Journal of Progressive Medical Sciences
type: channel
description: A Periodical International Journal Published by the DAC Democratic Arabic Center GmbH, Berlin, Germany This journal is dedicated to publishing targeted and applied scientific research and studies that are beneficial in all areas of contemporary medical sciences The journal aims to contribute to the advancement of medical sciences by promoting the dissemination of new scientific knowledge, innovative ideas, modern experiences, and technological achievements, including nanotechnology and the use of advanced devices. It encourages researchers in the medical field to conduct impactful and beneficial scientific studies In addition, the journal focuses on publishing experimental research, as well as innovative and advanced studies prepared by researchers in medical sciences, with the goal of enriching and developing high-quality scientific research. The journal promotes scientific communication, intellectual exchange, and the cross-pollination of ideas, aiming to connect researchers from across the Arab world in a modern, purposeful framework for sharing information and practical scientific experiences Nationales ISSN-Zentrum für Deutschland ISSN: 3052-8518 j-medical@democraticac.de
publisher: DAC Democratic Arabic Center
language: en
publication name: Journal of Progressive Medical Sciences
issn: 3052-8518
items: Assessment of Pregnant Women's Knowledge and Practices Regarding Warning Signs of Pregnancy in Baghdad
items: Evaluation of Peripheral Visual Perception Using a Cubic Neuro-Visual Functional Screening Device
items: Evaluation of Physical Exercises as a Non-Surgical Treatment Modality for Patients with Diplopia
items: Digitizing Binocular Vision Diagnostics via EyeQ Platform: A Study on Algorithmic System Architecture for Convergence Insufficiency (CI) Detection
items: Innate Immune Recognition During RNA Virus Infection: Molecular Mechanisms —A Review
items: Immunological Memory of Viral Infections: Mechanisms, Durability, and Implications for Protective Immunity —A Review
items: Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-Associated Protein 4 Activity and Epstein-Barr Virus Infection in Thalassemia Patients from Najaf Province: A Cross-Sectional Study
items: Diagnostic Performance of Maternal Serum Visfatin in Predicting Preterm Labor: Evidence from ROC Curve Analysis
items: Serum CCL2 and CXCL8 Levels in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Treatment in Karbala, Iraq: Associations with Hormonal Receptor Status and Therapeutic Modalities
items: Evaluation of symptoms, hematological parameter and antibodies levels among two COVID-19 vaccines recipients and control groups
items: Antibacterial Activity of Lactobacillus reuteri–Mediated Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles Against Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Isolates from Burn and Ulcer Wounds: An In Vitro Study
items: Association of ABO Blood Groups and Early T2-Inflammatory Biomarkers in Pediatric Asthma: A Case–Control Study from Najaf, Iraq
items: Exhaled Breath Condensate as a Non-Invasive Biomarker of Oxidative Stress in Smokers: A Cross-Sectional Case–Control Study
items: Multicolonisation and mixed Helicobacter pylori infections: situation in Tunisian patients
items: Correlation of Serum IL-33 with IL-6 and IL-1κ Levels as Immunological Indicators of Host Inflammatory Response in Early-Stage Hepatic Hydatidosis: A Cross-Sectional Study in Al-Najaf Province
items: Evaluation of Hematological Parameters and Immunological Indicators in Patients Infected with Leishmania Parasite in Najaf Governorate, Iraq
items: Rabies Virus Target Cell Specificity and Tropism
items: Role of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 (HSV-1) in Modulating VEGF-A Expression Among Iraqi Patients Receiving Chemotherapy: A Cross-Sectional Molecular Study
items: The effect of Toxoplasma gondii infection on anti-dsDNA, anti-ribosomal P, and anti-chromatin (minor DNA) autoantibodies in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
items: Carbapenem Hydrolysing Oxacillinase in Acinetobacter baumannii
items: Assessment of Toxoplasma gondii Infection with Pro and Anti-inflammatory Cytokine along with sHLA-G Activity in Pregnant Rheumatoid Arthritis Women in Middle Euphrates Region
items: Bacteriophages: Molecular and Virologic Review Study
items: PROGNOSTIC SIGNIFICANCE OF STRUMAL CALLA EXPRESSION IN PRIMARY BREAST CARCINOMA IN RELATION TO PATHOLOGICAL RSPONCE AFTER NEOADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY
items: Association of MTHFR gene polymorphism (rs1801133) with Type 2 Diabetic Iraqi population
items: Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica in Diarrheal Patients in Al- Najaf Province\ Iraq
items: Evaluation of the prevalence of oral parasites and some variables affecting them among students of Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University
items: Detection of some mutations in some Mitotic Checkpoint Genes and their Association to Tissue Abnormalities in patients with Breast Cancer
items: Molecular Determinants of Virophages activity: A Multi-Level Review
items: Assessment of Serum IgE, IL-6, and IL-10 Levels in Children Infected with Enterobius vermicularis in Primary Schools of Al-Barakiah, Najaf Governorate
items: Study of Physiological and Immunological Factors (FSH, LH, Prolactin, TSH, Free T4, AMH, and Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies activity in Women with Recurrent Miscarriage

Assessment of Pregnant Women's Knowledge and Practices Regarding Warning Signs of Pregnancy in Baghdad
type: item
description: Background:Pregnancy warning signs are important indicators of maternal and fetal complications. Early recognition of these signs and seeking appropriate medical care can reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Objective:This study aimed to assess pregnant women’s knowledge and practices regarding warning signs of pregnancy attending primary healthcare centers in Baghdad, Iraq. Methedology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 pregnant women attending primary healthcare centers in Baghdad governorate from September 2025 to April 2026. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, source of information, and practices regarding warning signs of pregnancy. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 2019. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used, and a p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Most participants were aged 20–29 years (49.7%), had secondary education (45.3%), and were housewives (70.6%). High awareness was observed for warning signs such as vaginal bleeding or leakage of fluid (89.2%) and reduced fetal movement (82.1%). However, lower awareness was found for jaundice (43.0%), decreased urine output (40.1%), and severe itching (38.5%). The overall knowledge level was moderate among 45.8% of participants, while 29.2% had good knowledge. Most mothers (77.6%) reported immediately going to the hospital when warning signs appeared. Statistically Significance found among knowledge level, age of participants, educational level, and antenatal care visits (p≤0.05). Conclusions: Pregnant women exhibit an acceptable knowledge level with good emergency response practices to warning signs of pregnancy. Both educational level and attendance at antenatal care are significantly associated with maternal knowledge. Mothers' education programs are recommended to increase awareness.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Pregnancy Warning Signs
  topic: keywords
subject: Pregnant Women
  topic: keywords
subject: Antenatal Care
  topic: keywords
subject: Maternal Health
  topic: keywords
subject: Primary Health Care Center
  topic: keywords
subject: Warning Signs of Pregnancy
  topic: subjects
creator: Dr. Solafa Rabi Salih
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Progressive Medical Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2026-05-31
publication date: 2026-05-31
starting page: 232
ending page: 248
doi: 10.63939/s3sgct50

Evaluation of Peripheral Visual Perception Using a Cubic Neuro-Visual Functional Screening Device
type: item
description: Background: Standard visual acuity tests prioritize central spatial resolution but consistently fail to identify functional peripheral visual deficits that impact spatial orientation and mobility. This cross-sectional observational study introduces and validates a novel Cubic Neuro-Visual Functional Screening Device designed to assess peripheral visual perception and central-peripheral visual integration dynamically. Methods: One hundred and fifty participants aged 5–60 years were enrolled across five clinical cohorts: healthy controls (n=50), amblyopia (n=30), glaucoma (n=35), stroke-related peripheral field defects (n=20), and peripheral perception disturbance with normal visual acuity (n=15). The primary outcome was peripheral stimulus recognition response time, measured via a digital precision chronometer while the patient maintained central fixation, monitored by a micro-camera. Results: Healthy controls achieved a mean response time of 0.78 ± 0.12 s, demonstrating significantly faster processing compared to an aggregate pathological group mean of 1.38 ± 0.25 s (p < 0.05). A crucial clinical finding emerged in patients with normal central visual acuity (6/6) but functional disturbances, who exhibited significant peripheral processing delays (1.20 ± 0.15 s). Furthermore, distinct behavioral compensatory mechanisms, including micro-saccades and head tilting, were systematically observed in pathological cohorts. Gender did not significantly influence response times. Conclusions: The cubic screening device demonstrates substantial clinical potential in differentiating healthy from pathological peripheral visual processing. The findings highlight a critical diagnostic gap in relying solely on Snellen acuity, emphasizing the necessity for accessible, rapid functional peripheral assessment tools in routine clinical and neuro-visual rehabilitation settings.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Peripheral Visual Perception
  topic: keywords
subject: Cubic Neuro-Visual Functional Screening Device
  topic: keywords
subject: Central focus
  topic: keywords
subject: Visual Integration
  topic: keywords
subject: Clinical Screening
  topic: keywords
subject: Evaluation of Peripheral Visual Perception
  topic: subjects
creator: Mohaimen Samir Arif Al-Ani
creator: Hamza Saad Alaiwi
creator: Marrwan Hisham Mohammed
creator: Ali Hadi Maeedi
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Progressive Medical Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2026-05-31
publication date: 2026-05-31
starting page: 217
ending page: 231
doi: 10.63939/7ky4r309

