University of Alkafeel

INTRODUCTION. Oral cancer screening during dental consultations is a simple and non-invasive method for identifying pre-malignant lesions and early-stage malignancies. This research aimed to examine the knowledge, behaviours, and attitudes related to oral cancer screening among dentists in Najaf City. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire and self-reported interviews with 250 dentists, performed from October 15, 2023, to December 20, 2024, at the Martyr Nasser specialised Centre and the specialised centre in the Maysan area. Each dentist required around 5 to 10 minutes to complete the self-report questionnaire and participate in the interview on their knowledge of screening. RESULTS. 250 dentists were asked to participate in the research, and all of them filled out the survey, yielding a 100% response rate. The dentists’ knowledge of oral cancer in this study was not very good overall. Most dentists in this survey (87.6%) regularly check their patients’ oral mucosa, but only a small number (49.2%) say they are sure they can diagnose and find oral cancer. About 49% of dentists lack confidence in diagnosing and detecting oral cancer. CONCLUSIONS. Dentists have a good understanding of oral cancer, but they need more training on how to prevent it and find it early. They should also keep learning and going to seminars.

Thin films of ZnMn 2 O 4 were deposited on quartz substrates at 250 °C using the Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) technique and then annealed in air at 500 °C for 6 hours. The films were tested for detection of NO 2 and NH 3 at different operating temperatures. The films showed rapid response time is (7.2 s) for NO 2 and (13.5 s) for NH 3 at 300 °C. The upper sensitivity of NH 3 is 15%, while the upper sensitivity of the samples tested with 60ppm NO 2 is 93% at a temperature of around 300°C. Also, the structural properties as X-ray diffraction ( XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and optical properties were studied. Keywords: Gas sensors, pulse laser deposition, PLD, ZnMn 2 O 4 , Sensing properties, optical properties.

The technology of Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks (HWSNs) is critical to the efficient operation and deployment of a variety of real-time Internet of Things (IoT) and Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANETs). It is crucial for reducing overall energy dissipation and ensuring consistent energy distribution throughout the network. Bio-inspired hybrid optimization algorithms are emerging as a possible option for overcoming basic difficulties in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), with a focus on sensor lifespan restrictions. A significant topic that must be considered prior to network configuration is attaining energy efficiency and optimal communication. Several papers have been published on the use of bio-inspired algorithms in WSNs. Few articles, however, addressed the hybrid strategy for routing and clustering in WSNs with communication. This research focuses on hybrid bio-inspired optimization algorithms and elaborates on their taxonomy and problem domains in WSNs. Furthermore, we explored and investigated the hybridization of the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) with other meta-heuristic algorithms such as the Genetic Algorithm (GA), Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and others. This review can assist researchers in exploring the uses of such algorithms within and outside of this study area.

The 32nd volume of the Journal of Metastable and Nanocrystalline Materials presents articles that analyse the properties and functional possibilities of nanoscaled materials for applications in photovoltaics, laser engineering, environmental improvement, as a battery cathode raw material, packaging in electronics, and as a reinforcement in aluminium composites for improving corrosion resistance. The volume will be of great assistance to many specialists whose work is related to the applications of nanomaterials and nanotechnologies.

This research attempted to examine the relationship between the human blood groups and urinary tract infections. Blood group of 100 women with recurrent acute urinary tract infection and chronic upper tract infection were compared it with healthy women of similar age ranges. as well, the determined urinary tract pathogens were classified by women blood group. There was a substantial connection between of chronic urinary tract infection and blood group A and blood group O when compared to controls. (p value = less than 0.05). The examination of the bacterial isolates revealed that more women with blood groups A and O possess infections with E. coli, P. vulgaris, and K. pneumoniae than expected. There was an increase in the rate of E. coli infections among women in blood group A (p value = less than 0.05). These findings imply that an individual's blood group may play an important role in the host's response to bacterial invasion and the development of infection with specific gram-negative bacilli.

