In Iraq, because of the dramatic turnovers facing the country for three decades, pharmacists continue to experience significant professional challenges in both the public and private sectors. The present study aimed to explore the professional challenges and obstacles facing Iraqi pharmacists working in public hospitals. This qualitative study included face-to-face semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions with hospital pharmacists. The participants were selected purposefully (with ≥ 3 years of experience) to work at governmental hospitals in Karbala province between December 2022 and April 2023. The audio-recording interviews were scripted. Thematic analyses were used to generate themes and subthemes from the interview

Little is known about hesitancy to receive the COVID‐19 vaccines. The objectives of this study were (1) to assess the perceptions of healthcare workers (HCWs) and the general population regarding the COVID‐19 vaccines, (2) to evaluate factors influencing the acceptance of vaccination using the health belief model (HBM), and (3) to qualitatively explore the suggested intervention strategies to promote the vaccination.

Cancer disease has a complicated pathophysiology and is one of the major causes of death and morbidity. Classical cancer therapies include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. A typical treatment is chemotherapy, which delivers cytotoxic medications to patients to suppress the uncontrolled growth of cancerous cells. Conventional oral medication has a number of drawbacks, including a lack of selectivity, cytotoxicity, and multi-drug resistance, all of which offer significant obstacles to effective cancer treatment. Multidrug resistance (MDR) remains a major challenge for effective cancer chemotherapeutic interventions. The advent of nanotechnology approach has developed the field of tumor diagnosis and treatment. Cancer nanote

Background: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukins play important roles in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Genetic research has been employed to find many of the missing connections between genetic risk variations and causal genetic components. Objective: The goal of this study is to look at the genetic variations of TNF-α and interleukins in Iraqi RA patients and see how they relate to disease severity or response to biological therapy. Method: Using specific keywords, the authors conducted a systematic and comprehensive search to identify relevant Iraqi studies examining the genetic variations of TNF-α and interleukins in Iraqi RA patients and how they relate to disease severity or response to biolo

Activation of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) markedly attenuates development of atherosclerosis in animal models. However, the underlying mechanism is not well elucidated. Here, we show that the FXR agonist, obeticholic acid (OCA), increases fecal cholesterol excretion and macrophage reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) dependent on activation of hepatic FXR. OCA does not increase biliary cholesterol secretion, but inhibits intestinal cholesterol absorption. OCA markedly inhibits hepatic cholesterol 7α‐hydroxylase (Cyp7a1) and sterol 12α‐hydroxylase (Cyp8b1) partly through inducing small heterodimer partner, leading to reduced bile acid pool size and al

Nebivolol (NBH) is a third-generation B1-blocker with high selectivity and vasodilation activity. Nevertheless, nebivolol exhibits low oral bioavailability, which may adversely affect its efficacy. Recently, supersaturable self-nanoemulsion (Su-SNE) is an advanced SNE approach that can address low bioavailability The study aims to prepare nebivolol-loaded Su-SNE by reduction the amount of the prepared conventional SNE to half. Besides, an appropriate polymer type and concentration to prevent NBH precipitation upon oral administration have investigated.. A conventional self-nanoemulsion (formula A) was prepared by dissolving NBH in 500 mg vehicle mixture of imwitor®988: cremophor-EL: propylene glycol. Then, eight Su-SNE formulas wit

Background: Bilosomes are lipid vesicles that exhibit flexibility and deformability. They consist of phospholipids and amphiphilic bile salts. Compared to the normal vesicular systems such as liposomes and niosomes, bilosomes provide several notable advantages, including simplified manufacturing, cost-effectiveness, and enhanced stability.

Aim: The main objective of the present work was to evaluate the effect of different bile salts on the physical properties that include entrapment efficiency, vesicle size, and polydispersity index(PDI). In addition, in vitro drug release for nisoldipine (NSD) loaded bilosomes was evaluated.

