bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Relationship between Urbanization and Air Pollution Using Google Earth Engine Platform: A Case Study of Istanbul
Authors: Yasan Duygu , Acar Uğur , Yılmaz Osman Salih
Published: September 2024

Rapid population growth in megacities such as Istanbul has led to various effects, such as industrialization, urbanization, loss of green areas, increasing vehicle traffic, and higher consumption of fossil fuels. These reasons, along with many other environmental factors, contribute to the rise of air pollution in urban life. This study aimed to examine the relationship between urbanization and air pollution in Istanbul. For this purpose, land cover maps covering Istanbul province were produced using Landsat-5 (TM), Landsat-8 (OLI), and Sentinel-2 (MSI) images for the years 1996 to 2021 at three-year intervals on the Google Earth Engine platform. Land cover for classification purposes was divided into five different classes: forest, water surface, urban area, and bare land, and classified using a random forest machine learning algorithm. To examine the impact of this urban area growth on air pollution, in the second step of the study, the column number density values of Sentinel 5P (TROPOMI) data for SO2, NO2, CO, and O3 gases for 2019, 2020, and 2021 were analyzed. The averages of the data from 39 air pollution monitoring stations across Istanbul were also examined. According to this classification, the urban area expanded from 491 km2 in 1996 to 1222 km2 by 2021. Considering the total surface area of Istanbul province, the urban area, which was 9% in 1996, reached 23% by 2021. The TROPOMI values were calculated as follows: the average column number density values for SO2, NO2, CO, and O3 were 0.0003538 mol/m², 0.0339514 mol/m², 0.0000984 mol/m², and 0.1453515 mol/m², respectively. Similarly, the gas concentrations of SO2, NO2, CO, and O3 measured from the ground stations were calculated as 6.603 µ/m3, 786,815 µ/m3, 43.763 µ/m3 and 45.773 µ/m3, respectively. Correlations between urbanization and TROPOMI values revealed a positive correlation of 0.39, 0.02, and 0.80 for SO2, NO2, and CO gases, while a negative correlation of 0.25 was found for O3 gas. The study also examined correlations between TROPOMI and ground station measurements, resulting in positive correlations of 0.55, 0.66, and 0.16 for SO2, NO2, and CO gases, respectively, while a negative correlation of 0.05 was found for O3 gas. Based on these findings, among the air pollutants studied both through TROPOMI and ground station data, the highest correlation was observed for CO gas.
Teaching reading in digital era: Exploring Indonesian in-service teachers’ perceptions and challenges
Authors: Rahma Rosita , Andayani Andayani , Anindyarini Atikah
Published: September 2024

This illustrative case study investigation was conducted to learn how Indonesian in-service teachers perceived teaching reading in a digital era and the challenges they encountered. The data were submitted by a total of 30 teachers who participated in the subject post for Indonesian junior high schools. Data collection strategies include participatory classroom observation, interviews, and guided written reflection. The data were analyzed using the constant comparative method. The study’s findings highlight issues concerning teachers’ perceptions and teachers’ challenges while teaching reading in a digital setting. As many as 63% of teachers believe that the proportion of time teachers spend to practice reading skills from online sources is 40%–50% of total teaching hours at school. Furthermore, 40% of them believe that the criteria for teacher success in reading is when pupils improve their reading comprehension skills. The analysis also revealed that teachers encountered a number of challenges: (1) lack of knowledge about models and media for learning to read in a digital context, (2) lack of students’ ability to read multi-text sources, and (3) lack of motivation and awareness among students in reading. The findings of this study impact the understanding and training requirements of junior high school teachers concerning reading instruction methods in a digital context. Future studies should focus on innovation and the development of learning models to improve the quality of reading comprehension in a digital environment.
A structural model of pre-service teachers’ attitude, acceptance, and continuance intention towards mobile augmented reality
Authors: Nizar Nur Nabihah Mohamad , Zulnaidi Hutkemri , Basar Annisaa , Maaruf Siti Zuraida
Published: September 2024

The increasing prevalence of mobile augmented reality (MAR) has garnered attention in contemporary times. However, its application within educational settings remains largely untapped, primarily due to its predominant utilization in entertainment domains. MAR presents opportunities for augmenting learning experiences, fostering enhanced adaptability in educational methodologies, and enriching students’ academic endeavors. Therefore, this study aims to enhance the use of MAR and formulates a model of MAR usage for pre-service teachers. In the context of this study, MAR learning cardiovascular (MARLCardio) serves as an experimental tool for exemplifying the features of MAR. This study integrates the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and Expectation Confirmation Model (ECM) as underpinning theories. This study was undertaken to determine factors that influence pre-service teachers’ attitude, acceptance, and their intention to continue using MAR in the learning process. Responses from 456 pre-service teachers through a survey were analyzed using structural equation modelling. Findings in this study found that pre-service teachers agree that facilitating condition play a crucial role in shaping pre-service teachers’ positive attitude and influencing their intention to continue using MAR. Meanwhile, performance expectancy plays a major role in ensuring pre-service teachers’ acceptance of using MAR in their learning process. It was anticipated that the formulated MAR structural model would offer insights and support forthcoming research endeavors aimed at fostering the sustainability of MAR utilization.
The effect of biochar obtained from waste filter coffee grounds on plant germination
Authors: Ciner Miraç Nur , Elmaslar Özbaş Emine , Savuk Hilal , Günay Şeyma , Özcan H. Kurtuluş , Öngen Atakan
Published: September 2024