Evaluation of Physical Exercises as a Non-Surgical Treatment Modality for Patients with Diplopia
type: item
description: Background: Diplopia, commonly known as double vision, is the perception of two images of a single object. It may occur due to ocular misalignment, extraocular muscle weakness, trauma, refractive errors, or systemic conditions affecting ocular motility. Binocular diplopia is usually related to misalignment of the visual axes and often improves when one eye is covered. Non-surgical management, including orthoptic and physical eye exercises, may be useful in selected patients, particularly those with mild ocular motility disorders or convergence-related problems. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the role of physical eye exercises as a non-surgical treatment modality in selected patients with diplopia. Methods: A Prospective interventional clinical study was conducted on 20 patients diagnosed with diplopia at the Consulting Clinic for Health and Medical Technologies, Baghdad, during the period from October 1, 2024, to April 1, 2025. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmic and optometric examination, including visual acuity assessment, refractive error evaluation, cover test, ocular motility test, Worth four-dot test, prism bar measurement, and fundus examination when required. Patients with diplopia due to causes requiring medical or surgical intervention, such as cataract, severe neurological disease, or uncontrolled systemic disease, were excluded from the physical exercise treatment group. Selected patients received a structured program of eye exercises and were followed to assess improvement. Results: Among the 20 patients, 13 patients were males (65%) and 7 were females (35%). The highest percentage of patients was found in the age group of 20–25 years, representing 45% of the sample. The most common associated causes of diplopia were squint and extraocular muscle weakness. After treatment, 12 patients (60%) showed improvement with physical eye exercises, 4 patients (20%) required other treatment methods such as prism correction, and 4 patients (20%) s…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Diplopia
  topic: keywords
subject: Binocular Vision
  topic: keywords
subject: Physical exercises
  topic: keywords
subject: Orthoptic exercises
  topic: keywords
subject: Prism bar
  topic: keywords
subject: Strabismus
  topic: keywords
subject: Ocular motility
  topic: keywords
subject: Evaluation of Physical Exercises
  topic: subjects
creator: Mohaimen Samir Al-Ani
creator: Mundher Sameen Al-Samurai
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Progressive Medical Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2026-05-31
publication date: 2026-05-31
starting page: 204
ending page: 216
doi: 10.63939/mb4txd88

Digitizing Binocular Vision Diagnostics via EyeQ Platform: A Study on Algorithmic System Architecture for Convergence Insufficiency (CI) Detection
type: item
description: Background: Convergence Insufficiency (CI) is a complex neuromuscular visual disorder traditionally diagnosed using manual, subjective instruments like the RAF Rule, which heavily rely on examiner estimation and patient response times. Methods: To address these clinical limitations, this study introduces the EyeQ platform, an innovative diagnostic framework that integrates eye-tracking technology with deep learning architectures powered by the TensorFlow framework. A single-blind comparative study was conducted involving 50 participants. A broad, heterogenous age spectrum (ranging from 6 to 82 years) was intentionally selected to rigorously validate the system's algorithmic adaptability and robustness across diverse demographic profiles and age-related physiological ocular variations. The platform utilizes a dynamic "Approach-Recede" mechanism to monitor ocular neuromuscular responses and isolate precise Break and Recovery Points. Automated diagnostic outcomes were benchmarked directly against independent clinical evaluations performed by a certified optometrist. Results: The EyeQ platform demonstrated high diagnostic efficacy, achieving an overall accuracy of 94% by matching the specialist's clinical findings in 47 out of the 50 cases. Crucially, detailed clinical analysis revealed that the 6% statistical variance (3 cases) was entirely attributed to physical anatomical obstructions—specifically, two cases of ptosis and one case of severe eyelid edema—which occluded the digital region of interest (ROI) and hindered feature extraction, rather than systemic or algorithmic failure. Conclusion: The EyeQ system provides exceptional digital objectivity and reliability, eliminating subjective examiner bias and establishing a standardized digital database for longitudinal vision tracking. Given its high diagnostic precision and architectural consistency, the platform is highly qualified to It shows potential for use in large-scale screening applications in the future, subj…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Convergence Insufficiency
  topic: keywords
subject: Artificial Intelligence
  topic: keywords
subject: Eye Tracking
  topic: keywords
subject: Digital Diagnostics
  topic: keywords
subject: Optometry
  topic: keywords
subject: Digitizing Binocular Vision Diagnostics
  topic: subjects
creator: Mohaimen Samir Aref
creator: Sajjad Abbas
creator: Danah Mohammed Salim
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Progressive Medical Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2026-05-31
publication date: 2026-05-31
starting page: 191
ending page: 203
doi: 10.63939/y3wtjh13

Innate Immune Recognition During RNA Virus Infection: Molecular Mechanisms —A Review
type: item
description: RNA viruses continue to pose a risk for human and animal health because they mutate at high rates and can enact measures of evasive action against host immune defenses. Innate immune system, which is responsible for sensing of viral RNA via PRR such as TLRs (Toll-like receptors), RLRs (RIG-I-like receptors) and NLRs (NOD-like receptors), to mount rapid interferon and pro-inflammatory responses thus act as the first line of antiviral defense. The integrated antiviral response is directed through distinct biological components manifested in mitochondrial antiviral signaling proteins (MAVS), transcription factors NF-κB and IRF3/7, and inflammasome complexes. However, RNA viruses have evolved various means of evading these innate defense mechanisms, by: (1) targeting and cleaving mitochondrial antiviral signaling proteins (MAVS); (2) preventing the addition of ubiquitin to the relevant signaling molecules; and (3) preventing the production of interferon alpha/beta [9]. The introduction of classes of sensors, such as ZBP1-mediated PANoptosis, DHX helicases and the cGAS-STING pathways represent novel antiviral recognition mechanisms that open new therapeutic avenues. In this review we detail classical and contemporary observations of innate immune recognition, highlight mechanisms viruss have developed to counteract host defenses, delineate how vaccine adjuvants may bypass these viral antagonism strategies and sketch implications for the development of therapeutics against important human viruses. Accordingly, deciphering these complex host- pathogen interactions has major implications for the design of direct antiviral therapeutics and alternative indirect immunomodulatory strategies.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Innate immunity
  topic: keywords
subject: RNA viruses
  topic: keywords
subject: Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs)
  topic: keywords
subject: RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs);
  topic: keywords
subject: Toll-like receptors (TLRs)
  topic: keywords
subject: NOD-like receptors (NLRs)
  topic: keywords
subject: MAVS signaling ZBP1 and PANoptosis
  topic: keywords
subject: cGAS-STING pathway
  topic: keywords
subject: Vaccine adjuvants.
  topic: keywords
subject: Innate Immune Recognition
  topic: subjects
creator: Ruqaya Munther Jalil Ewadh
creator: Noor Hassan Ali Altaie
creator: Saif Jabbar Yasir
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Progressive Medical Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2026-05-31
publication date: 2026-05-31
starting page: 157
ending page: 190
doi: 10.63939/wfh43b42

Immunological Memory of Viral Infections: Mechanisms, Durability, and Implications for Protective Immunity —A Review
type: item
description: Immune memory is a cornerstone of protective immunity against viral infections, enabling rapid and enhanced responses upon re-exposure to viruses. This review focuses on the interrelated roles of memory B cells, memory T cells, follicular helper T cells (Tfh), and cytokine signaling in maintaining long-term immunity, providing a comprehensive overview of the processes, longevity, and outcomes of immune memory. CD8⁺ cytotoxic T cells and CD4⁺ helper T cells are memory T cells that facilitate viral clearance and regulate the immune response, while memory B cells rapidly differentiate into plasma cells, enabling effective antibody-mediated protection. Germline interaction facilitates the formation of long-lasting memory B cells and plasma cells, and follicular helper T cells (Tfh) are essential for this process. Here, we explore how epigenetic regulation of T cell development can influence the establishment and maintenance of immunological memory and discuss in-depth on TCF-1 signaling pathways that play an active role in memory T cell population sustenance. T cell depletion is another important barrier to the retention of efficacious immunological memory, particularly in scenarios of chronic viral infection. Importantly, even though they are exhausted, exhausted T cells likely remain capable of functionally traversing the TCF-1⁺ progenitor pool with the possibility for future therapeutic targets. Importantly, this study demonstrates the significance of both humoral immunity (e.g.: antibodies and memory B cells) as well as cellular immunity (e.g.: memory T cells) to control infections and disease severity. Along with inducing short-term antibody responses, the results indicate that future vaccine strategies should aim to develop functional memory B cells and long-lived plasma cells, as well as stem-like T cell populations for broad and durable protection. Furthermore, reversing T-cell depletion through epigenetic manipulation could, in principle, improve immunotherapy …
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Immunological Memory
  topic: keywords
subject: Memory B Cells
  topic: keywords
subject: Memory T Cells
  topic: keywords
subject: Immune Memory Durability
  topic: keywords
subject: Immune Reprogramming
  topic: keywords
subject: Epigenetic Modulation
  topic: keywords
subject: Protective Immunity
  topic: keywords
subject: Mechanisms, Durability, and Implications for Protective Immunity
  topic: subjects
creator: Dhefaf Hameed Al-mudhafer
creator: Eman Hassani AL-Salami
creator: Saif Jabbar Yasir
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Progressive Medical Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2026-05-31
publication date: 2026-05-31
starting page: 107
ending page: 156
doi: 10.63939/4vx0dp82

Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-Associated Protein 4 Activity and Epstein-Barr Virus Infection in Thalassemia Patients from Najaf Province: A Cross-Sectional Study
type: item
description: Background: Immunological dysregulation secondary to the governing chronic disease burden, repetitive blood transfusions, and ongoing antigenic stimulation exposes patients with thalassemia to enhanced risk of viral persistence or reactivation. Soluble cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (sCTLA-4), an important marker associated with immune-checkpoints and physiologically regulating T-cell responses, may be may be elevated due to viral persistence or reactivation of virions that are present as free-floating particles in the serum (also known as viremia) of subjects infected by the Epstein-Barr virus Objective: The aim of this study was evaluation of serum soluble CTLA-4 in thalassemia patients positive and negative for EBV-DNA from Najaf province. Methodology: Cross-sectional study of hundred thalassemia patients. EBV DNA was detected by PCR, while the level of serum soluble CTLA-4 was assessed. This study segregated patients to be either EBV-DNA positive or negative. We analyzed the variables such as age distribution, demographics, clinical features, serum sCTLA-4 levels, logistic regression and correlation, ROC curve. Results: EBV DNA was detected in 45 % of patients. Among patients, EBV-DNA was positive in 56.1% of the population aged between 15–30 years, compared with 30.2% in those aged between 5–15 years. In patients with EBV-DNA, serum soluble CTLA-4 levels were significantly higher than in those without it (56.8 ± 14.9 pg/mL vs 34.7 ± 11.2 pg/mL; P<0.01). Serum sCTLA-4 levels were positively associated with EBV-DNA positivity. Results of logistic regression indicated an increased likelihood of EBV-DNA testing positive with each 10 pg/mL rise in sCTLA-4. In the ROC study, an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.86 was performed well as a strong classifier. Conclusion: Results: The findings showed that EBV-DNA positive was significantly associated with a high level of serum soluble CTLA-4 in thalassemia patients. Further studies are warranted to confirm ser…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Thalassemia
  topic: keywords
subject: Epstein–Barr virus
  topic: keywords
subject: EBV-DNA positivity
  topic: keywords
subject: soluble CTLA-4
  topic: keywords
subject: immune checkpoint
  topic: keywords
subject: PCR
  topic: keywords
subject: Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-Associated Protein 4 Activity
  topic: subjects
creator: Aqeel Jdah Fengan
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Progressive Medical Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2026-05-31
publication date: 2026-05-31
starting page: 90
ending page: 106
doi: 10.63939/dkwph612

Diagnostic Performance of Maternal Serum Visfatin in Predicting Preterm Labor: Evidence from ROC Curve Analysis
type: item
description: Background: Spontaneous preterm birth remains a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Growing evidence suggests that inflammatory pathways play a significant role in the pathophysiology of spontaneous preterm birth. Phesfatin, a multifunctional adipokine with immunometabolic properties, has emerged as a potential biomarker associated with inflammatory activation during pregnancy. PTL is defined as birth occurring prior to the 37th week of pregnancy. It is one of the leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Objective: The present research explored the potential use of maternal serum visfatin as an early biomarker for diagnosis of spontaneously occurred PTL and evaluated its relationship with inflammation. Methodology: hospital-based case–control study was conducted between March and June 2025 in Basrah governorate, Iraq. Ninety pregnant women in the third trimester were enrolled, 60 of them with spontaneously occurred PTL and 30 healthy pregnant as a control matched according to their gestational age. Maternal serum concentrations of visfatin, were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), and addition to the C-reactive protein estimated by biochemical analyzer and Total white blood cells (WBC) counts obtained with an automated hematology analyzer (markers of inflammation). Results: Concentration of visfatin was significantly higher in patients compared to control women (39.63 ± 8.35 vs. 21.15 ± 5.93 ng/mL; p < 0.001). The ROC curve indicated high diagnostic performance of maternal serum visfatin (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.962). The optimal cutoff value of visfatin of 27.7 ng/mL allowed predicting PTL with sensitivity and specificity equal to 93.3% and 90.0%, respectively. In addition, there were strong correlations between visfatin levels and CRP and WBCs. According to multivariate analysis, visfatin was found to be an independent biomarker of spontaneously occurred PTL. Conclusions: The case study concluded t…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Visfatin; Preterm Labor
  topic: keywords
subject: Adipokine
  topic: keywords
subject: Inflammation
  topic: keywords
subject: Biomarker
  topic: keywords
subject: ROC Analysis;
  topic: keywords
subject: Pregnancy
  topic: keywords
subject: Maternal Serum Visfatin
  topic: subjects
creator: Saba Muhammed Jassim
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Progressive Medical Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2026-05-31
publication date: 2026-05-31
starting page: 71
ending page: 89
doi: 10.63939/80aaz067

Serum CCL2 and CXCL8 Levels in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Treatment in Karbala, Iraq: Associations with Hormonal Receptor Status and Therapeutic Modalities
type: item
description: Background: Breast cancer is among the most prevalent cancers amongst females and is strongly related to inflammatory reactions in the tumor microenvironment. The role of chemokines such as CCL2 and CXCL8 in the development of tumor cells, tumor angiogenesis, and immune system modulation is well established. objective: The current study aimed to assess serum concentrations of CCL2 and CXCL8 chemokines in breast cancer patients under treatment in Karbala governorate, Iraq, and the correlation with hormonal receptor HER2, ER, PR status and treatment strategies. Methodology: A case-control design was carried out on 60 breast cancer patients and 40 healthy subjects. Blood samples were taken from patients during their treatment, and full blood count was conducted. Measurement of serum concentrations of CCL2 and CXCL8 was done using sandwich ELISA method. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS program version 25, and p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The outcomes indicate that there was a remarkable difference in chemokine serum concentrations between breast cancer patients and controls. Serum concentration of CCL2 was considerably lower than that in the control group in some molecular subtypes while the serum concentration of CXCL8 was significantly higher in breast cancer patients (p = 0.012). There was a significant association between chemokine concentration and HER2, ER, and PR receptor status. Significantly higher concentrations of CCL2 and CXCL8 were also highly correlated with the treatment strategy, with the maximum concentration being observed in those treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy (p ≤ 0.001). High positive correlations between CCL2 and CXCL8 were established. The above findings show that CCL2 and CXCL8 have an important role in the inflammatory microenvironment of breast cancer. CXCL8 concentration is constantly higher in breast cancer patients while CCL2 concentration varies according to the receptor status and tr…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Breast cancer
  topic: keywords
subject: CCL2
  topic: keywords
subject: CXCL8
  topic: keywords
subject: ELISA
  topic: keywords
subject: HER2
  topic: keywords
subject: ER
  topic: keywords
subject: PR
  topic: keywords
subject: Inflammation
  topic: keywords
subject: Iraq
  topic: keywords
subject: Serum CCL2 and CXCL8 Levels
  topic: subjects
creator: Intisar Mohammed Kashash
creator: Kiaser Abdulsajjad M. Hussain
creator: Alaa Hussein Mahdi
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Progressive Medical Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2026-05-31
publication date: 2026-05-31
starting page: 47
ending page: 70
doi: 10.63939/zmkepz66