Silybum marianum, from which silymarin (SM) is extracted, is a medicinal herb. In the Biopharmaceutics Classification System, it is of the class II type, meaning it is almost completely insoluble in water. It has a number of therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory as well as properties that promote wound healing.

This research target is to promote the dissolution and solubility of SM by employing a technique called solid dispersion and then incorporating the formula of solid dispersion into a topical gel that can be used for wound healing.

Solid dispersion is a technique used to enhance solubility and dissolve pharmaceuticals that are not water-soluble. This method is widely used because of its low cos

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) antagonists’ therapy are expensive and has a non-responsive rate between 30% to 40% in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Genetic variation plays a vital role in the responsiveness to this type of therapy.The aim of this study is to investigate if the presence of genetic polymorphism in the TNF-α gene promoter region at locations -376 G/A (rs1800750), -806 C/T (rs4248158), and -1031 T/C (rs1799964) affects rheumatoid arthritis patient's tendency to be a non-responder to etanercept.

Eighty RA patients on etanercept (ETN) for at least six months were recruited from the Rheumatology Unit at Baghdad Teaching Hospital. Based on The European League Against Rheumatism response (EULAR) criteria, patient

A

A new series of bases of Schiff (H₂-H₄) derived from phthalic anhydrideweresynthesized. These Schiff bases were prepared by the reaction of different amines (tyrosine methyl ester, phenylalanine methyl ester, and isoniazid) with the phthalimide derived aldehyde with the aid of glacial acetic acid or triethylamine ascatalysts. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by (FT-IR and ¹HNMR) analyses and were in vitro evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against six various kinds of microorganisms. All the synthesized compounds had been screened for their antimicrobial activity against two Gram-positive bacteria “Staph. Aureus, and Bacillus subtilis

A multistep synthesis was established for the preparation of a new vanillic acid-1, 2, 4-1triazole-3-thiol conjugate (4). Finally, several aromatized aldehydes reacted with compound (4) to produce Schiff bases derivatives (5–11). The purpose of this research is to prepare new vanillic acid derivatives with 1, 2, 4-triazole-3-thiol heterocyclic ring structures and to evaluate their antimicrobial activity in a preliminary assessment. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-NMR) were used to verify the structures of the newly synthesized compounds. all the final synthesized compounds (

Objectives: The study aim was to explore the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of Iraqi physicians regarding generic and locally manufactured medicines. Methods: A total of 124 physicians were involved in this cross -sectional study. The convenience sample was collected from five public hospitals in Baghdad. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed and collected in-person. Fisher's Exact Test was used to measure the association between physician years of experience, gender and categorical (perception and knowledge) variables. Results: Most respondent answers regarding the knowledge of generic medicines were incorrect. Only up to one-third of the participants knew that generic medicines are therapeutically eq

Background The appropriate disposal of medication is a well-recognized issue that has convened growing recognition in several contexts. Insufficient awareness relating to appropriate methods for the disposal of unneeded medicine may result in notable consequences. The current research was conducted among the public in Iraq with the aim of examining their knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding the proper disposal of unused and expired medicines. Methods The present study used an observational cross-sectional design that was community-based. The data were obtained from using an online questionnaire. The study sample included people of diverse genders, regardless of their race or occupational status. The study mandated that all pa

Objectives: In developing countries like Iraq, diarrhea was responsible for 70% of deaths among pediatrics. This study was designed to determine Iraqi mothers’ knowledge and malpractices associated with diarrhea management in pediatrics.Methods: A cross-sectional pilot study was done on a convenient sample of mothers in Baghdad – Iraq. Data collection was done using a validated questionnaire specifically designed for this study.Result: Most participants preferred to consult physicians or pharmacists about pediatrics diarrhea management. Breastfeeding was stopped by 19% of participants, whereas 35% of mothers who depend on formulated milk discontinued it. Only 30% of participants use oral rehydration solution therapy always as a