Nowadays, coffee consumption is quite high, and the consumption of filter coffee is steadily increasing. Consequently, there is a significant increase in waste filter coffee. This study aims to evaluate waste filter coffee grounds using a zero-waste approach. In this context, the solid product of pyrolyzed waste filter coffee grounds was added to the soil in specific ratios to improve soil quality and increase yield. The effects on the root and stem development of arugula (Eruca vesicaria) and garden cress (Lepidium sativum) plants were investigated. Waste filter coffee grounds was homogeneously mixed with soil at application rates of 1, 2, and 4 tons/ha. The results of the study observed that the pyrolysis solid product positively affected plant growth. Comparing the data, the highest yield in plants was observed in soil with added biochar, while lower yields were seen in soil with added raw waste filter coffee grounds, and the lowest yield was found in soil without biochar. Among the soils with added biochar, the most significant root and stem development was observed in plants with 2 tons/ha of added biochar.
Understanding drug craving: evidence from fMRI studies
Authors: Mohd Nawawi Nor Alia Aqilah , Nasir Fairuz , Abdullah Kamarul Amin , Othman Elza
Published: September 2024

Drug craving is a major crisis experienced by active or former drug abusers. The experience is characterised by an intense desire to abuse drugs for self-pleasure and satisfaction. This desire appears to be the main culprit behind the skyrocketing relapse rate. Neuroimaging has identified neural substrates associated with drug cravings. Here, we provide a mini-review of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies that have examined the brain regions associated with the common types of drug abuse — heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Most studies use visual cues (that is drug-related images) to elicit brain responses in reward-related pathways. Studies have also focused on comparing brain activities between active drug abusers, drug-abstinent individuals, and healthy controls. Current evidence suggests that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is associated with heroin craving, whereas the ventral striatum and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) underpin methamphetamine craving. Meanwhile, the hypothalamus is responsible for cocaine cravings. Compared to active drug abusers, drug-abstinent individuals demonstrated fewer brain activations when viewing drug-related images. The relationship between brain response and drug cravings is discussed in terms of brain functions and drug types. The findings offer valuable insights into the potential role of these brain areas in drug cravings and have important implications for drug addiction treatments.
Platelets as mediators of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Konstantinidou Vasiliki , Farmaki Dimitra , Chonianakis Ioannis , Gratsos Kallimachos
Published: September 2024

Numerous studies showing platelets' role in mechanisms beyond hemostasis have sparked interest in investigating all the pathways in which they may be involved. A growing body of evidence indicates that platelets play a key role in immune response. Platelets carry various membrane receptors and release many bioactive molecules that recruit and activate immune cells. Consequently, platelets have a significant immunoregulatory role in infectious, inflammatory, and degenerative diseases. Moreover, immune cells contribute to neuronal development, neural plasticity, and neuroglial activation. The interaction between platelets and immune cells reveals an additional regulatory mechanism of brain function. This review explores the relationship between platelets and the central nervous system (CNS). It highlights the role of platelets in the development of severe neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS) and depression.
The Nosology of Addiction: A Concise Review of the International Classification of Disease and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
Authors: Scarfe Molly , MacKillop James
Published: September 2024

There is active scientific debate about the nature of addiction as a mental disorder, but typically with little discussion of clinical definitions in contemporary nosology. To contribute to the ongoing dialogue, this review provides a concise history of the medical diagnoses used to define the natural language concept of addiction in clinical terms, beginning at the inception of the two most widely used classification systems: the International Classification of Diseases and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). Across systems, the evolving nosology can be heuristically divided into three epochs: a primeval period (1900-1948), reflecting coarse definitions subsumed within personality disorder; a descriptive period (1948-1980), reflecting increasingly phenomenological and descriptive definitions; and an empirically-informed period (1980 to the present), reflecting operational definitions reflecting polythetic syndromes with empirical substantiation using modern empirical techniques. Over time, definitions have consistently moved away from moral and personality-based models toward more person-centred and non-stigmatizing perspectives. Tracing the vicissitudes of clinical definitions of addiction over the past century reveals an evolution that is both more scientific and humane. Contemporary priorities include incorporating objective indicators reflecting causative and maintaining mechanisms to increase the alignment between diagnosis and etiology.
High effort coping with adversity: Validation of the John Henryism Personality Construct in India
Authors: Gopal Anvita , Subramanyam Malavika , James Sherman
Published: September 2024