Evaluation of symptoms, hematological parameter and antibodies levels among two COVID-19 vaccines recipients and control groups
type: item
description: Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection causes high rates of infection and death worldwide, constituting a widespread global pandemic and representing a major public health problem. While COVID-19 vaccines are known to reduce the severity of symptoms, comparative data on vaccine types in Iraq remains limited. objective: The present study aims to estimate and evaluation of symptoms, hematological parameter and antibodies levels among two COVID-19 vaccines recipients and control groups in Basrah populations. Methodology: A total of 277 individuals of both sexes’ adults recruited from Al-Mudaina General Hospital between November 2021 and April 2022., comprising 153 individuals as vaccinated group, 62 of them are males and 91 females with age range 18 years - 78 years, furthermore, 124 individuals as unvaccinated group, 60 of them are males and 64 females with age range 18 years-77 years, were selected Vaccinated participants received either the Pfizer vaccine (n = 117) or the Sinopharm vaccine (n = 36). Clinical symptoms, hematological parameters (white blood cell count and lymphocyte count), and IgG/IgM antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were assessed. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing was performed on symptomatic individuals. Statistical analysis included t-tests, chi-squared tests, and logistic regression, adjusting for age and sex. Results were considered statistically significant at a p-value of less than 0.05. randomly. Results: The present study showed clear significant differences between symptoms in the two studied groups. The symptoms of the disease were more among individuals in the unvaccinated group than in the individuals that received vaccines after dose 2 in vaccinated group. Hematological parameter levels were measured among studied groups. The present results showed that there were significant differences (P< 0.05) in the levels of hematological parameters between the first and second doses within the same vaccine. COVID-19 antibodies levels were measured a…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: COVID-19 vaccines
  topic: keywords
subject: Pfizer vaccine
  topic: keywords
subject: Sinopharm vaccine
  topic: keywords
subject: hematological parameter
  topic: keywords
subject: COVID-19 vaccines
  topic: subjects
creator: Mohaned A.Kadhim Al-Atbee
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Progressive Medical Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2026-05-31
publication date: 2026-05-31
starting page: 27
ending page: 46
doi: 10.63939/d01d0840

Antibacterial Activity of Lactobacillus reuteri–Mediated Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles Against Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Isolates from Burn and Ulcer Wounds: An In Vitro Study
type: item
description: Background: Burns and ulcerative wounds are high-risk sites for multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. Silver nanoparticles synthesized using Lactobacillus reuteri bacteria may offer an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative with potent antibacterial activity. Objective: "This study represents a scientific effort to evaluate the inhibitory efficacy of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized via a green pathway, using Lactobacillus reuteri as both reducing agent and biological carrier, against clinically isolated antibiotic-resistant bacteria from burn and ulcer wounds. Methodology: Isolates were obtained from patients at Al-Hussein Medical City's hospital laboratory in Karbala, Iraq, during October 2024 to March 2025. The study was grounded in the hypothesis that integrating Lactobacillus's biological properties—as part of normal flora, producing organic acids and bacteriocins—with silver nanoparticles' unique physicochemical traits would yield a synergistic effect capable of overcoming complex bacterial resistance mechanisms.". The practical aspect of the research involved collecting twenty clinical swabs from infection sites and transferring them to sterile media to ensure accurate retrieval of bacterial isolates. Critical bacterial strains were identified, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter. Their identity and resistance patterns were confirmed through a series of biochemical and susceptibility tests according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) criteria. This was followed by the biosynthesis of nanoparticles, utilizing the reducing capacity of naturally occurring Lactobacillus reuteri to convert silver ions into nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were then characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy to determine the absorption peak and electron microscopy to verify the size distribution and morpholog…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Antibiotics
  topic: keywords
subject: Multiple drug resistance (MDR)
  topic: keywords
subject: Burn injuries Synergistic effect
  topic: keywords
subject: Lactobacillus reutter, green synthesis
  topic: keywords
subject: silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)
  topic: keywords
subject: Ulcerative wounds
  topic: keywords
subject: Nanoparticles Against Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Isolates
  topic: subjects
creator: Suhad Khalid Sgheer
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Progressive Medical Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2026-05-31
publication date: 2026-05-31
starting page: 1
ending page: 26
doi: 10.63939/qz3pv668

Association of ABO Blood Groups and Early T2-Inflammatory Biomarkers in Pediatric Asthma: A Case–Control Study from Najaf, Iraq
type: item
description: <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; color: black; border: none; mso-ligatures: none; mso-style-textoutline-type: none; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: 0pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: bevel; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple;">Background:<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; color: black; border: none; mso-ligatures: none; mso-style-textoutline-type: none; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: 0pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: bevel; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple;"> Asthma is a long-term inflammatory disease of the airways that is prevalent mostly in children, and its early diagnosis is not easy because of the similarity of the disease to other respiratory diseases. Objective: This paper examines the interaction between the ABO blood groups and the early diagnostic biomarkers- FeNO, serum IgE, periostin, TSLP, and T2 cytokines in asthma in children. Methods: A total of 50 children with established asthma were recruited as well as 30 children with intermittent asthma-like symptoms recruited in Najaf teaching hospitals. Results: Asthmatic children, compared to the intermittent group, had significant increases in FeNO, IgE, periostin, TSLP, and T2 cytokines. There was a greater prevalence of blood group A in asthmatic children. The findings point to the possibility of using blood group distribution …
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: ABO Blood Groups
  topic: keywords
subject: Inflammatory Biomarkers
  topic: keywords
subject: Pediatric Asthma
  topic: keywords
subject: ABO Blood Groups
  topic: subjects
creator: Zainab Sajid Mohammed
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Progressive Medical Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2025-08-31
publication date: 2025-08-31
starting page: 122
ending page: 130
doi: 10.63939/5hx76648

Exhaled Breath Condensate as a Non-Invasive Biomarker of Oxidative Stress in Smokers: A Cross-Sectional Case–Control Study
type: item
description: Introduction: smoking remains a major global health burden, driving disease through persistent oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant defenses. Traditional serum assays provide valuable information but are invasive and impractical for large-scale screening. Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) offers a simple, non-invasive alternative for assessing oxidative biomarkers in the airways. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate whether oxidative stress biomarkers measured in EBC reflect systemic oxidative changes in apparently healthy smokers and to determine their diagnostic performance. Methods: A cross-sectional, case–control study was conducted among 60 adults (30 smokers, 30 non-smokers) aged 18–45 years. EBC was collected using a standardized condenser system, and both EBC and serum samples were analyzed for hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), 8-isoprostane, malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Data were analyzed using t-tests, correlation analyses, and receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: Smokers showed markedly higher oxidative-stress biomarkers in both EBC and serum compared with non-smokers. Mean EBC H₂O₂ was 1.84 ± 0.42 µM in smokers versus 0.96 ± 0.28 µM in controls (p < 0.001), and EBC 8-isoprostane levels were 57.4 ± 14.3 pg/mL versus 33.1 ± 10.8 pg/mL (p < 0.001). TAC values were significantly lower in smokers across both matrices. EBC H₂O₂ correlated strongly with serum MDA (r = 0.61, p < 0.01), indicating concordant airway and systemic oxidative stress. ROC analysis showed high diagnostic accuracy for EBC H₂O₂ (AUC = 0.87, 95% CI 0.77–0.95). Conclusions: EBC biomarkers, particularly H₂O₂ and 8-isoprostane, reliably mirror systemic oxidative stress in cigarette smokers. The strong correlation between EBC and serum markers supports EBC as a non-invasive, reproducible, and clinically relevant tool for early detection of smoking-related oxidative injury. Its simplicity and low cost make it especially promising for preventive…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Exhaled breath condensate
  topic: keywords
subject: oxidative stress
  topic: keywords
subject: hydrogen peroxide
  topic: keywords
subject: 8-isoprostane
  topic: keywords
subject: smokers
  topic: keywords
subject: biomarkers
  topic: keywords
subject: total antioxidant capacity
  topic: keywords
subject: , non-invasive diagnostics
  topic: keywords
subject: oxidative stress
  topic: subjects
creator: Hassan H. Al-Salamy
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Progressive Medical Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2025-11-30
publication date: 2025-11-30
doi: 10.63939/vfzgj933