نظرة عامة: تُعرَّف المادة أو العامل الذي يمكن أن يؤثر على الحمض النووي أو الكروموسومات على أنه سم جيني. قد يؤدي تلف الحمض النووي في الخلية الجسدية إلى حدوث طفرة جسدية ، والتي قد تحفز التحول الخبيث ، في حين أن الضرر الذي يلحق بالخلية الجرثومية قد يؤدي إلى تغيير خاصية وراثية (طفرة في السلالة الجرثومية) (سرطان). أحد الأحماض الدهنية الأحادية غير المشبعة الأحادية غير الأساسية هو حمض البالميتوليك. بعد حمض الأوليك

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent antineoplastic drug used to treat many types of human tumor. The long-term adverse effect is cardiomyopathy. Chromium is an essential trace element mostly used to regulate glucose levels and enhance the response to insulin, especially in diabetes. Current study aimed to evaluate the cardioprotective effect of chromium picolinate against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in 28 male rats divided into four groups. Group I (Control group): received distilled water orally for 8 days. Group II (Doxorubicin group): received distilled water orally for 7 days, followed by a single doxorubicin dose (25 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Group III (Chromium 2 mg): received chromium picolinate at a dose

Methotrexate is a folate antimetabolite chemical used to treat many forms of cancer and cleared mainly by kidney which result in a nephrotoxicity as a major complication of methotrexate. Trivalent chromium complex, chromium picolinate (CrPic), is mostly utilized to regulate glucose and raise insulin sensitivity—particularly in diabetes. The objective of this study was to assess the renoprotective effects of Chromium in mitigating nephrotoxicity induced by Methotrexate in rats. Study conducted on 32 male rats divided into 4 groups; Group I (Control group) in which rats received distilled water orally for 8 days, Group II (Induction group) which received a single intraperitoneal injection of Methotrexate (20 mg/kg) on

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine–metabolic disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation resulting in reproductive and metabolic complications. Traditional metformin therapy improves insulin sensitivity, while newer dual incretin agonists, such as tirzepatide, may offer broader metabolic and ovarian protection. The objective of this study is to investigate whether tirzepatide could alter hormonal parameters, metabolism, inflammation, and histopathology of a testosterone propionate–induced PCOS rat model compared with metformin. Thirty prepubertal female Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n = 6). PCOS was induced by testosterone propionate (1

Objective: Loranthus europaeus is a parasitic plant that lives on the branches of trees. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of two different extracts on chronic inflammation induced by cotton pellets in rats. Methods: Loranthus seed was extracted by maceration with absolute methanol, in which dry Loranthus seeds were triturated in a mortar and macerated with 500 mL of methanol. After 24 h, the mixture was filtered, and the residue was re-extracted. The filtrates were combined and dried under vacuum. The mixture was mixed with 100 mL of distilled water and fractionated by petroleum ether and ethyl acetate using 70 mL × 3 times each. The organic fractions were dried, filtered, and evaporated to dryness.

Background: Cisplatin is a widely used antineoplastic drug in different types of cancers (ovarian, testicular, and hematological) with several types of adverse effects, including testicular toxicity. Fimasartan is a newer angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB) that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 is an unsaturated fatty acid that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Objective: to evaluate the protective effects of fimasartan alone or in combination with omega-3 against cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity. Methods: Thirty Wistar rats were divided into five groups: control group, cisplatin-treated group, fimasartan+cisplatin group, fimasartan+omega-3+cisplatin group, and omega-3+cisplatin group. Trea

The cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is a North American native fruit and contains a very wide variety of phytochemicals, which has several beneficial effects on humans. Aim: The study was designed to assess the protective effect of cranberry fruit extract on selected genotoxic parameters induced by cisplatin in mice’s bone marrow. Methods: 56 male albino mice were randomLy divided into two equal numbers (28 mice) for each part of the study [Part one: for the evaluation of chromosomal aberrations and the mitotic index; and Part two: for the evaluation of micronucleus index]; and for each part, mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: Group I [negative Control/orally-administered normal saline]; Group II [Orally-administered cranberry fr