Objectives: The personality construct, John Henryism (JH), connotes a strong behavioral predisposition to engage in high-effort coping with systemic adversity such as poverty and race/ethnicity or gender-based discrimination. John Henryism is measured by the 12-item John Henryism Active Coping (JHAC) Scale developed in the 1980s for research on stress-related health inequities in the United States. Since then, interest in the JHAC for research with populations in other countries has grown. This study is the first to investigate the construct validity of the JHAC in the Indian context. Methods: Adults aged 18-65 years completed the English (N=1756) or Hindi (N=303) version of the JHAC on-line or in-person. Since high JHAC scores connote psychological resilience, good convergent validity would be demonstrated by high, positive correlations with established measures of psychosocial well-being such as approach behaviors, self-rated health, self-efficacy, conscientiousness, and extraversion. Conversely, good divergent validity would be demonstrated by high, negative correlations with established measures of neuroticism, psychological distress, and avoidance behaviors. Results: Both the English and Hindi versions of the JHAC had acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach alphas = 0.67-0.78). The English-JHAC had good 3-month test-retest reliability (r= 0.71). Scores on both the English and Hindi JHAC showed unidimensional factorial validity and construct validity coefficients were in line with a priori hypotheses. Conclusion: The English and Hindi versions of the JHAC are reliable, valid, and easy-to-use tools for psychological research on stress, coping, and health inequities in India.
Taxonicity of Cannabis Use Disorder: Findings from Nationally Representative Community Sample and an Inpatient Clinical Sample
Authors: Scarfe Molly , Taisir Radia , Costello Jean , MacKillop James
Published: September 2024

Operational diagnostic definitions of drug addiction have evolved considerably over the last twenty years, including both a categorical one (substance dependence; ICD-11) and predominantly dimensional one (substance use disorder [SUD]; DSM-5). Although cannabis use disorder (CUD) is among the most prevalent SUDs, few studies have directly evaluated whether its underlying structure is categorical or dimensional or investigated this question with a clinical sample. Three taxometric procedures, Mean Above-Minus Below a Cut [MAMBAC], Maximum Eigenvalue [MAXEIG)], Latent Mode [L-Mode], were conducted in two datasets: (1) participants who reported cannabis use in the National Epidemiological Study and Alcohol and Related Conditions III (NESARC-III), a large, nationally representative sample of U.S. community adults (N=3623) and (2) patients reporting pre-admission cannabis use in an inpatient SUD treatment program in Ontario, Canada (N=621). Comparison curve fit indices (CCFI) for the NESARC-III analyses supported dimensional structure: MAMBAC=0.48; MAXEIG=0.30; L-Mode=0.43; Mean CCFI=0.40. CCFI coefficients for the clinical dataset also supported dimensional structure: MMAMBAC=0.09, MAXEIG=0.16, L-Mode=0.29, Mean CCFI=0.18. These results suggest that the latent structure of cannabis addiction is a dimensional construct along a spectrum of severity rather than a dichotomous categorical construct. These findings are more consistent with the DSM-5 conceptualization compared to ICD-11.
Turning a blind eye to climate change: Moral disengagement and negative climate emotions as drivers of the green gap
Authors: Šrol Jakub , Sobotova Beata , Adamus Magdalena
Published: September 2024

The primary aim of the current study was to investigate whether moral disengagement and associated negative emotions (guilt, shame and anxiety) could explain the green gap, i.e. the disparity between environmental values or climate concerns and pro-environmental behavior. The secondary aim was to test potential interventions that could reduce the tendency to morally disengage from climate change and, consequently, enhance pro-environmental behavior. First, in a large cross-sectional study (N1 = 1233), we investigated moral disengagement and negative climate emotions as serial mediators in the relationship between climate concerns and pro-environmental behavior (Study 1). Then, we replicated these findings in a two-wave longitudinal study (N2 = 1308) and attempted to reduce moral disengagement with either an awareness-empowerment or social norms intervention (Study 2). The results corroborated our mediation model where climate concerns predicted pro-environmental behavior and this was partially mediated by lower moral disengagement and higher experienced negative emotions. Also, we found awareness-empowerment intervention to be effective in reducing moral disengagement and, indirectly, motivating pro-environmental behavior. The study thus provides persuasive evidence that moral disengagement contributes to the green gap and that interventions aimed at its reduction might constitute a fruitful way of motivating effortful but impactful pro-environmental behavior.
Psychometric Validation of the Diagnostic Assessment for Research and Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Scarfe Molly , Belisario Kyla , Levitt Emily , McCabe Randi E. , Kelly John , MacKillop James
Published: September 2024

Aims: Structured clinical interviewing is considered the gold standard in psychiatric diagnosis. The Diagnostic Assessment and Research Tool (DART) is a novel modularized semi-structured interview; however, no studies have examined the psychometric properties of its alcohol use disorder (AUD) module. The primary aims of this study were: (1) to validate the factor structure of the DART AUD module and (2) to examine measurement invariance across several key demographic and subgroup factors.Methods: Participants were community members in Hamilton, Canada and Boston, USA who self-identified as making a significant recovery attempt from problematic alcohol use (N = 499). Internal reliability was examined via the Kuder-Richardson 20 statistic, and correlations between symptom count and drinking quantity/frequency were examined. Then, symptom-level data were included in a confirmatory factor analysis to examine model fit of a single hypothesized factor structure. Finally, measurement invariance of the factor were conducted for sex, age, ethnicity (White vs. racialized), and study site. Results: This study found evidence for adequate internal reliability (rKR20 = 0.75), and symptom scores correlated with drinking quantity and frequency (r = 0.16 - 0.43). CFA suggested indices of the unidimensional one-factor AUD model were excellent (χ2 = 0.092, CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.99, SRMR = 0.06, RMSEA = 0.02). Measurement invariance analyses revealed that the factor structure was equivalent between sex, age, ethnicity, and study site. Conclusions: Together, these findings provide strong evidence for psychometric properties of the AUD DART module and provide psychometric evidence supporting its use in research and clinical practice.
Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Microvascular Complications Review Article
Authors: Sarah Hashim Mhaibes  , Shatha H. Ali
Published: September 2024