Multicolonisation and mixed Helicobacter pylori infections: situation in Tunisian patients
type: item
description: H .pylori is known as one of the bacterial species having greatest genetic polymorphism in the world. It is also known that this genetic diversity could be due to mixed infections followed by genetic exchanges between several strains. Our study aimed to determine the presence of both multiple and mixed infections, for that goal, it is important to work on pure isolates obtained from isolated colonies and not from the mixture of different colonies harvested together on the first culture plate. Antral and fundic biopsies were taken and studied separately. The multicolonisation was defined as simultaneous presence of several strains in the same patient, whether it is antral, fundic or both. Antibiotic susceptibility of the H.pylori strains was tested by disk diffusion method and E-test. The Tunisian strains were more polymorphic. Exchanges of genetic material between the various strains were probable. The Tunisian subjects seemed to be colonized by different strains or different clones from the same strain. Several hypotheses might be proposed: initial infection by at least two different strains, infections by different strains at different times, recolonisations are probable.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Helicobacter pylori
  topic: keywords
subject: Multicolonisations
  topic: keywords
subject: Tunisia
  topic: keywords
subject: Helicobacter pylori
  topic: subjects
creator: Khansa Ben Mansour
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Progressive Medical Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2026-02-28
publication date: 2026-02-28
starting page: 11
ending page: 19
doi: 10.63939/msz2gj13

Correlation of Serum IL-33 with IL-6 and IL-1κ Levels as Immunological Indicators of Host Inflammatory Response in Early-Stage Hepatic Hydatidosis: A Cross-Sectional Study in Al-Najaf Province
type: item
description: This article carefully describes the blood concentration of Interleukin-33 (IL-33) and its correlation with two important pro-inflammatory cytokines, Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-1beta (IL-1β). This helps explain the immunological condition that habours liver parasitic hydatid disease patients are in. Methods: From March 2024 to February 2025, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Al-Najaf Province involving 140 subjects divided into two groups: 70 patients seen as early-stage hepatic hydatidosis (CE1 and CE2), and 70 age and sex-matched healthy controls. Samples were collected from four major healthcare centers: Al-Sadr Teaching Hospital, Al-Furat General Hospital, Al-Najaf General Hospital, and Al-Hakeem General Hospital. Using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay technique, we quantitated serum concentrations of IL-33, IL-6, and IL-1β. Results: As a whole, the results showed that the mean serum levels of IL-33, IL-6, and IL-1β in patients with liver problems were markedly higher than those found control group (P 0.05). The study results suggest that IL-33 is a key “alarmin” in early-stage hepatic CE. Its strong positive correlations with IL-6 and IL-1β parallel the significant role in the inflammatory response that this axis must play. This means these cytokines could be used as monitoring indexes for measuring both the level of inflammation and state hepatocellular hydatidosis is in.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Hepatic Hydatidosis
  topic: keywords
subject: Interleukin-33
  topic: keywords
subject: IL-6
  topic: keywords
subject: , IL-1β
  topic: keywords
subject: Al-Najaf Province
  topic: keywords
subject: Alarmin
  topic: keywords
subject: Host Inflammatory Response
  topic: keywords
subject: Hepatic Hydatidosis
  topic: subjects
creator: Eman Hassani . AL-Salami
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2026-02-28
publication date: 2026-02-28
starting page: 87
ending page: 97
doi: 10.63939/gzj8h396

Evaluation of Hematological Parameters and Immunological Indicators in Patients Infected with Leishmania Parasite in Najaf Governorate, Iraq
type: item
description: Background: Leishmaniasis is a public health threat facing Iraq and its transmission dynamics can be impacted by environmental and urban change, such as in the city of Najaf. This study quantifies hematological suppression and immune markers to assess related systemic physiopathology. Methods: A clinical cohort of 80 patients from Al-Sadr Teaching, Al-Hakim, and Najaf General Hospitals (May 2024 – April 2025; NCT05150537) was compared to 30 matched healthy controls. Statistical evaluations of hematological parameters and levels of cytokines (IL-10, IL-4, IFN-γ) were performed. Results 81.3% patients had clinically significant leucopenia (WBC < 3.5 ×103/cc$). Cytokine production was biased towards a strong Th2 deviation with elevated IL-10 ($154.2 \pm 28.5$ pg/ml) and dramatically reduced IFN-γ ($18.5 \pm 4.7$ pg/ml). Lite is still in beta and does not currently support PMCs, but the public is strongly supported.] This result supports the hypothesis and lends credence to elevated IL-10 as an early immunologic escape mechanism that hastens hematological failure against the background of the Iraqi environment.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Leishmaniasis
  topic: keywords
subject: IL-10
  topic: keywords
subject: IFN-γ
  topic: keywords
subject: Hematological Suppression
  topic: keywords
subject: Najaf
  topic: keywords
subject: Th2-Polarization
  topic: keywords
subject: Leishmaniasis
  topic: subjects
creator: Israa Majid Neamah
creator: Mona Adel Ismail
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2026-02-28
publication date: 2026-02-28
starting page: 77
ending page: 86
doi: 10.63939/xd00f538

Rabies Virus Target Cell Specificity and Tropism
type: item
description: Rabies virus (RABV), the causative agent of rabies, is an extremely neurotropic pathogen known to cause fatal encephalitis in humans and animals. The virus shows a high degree of cellular specificity for neurons and spreads efficiently along neural networks to access the central nervous system. It is important to elucidate the mechanisms that govern viral tropism, receptor interactions, and neuronal targeting. In this article, we provide a broad overview of the current literature on rabies virus target cell specificity and tropism. Illustration A total of published studies about viral structure, receptor-mediated entry, neuron- and non-neuron cell interactions, axon transport mechanisms and viral strain differences were reviewed to summarize current knowledge regarding host virus interactions and infection dynamics. The infection of the rabies virus is initiated by viral replication in peripheral tissues such as skeletal muscle cells followed by receptor-mediated entry into peripheral neurons at the neuromuscular junctions. The attachment and internalization of the virus are mediated by multiple host receptors, including nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), p75 neurotrophin receptor (NTR), neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR). Hosts Virus Glycoprotein Host Cell Entry Membrane Fusion Immune Evasion Upon entry, the virus hijacks dynein-mediated retrograde axonal transport to access the central nervous system in an immune privileged environment2. Additional data indicate that non-neuronal cells like astrocytes can also become infected by the virus and contribute to immune responses. Furthermore, vesicular stomatitis virus infection interferes with neuronal function by disrupting neurotransmitter signaling and axonal structure. Differences also emerge in neural circuit usage, as viral strain variance and host receptor distributions can shape the viruses: host organism interface and drive differences in infection spread …
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Rabies virus
  topic: keywords
subject: RABV
  topic: keywords
subject: Neurotropism
  topic: keywords
subject: Viral tropism
  topic: keywords
subject: Receptor-mediated entry
  topic: keywords
subject: Axonal transport
  topic: keywords
subject: Neuronal infection
  topic: keywords
subject: acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs)
  topic: keywords
subject: Rabies virus
  topic: subjects
creator: Saif Jabbar Yasir
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2026-02-28
publication date: 2026-02-28
starting page: 50
ending page: 76
doi: 10.63939/r4s8xf14

Role of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 (HSV-1) in Modulating VEGF-A Expression Among Iraqi Patients Receiving Chemotherapy: A Cross-Sectional Molecular Study
type: item
description: Background: Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) establishes lifelong latency with periodic reactivation, and is of particular concern in immunocompromised patients, such as those receiving treatment with chemotherapy. Experimental data suggest that upon infection, HSV-1 induces the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), a key mediator of angiogenesis and inflammation. However, the link between HSV-1 reactivation and physiological or systemic VEGF-A in patients receiving oncological therapy have not been examined broadly. Methods: A cross-sectional molecular study to investigate the relationship between HSV-1 reactivation and VEGF-A expression in Iraqi chemotherapy patients. Methods: 300 subjects (200 chemotherapeutic patients and 100 control not receiving chemotherapy) were recruited. HSV-1 status was assessed by serology (IgG, IgM) and qPCR detection of viral DNA in oral swabs and plasma. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum VEGF-A concentrations and reverse transcription qPCR was performed to quantify peripheral blood mononuclear cells levels of VEGFA mRNA. A multivariable linear regression was conducted to determine the independent relationship between positivity for HSV-1 DNA and log-transformed VEGF-A levels while controlling for demographic, clinical, and immunological variables. Results: HSV-1 DNA was found in 18% of patients undergoing chemotherapy versus 5% of controls (p < 0.001). Serum VEGF-A levels in chemotherapy patients were significantly higher than controls (median 412 according to 221 pg/mL; p < 0.001). In chemotherapy patients, individuals who were positive for HSV-1 DNA had significantly higher serum VEGF-A (median 712 with 368 pg/mL, p < 0.001) and increased expression of VEGFA mRNA (median fold change 3.94 compare with 1.63, p < 0.001). Oral viral load positively correlated with serum VEGF-A (Spearman ρ = 0.58, p < 0.001). In a multivariable analysis, positivity for HSV-1 DNA remained independentl…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: HSV-1
  topic: keywords
subject: VEGF-A
  topic: keywords
subject: chemotherapy
  topic: keywords
subject: angiogenesis
  topic: keywords
subject: qPCR
  topic: keywords
subject: viral reactivation
  topic: keywords
subject: VEGF-A expression
  topic: subjects
creator: Majida Hameed Obaida
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2026-02-28
publication date: 2026-02-28
starting page: 34
ending page: 49
doi: 10.63939/rnw1e064

The effect of Toxoplasma gondii infection on anti-dsDNA, anti-ribosomal P, and anti-chromatin (minor DNA) autoantibodies in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
type: item
description: Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that is distinguished by the fluctuation of disease activity and the production of pathogenic autoantibodies. Infectious agents, such as Toxoplasma gondii, have been proposed to be candidate environmental factors able to influence autoimmune responses. Nevertheless, relationship between T. gondii infection and autoantibody profiles among patients with SLE is not fully realized yet especially in endemic areas. Objective: study the roles of Toxoplasma gondii infection on levels and prevalence of anti-ribosomal P, anti–double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA), and anti-chromatin (minor DNA) autoantibodies, in addition to disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Methods: A cross-sectional study which included 100 lupus patients Al-Najaf hospitals. Study period between June 2024 to July 2025. Sunscreen-naive SLE patients were categorized by T. gondii infection: 48 who were with infection and 52 who were without infection. Anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies were determined by ELISA. Serum antibodies to dsDNA, ribosomal P and chromatin were assessed by ELISA. Disease activity was evaluated based on the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). Group comparisons, correlation analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used for statistical analyses. Results: The seropositivity of T. gondii IgG was considerably higher in SLE patients (48.0% P = 0.03). Anti-dsDNA antibodies (p < 0.001) and anti-chromatin antibodies (p < 0.001) were significantly elevated in seropositive SLE patients., in comparison with seronegative subjects. Patients with T. gondii were more likely to possess anti-ribosomal P antibodies (45.8%; 23.1%, p = 0.01) and these were linked to neuropsychiatric presentation. SLEDAI score was significantly higher in the T. gondii positive group (p < 0.001). Positive correlations were found between the titer of T. gondii IgG antibodies, the levels of autoantibodies, and di…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Systemic lupus erythematosus
  topic: keywords
subject: Toxoplasma gondii
  topic: keywords
subject: anti-dsDNA
  topic: keywords
subject: anti-ribosomal P antibodies
  topic: keywords
subject: antichromatin antibodies
  topic: keywords
subject: disease activity
  topic: keywords
subject: Toxoplasma gondii
  topic: subjects
creator: Wijdan Dhaidan Shnain Al-abbas
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2026-02-28
publication date: 2026-02-28
starting page: 20
ending page: 33
doi: 10.63939/dbqmny45

Carbapenem Hydrolysing Oxacillinase in Acinetobacter baumannii
type: item
description: The global rise in carbapenem resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii is alarming, as it severely restricts available therapeutic options. Among the resistance mechanisms identified in this species, carbapenem-hydrolyzing class D β-lactamases (CHDLs) represent the most prevalent β-lactamases and are largely specific to A. baumannii. This review focuses on the different clusters of oxacillinases that have been reported in Acinetobacter baumannii worldwide
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Acinetobacter baumannii
  topic: keywords
subject: CHDLs
  topic: keywords
subject: carbapenem-hydrolyzing
  topic: keywords
subject: β-lactamases
  topic: keywords
subject: Acinetobacter baumannii
  topic: subjects
creator: Hela Chihi
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2026-02-28
publication date: 2026-02-28
starting page: 1
ending page: 10
doi: 10.63939/0h70qx09

Assessment of Toxoplasma gondii Infection with Pro and Anti-inflammatory Cytokine along with sHLA-G Activity in Pregnant Rheumatoid Arthritis Women in Middle Euphrates Region
type: item
description: Background: Pregnancy is a period of profound immune modifications that are necessary for the development of maternal–fetal tolerance. soluble human leukocyte antigen-G (sHLA-G) is an important immunomodulatory molecule in this regard. rheumatoid arthritis, Toxoplasma gondii infection respectively affecting the balance of human immune system and sHLA-G expression during pregnancy, however, the effect of interplay rheumatoid arthritis and Toxoplasma gondii infection on sHLA-G expression during pregnancy are not well-known. Objectives: This work was aimed to study the effect of Toxoplasma gondii infection on serum sHLA-G expression, Pro and Anti-inflammatory Cytokine Activity in pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis in Middle Euphrates region-Iraq using serological, molecular and immunological tools. Methods: A cross-sectional case–control study was performed in 112 pregnant women in Middle Euphrates region classified into four groups: Rheumatoid arthritis with T. gondii infection, Rheumatoid arthritis without infection, T. gondii infection with non-RA and healthy pregnant controls. Anti-Toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies were examined by ELISA, and T. gondii was confirmed using real-time PCR to detect the DNA of pathogens. sHLA-G and cytokines (IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10) in the serum were evaluated by ELISA. Rheumatoid arthritis activity was measured by DAS28. Statistical analysis involved ANOVA, correlation analysis and multivariable regression. Results: The serum sHLA-G concentrations were significantly different between the study groups (P < 0.001); the highest concentration of serum sHLA-G was detected in pregnant women with Rheumatoid arthritis and concurrent T. gondii infection. Compared with chronic infection, acute toxoplasmosis was characterized by higher sHLA-G levels (P < 0.01). sHLA-G had a positive correlation with IL-10 and disease activity of Rheumatoid arthritis, and negative correlations with pro-inflammatory cytokines. After controlling for co…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Toxoplasma gondii
  topic: keywords
subject: Rheumatoid Arthritis
  topic: keywords
subject: Pregnancy
  topic: keywords
subject: sHLA-G
  topic: keywords
subject: IL-6
  topic: keywords
subject: IFN-γ
  topic: subjects
subject: TNF-α
  topic: subjects
subject: IL-10
  topic: subjects
creator: Wijdan Dhaidan Shnain Al-abbas
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Progressive Medical Sciences
date: 2026-05-05
publication date: 2026-05-05
doi: 10.63939/3hnz1094

Bacteriophages: Molecular and Virologic Review Study
type: item
description: Earth's most common viruses, bacteriophages, infect bacteria and archaea. Protein capsids and sometimes lipid envelopes encase phage genomes, which vary in kind and structure. Most are double-stranded DNA phages, whereas Cystoviridae are RNA. Phages control bacterial populations, transfer horizontal genes, lyse molecules, and alter metabolism in different situations. Based on their structural morphotypes, which are largely determined by tail architecture, phages are classified as Podoviridae (short tails), Siphoviridae (long, flexible tails), and Myoviridae (long, contractile tails). They build genome transport and host recognition virions with portal proteins, tail fibers, and baseplates. DNA is transferred into capsids by ATP-dependent terminases during genome packing. The lysogenic cycle comprises temperate phages integrating into the host genome as prophages and replicating passively until stimulation activates the lytic phase. Phages with non-lytic chronic infections or carriers exist. Phages limit their host range by recognizing lipopolysaccharides, outer membrane proteins, teichoic acids, and flagella. They can make anti-CRISPR proteins to attack bacteria. Phages indirectly affect human health by influencing microbiota and immune systems. Immunoglobulin-like capsid domains connect them to mucosal surfaces for bacterial clearance and barrier protection. They can also enter tissues and circulation, where they are immunologically tolerated. Phages activate innate and adaptive immunity. Innate sensing and cytokine production are enabled by TLR3, TLR7, and TLR9. However, adaptive immunity produces neutralizing IgM, IgG, and IgA antibodies. Recurrent phage therapy can be reduced by phage-neutralizing antibodies. Phage biology is characterized by the discovery of "huge phages" with genomes that rival small bacterial genomes and encode complex functions like tRNAs, translation factors, CRISPR-Cas systems, and nucleus-like compartments that protect phage genomes from …
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Bacteriophages
  topic: keywords
subject: phages
  topic: keywords
subject: Lytic cycle
  topic: keywords
subject: Lysogenic cycle
  topic: keywords
subject: Phage therapy
  topic: keywords
subject: Phage immunogenicity
  topic: keywords
subject: Microbiome
  topic: keywords
subject: Anti-CRISPR proteins
  topic: keywords
creator: Majida Hameed Obaida
creator: Saif Jabbar Yasir
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2025-08-31
publication date: 2025-08-31
doi: 10.63939/7zbcct09

PROGNOSTIC SIGNIFICANCE OF STRUMAL CALLA EXPRESSION IN PRIMARY BREAST CARCINOMA IN RELATION TO PATHOLOGICAL RSPONCE AFTER NEOADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY
type: item
description: Background: In this study we aimed to assess the IHC expression of stromal CALLA in invasive breast carcinomas as prognostic factor and correlate its relationship with six clinico-pathological parametrs by assessing the pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy Method: Study design is cross-sectional, it conducted on 50 females with breast invasive ductal carcinoma, FFPE tissue blocks collected from the archive of laboratory of Al-Sader medical city - Al Najaf governorate/ Iraq, during the period from September 2023 to September 2024. CALLA immunohistochemistry expression detected by labeled polymers and enhanced polymer system (Dako En-Vision™ Flex) Dako-protocol. it was correlated with age of patients, tumor grade, hormonal expression, her-2/neo expression, Ki-67 expression and molecular profile. Result: Stromal CALLA immunohistochemistry was expressed in 48%. There is statistically significant positive correlations between stromal expression and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (P = 0.011), most cases with positive CALLA expression either nonresponding to NAC or achieved partial response while most of CALLA negative cases achieved complete pathological response the same for her-2 positive cases, though statistically non-significant but most CALLA expressed cases were Grade III, her-2 enriched and triple negative molecular profile most of them had partial pathological response (not complete) Conclusions: Stromal CALLA had been expressed in 48% of invasive ductal carcinoma and there is positive correlation between stromal CALLA expressions and higher tumor grades, her-2 expression and triple negative profile suggesting the effects of stromal CALLA expression on aggressive behavior of breast ductal carcinoma with decreasing a chance of complete pathological response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: CALLA immunohistochemistry
  topic: keywords
subject: CD-10
  topic: keywords
subject: breast carcinoma
  topic: keywords
subject: prognostic factor
  topic: keywords
subject: neoadjuvant chemotherapy
  topic: keywords
subject: molecular profile
  topic: keywords
creator: Iftikhar K. Abbas Altemimi
creator: Mais M Salim Mohammed Hasan
creator: Binan Adil alaaragy
creator: Roaa Hameed Alwaith
creator: Zainab Nassir Dosh
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2025-08-31
publication date: 2025-08-31
doi: 10.63939/v20ary90

Association of MTHFR gene polymorphism (rs1801133) with Type 2 Diabetic Iraqi population
type: item
description: Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a complex of endocrine metabolic disorder. It is believed that polymorphism of Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T related to type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, results are conflicted from different ethnic and races. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between MTHFR (rs1801133) gene polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: This case-control study was included 100 patients were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) cases and 100 healthy control individuals. The blood sample was collected for estimation of biochemical parameters for analysis among the T2DM cases and healthy control groups. DNA extraction from whole blood was done to study the MTHFR gene polymorphism by RFLP-PCR method. Results: There were significant difference in genotype distribution among Type2 diabetic patients and control group. Compared with CC wild genotype, CT heterozygous genotype (OR= 5.7, 95% Cl= 3.0-11.0 and P=0.0001) and TT homozygous genotype (OR=4.3, CI=1.5-11.9 and P=0.0005). The T allele frequency increased the risk in diabetic patients by three folds when compared with C allele (OR= 3.6, C. I=2.2-5.5, P= 0.0001), suggested that the effect of MTHFR point mutation on type 2 diabetes mellitus implicated with increased risk of disease. Conclusion; Our results indicate that polymorphism in MTHFR C677T plays significant role in type II diabetes mellitus risk for Iraqi populations
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: MTHFR
  topic: keywords
subject: gene
  topic: keywords
subject: C677T
  topic: keywords
subject: polymorphism
  topic: keywords
subject: T2DM
  topic: keywords
creator: Salih M. Alkhafaji
creator: Anwar M. Aljanabi
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2025-12-06
publication date: 2025-12-06
doi: 10.63939/m41cpz28

Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica in Diarrheal Patients in Al- Najaf Province\ Iraq
type: item
description: The study was done in Al- Najaf Teaching Hospital. The total number of examined patients were (1061) for both sexes (males and females) in different ages (children's and adults). The infection with Entamoeba histolytica was diagnosed in 241 stool samples from the total number examined, percentage Infection with intestinal protozoa according to the months of the year January was relatively high (27%), then it began to gradually to decline in the month of April, reaching (6%). The highest incidence was recorded in aged (15-44) year (29%) while the lowest was in children aged 1 years (6%). The results showed Distribution according to sex, males (46%) and females (54%) in tested with parasites. The samples were recorded the average percentage in the cyst stages of E. histolytica at a higher rate, where it reached (80%) than the trophozoite stage of E. histolytica, where it reached (20%).
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: E. histolytica
  topic: keywords
subject: diarrhea
  topic: keywords
subject: Cyst
  topic: keywords
subject: Trophozoite
  topic: keywords
subject: parasite
  topic: keywords
creator: Rafal Haider AL-Ebrahemi
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2025-08-31
publication date: 2025-08-31
doi: 10.63939/9kg3zg74

Evaluation of the prevalence of oral parasites and some variables affecting them among students of Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University
type: item
description: The present study was conducted for the period from September 2024 to March 2025 to investigate the infection of oral parasites Trichomonas tenax and Entamoeba gingivalis among students of the Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University in Kufa. The number of samples examined 150 saliva samples and gum swabs were collected from the students of the Technical Institute Kufa and the Medical Technical College Kufa; the samples were examined by direct smear and the preparation of wet slides in the laboratories of the Pathological Analysis Department in the Technical Institute Kufa. The prevalence of the E. gingivalis parasite was 10%, and the T. tenax parasite was 18%. The infection rate was higher in males, reaching 20%, than in females, which reached 8%. The incidence rate among students living in rural areas is 60.4%, while 39.6% of infected students are urban residents.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: oral parasite
  topic: keywords
subject: university students
  topic: keywords
subject: Kufa
  topic: keywords
creator: Sahira Ayyed A. Al-Musawi
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2025-08-31
publication date: 2025-08-31
doi: 10.63939/mae9c997

Detection of some mutations in some Mitotic Checkpoint Genes and their Association to Tissue Abnormalities in patients with Breast Cancer
type: item
description: Background: Breast cancer is a multifactorial disease, and several genetic and non-genetic factors contribute to its malignancy. The checkpoint genes Bub1, Bub1B, and MAD2L1 have been shown to be relatively uncommon mutations in cancer. This study aimed to screen for some mutations in some of the mitotic checkpoint genes, including MAD1L1, BUB1, and BUB1B. Materials and Methods: Thirty breast cancer biopsy specimens or formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue were isolated. Then, the patient information of the breast cancer patient was recorded. Histological examination and then genomic DNA extraction were performed for all samples. In the next step, DNA purity and concentration were estimated. For MAD1L1, BUB1 and BUB1B genes, initial design was performed and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and then gel electrophoresis were performed for PCR products. Electrophoresis bands were cleaned and DNA was sequenced and finally statistical analysis was performed. Results: Histological examination showed differences in shape, orientation, and echo pattern between the invasive cancers and DCIS. An irregular shape (72% vs. 35%), a not parallel orientation (42% vs. 9%), and a hypoechoic or complex echo pattern (92% vs. 6%) were more frequent in invasive cancers when compared with the DCIS cases. The results of matching the sequence obtained according to Sanger method with Chromas version 2.6.6 software showed there were multiple mutations in study genes. Conclusion: In the present study, after histological examining and PCR product sequencing of all samples, it was determined that all the samples studied had altered genotypes in terms and this alteration associated to histological abnormalities
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Breast Cancer
  topic: keywords
subject: Mitotic Checkpoint
  topic: keywords
subject: Genes
  topic: keywords
subject: PCR
  topic: keywords
creator: Mahdi Saber Al-Deresawi
creator: Aseel Razaq Al-Rekabi
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2025-08-31
publication date: 2025-08-31
doi: 10.63939/w3ny3f33

Molecular Determinants of Virophages activity: A Multi-Level Review
type: item
description: Virophages are distinctive parasitic viruses that replicate solely within the viral factories of co-infecting giant viruses (GVs), exerting considerable molecular, ecological, and evolutionary effects on host–virus systems. This study offers a comprehensive synthesis of virophage molecular biology, emphasizing structural factors influencing ligand-receptor recognition, genome organization, transcriptional and translational reliance, host and viral tropism, and mechanisms that disrupt giant-virus replication. Structural analyses demonstrate that virophage capsids possess double-jelly-roll major capsid proteins and specialized surface protrusions, including trimeric fiber-head-like receptor-binding folds, which facilitate attachment to glycosylated GV fibrils and enable hitchhiking-based co-entry into protist hosts. Virophage genomes, usually 17–30 kb dsDNA, contain compact replication modules, packaging ATPases, primase/helicase-like proteins, integrases (in certain lineages like mavirus), and regulatory elements that have evolved to work with the transcriptional machinery of their helper GVs. Once inside the GV viral factory, virophage gene expression follows a pattern of early, middle, and late stages that are mostly controlled by giant-virus polymerases and host ribosomes. RNA metabolism is limited. Capsid–fibril compatibility, promoter recognition specificity, replication-module matching, and viral defense systems like MIMIVIRE, which limit some virophage lineages (like Zamilon), all play a role in host and GV tropism. Integrated provirophage forms, particularly mavirus, exhibit alternative replication strategies that include host-genome integration and giant-virus–induced reactivation, thereby offering sustained antiviral defense at the population level. Virophage infection alters giant-virus transcription, hinders virion assembly, and diminishes GV burst sizes, resulting in significant ecological impacts such as host protection, modification of microbial commun…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Virophages
  topic: keywords
subject: giant viruses
  topic: keywords
subject: virophage lineage
  topic: keywords
subject: mavirus
  topic: keywords
subject: Co-entry (hitchhiking)
  topic: keywords
subject: provirophages
  topic: keywords
creator: Saif Jabbar Yasir
creator: Majida Hameed Obaida
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2025-11-30
publication date: 2025-11-30
starting page: 99
ending page: 123
doi: 10.63939/w1e2ae66

Assessment of Serum IgE, IL-6, and IL-10 Levels in Children Infected with Enterobius vermicularis in Primary Schools of Al-Barakiah, Najaf Governorate
type: item
description: Pinworm with only human as host, is thus one of the most universal nematodes, and also one of the most prevalent helminths. More than 200 million people are infected worldwide, and currently around 30% of infected children. The Sample consisted of one hundred random samples of primary school students in Najaf governorate (70 males and 30 females) with the age rates of (6-12) years old. Infection: Recruitment took place between October 2023 and January 2024 at ten geographically diverse schools for cases of nosocomial pruritus ani. High prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis infection among primary school children in Najaf governorate, Iraq, is uncommonly. Methods This cross-sectional study included 100 students (70 men, 30 women) sampled between October 2023 and January 2024 to characterize the epidemiology and immunology of E. In total, 70% were infected, with considerable variation between age and month. The highest number of children with it was between ages 6–8 years (55%), and the lowest the mild increase (aged 11–12 years). Seasonal maximum was higher in November (83.3%) and December (80%) as compared to January (46.7%). The median percentage of infected patients was greater for men (71.4%) than for women (66.7%). Immunological analysis showed that serum levels of IgE were much higher in the infected children, and levels of both IL-6 and IL-10 were significantly higher than those in the healthy controls. Concentrations of IgE and eosinophilia were strongly related to infection rate, and peaked at 6–8 years (IgE: 240.50 IU/mL, eosinophils: 0.65×10⁹/L). Inflamed patients have accordingly much higher IL-6 (78.51±35.29pg/mL and 45.90±28.45pg/mL) and IL-10(38.25±12.16pg/mL vs 22.90±8.45pg/mL), both suggesting activated inflammatory and regulatory immune response, respectively. These findings highlight the marked endemicity of enterobiasis in the region and the age-, seasonal and sex-dependent nature of this helminth an infection and the associated modulation of the …
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Enterobius vermicularis
  topic: keywords
subject: Pinworm
  topic: keywords
subject: IgE
  topic: keywords
subject: IL-6
  topic: keywords
subject: IL-10
  topic: keywords
subject: Najaf
  topic: keywords
subject: Iraq
  topic: keywords
subject: Epidemiology
  topic: keywords
subject: Immune Respons
  topic: keywords
creator: Rajaa jawad Mohammed Al-saedi
creator: Hawraa fadhil Salman al_shafei
creator: Eman Hassani. AL-Salami
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2025-11-30
publication date: 2025-11-30
starting page: 82
ending page: 98
doi: 10.63939/nrandh93

Study of Physiological and Immunological Factors (FSH, LH, Prolactin, TSH, Free T4, AMH, and Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies activity in Women with Recurrent Miscarriage
type: item
description: Background: Recurrent miscarriag (RM), classified as the loss of two or more consecutive pregnancies, is a multifactorial reproductive disorder due to hormonal discrepancies, immunological disorders and pathogenic microorganisms. Fertility hormones including fertility-specific biomarkers, such as FSH, LH, prolactin (Prl), anti-müllerian hormone (AMH), TSH and Free T4 in association with Toxoplasma gondii have been considered essential for adverse pregnancy outcomes. This work focusses on the assessment of physiological and immunological characteristics of female patients with recurrent miscarriage, based on the determination of specific hormonal markers as well as the activity of Toxoplasma gondii antibody. Objectives: The aim was to explore the relationship between selected reproductive and thyroid hormones (FSH, LH, prolactin, TSH, Free T4 and AMH) and serological activity of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies (IgG, IgM) in women with a history of recurrent miscarriage in relation to relations between these factors regarding pregnancy loss. Methods: A case–control study Patients were women with RM and age-matched healthy control subjects without previous reproductive pathologies. We used standardized immunoassay methodology to measure serum levels of FSH, LH, prolactin, TSH, Free T4 and AMH. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure Toxoplasma gondii antibody activity. Statistical comparison of differential results between groups and correlations between physiologic and immunologic measures was conducted. Results: Women with recurrent miscarriage showed significant aberrations in several hormone parameters compared to healthy controls. Higher serum FSH and LH, irregular prolactin secretion and reduced AMH levels were widely recognized indicators of DOR with potentialovulatory dysfunctions. Thyroid indexes of the animals suggested a tendency towards subclinical hypothyroidism with increased levels of TSH and slightly decreased Free T4 in some RM subjec…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: recurrent miscarriage, autoantibodies, antiphospholipid, cytokines
  topic: keywords
creator: Israa Majid Neamah
creator: Anaam Mahdi Dawood
creator: Sahira Ayyed Al-musawi
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2025-11-30
publication date: 2025-11-30
starting page: 63
ending page: 81
doi: 10.63939/4mpkvm70