Original Article
04 Jun 2026
Background
Acinetobacter baumannii is a multidrug-resistant bacterium responsible for severe
infections, particularly in hospital settings. Its resistance is driven by enzymatic genes
such as those encoding beta-lactamases and carbapenemases, which degrade
antibiotics, and non-enzymatic genes that modify mechanisms like efflux pumps and
membrane permeability, further enhancing its defence against treatments. Together,
these factors allow A. baumannii to thrive in clinical environments, complicating
infection management.
Objective
This study aimed to explore the relationships between beta-lactamases,
carbapenemases, efflux pumps, and membrane permeability changes, to understand
their collective contribution to A. baumannii's multidrug resistance.
Materials and Methods
Among 300 clinical isolates from urine, blood, wounds, and burns, 25 (8.33%) were
identified as A. baumannii. These included 8% from urine, 12% from blood, and 40%
each from wound and burn swabs.
all specimens were taken from patients who have different symptoms in
hospital of Al-Hilla Teaching Hospital/ Babylon. The research was
carried out through the period January and June 2024. Bacterial identification was
conducted using the VITEK-2 system and HI-Chromoagar® A. baumannii. Enzymatic
genes were detected using conventional PCR, while non-enzymatic genes were
analyzed via RT-qPCR.
Results
Molecular analysis revealed the presence of beta-lactamase (blaOXA-51, blaOXA-23)
and metallo-beta-lactamase genes (blaVIM, blaIMP), with high antibiotic resistance
rates. Gene expression analysis highlighted efflux pump upregulation (adeB) and
altered permeability (CarO), reinforcing multidrug resistance mechanisms.
Conclusion
The combined action of enzymatic and non-enzymatic resistance genes in A.
baumannii presents a significant treatment challenge, necessitating multi-target
therapeutic approaches.
Richard O. Solomon, Dr. Gary J. Stephens
Acinetobacter baumannii,Non- Enzymatic genes, Enzymatic genes, RT-q PCR
Review Article
04 Jun 2026
Abstract
The review focuses on the positive changes brought by NIPT into prenatal care, stressing
on its effectiveness, nonintrusiveness, and ability to support timely medical actions. It
situates the development of NIPT in the context of the overall trend toward individualized
medicine and preventive care and highlights how the technique may redefine the standard
for prenatal testing. The abstract also recognizes the need for more studies to improve
NIPT performance and expand the range of its applications, but at the same time, the need
for the development of guidelines and ethical standards for the use of this technology in
clinical practice. In general, it situates NIPT as a cutting-edge technology in the context of
genetics, technology, and healthcare with potential benefits for enhancing fetal care and
providing valuable genetic information to expectant parents.
Dr. Serge Mordon, Dr. Omar Hassan
Review Article
04 Jun 2026
Introduction Epidural injections considered to be the mostly performed nonsurgical
treatment for radicular pain due to Lumbar disc herniation. Different types of epidural
injections have been used in the management of lumbar radiculopathy including local
anaesthetics only, different types of steroids, and combined steroids and local
anaesthetics using different approaches.
Methods The literature review used in this assignment will focus on the use of epidural
injections in the management of sciatica. High quality evidence with different study
design will be discussed including Systematic reviews, Randomised Control trials
(RCTs) and retrospective studies.
Discussion Different types of epidural injections have been studied in the management
of lumbar radiculopathy including local anaesthetics only, different types of steroids,
and combined steroids and local anaesthetics using different approaches. Studies
have been conducted in order to assess the superiority of one type on the other in term
of pain relief, functional improvement, and reduce the surgical intervention.
Conclusion the literature has shown that epidural injections are effective treatment for
LDH in term of both pain relief and functional improvement regardless of the type of
injections whether steroids with local anaesthetics or local anaesthetics alone. There is
strong evidence showing that epidural injections are more effective in the short term (<
6 months) than the long term (> 6 months).
Dr. Gary J. Stephens, Dr. Nadia Karimi
Original Article
04 Jun 2026
Background
Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is one of the most severe threats facing public and
health care.