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced as a result of biochemical processes that are not in balance with the body's antioxidant defense mechanism. This metabolic dysfunction is referred to the oxidative stress (OS).  Metabolic dysfunction-associated diseases are affected by changes in the redox balance. It is now widely recognized that oxidative stress significantly affects diabetes mellitus (DM), particularly type 2 diabetes. The biochemical changes associated with  DM could  disturb the oxidative milieu, leading to several microvascular complications in diabetic patients. Thus, DM is a perfect disease to explore the harmful consequences of oxidative stress and how to treat it. Oxidative stress triggered by hyperglycemia is an important contributor to the effects of diabetic microvascular diseases. Uncontrolled hyperglycemia carried by deficiencies in insulin secretion or action produces a number of problems, such as peripheral vascular disorders, nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, increased morbidity and/or mortality, as well as the incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) are rising globally. The development and progression of diabetic problems are strongly correlated with reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress, according to a wide body of research. This review aims to explore various markers of oxidative stress and the role of ROS in the pathogenesis and progression of late diabetic microvascular complications.
Potential Effect of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs on Certain Hormones in Females in Basrah City
Authors: Zahraa Attaala Almiah  , Hadeel S. Al Ali  , Manal N. Al-Hayder  , Azza Sajid Jabbar  , Qasim Hussein
Published: September 2024

Nonsteriodial anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used by women to control pain associated with menstruation period. The main objective of this study is to determine whether use of NSAIDs has impact on the levels of certain hormones in females or not.
A cross-sectional study was conducted between participant women who were taken one of the following NSAIDs including diclofenac, ibuprofein and mefenamic acid, for at least one year and more during menstruation and control women (did not take any medication). Levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, prolactin and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured by i-CHROMA method. The results showed that the level of LH significantly increased in groups of women who were taken NSAIDs during menstruation period, as well as diclofenac and mefenamic acid have a significant effect on the level of prolactin However, no clear changes were observed in the levels of FSH and testosterone at any type of NSAIDs that were used by the participant women in this study, the results were variable. No clear associations were observed between types of analgesic use and FSH, testosterone, prolactin and TSH. Further studies are required to confirm definite effect of NSAIDs on these hormones.
Variables Affecting the Preparation and Characterization of Axitinib as Oral Niosmoes
Authors: Ibtihal Abdulkadhim Dakhil  , Nidhal K. Maraie
Published: September 2024

Axitinib is anticancer drug act on different solid tumors by inhibtion protein kinase enzyme which is responsible for support the tumors with blood demand. Due to its low solubility, it has low bioavailability when given orally also it is affected by liver metabolism. Axitinib formulated as non-ionic vesicles (niosomes) for the first time to study the effect of different variables on the in vitro behaviour of vesicles in a hope to improve drug oral bioavailability.
      Niosomal dispersion formulas were formulated by diverse techniques via multiple kinds of surface-active agent (tween also span), cholesterol and dicetyl phosphate then evaluated for visual appearance, efficiency of drug entrapment (EE%), size of the vesicles, poly dispersity index, zetapotential, viscosity, invitro drug release and study the vesicles morphology by FE-SEM. Many variables effect on EE% were studied such as effect of surfactant amount and type, effect of surfactant combination, impact of various ratios of cholesterol, impact of DCP in various amount , effect of preparation method and effect of sonication time.
      The results showed that the EE% between (50.97%-98.24%), the particle size was found within the range (64.5 nm - 530.79 nm), zeta potential which was between ( -16.6 to -31 mV), polydispersity index (PDI) <1 and viscosity between (584 – 889.6) centipoise. The niosomal dispersion F1 which contained 1:1 weight ratio (span60: cholesterol) was found with high EE% (96.5±0.16%), smallest particle size (64.5±0.5 nm), highest drug release (100%) of drug released at the end of 4 hours and FE-SEM photograph showed that niosomes were spherical with no aggregation and had a smooth surface.  
        The results showed that thin film hydration method with sonication for four minutes was the best method for preparation of axitinib niosomes, the type and amount of surfactants used, cholesterol ratio, stabilizer and the time of sonication had a substantial effect on EE%, the size of the vesicles as well as drug release; which were investigated so as to optimize the niosomal dispersion of anti-tumour drug reaching to an optimum formula that may improve drug bioavailability.
Key words: Axitinib, Anticancer, Vesicles, Surfactants, Invitro behaviour, Entrapment efficiency.
Preparation and In vitro/Ex vivo Evaluation of Nanoemulsion-Based in Situ Gel for Intranasal Delivery of Lasmiditan
Authors: Saba Abdulhadi Jaber  , Nawal Ayash Rajab
Published: September 2024

