INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES

Effect of Aspergillus versicolor Fungus Extract on Some Bacterial Species

Saja Jamal Noman, Ohood Abdullah Ibrahim — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Fungus Aspergillus versicolor is a subject of extensive study in biomicrobiology and pharmaceutical science owing to its ability to generate an array of biologically active secondary metabolites. Introducing this fungus into different strains of bacteria, it is known that the effect is mainly on its inhibition and antibacterial activity, as in its extracts present substances with anti-pathogenic microorganisms growth. Aspergillus versicolor is a filamentous fungus that produces a variety of secondary metabolites with potential inhibitory effects on Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. Research indicates that certain compounds derived from A. versicolor show antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa, including the inhibition of cell division and DNA-based metabolic interference. Other research suggests a multifaceted relationship between Aspergillus versicolor fungus and Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which includes both inhibitory effects from secondary metabolites and potential synergistic, carcinogenic, or concurrent associations.

Impact of Airborne Pollutants Emitted from Cement Plants on Liver Function: A Review

Sana Muhammad Murshid, Iman Nozad Mahmoud — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This literature review addressed the impact of air pollutants emitted from cement plants on liver functions, with a focus on the pathological mechanisms and the physiological and biochemical changes resulting from chronic exposure to industrial pollutants. Studies have shown that the cement industry is a significant source of air pollution due to the continuous emissions of fine particles, industrial dust, sulfur and nitrogen oxides, and heavy metals, which have serious health effects on humans. Recent research has indicated that the fine particles and heavy metals produced by cement plants can enter the body through the respiratory system, then move into the bloodstream and reach the liver, leading to multiple cellular and functional disorders. Studies also demonstrated a clear relationship between chronic exposure to cement dust and elevated liver enzymes such as ALT, AST, and ALP, in addition to increased indicators of inflammation and oxidative stress. Studies have also indicated that oxidative stress represents the primary mechanism in the occurrence of liver damage caused by air pollutants, as free radicals lead to damage to cell membranes and mitochondria and stimulate chronic inflammation within liver tissues. Some studies have also shown that long-term exposure to industrial pollutants may be associated with the occurrence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis, and metabolic disorders. Professional studies have shown that workers in cement factories, especially in grinding, packing, and firing units, are most susceptible to health effects due to high levels 1 of direct exposure to industrial dust and suspended particles. Therefore, this review emphasizes the importance of implementing environmental control measures, improving filtration and ventilation systems, and conducting regular medical examinations for workers to reduce health effects associated with industrial air pollutants .

Evaluating Post Cesarean Delivery Analgesia in Kirkuk Teaching Hospital

Nibras AbdulKareem Al-Ogaidi — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Postoperative pain after caesarean section is a common problem that may impact maternal recovery, breastfeeding, and patient satisfaction. Many analgesic techniques are used to alleviate pain and minimizes postoperative complications.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of postoperative analgesic methods after caesarean section through assessing pain intensity, analgesic effectiveness, side effects, and patient satisfaction.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 207 women who underwent caesarean section in Kirkuk General Hospital, Azadi Teaching Hospital and Al-Nasr Hospital from October 2025 to March 2026. Data were collected using questionnaires and patient interviews. Pain intensity, analgesic methods, duration of pain, side effects, and satisfaction levels were documented then they were analyzed using SPSS 2026 software.

Results: Most patients were young aged 20–29 years (50.7%). Pain scores up to 7/10 and 8/10 were the most commonly reported symptoms (24.2% each). Intravenous opioid analgesia was the most frequently used method (90.3%). More than half of the patients (57%) considered the analgesia as effective method. Drowsiness (39%) and constipation (19.7%) were the most common side effects reported from these analgesia’s. Most patients experienced pain for one day duration after surgery (53.1%). A significant negative correlation was found between pain intensity and patient satisfaction.

Conclusion: Postoperative pain after caesarean section remains a significant clinical issue. Intravenous opioid analgesia provided acceptable pain relief but was associated with common side effects. Improving pain management strategies and using multimodal analgesia may enhance maternal recovery and patient satisfaction.

