Background: Exposure to ionizing radiations at work is an inevitable aspect of contemporary medical practice, especially in radiology units where radiology staff routinely operate with diagnostic imaging equipment like X-ray units. Aim: The present study aimed to determine the impact of X-ray radiations on X-ray technicians by measuring the levels of (CRP) C-reactive protein and (IL-6) Interleukin-6. Methodology: This study included a total of 75 male subjects. The study population comprised 50 X-ray technicians chosen randomly among the radiology departments in hospitals in Basrah province, Iraq. Concentrations of Serum CRP were measured by Genrui PA54 biotech kit and ELISA was used to quantify IL-6 concentrations. Results: The study showed that median serum IL-6 concentration was significantly higher (p≤0.05) in X-ray technicians 3.48 pg/mL (IQR:1.50-5.2) compared to control 1.10 pg/mL (IQR:1.10-1.50) as well as, the present results exhibited a significant increasing (p≤0.05) in the concentrations of CRP among X-ray workers 1.81 mg/L (IQR:1.31-4.10) compared to control (non-exposed) 0.91 mg/L (IQR:0.50-2.44) However, according to the years of work. The current data showed a significant increase (p≤0.05) in the concentrations of IL-6 in more than10 years group 3.49 pg/mL (IQR:1.50-5.2) compared to group 1 (less than10 years 1.49 pg/mL (IQR:1.10-3.49) while CRP didn’t show any significant differences. Conclusion: Chronic occupational exposure to ionizing radiation was associated with increased circulating levels of IL-6 and CRP among X-ray technicians. The significant elevation of IL-6 in workers with long exposure duration suggests that cumulative radiation exposure may promote sustained inflammatory activation.

This study was designed to evaluate the possible histological and physiological changes induced by naproxen (an NSAID) and cefpodoxime (a cephalosporin derivative) administration on lung function of male albino rats. The overall physiological results revealed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in packed cell volume (PCV), total white blood cells (WBCs) count, and lymphocyte count in all treated groups compared to control groups. In contrast, the results demonstrated a significant decrease in platelet (PLT). There were no significant differences in hemoglobin levels or red blood cell counts. Histological examination showed definite pathological lesions including thickening of alveolar walls, vascular congestion and infiltration of inflammatory cells. At higher doses, this drug ruptured the alveolar walls, caused fibrous masses and narrowed the bronchi. In conclusion, chronic or high-dose exposure to these drugs provokes abnormal physiological and histological responses in the lung which should warn against their therapeutic use.

Background: Research on allergy disease has focused a lot of emphasis on pet exposure as a possible risk or protective factor. The prevalence in owning pets, especially dogs, cats, and birds, has significantly increased in recent decades. This study's goal was to look at any possible effects that pet exposure might have on IgE levels. Methodology: A total of 60 participants were enrolled, including 15 healthy controls who had no contact with any pets (neither birds nor cats). Pet owners made up the remaining 45 subjects (exposed to pets). The fluorecare system measures total IgE. Results: The results of this study showed that the median concentrations of total IgE were significantly higher (p≤0.05) in pet-exposed individuals (168.40 IU/mL; IQR: 41.5-112) than in the non-pet-exposed group (44.50 IU/mL; IQR: 34-64.50). Group 1 (one pet owner) had the lowest total IgE concentrations among the three groups, with a median of 89.20 IU/mL (IQR: 17.47–128.41), and group 1 (cat owner) had the lowest median level of IgE, 134.06 IU/mL (29.12-405), despite the data showing a statistically significant difference (p≤0.05) in total IgE concentrations among the groups based on the number of pets. Conclusion: The kind of pet exposure plays a major role in determining IgE concentrations. This implies that there is an additive effect of allergens on sensitization to the allergens, thus resulting in higher allergic sensitization.

This study explores the synthesis and characterization of a series of 1,9-diazahomoadamantane-4,6-dione derivatives, compounds with extremely interesting pharmacological properties. Several new derivatives were prepared through reactions involving condensation and hydrazine treatment to obtain Schiff bases and hydrazone derivatives, respectively. The identity of the molecules in the samples was determined based on data from the infrared (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The synthesis of [(4E,6E)-4,6-dihydrazineylidene-1,9-diazatricyclo[5.4.1.1³,⁹]tridecane] was done by the reaction of 1,9-diazahomoadamantane-4,6-dione with hydrazine hydrate, and Schiff bases were produced by condensation with substituted aromatic amines. The structures of the prepared materials were supported by their IR and NMR spectra which depicted their characteristics, such as carbonyl, imine, and hydrazine groups which are among the biological active groups. These findings pave the way for the creation of new molecules that could be pharmacologically active with possible applications in the development of new drug candidates based on the diazahomoadamantane scaffold.

Background: Iron deficiency (ID) remains the most prevalent nutritional deficiency globally, disproportionately affecting women of reproductive age (WRA) across socioeconomic strata. Despite its high prevalence, iron deficiency with or without overt anemia is frequently underdiagnosed and suboptimally managed in primary care settings, largely because it is perceived as an episodic rather than a chronic condition. Objective: This narrative literature review aims to synthesize current evidence on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approach, and management of iron deficiency in WRA aged 16–55 years, with a focus on reconceptualizing ID as a chronic, relapsing condition. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE using terms including "iron deficiency," "iron deficiency anemia," "women of reproductive age," "ferritin," "menstrual blood loss," and "iron supplementation." Studies published between 2017 and 2025 in English were included. Key Findings: Iron deficiency affects an estimated 30–40% of WRA globally, with menstrual blood loss identified as the most common contributing factor. Serum ferritin below 30 ng/mL remains the most sensitive diagnostic marker. Oral iron is first-line therapy; however, adherence is limited by gastrointestinal side effects. Intravenous iron formulations demonstrate superior efficacy in selected populations. Long-term monitoring and preventive strategies remain inconsistently implemented. Conclusion: Reframing iron deficiency as a chronic condition requiring longitudinal management, rather than single-episode treatment, may substantially reduce the burden of disease in this population. Structured follow-up pathways and individualized management are essential.

Background: Nanotechnology, particularly the use of nanoparticles (NPs), is rapidly evolving and has the potential to transform various scientific and technological sectors. Aim: Prepration of the green synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles using an extract of the plant Codonopsis pilosula, and the evaluation of its antimicrobial agents. Methodology: This paper used a green synthesis approach to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an aqueous extract of Codonopsis pilosula roots. It was done by taking the plant extract and mixing it with 2 mM AgNO3 solution and letting the mixture stay at 30 o C for four hours. A change of color proved the formation of AgNPs and was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The FTIR analysis of the plant extract identified important functional groups used in the plant. Results: Successful preparation of spherical sized AgNPs with SEM indicating size ranges of 33.74-81.63 nm. XRD patterns were used to confirm the presence of crystalline silver compounds and a characteristic absorbance peak of 340 nm was exhibited by the UV-Vis spectroscopy. More importantly, these biosynthesized AgNPs demonstrated high levels of antibacterial activity against different pathogenic bacteria such as Acinetobacter baumanii, Escherichia coli, and most importantly, Staphylococcus aureus, by disrupting cell membranes and reactive oxygen species generation. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a greener, more affordable and biocompatible method of making metallic nanoparticles, providing a greener alternative to traditional chemical techniques of making more complex biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.

Background: Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands, leading to dryness of the mouth and eyes. When SS occurs in association with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it is known as secondary Sjögren’s syndrome (sSS). The coexistence of these two diseases significantly impacts disease progression, and patient quality of life. Aim: This review aims to summarize and analyze recent literature concerning the prevalence and severity of SS among RA patients across different populations, with special attention to variations in diagnostic criteria, immunological markers, and therapeutic implications. Methodology: A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, focusing on studies published between 2018 and 2025. The review includes data from multiple cohort, cross-sectional, and population-based studies that met the 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for RA and the 2016 ACR/EULAR criteria for SS. Results: Findings consistently demonstrate that the prevalence of SS among RA patients ranges between 8% and 22% in Western populations and up to 40% in Asian populations, suggesting both genetic and diagnostic influences. RA-SS patients exhibit distinct serological profiles, including elevated anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies, and are more prone to ocular surface disorders, fatigue, and systemic complications. Conclusion: Despite variations among studies, the evidence supports that SS represents a frequent and clinically relevant comorbidity in RA. Standardized diagnostic methods and unified criteria are essential for accurate prevalence estimation and better clinical management. Future large-scale, prospective studies are needed to clarify the immunopathogenic links between these two autoimmune diseases.