Omega-7 is a monounsaturated fatty acid that has a number of beneficial effects. Cisplatin, an effective antineoplastic agent is commonly used to treat solid tumors. Cisplatin΄s clinical use is limited due to its nephrotoxicity. Nephrotoxicity induced by Cisplatin is thought to be linked with increased formation of reactive oxygen species. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anti-oxidant effect of omega-7 against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Thirty male wistar rats were divided randomly into five groups (six rats in each group), group 1 rats received liquid paraffin solution orally for 7 consecutive days, group 2 rats received liquid paraffin solution orally for 7 consecutive days then received single cisplatin intraperitone

Background: Cisplatin (CDDP) is an effective chemotherapeutic agent whose gonadotoxicity can lead to premature ovarian insufficiency through oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors exhibit cytoprotective effects, but their ovarian effects during chemotherapy remain poorly defined. Methods: Twenty-four female Wistar rats were randomized (n = 6/group) to Control (vehicle), Cisplatin (7 mg/kg, i.p., day 14), Cisplatin + dapagliflozin (DAPA; 0.9 mg/kg/day, p.o., days 1–14), or Cisplatin + empagliflozin (EMPA; 10 mg/kg/day, p.o., days 1–14). At 24 h post-cisplatin, serum estradiol (E2), progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) were measured

Background: Leukemia is a cancer of blood cells which treated by different anticancer agents, Plants nowadays considered a new source for the development of new anticancer agent. Euphorbia Lathyris use in folklore to treat skin cancer. Objective Euphorbia lathyris seeds phytochemically investigated then examined its cytotoxic activity against leukemia cells. Materials and Methods: Euphorbia lathyris seed was extracted by maceration with different organic solvents (petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol), each organic extract submitted to phytochemical investigation and evaluated its cytotoxic activity on Leukemic blood with three different doses (50,100 and 150 µg mL¯1) and three different intervals. The data were evaluated by two-way a

Background Respiratory distress syndrome is one of the most common problems of newborns. Respiratory distress syndrome occurs when there is no enough surfactant in the lungs. Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements that have a high atomic weight and a density at least 5 times greater than that of water. Lead is a heavy metal, it is important environmental toxicant; the toxic effects of lead include many systems in the body like central and peripheral nervous system. Cadmium is heavy metal that exerts toxic effects on the kidney, the skeletal and the respiratory systems, and is classified as a human carcinogen. Nicotine, the main alkaloid of tobacco. It is readily absorbed from tobacco smoke, and its concentration rises over 6-8 hours

Fatty acids, particularly omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9, play a vital role in various biological processes. As the body cannot synthesize omega-3 and omega-6, dietary sources of these fatty acids are essential. Each omega fatty acid has a distinct chemical structure, source, and function. Cisplatin (CP) treatment is known to cause acute kidney injury (AKI) due to its inflammatory effects. This study explored the renoprotective potential of omega-3-6-9 when co-ad-ministered with cisplatin in a mice model. We divided adult mice into five groups: a control group received 0.5 ml of liquid paraffin; a cisplatin-only group; two groups were treated with low (50 mg/kg) and high (100 mg/kg) doses of omega-3-6-9 plus cisplatin; and a final group rece

Iraqi species of mistletoe (Loranthus europaeus) have been used in the present study to evaluate genotoxicy of aqueous fraction in two doses (200mg/kg and 400mg/kg) on bone marrow cells in mice for seven successive days, comparing their effects with a (methotrexate). 200mg/kg of extract of L.europeaus significantly decrease mitotic index (P<0.05), while 400mg/kg none significantly increase this parameter compared to control group. For chromosomal aberration, the aqueous fraction of L.europeaus (in both doses) produced significant increase at dose of 200mg/kg and none significantly increase at a dose 400mg/kg in this marker compared to control (P<0.05) Meanwhile, 20mg/kg methotrexate significantly increases chromosomal aberration compared to