IntroductionOncocytic adrenocortical neoplasms (AONs) are rare tumors, comprising <5% of adrenal cortical neoplasms. Most are benign, but a subset classified as oncocytic adrenocortical neoplasms of uncertain malignant potential (AONUMP) may recur or metastasize.Clinical CaseA 43-year-old woman was referred to the Faiha Specialized Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolism Center (FDEMC), Basrah, south of Iraq, in June 2022 for evaluation of an incidentally detected left adrenal mass during investigation of loin pain from a renal stone. She reported a seven-month history of weight gain (13 kg), progressive hirsutism, and amenorrhea. More recently, she developed polyuria, polydipsia, nocturia, and was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and hypertension.Examination revealed obesity (BMI 41.2 kg/m²), blood pressure 171/106 mmHg, facial plethora, acanthosis nigricans, and marked hirsutism (Ferriman–Gallwey score 24/36). There were no abdominal striae or organomegaly.Biochemical evaluation demonstrated elevated DHEA, suppressed ACTH, cortisol non-suppression after dexamethasone, hyperandrogenemia, and impaired glucose metabolism. CT scan revealed a large left adrenal mass (75 × 73 × 80 mm, 40 HU).In July 2022, she underwent left adrenalectomy, removing a 10 × 10 cm, 350 g adrenal mass. Histopathology confirmed oncocytic adrenocortical tumor of uncertain malignant potential based on Lin–Weiss–Bisceglia (LWB) criteria.At four months follow-up, symptoms improved: menses resumed, diabetes and hirsutism resolved, weight decreased by 9 kg, and biochemical parameters normalized.However, nine months postoperatively (April 2023), she presented with recurrent hirsutism, amenorrhea, uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes, bilateral loin pain, and bone pain. Biochemistry showed recurrent hypercortisolism and androgen excess. CT demonstrated para-aortic lymphadenopathy, and excisional biopsy confirmed metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma. She underwent lymph node dissection and was referred for targeted chemotherapy.Despite treatment, she relapsed again in July 2025. PET scan revealed multiple hypermetabolic nodules involving the left suprarenal region, abdominal peritoneum (SUVmax 8.6), right iliac fossa, and paracolic gutter, consistent with disseminated disease.ConclusionWe report malignant progression of an oncocytic adrenocortical tumor initially classified as uncertain malignant potential. This case underscores that, despite complete resection and initial improvement, recurrence and metastasis may occur. Long-term surveillance, comprehensive hormonal evaluation, and refined prognostic markers are essential for optimal management.Figure 1:Left adrenal mass gross spciemen and radiologyLeft lower image represent axial CT image demonstrating a large heterogeneous left adrenal lesion with well-defined margins., upper images demonstrating Gross specimen of the resected left adrenal mass, measuring approximately 10 cm, showing heterogeneous cut surface. Right lower image demonstrating coronal CT image showing left adrenal metastatic nodules (measuring up to ∼3 cm), upper image demonstrating excised nodules, consistent with metastatic deposits. Table 1:Timeline of Key Investigations and FindingsTable 1 summarizes the key investigations, hormonal evaluations, imaging findings, and histopathology of the patient at different time points during presentation, post-adrenalectomy follow-up, recurrence, and relapse. Laboratory values are reported with standard clinical units. Imaging details include adrenal mass size, density (HU), and lymph node or metastatic lesions. The timeline highlights disease progression, management interventions, and biochemical changes over time.