Neuroimaging of brain stroke in Kirkuk: Etiology, Accuracy and Clinical features

Nibras AbdulKareem Al-Ogaidi — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Stroke remains the second leading cause of death globally, with approximately 90% of cases classified as ischemic strokes. Neuroimaging plays a pivotal role in the diagnostic framework, yet formal studies correlating radiological findings with clinical features remain limited, particularly in resource-limited settings such as Kirkuk, Iraq.

Objective: This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the role of neuroimaging in diagnosing brain stroke, identify underlying etiologies within the local population, and establish correlations between radiological findings and clinical patient presentations.

Methods: A clinical cross-sectional study was conducted at Kirkuk Teaching Hospital and Azadi Teaching Hospital, involving 36 patients presenting with acute neurological manifestations suggestive of cerebrovascular accident. Data collection included demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors (smoking, physical activity, diet), clinical neurological examination, medical history, and neuroimaging findings using non-contrast CT (NCCT), MRI, and neurological ultrasound. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS with descriptive statistics.

Results: The sample comprised 61.1% males and 38.9% females, with 50% of patients aged 60 years or older. Left-sided weakness was the most common physical symptom, while expressive aphasia occurred in 83.3% of cases, and right-sided visual changes in 75%, indicating dominant hemisphere involvement. Most patients presented within the critical 1–3 hour "golden period." Males demonstrated higher physical activity (59.5%) but also significantly higher smoking rates (over 77% with smoking history) and fatty diet consumption (40.9%). High blood cholesterol was the leading risk factor in males (22.7%), while high blood sugar predominated in females (21.4%). NCCT was the primary imaging modality (91.7% of cases). Acute ischemic changes were observed in 53.9% of patients, with left middle cerebral artery infarction being the most common finding. Chronic changes, particularly deep white matter hyperintense signals, were present in 30.6% of patients, indicating underlying small vessel disease.

Conclusion: Stroke in Kirkuk predominantly affects older males with high burdens of modifiable risk factors, particularly smoking, high-fat diet, and hyperlipidemia. The high prevalence of chronic small vessel disease suggests long-standing untreated vascular pathology. Gender-specific prevention strategies, enhanced MRI utilization, and strengthened acute stroke response systems are urgently needed to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes in the region.

The Effect of Breast Cancer on the Human Serum Albumin Structure

Fatimah Karrar Azeez, Israa Zainal, Mohsin Mohammed — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Human serum albumin (HSA) can be defined as the major protein in plasma. Also, the ammonium sulfate precipitation is the procedure that is utilized for albumin from plasma, while delipidation has been done with the mixture of ethanol-ether.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of breast cancer on albumin structure.

Methods: Spectroscopy measurements and biochemical assays were used for determining the amounts regarding thiol, free amine, and carbonyl in purified HSA and total protein.

Results: The findings indicated that patients with breast cancer had significantly lower albumin concentrations, lower levels of free amine, and higher levels of carbonyl and thiol. Additionally, the patients' sera (total protein) had lower carbonyl and amine levels and higher thio levels. Also, our data demonstrated the delipidation process following purification must not to be taken into account since it damaged the function as well as the structure regarding albumin.

Conclusion: The present work indicated that breast cancer affected the functional and structural integrity related to HAS in sera of patients with the disease as compared with normal women.

Causes of the Increasing Prevalence of Autism in the Children

Zainab Karrar Azeez, Fatimah Karrar Azeez, Huda karrar Azeez — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Social communication impairments and limited, repetitive behavior. Its etiology is c3omplicated and consists of interaction of various genetic and environmental factors. The presented work provides an overview regarding the current evidence on genetic architecture of ASD including major signaling pathways and synaptic genes (SHANK3, FMR1, MECP2, and TSC1/2) that are important in the synaptic development and in neuronal functioning. Moreover, the crucial factors of environmental risk factors have been examined including maternal smoking, nutritional deficiencies, environmental toxins and vaccination. Although there are some weak, or even inconsistent associations between some environmental exposures and ASD, others, including air pollution, heavy metals, and prenatal complications, can also lead to a higher risk. Nevertheless, a lot of the observed associations are confounded by the fact that they involve a gene-environment association and confounding factors. Additionally, there is new evidence of biological processes of environmental exposures to ASD, such as epigenetic changes, oxidative stress, immune dysregulation, endocrine disruption, and neurotransmitter system changes. These processes indicate that environmental factors might affect neurodevelopment during key developmental periods and not necessarily be direct cause. Altogether, the ASD can be considered as a multifactorial disorder which is based on complicated interactions between environmental factors and genetic susceptibility. More longitudinal and mechanistic research is required for clarifying the causal mechanisms as well as enhance prevention measures.