Lasmiditan (LAS) was formulated as a nanoemulsion based in situ gel (NEIG)with the aim of improving its oral bioavailability via application intranasally. The solubility of LAS in oils, emulsiﬁers, and co-emulsiﬁers was determined to identify nanoemulsion (NE)components. Phase diagrams were constructed to identify the area of nanoemulsiﬁcation. LAS NE was formulated using the spontaneous nanoemulsiﬁcation method.
Four NEs (F19, F24, F31, and F34) containing 7-15 % oleic acid (OA) as an oily phase, 40-55% labrasol (LR), and transcutol (TC) as emulsiﬁer mixture at (1:1), (2:1), (3:1), and (1:2) ratio with 30-53 % (w/w) aqueous phase, having suitable optical transparency of 95–98%, globule size of 104-140 nm and polydispersity of 0.253–0.382 were selected for ex vivo permeation study.
F31 with the highest ﬂux value (2.32 ± 0.01 mg/cm2.min) relative to the other NEs. It achieves an enhancement ratio of 3.3 as compared to LAS aqueous suspension (8% LAS) also it achieves a significantly higher value of permeability coefficient. F31 was selected for the incorporation of different percentages of pH-sensitive in situ gelling polymer (Carbopol 934) to prepare NEIGs 4,5 and 6. The gel strength, pH, gelation time, and viscosity were predicted for the prepared NEIGs. In vitro release and ex vivo, nasal permeation were determined for NEIG5, which exerts comparable release and permeation values as F31 with more residence time in order to overcome the normal nasal physiological clearance.
Influence of Adding Empagliflozin to Conventional Anti-diabetic Therapy on Quality of Life Scale for Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Hadeel Delman Najim  , Mohammed Mahmood Mohammed  , Abbas Mahdi Rahmah
Published: September 2024

To evaluate the efficacy of empagliflozin on the quality of life (QoL) and glycemic index in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inadequately controlled with conventional oral anti-diabetic agents (OADs).
A pre-post study involved forty T2DM patients who were on a combination of three OADs (glimepiride + metformin + vildagliptin) with glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 7.0% - 12.0%. All patients received empagliflozin (10 mg/day) as add-on therapy for 16 weeks.
Adding empagliflozin showed significant reduction in postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI) and index of central obesity (ICO) (p<0.001). Significant improvements have been shown in the Quality of Life in Iraqi type 2 diabetic patients (QOLSID) scores post-intervention (p<0.001). Besides, good QoL was reported in patients with lower BMI and among those who had DM for duration less than 10 years.
The outcome of this study showed that empagliflozin as add-on to oral antidiabetic triple therapy in poorly controlled T2DM has achieved a better weight management, well glycaemic control and enhanced QoL through the therapy, and was well tolerated among the study sample.
Keywords: Empagliflozin, Glycemic index, Quality of life, SGLT2 inhibitors, Type 2 DM.
Preparation and in- vitro Evaluation of Bioadhesive Vaginal Film of Tinidazole
Authors: Thomas Lena Murad , Al-Akkam Entidhar J. , Daood Noor Mohammed
Published: September 2024

Bioadhesive vaginal film is becoming a more effective and convenient dosage form compared to suppositories and gel for vaginal application as a method for the treatment of vaginal infections. This study aimed to prepare and characterize bioadhesive films of tinidazole to be used for vaginal delivery over a prolonged period to treat local infections.
Fourteen formulas of tinidazole films were prepared by solvent evaporation method. Each film was composed of 10 mg tinidazole with different ratios and concentrations of a polymeric combination of polyvinyl alcohol/ polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVA/PVP) or polyvinyl alcohol/ hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (PVA/HPMC) for formulas A1-A7 and B1-B7, respectively. The prepared films were evaluated for their physicochemical characteristics, content uniformity, swelling, mucoadhesive strength, mucoadhesive time, and drug release. All the prepared films were transparent, had a uniform thickness (0.1-0.15 mm), and exhibited sufficient flexibility with drug content uniformity. The mucoadhesive strength of films was in the range of 28 ± 0.2 to 75 ± 0.01 g. Films containing PVA/HPMC showed higher swelling and lower mucoadhesive strength than those containing PVA/PVP polymeric combination. The in vitro drug release study showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) among films containing PVA/PVP or PVA/HPMC polymeric combinations.
Formulas A3 and B4 were considered as the optimal bioadhesive films containing 3% of PVA: PVP (4:1) and 4% of PVA: HPMC (2:1), respectively as they showed complete flexibility, acceptable mucoadhesive strength and time (43 ± 0.1, 45 ± 0.23 g and 30 ± 0.02, 34 ± 0.01 min, respectively) and prolonged drug release rate.  
In conclusion, films of formulas A3 and B4 possess the potential as a delivery system for tinidazole for the treatment of vaginal infections at the site of application.
Serum Level of S100B Protein as a Biomarker of Therapeutic Adherence in Parkinson’s Disease Patients
Authors: Mustafa Raheem Oglah  , Kasim Ali A , Bahaa A. Hassan
Published: September 2024

Pharmacological management of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is complex and may negatively impact patients' adherence to therapy. Several objective and subjective approaches are used to assess therapeutic adherence. Measurement of biological markers, that are well correlated with the effect of the medications, and that are distributed into easily accessible body fluids would be feasible approach for measuring therapeutic adherence for these medications. S100B protein has been proposed to be involved in the pathophysiology of PD. The study aims to measure the serum S100B level in PD patients and to assess its potentials to be used as a biomarker to predict therapeutic adherence in PD patients. Sixty-eight adult outpatients, of both genders, who were already diagnosed with PD, receiving different anti-Parkinson medications, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Hoehn and Yahr scale was used to determine the stage of disease; while, therapeutic adherence to treatment was assessed using the Arabic version of Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Serum S100B level was measured by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay. Serum S100B level of participants was 10.55 (13.3) ng/l, and there was no significant difference between medians of S100B protein according to disease stages, P =0.975. Serum S100B level in patients with poor therapeutic adherence [14.2 (13.2) ng/l] was significantly higher than that in patients with good therapeutic adherence [3.14 (3.34)]; P = 0.008. Furthermore, serum S100B level with the MMAS-8; (r= -0.414, P = 0.001). Finally, at a cut-off point 3.57 ng/l and above, serum S100B level was shown to have good potential [area under the curve (AUC)= 0.715], as biomarker of therapeutic adherence with 70.6% sensitivity and 70.6%, specificity; P = 0.008. In conclusion, serum S100B level in PD patients is negatively correlated with therapeutic adherence level and has good potentials as biomarker of therapeutic adherence in PD patients to anti-Parkinson medications.
Association of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (insertion\deletion) and Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor (A1166C) gene polymorphisms with diabetic nephropathy in Iraqi type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Ansam Abdulameer Yahya  , Jabbar Dheyaa , Nassar Abdalaema Abdalhadi
Published: September 2024

Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system abnormalities are the most prevalent cause of renal hemodynamic abnormalities, and candidate genes in this system are involved in the etiology of diabetic nephropathy (DN). A polymorphism in the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene I(insertion)\D(deletion) has been correlated to plasma ACE levels. Furthermore, the Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor AGT1R (A1166C) expression pattern is highly related to nephropathy. The objectives of this study involved evaluating the frequency of the ACE (I/D) and AGT1R (A1166C) gene polymorphisms and investigating the association of these polymorphism with the development of DN in Iraqi patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and evaluating the levels of several urinary and serum markers in relation to studied polymorphisms. This is a cross-sectional study that included 161 T2DM patients whom were divided into two groups: T2DM with DN(included 98 patients) and normalbuminuric T2DM (included 63 patients). ACE gene polymorphism analysis revealed that the D allele was far more prevalent in DN patients compared to normalbuminuric patients (60.2% vs. 50.8%), while the I allele frequency was 39.8% in DN and 49.2% in normoalbuminuric patients. In addition, DN patients carrying the DD genotype had higher serum kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM1), serum cystatin C (CysC), and HbA1C and lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR) compared to ID+II genotypes. For AGT1R (A1166C), both DN and normalbuminuric patients had a comparable high prevalence of the AA genotype, followed by the AC genotype, while the CC genotype had been seen only in 3 patients. In conclusion, among the studied T2DM patients, individuals with DD genotype had higher frequency of DN and had 2-fold risk for DN compared to II genotype which had the lowest risk for DN. Also the current study shows that the A1166C polymorphisms of AGT1R distribution frequency were similar for both study groups with higher frequency for A allele compared to C allele and not associated with risk of DN in Iraqi T2DM
Keywords: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (I\D) gene polymorphism, Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor (A166C) gene polymorphisms, Cystatin C, Diabetic nephropathy, Kidney injury molecule1.
Curcumin-Loaded Organogel for The Topical Skin Disorder Based on 12 Hydroxystearic Acid
Authors: Duaa Razzaq Jaafer  , Masar Basim Mohsin Mohamed
Published: September 2024

