameters, specifically focusing on their potential to improve anemia and erythropoiesis in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Additionally the proposed mechanisms by which SGLT2-IS may improve Hb levels besides their clinical importance and future directions will also be highlighted. Results: Based on the obtained data from latest literatures, SGLT2-IS may improve the status of anemia and other linked abnormalities via their mild diuretic potential, effects on erythropoietin (EPO) production, and possible increase in renal oxygen delivery. Conclusion: SGLT2-IS may have a promising role in improving multiple aspects of blood, circulatory and renal systems health in patients with DM, beyond their primary glucose-lowering role.

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