The coronavirus responsible for COVID‑19, SARS‑CoV‑2, was first identified in late 2019 and quickly spread globally, bringing about a severe public health emergency of international concern. This review summarizes genetic evolution, mutation mechanisms, epidemiology trends and the impact of virus on vaccine induced immunity. With RNA replication error, recombination, and selective pressures, these have resulted in the emergence of several variants of concern such as Delta and Omicron with increased transmissibility with partial immune escape. The millions of new cases and hundreds of thousands of deaths are well documented in global and Iraqi epidemiological data; Iraq claims more than two million confirmed COVID cases. Viral mutations, most notably in the spike protein, have affected vaccine effectiveness, but booster doses and updated vaccines have helped protect against severe disease. Integrating genomic, epidemiological and immunological data is needed to inform ongoing public health responses, adapt the vaccine for evolving variants and ensure preparedness for other viral threats in the future.

The increasing problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), specifically focusing on P. aeruginosa, underscores the need for new anti-pseudomonal compounds. This study uses cutting-edge computer-based strategies for the evaluation of the inhibitory activity of natural compounds Thymol, Curcumin, and Piperine (model polyphenols and alkaloids) on the DNA gyrase of bacteria, which is a well-proven target for antimicrobials, against a quinolone compound. Molecular docking studies were carried out using InstaDock v1.1.exe, calculating binding energies (ΔG), along with the study of biological pharmaceutical properties through the SWISS Drug Design platform (https://www.swissdrugdesign.org/), and toxicity studies using the GUSAR software portal (http://www.pharmaexpert.ru/gusar/). Docking studies reveal the order of compound interaction: Thymol > Curcumin > Quinolone > Piperine, where Thymol was the strongest binder at the ATP pocket of the target protein. However, the results of the analysis of the absorption, Distribution, Metabolization, and Excretion (ADME) of the compounds show that Curcumin is the compound with the highest Safety (LD50) but also exhibits several severe metabolic toxicity (3/5 CYP450 inhibition), also exhibited by Piperine. However, Thymol demonstrates the best metabolic profile, characterized by the absence of CYP inhibitions, high gastrointestinal absorption, and ease of diffusion through the blood-brain barrier. Overall, these studies clearly envisage Thymol for the prospective study for the first time, together with the requirement for specific modifications of Curcumin for overcoming the metabolic toxicity exhibited by the compound.

Tooth decay is a common disease that occurs as a result of the erosion of tooth enamel by acids produced by bacteria when they feed on sugars. This leads to the formation of cavities, and the damage may extend to the tooth nerve if treatment is neglected. Tooth decay causes varying levels of pain and sensitivity, in addition to unpleasant breath, and the condition may develop into infections and abscesses. The impact of tooth decay is not limited to oral health; it can also negatively affect overall body health. Oral infections may influence heart health, exacerbate complications for diabetic patients, and weaken the body's immune system. Furthermore, it can lead to difficulties in chewing and speaking, as well as impacting an individual’s psychological well-being. "The samples included both genders across various age groups, ranging from 10 to 45 years. Appropriate microscopic, cultural, and biochemical tests were performed. Out of the total, 230 samples (92%) showed positive growth. The isolates included Gram-positive species, distributed as follows: Strep. mutans (120 isolates, 52.17%), Staph. aureus (70 isolates, 30.43%), and Strep. pyogenes (40 isolates, 17.40%). The susceptibility of these bacterial isolates was tested against three types of antibiotics: Metronidazole, Clindamycin, and Amoxicillin. The results indicated that Staph. aureus isolates exhibited resistance to all the antibiotics studied. As for the Streptococcus isolates, they showed varying responses to the antibiotics depending on the species studied. Strep pyogenes exhibited a varied response to two antibiotics, Clindamycin and Amoxicillin, with inhibition zones of 22mm and 28mm respectively, while Metronidazole showed no effect. On the other hand, the Strep. mutans species demonstrated a varied response toward all the tested antibiotics with better overall results. Additionally, the susceptibility of the isolates was tested against three types of synthesized nanomaterials—Zinc (Zn), Silver (Ag), and Titanium (Ti)—at concentrations of 25%, 50%, and 100% μg/ml. The results showed that Zinc and Titanium nanoparticles acted as effective antibacterial agents with varying rates. In contrast, none of the isolates showed any response to the Silver nanomaterials. Subsequently, a synergistic test was conducted by combining the nanomaterials, which yielded superior results compared to their individual use.

Blood samples were collected before treatment and after recovery from infection (healthy individuals and patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis). The research was then carried out at the Al-Amin Center for Advanced Biotechnology Research at the Al-Ataba Al-Alawiyya - Najaf. The aim was to evaluate some of the immune effects in people infected with Leishmania tropica parasites that cause cutaneous leishmaniasis. The results showed changes in the immunological markers of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and a significant increase in tumor necrosis factor kappa B (TNF-κB) levels in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis. These levels were significantly higher in patients before treatment compared to the control group. Conversely, a significant decrease in IL-8, IL-6, and IFN-κB levels was observed after recovery, while no immunological changes in interferon gamma (IFN-κB) were recorded in the patients. The current study showed that immune changes are of great importance in controlling parasitic diseases, and that pentostam treatment has a significant effect on the humoral and cellular immune response to control individuals infected with cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is frequently associated with metabolic disturbances and thyroid dysfunction, which may exacerbate hormonal and cardiometabolic abnormalities. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of thyroid functional status on metabolic and hormonal parameters in women with PCOS. A total of 100 women diagnosed with PCOS were enrolled and stratified into three groups according to thyroid function: euthyroid (normal TSH, (n = 55), subclinical hypothyroidism (n = 35), and overt hypothyroidism (n = 10). Anthropometric measurements, thyroid hormones, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and lipid profile parameters were assessed. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation, and group comparisons were performed using one-way ANOVA followed by post-hoc Tukeytest. Significant differences were observed among the three groups for all evaluated parameters. BMI and TSH levels increased progressively with worsening thyroid dysfunction (p < 0.001). Serum T3 and T4 levels decreased significantly across groups (p = 0.02 and p = 0.001, respectively). Insulin resistance was significantly higher in patients with hypothyroidism compared to euthyroid patients (p = 0.005). Moreover, triglycerides and LDL-C levels increased, while HDL-C levels decreased significantly with thyroid dysfunction (p < 0.05). Thyroid dysfunction, including subclinical hypothyroidism, is associated with adverse metabolic and hormonal alterations in women with PCOS. These findings highlight the importance of routine thyroid function assessment in PCOS patients to identify individuals at higher metabolic risk.

Environmental pollution from crude oil and its derivatives poses a significant environmental challenge due to the presence of toxic hydrocarbons such as benzene, phenols, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Bioremediation has emerged as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional chemical and physical methods. In this study, the filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger was used to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using cell filtrate as a green, low-cost, and sustainable approach. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized via visual observation, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), and FTIR spectroscopy, confirming their formation and stability. Subsequently, the efficacy of A. niger alone and in combination with AgNPs in treating crude oil-contaminated water samples was evaluated. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentrations and a significant degradation of PAHs. Treatment with the A. niger-AgNP mixture demonstrated superior performance compared to using fungi alone, particularly in degrading complex and stubborn hydrocarbon compounds. These results confirm the potential of nano-assisted fungal biotechnology as a promising option for sustainable environmental remediation.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a multifaceted endocrine and metabolic disorder, which involves not only defects in insulin action and β-cell function. There is some evidence that the chronic hyperglycemia, increased visceral adipose tissue and low-grade inflammation seen in patients affected with T2DM may lead to derangement of hypothalamic–pituitary function and therefore gonadal steroidogenesis, however sex-specific hormonal profile has been poorly described in Middle Eastern individuals. The present case–control study addressed levels of pituitary and gonadal hormones in T2DM adults, and was conducted to assess their association with glycemic control. One hundred adults were recruited (50 patients with T2DM [25 men and 25 women] and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls). Anthropometric parameters, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), lipid profile and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were estimated. Serum luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), testosterone (TT) in men and estradiol (E2) in women were measured with chemiluminescent immunoassays. Patients with T2DM showed higher body mass index, fasting plasma glucose, and HbA1c levels than controls (p < 0.001). Gonadotropin was significantly lower and prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were higher in male as well as female patients. Men with T2DM had significantly lower testosterone and affected women had significantly lower estradiol concentration. Glycated hemoglobin significantly negatively correlated with gonadotropins and sex steroids, and positively correlated with prolactin and thyroid-stimulating hormone. These data showed that T2DM was associated with abnormalities in pituitary–gonadal and pituitary–thyroid function (represented by hypogonadism, hyperprolactinemia and thyroid axis alterations), regardless of gender; this finding highlights a need to carry out endocrinological evaluation in poorly controlled patients.