Curcumin (CUR) possesses various pharmacological properties, including antibacterial and improving injury healing. This work aimed to formulate curcumin organogel using 12 hydroxy stearic acid as gelator with tween 80 as surfactant and PEG 400 as co surfactant to improve the CUR permeation through the skin. The CUR organogels were prepared using different 12HSA concentrations with solvents sesame oil (SO), and orange oil (OO), in addition to T80 and P400 and evaluated for their saturated solubility, tabletop rheology, oil binding capacity, pH, spreadability, in vitro release, antibacterial activity, oscillatory rheology study, skin irritation, histological examination and ex- with in- vivo permeation study across rat abdominal skin. Results: The important results that distinguished organogels were the spreadability and in vitro release studies. The 4SO, 2OO, 2T80, and 10P400 organogels presented successful gelation and represented the lowest 12HSA concentration in each solvent that approached the current aim’s study by being more spreadable with higher CUR released. At the same time, the 2T80 and 10P400 gave zones of inhibition to 4 bacterial strains and good viscoelasticity by exhibiting large flow point values in the frequency sweep study compared with 4SO and 2OO. In vivo study affirmed the CUR permeation by studying the fluorescent images of 2T80 and 10P400, and the ex vivo permeation study for 10P400 proved the CUR permeation through rat’s skinOur results indicated the potential of 10P400 and 2T80 organogel to improve the topical therapeutic efficacy of CUR.
Novel Candidate Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of ERCC2 Gene that Influence Colorectal Cancer Susceptibility
Authors: Farhad Rand , Saadi Saleh Eman , Zuhair Alsammarraie Ahmed
Published: September 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common gastrointestinal malignancy and one of the top ten common cancers worldwide with approximately 2 million cases. There are multiple risk factors that could lead to CRC emergence; of which are genetic polymorphisms. Excision repair cross-complementing group 2 (ERCC2) gene encodes for ERCC2 enzyme which plays a crucial role in maintaining genomic integrity by removing DNA adducts. Several studies suggested that there could be a link between genetic polymorphisms of ERCC2 gene and the risk of CRC development. Hence the present study aims to validate the relationship between the following ERCC2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs13181, rs149943175, rs530662943, and rs1799790) and CRC susceptibility. A total of 121 participants were enrolled in this case control study; 72 CRC patients and 49 apparently healthy individuals. Genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by sequencing then the association between genetic polymorphisms and CRC susceptibility was examined. GA genotype and A allele of rs149943175 were associated with lower risk of CRC development. However, GA genotype and A allele carriers of rs530662943 had significantly increased risk compared to GG genotype. Additional stratified analyses showed that carriers of heterozygous genotype of rs149943175 who non-smokers, females or BMI figures less than 25 are less likely to develop CRC compared to wild genotype carriers. Taken together, genetic polymorphisms of ERCC2 modulate the susceptibility of CRC malignancy.
Cutaneous and Systemic Adverse Effect of Topical Corticosteroid Misuse on Iraqi Women
Authors: Teeba H. Sagban  , Jaccob Ausama Ayob , Abdulla Ayob Yaqoub  , Huda. A. Khadim
Published: September 2024

Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are the most widely prescribed and abused topical medications worldwide. TCs have melanogenic, anti-pruritic, atrophogenic,  immunosuppressive effects on the epidermis and sex-hormone-like, in addition to anti-inflammatory activity. Several of these, if used without judgment, may have serious local and systemic negative repercussions. The current study was designed to evaluate the possible local and systemic effects of topical corticosteroid misuse among women in Basrah City and Amara city, Iraq. Totally 125 participants were categorized into three major groups: control individuals, patients who utilize TCs for 1–3 months, and patients with long-term TC use for more than 3 months. A questionnaire was filled out, and a full skin examination was performed by a special dermatologist. Blood was drawn for hematological, hormonal, and biochemical analysis. TCS abuse was linked to the development of skin conditions with various percentages and frequencies, such as erythema, photosensitivity, dryness, acne, atrophy, infections, pigmentation, hirsutism, and rosacea. TCs also have systemic adverse effects in addition to their cutaneous ones, especially with prolonged use. TCS prolongs bleeding time compared to control group. Long-term TCS suppresses ACTH and decreases cortisol concentrations significantly while having no effect on insulin or testosterone levels. Interestingly, TCS significantly reduced serum vitamin D and serum interleukin 6 compared to the normal control group. TCS misuse is a big disaster in Iraq, associated with huge skin impacts and systemic deterioration, including hormonal and hematological consequences that require medical intervention and educational and legal approaches for successful treatment.
Evaluation of the Frequency of (rs2227981 and rs2282055) Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Programmed Cell Death 1 and Its Ligand Genes of Iraqi Patients With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Sarah Abdul Hameed Sahib  , Ghassan Mohammad Sulaiman  , Huda J. Waheed
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system disease that causes demyelination and persistent inflammation and most of them among young adults.
The current study aimed to assess gene polymorphism of PDCD1 and PDLCD1 genes and the frequency of two SNPs (rs2227981 and rs2282055).
MS patients (n=100) were divided into two groups; newly diagnosed (42), and patients with ongoing treatments (58). These groups were compared to healthy subjects (n=55); the mean age ±SD was (30±8.46 years), (37±8.06years), and (31±8.73 years) for MS newly patients, patients with ongoing treatments, and healthy subjects, respectively. Studies for gene polymorphism of PDCD1 and PDLCD1 Genes and the Frequency of Two SNPs (rs2227981 and rs2282055) were measured by Real-time PCR by used HRM.
 The results of this study found that the genotypic frequencies of MS patient were 31% (n=31) normal AA and 48 % (n=48) heterozygous AG. Mutant homozygous was found in GG 21 % (n=21). In controls, the results demonstrate 69% (n=38) wild type AA, 27.27% (n=15) heterozygous AG and mutant homozygous GG 3.6% (n=2). The odds ratio for the GG genotype was 12.8 (0.2-5.9) with p=0.001 indicating that the homomutant genotype In PD1 gene polymorphism rs2227981 GG was a higher risk of MS than the wild-type PD1 gene polymorphism rs2227981 AA, The PD1 gene polymorphism rs2227981 AG genotype has the second risk of MS after PD1 gene polymorphism rs2227981GG with 3.92 fold high risk than the wild type AA (OR =3.92 (1.8-8.2) p=0.0003).
The present study concludes that the population-based case-control study, which focused on the three PD-1 SNPs PD-1.3, PD-1.5, and PD-1.9, found that polymorphism variation might actually be a disease-modifying factor as opposed to an MS risk factor. There were substantially more PD-L1 gene SNP loci in MS patients compared to controls, and there were significantly more PD-L1 gene SNP loci in MS patients compared to controls. The pathogenesis of MS might be connected to PD-1 and PD-L1 SNPs. PD-L1 gene SNP locus rs2282055 and PD-1 gene SNP locus rs2227981 might be potential MS candidate polymorphism loci.
Investigation of the relationship between adiponectin gene polymorphism (ADIPOQ SNP rs-266729) and obesity Patients / Basra-Iraqi
Authors: Falih Hashim Mohammad , Saiwan Sabah Fatima , Jaddoa Abas Hamid
Published: September 2024