IntroductionThyroid eye disease (TED) is most often associated with Graves’ hyperthyroidism and bilateral involvement, whereas presentation with hypothyroidism or as a unilateral process is uncommon. Even more rarely, autoimmune hypothyroidism may evolve into Graves’ hyperthyroidism due to a shift in TSH receptor antibody (TRAb) activity.Clinical CaseA 48-year-old man with hypertension, dyslipidemia, and a current smoker was referred by an ophthalmologist for progressive right eye bulging, ocular pain, and redness. Examination revealed right-sided unilateral proptosis and lid retraction, with a Clinical Activity Score (CAS) of 5, consistent with active thyroid eye disease (TED) and severe disease according to the European Group on Graves’ Orbitopathy (EUGOGO) classification. Laboratory evaluation demonstrated overt hypothyroidism with strongly positive TPO and total TRAb antibodies. Thyroid ultrasound showed mild diffuse enlargement with heterogeneous echotexture, and orbital MRI confirmed hypertrophy of the right extraocular muscles (Figure 1). The patient received high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone (total 4.5 g over 12 weeks) and levothyroxine 50 μg/day. Smoking cessation was achieved. At follow-up, thyroid function initially improved, but TED remained active. Subsequently, while TED stabilized, the patient developed biochemical hyperthyroidism; levothyroxine was discontinued. On further follow up, overt hyperthyroidism was confirmed, and methimazole was initiated and titrated to 10 mg/day, resulting in biochemical stabilization and maintenance of stable TED without optic nerve involvement. At the last follow-up, the patient was maintained on carbimazole 10 mg/day with good clinical outcomes. Table 1 summarizes the follow-up stages of the patient. In fact, as we are in a resources-limited area, TRAb blocking and stimulating antibodies are not availableConclusionThis case highlights a rare presentation of severe unilateral TED initially associated with autoimmune hypothyroidism, later evolving into Graves’ hyperthyroidism. It emphasizes the importance of close biochemical monitoring, awareness of possible immune conversion, and multidisciplinary management to prevent sight-threatening complications, especially in high-risk patients such as smokers with elevated TRAb titers.Figure 1:CT scan of orbits showing extraoccular muscles enlargement Table 1:Patient follow up visits

(1) Background: Gastroretentive systems are an interesting option for enhancing the bioavailability of weak bases and poorly soluble drugs. The aim of this study was to formulate supramolecular organogels based on cinnarizine (CIN) as a potential gastroretentive system. (2) Methods: The organogels were prepared with different oils in different ratios. Thereafter, their pharmaceutical characteristics and in vitro gastric retention were evaluated through in vitro and in silico simulations. (3) Results: Organogels with different proportions of CIN to oils were successfully obtained. The DSC thermal analysis results demonstrated that all organogels showed gel-sol temperature transitions. The frequency sweep test verified that all organogels presented frequency-independent behavior. Optical imaging revealed longitudinal spherulites of the 1:4 CIN in organogels in all oils. The CIN organogels in all oils (1:4) were observed to float in gastric media during the entire release study. The pharmacokinetic parameters of CIN in peppermint oil (1:4) revealed a close Cmax value to that of the 25 mg immediate-release tablet, but a different AUC. (4) Conclusions: The organogels in all oils floated throughout the release study, establishing their potential as a gastroretentive system. Furthermore, these dosage forms were assessed as a gastric-controlled system through in silico simulations, which enabled prediction of their pharmacokinetic parameters.

Objective: This study sought to examine the liver-protective effects of ertugliflozin in male mice subjected to CLP-induced sepsis. Methods: Overall, 24 male albino Swiss mice, aged eight to twelve weeks and weighing 25–35 g, were segregated into four separate groups (n=6 each): the Sham, CLP, CLP+DMSO, and CLP+ertugliflozin groups. In the sham group, the mice were anaesthetized and subjected to laparotomy without cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), whereas in the sepsis group, the mice underwent CLP. The CLP+DMSO group received DMSO (the vehicle for ertugliflozin) through intraperitoneal injection one hour before CLP. In the CLP+ertugliflozin group, 20 mg/kg was administered via the intraperitoneal method one hour before CLP. Biochemical indicators (GPT, GOT, IL-6, TNFα, MDA, GSH, Bax, pERK1/2, and caspase-3) and histological changes were assessed. Results: ELISA was used to investigate the levels of the study parameters in hepatic tissues. Compared with those in the sham group, the levels of TNFα, IL6, Bax, caspase3, MDA and phospho-ERK1/2 were significantly elevated in the mice subjected to sepsis via caecal ligation and puncture (CLP), whereas the GSH level was significantly decreased. In contrast, treatment of septic mice with ertugliflozin significantly reduced these parameters in comparison with those of the sepsis group. Furthermore, histopathological examination revealed that the occurrence of sepsis via CLP resulted in significant liver damage compared with that in the sham group. Conversely, the treatment of mice subjected to CLP with ertugliflozin significantly mitigated liver injury. Conclusion: Ertugliflozin, which inhibits SGLT2, has significant hepatoprotective effects on CLP-induced sepsis, mainly via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects.