Background: Certain occupational groups, particularly barbers and butchers, face an increased risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. HBV is a partially double-stranded DNA virus from Hepadnaviridae family and a major global health concern for occupational health professionals due to their frequent contact with sharp instruments and the potential for blood borne pathogen transmission. Also The virus can remain infectious on environmental surfaces for seven days or more and has a very low minimum infectious dose, making contaminated razors and knives effective vectors of infection. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity among barbers and butchers in Salah al-Din Governorate, Iraq, and compare it to a control group that had not been exposed to the virus. It also aimed to describe some demographic and occupational characteristics of participants infected with HBsAg using a survey. Method: A cross-sectional study conducted in Salah Al-Din Governorate, Iraq, specimen collected from January to June 2025. The study included 900 specimen with 20–70 years in age, encompassed 300 Barbers, 300 Butchers, and 300 healthy individuals as a control group. Demographic and occupational data were collected through survey, while Serum samples were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using ELISA, with statistical significance considered at P < 0.05. Results: This study included 900 samples, equally divided into 300 samples each for barbers, butchers, and a control group. A positive result of (HBsAg) appearance in 34 (11.3%) barbers and 28 (9.3%) butchers, while no positive cases in the control group. The prevalence of hepatitis B infection differed significantly among the three study groups (χ² = 34.229, df = 2, p < 0.001). Among barbers, infection was significantly associated with age, with the highest prevalence observed among participants aged 31–40 years (20.0%). In contrast, no significant association between age and hepatitis B infection was found among butchers. Notably, most HBsAg-positive participants did not report any symptoms, indicating that infection was frequently asymptomatic. Occupational factors also showed a considerable risk of exposure, with accidental cuts reported more frequently among butchers (71.4%). In addition, the methods used to decontaminate and sterilize working tools varied between barbers and butchers, reflecting differences in occupational hygiene practices Conclusion: The results showed that the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was higher among barbers compared to butchers. In addition, most HBsAg infections were asymptomatic. These results show the need to target occupational health professionals more through hepatitis B vaccination and continuous periodic screening, along with taking infection control measures in these professions specifically, given their importance in increasing the spread of the disease among other groups. Further studies should be conducted by taking samples from different locations and performing confirmatory molecular tests.

The most common congenital defect of the hand is syndactyly. This is caused by incomplete separation of the fingers during limb development. In this article, we discuss the embryological basis, risk variables, and classification methods that guide surgical decision-making. The aim of reconstructive surgery is to produce a functional, aesthetic, and independent web space without any sequelae such as scar contracture or digital necrosis. We discuss indications for intervention, including timing of surgery according to the type of syndactyly and associated disorders. Current surgical techniques involve full-thickness skin grafts, dorsal advancement flaps, and a modified dorsal pentagonal flap.

Rituximab a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, has transformed the treatment of B-cell malignancies and autoimmune disorders [1, 2]. While its therapeutic efficacy is well-established, developing evidence has revealed a complex and increasingly recognized spectrum of gastrointestinal mucosal injuries associated with its use. This review synthesizes recent literature including landmark 2025 studies, to present a comprehensive overview of rituximab-associated gastrointestinal mucosal injury. We describe clinical presentations, endoscopic findings and histopathologic features across the entire gastrointestinal tract from the esophagus to the colon. A particular focus is placed on the newly characterized rituximab-associated common variable immunodeficiency (CVID)-like enteropathy, a severe and late-onset syndrome characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia, malabsorption and distinctive histologic features [3, 4]. We also discuss the proposed pathogenic mechanisms, clinical approach to diagnosis, management strategies and areas for future research.

The transition from traditional microscopy to computer-assisted analysis of histological specimens has been made easier. Digital pathology has emerged as a transformational force in the field of diagnostic medicine. This review offers a comprehensive update on the current landscape of digital pathology, covering whole-slide imaging technologies, infrastructure requirements and clinical applications crossing primary diagnosis, telepathology, education and research, alongside the integration of artificial intelligence methodologies. Important implementation problems, such as validation, regulatory processes, data governance, and cost concerns, are also addressed, and we investigate potential future possibilities, such as foundation models, multimodal integration, and applications in settings with limited resources. This review intends to provide pathologists, researchers, and healthcare administrators with a practical framework for navigating the continuous digital transformation of pathology services. This will be accomplished by offering a synthesis of the evidence that is now available.

Situs inversus totalis is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by the mirror-image arrangement of the thoracic and abdominal viscera. Although most patients remain asymptomatic, this condition presents a diagnostic challenge in the presence of cardiovascular disease. In patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis, pericardial effusion is a potentially serious complication that can progress to cardiac tamponade. The coexistence of both conditions necessitates timely diagnosis and an individualized therapeutic approach to improve prognosis.

Streptococcus mutans is the leading one of the oral microbiota causing tooth caries. It forms biofilms on teeth providing protection against the host defenses by making extracellular polysaccharides and carbohydrates. These biofilms increase bacterial persistence and enhances the pathogenicity of S. mutans. Such emergence of antibiotic resistance has significantly reduced the long-term usage of both synthetic and conventional antimicrobials (β lactams and chlorhexidine). The need to find and develop novel alternatives is owing to this growing resistance. Natural antimicrobials, like enzyme-based medications and other antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), provide good treatments. AMPs also minimize the chance of developing resistance and disrupts bacterial membranes preventing the formation of biofilms. By directly breaking down biofilm matrix and virulence factors, enzyme-based antimicrobials such glucosidases and proteases improve bacterial clearance. Both strategies are viable substitutes for conventional antibiotics since they are biocompatible, environmentally benign, and have several targets of action. The relevance of switching to natural antimicrobial drugs is shown by the collective research on S. mutans prevalence, biofilm biology, and resistance mechanisms. Incorporating AMPs and enzyme-based treatments into oral healthcare may offer safe, efficient, and resistance-reducing methods for managing and preventing dental caries.

The concept of healthy span is gradually taking over the life span. Currently, one has to look at quality living rather than quantity living. Living longer life span sans the quality is actually painful. Hence, the current focus is to develop the background understanding behind quality living. Moving beyond hormones is the new approach where the concept of cellular energy, metabolic function & the antioxidant status of the body are the three pillars. Life style changes, dietary modification, physically & mentally activeness has to be achieved naturally. One may have normal hormonal levels & no deficiency but still suffer from fatigue, metabolic disorders, neuron-degeneration, cardiovascular disease, cancer, weakness, chronic inflammation and early ageing. The obstacle behind all these conditions is the poor mitochondrial health where the signals from the power house of the cells do not reach the cells. The article sees the role of homoeopathy to deal with these issues. As these issues are chronic & needs a holistic & individualized approach it is here that the homoeopathic system of therapeutics will prove to be effective. The holistic & individualized approach is the basic principle of treatment under the domain of homoeopathic therapeutics.