Adiponectin is one of the most important hormones secreted by adipose tissue and plays a major role in the development of obesity. A variant-specific ADIPOQ single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP rs-266729) with a C to G missense mutation can be strongly associated with obesity. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP rs-266729) of the ADIPOQ gene with obesity and some biochemical markers in these patients. The case-control study included 186 participants (106 patients and 80 healthy control). DNA was extracted from whole blood and then the Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Polymerase Chain Reaction (RFLP-PCR) technique was used to limit the genotype of the ADIPOQ gene (rs266729) polymorphism. Also, the lipid profile, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, and adiponectin were measured by standard methods. Results: The allele G in the ADIPOQ-gene polymorphism (rs266729) was a significantly higher frequency of 23 (21.6%) in the obese patients (P_Value = 0.039) compared with the control subject of 10 (12.5%). It significantly increased the risk in the additive model and allele frequency (P = 0.0139 and 0.0133), respectively. The rs266729 SNP showed a significant association with increased BMI, insulin, HOMO-IR, TG, VLDL, and lower adiponectin at a p-value of 0.001 for all, after adjustments for age and sex. Lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were observed in the CG and GG genotypes compared to the ADIPOQ rs266729 SNP C.C genotype (p = 0.032). In obese individuals, there was no significant relationship between rs266729 SNP and HbA1C, FBS, TC, and LDL. In conclusion, the single nucleotide polymorphism (rs266729) of the ADIPOQ gene has a significant difference with BMI, insulin, TG, VLDL, and HOMO-IR in obese patients, which might be the cause of obesity.
Olanzapine-induced Metabolic Syndrome and its Association with -759C>T Polymorphism of the HTR2C Gene in Iraqi Schizophrenic Patients
Authors: Zinah Abdulhameed Alobaidi  , Mohammed Samer Imad
Published: September 2024

The hazardous metabolic effects of treating schizophrenia patients with olanzapine comprise serotonin 2C receptor (5-HT2C) antagonists. Metabolic side effects of antipsychotic drugs, including lipid abnormalities, disturbed glucose metabolism, and weight gain, can have a major impact on treating psychiatric patients. The intent of this study was to investigate whether there is an associated link between the genetic polymorphism at -759C>T in the promoter region of the 5-hydroxytryptamine 2C receptor (HTR2C) gene and the metabolic syndrome driven by olanzapine in schizophrenia patients. A cross-sectional study that involved fifty hospitalized patients with schizophrenia. The patients were split into two groups (metabolic and non-metabolic) according to the classification criteria of the metabolic syndrome. The HTR2C promoter region polymorphism was identified through sequencing using the Sanger method after polymerase chain reaction amplification of the extracted deoxyribonucleic acid. Even though none of the genotypes of the -759C>T variant are associated with the propensity to develop metabolic syndrome, there is a significant difference in the -759C>T variant's T allele (p-value = 0.001). The presence of the T allele in the -759 C/T variant was significantly associated with developing metabolic syndrome.
Keywords: Schizophrenic patients, Olanzapine, Genetic polymorphism, 5-hydroxytryptamine 2C receptor (HTR2C) gene, -759C>T.
Assessing the Role of Antioxidants in Migraine Patients in Erbil City
Authors: Lana Othman Mahmood  , Kamaran Abdoulrahman
Published: September 2024

Migraine is a prevalent chronic condition that is often characterized by recurrent incapacitating headache attacks and related symptoms. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the potential effects of antioxidants on migraine disease. The main goal of the study was to measure the concentrations of many important antioxidants, such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), thioredoxin (TRX), and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1). Ninety participants were recruited from the outpatient headache clinic of the neurology department at Al Jumhury Teaching Hospital in Erbil City for this study. In this study, there were 60 patients with migraine and 30 controls. Among the migraine group, there were 45 female and 15 male participants, while the control group consisted of 20 female and 10 male participants, with matching in terms of age and sex. According to study results, both male and female migraine patients had significantly lower levels of enzymes SOD and GPX1 compared to the control group. Additionally, female migraine patients had lower levels of CAT significantly compared to the control group. In male migraine patients, CAT also showed lower levels, but the difference was not statistically significant. On the other hand, TRX showed lower levels in both female and male migraine patients, but the difference was not statistically significant compared to the control group. There was a negative correlation observed between the frequency of headache-related days per month and the serum concentrations of SOD. This implies that as the levels of SOD in the serum decrease, the number of headache-related days per month tends to increase.