Perioperative Glycemic and Hemodynamic Changes in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Orthopedic Surgery: A Prospective Observational Study in Iraq

Hayman Mohammed Saeed Rashid — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background:
Perioperative hyperglycemia and blood pressure instability are common among patients with diabetes mellitus undergoing orthopedic surgery and are associated with increased postoperative morbidity. Anesthetic techniques and surgical stress responses may significantly influence metabolic and hemodynamic parameters. This study aimed to evaluate perioperative changes in blood glucose and blood pressure among diabetic patients undergoing orthopedic procedures.

Methods:
A prospective observational hospital-based study was conducted between November 2024 and April 2025, including 184 diabetic patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. Blood glucose and blood pressure were measured preoperatively and postoperatively. Sociodemographic, clinical, and operative variables were recorded. Associations between preoperative and postoperative parameters were analyzed using chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05.

Results:
A significant association was observed between preoperative and postoperative glucose levels (p < 0.001). Notably, 50% of patients with normal preoperative glucose developed postoperative hyperglycemia. Patients with preoperative hyperglycemia remained hyperglycemic postoperatively (100%). Significant associations were also found between preoperative and postoperative systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p ≤ 0.001), with pre-existing hypertension strongly predicting postoperative hypertension. Most surgeries were elective and of moderate complexity.

Conclusion:
Orthopedic surgery in diabetic patients is associated with significant perioperative glycemic and blood pressure fluctuations. These findings emphasize the need for strict perioperative metabolic and hemodynamic monitoring to reduce postoperative complications. Further analytical studies are recommended to determine independent predictors of adverse outcomes.

Anesthetic Techniques and Patients -Related Determinant of Perioperative Outcomes in Orthopedics Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Perioperative outcomes in orthopaedic surgery are influenced by multiple patient, surgical, and anaesthetic factors. This study aimed to identify predictors of preoperative anxiety, postoperative pain, side effects, analgesia needs, and mobilisation time.

Methods: A cross‑sectional study of 161 orthopaedic surgical patients. Associations were examined using chi‑square tests for sex, age, education, operation type, anaesthesia type, reason for anaesthesia selection, operation duration, and preoperative explanation.

Results: Preoperative anxiety (72.7%) was associated with anaesthesia type (p=0.046) and reason for selection (p=0.012). Postoperative pain (79.5%) and pain intensity were significantly associated with age, education, anaesthesia type, operation duration, and sex (pain intensity only). Regional and spinal anaesthesia produced the lowest pain rates, mildest pain, fewest side effects (8–11% vs. 84% for general), and lowest analgesia needs (33–56% vs. 79% for general). Younger age predicted more pain and delayed mobilisation; longer operation duration (>3 hours) predicted severe pain (23.5%) and delayed mobilisation. Preoperative explanation (91.3%) was confounded by procedure invasiveness. Side effects (66.5%) were predicted only by anaesthesia type and reason for selection.

Conclusion: Anaesthesia type is the strongest modifiable predictor. Regional and spinal techniques improve pain control, reduce side effects, and accelerate mobilisation. Age, operation duration, and sex also influence outcomes. These findings support preferential use of regional anaesthesia and age‑tailored pain management in orthopaedic surgery.

Instructions for Authors

Abdulghani Alsamarai — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The International Journal of Medical Sciences [IJMS], ISSN 2522-7386, is a peer-reviewed, 3 issues published annually. Authors are invited to submit for publication articles with a wide spectrum of coverage reporting original work, in the fields of medicine, nursery, dentistry, and pharmacy sciences. Review articles are usually by invitation only. However, Review articles of current interest and high standard will be considered. Prospective work should not be back dated. There are also sections for Case Reports, Brief Communication, correspondence and medical news items. Authors should read the editorial policy and publication ethics before submitting their manuscripts. Authors should also use the appropriate reporting guidelines in preparing their manuscripts.