Aim of study
Study of bacterial resistance to some types of antibiotics, which shows their impact on
society in general and on individual health in particular.
The result
This study included testing an important group of antibiotics on a number of patients
suffering from chronic infections. The study included various samples of blood, urine,
stool, and swabs from the pharynx and wounds for examination. Susceptibility to
antibiotics for the purpose of knowing and estimating the extent of resistance to
antibiotics within the governorates of Iraq, with the exception of the Kurdistan region,
where the study included 18,216 samples. the proportion of fight to the antibiotics used
in the training, which are (Nitrofurantoin (29%), Gramycin (41%), Doxycycline (40),
Tetracycline (53%), Augmentin (76.5), Methprim (57.02), Amoxicillin (73.96), Ampicillin
(81.77%)). The results of this study underscore several alarming patterns concerning
antibiotic resistance observed in clinical isolates.
Material and methods
Susceptibility to antibiotics for the purpose of knowing and estimating the extent of
resistance to antibiotics within the governorates of Iraq, with the exception of the
Kurdistan region performed using the disk diffusion method.
Conclusion
Ampicillin, Augmentin, amoxicillin, Methprim, tetracycline, gentamicin, doxycycline, and
nitrofurantoin showed differing levels of resistance, highlighting the widespread issue
of antimicrobial resistance. These resistance trends are consistent with prior studies
and emphasize the critical importance of implementing thorough antimicrobial
stewardship initiatives to address and curb the proliferation of resistance.
Prof. James Harrington, Dr. Alfredo Berzal-Herranz, Richard O. Solomon
public health, AMR, Ampicillin, amoxicillin, Augmentin, gentamicin
Review Article
04 Jun 2026
Obesity is associated with a magnitude of complications. These include metabolic
complications, cardiovascular events, tumors, gastrointestinal disorders, arthritis, and
infertility. which occurs as a result of complex relationships between genetic,
socioeconomic, and cultural influences. Obesity is responsible for an increased risk of
impairment of producing offspring and infertility. Obese females are unsatisfactory to
meet a need for reproductive outcomes regardless of the mode of conception, so higher
body mass index (BMI) is associated with poorer fertility prognosis. Polycystic ovary
syndrome (PCOS) is one of the leading causes of infertility, and many women with
PCOS are also overweight or obese. Obesity is associated with infertility in women
through multiple and complex mechanisms. Briefly, the adipose tissue through the
production of many factors, such as leptin, free fatty acids (FFA), and cytokines may
affect both ovarian and endometrium functions, with a final alteration in oocyte
maturation endometrial receptivity. In addition, through the development of peripheral
insulin resistance obesity produces a condition of functional hyperandrogenism and
hyperestrogenism that contribute to produce anovulation and reducing endometrial
receptivity.
Obesity in women represents a significant problem during pregnancy, and
childbirth, with a well-recognized reduction in the chance of conception for both Assisted
Reproduction Techniques( ART) and non-ART pregnancies as well as an increased risk
of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Although there are no practical
indications to guide the clinician to choose the best method among increased physical
activity, diet, drugs, and bariatric surgery. Weight reduction represents the most
significant factor affecting fertility and pregnancy outcomes. So the best strategy starts
with comprehensive lifestyle management and may include the use of approved weight
loss medications to ameliorate comorbidities and achieve meaningful clinical outcomes
Amélia Pilar Rauter, Dr. Daniela De Vita, Dr. Irina Velikyan
Original Article
04 Jun 2026
Background: Needle stick injuries (NSIs) provide a considerable occupational risk for
healthcare workers (HCWs), exposing them to blood borne viruses like HIV, hepatitis
B, and hepatitis C. Understanding and compliance with infection prevention protocols
are essential for reducing these hazards. Objective: This research seeks to assess
healthcare workers' understanding, habits, and views of needle stick injuries and to
determine the variables affecting their compliance with preventative measures.
Methods: descriptive cross-sectional research study with 400 healthcare workers from
various health facilities. We gathered data using standardized questionnaires that
focused on demographic factors, functional roles, awareness, practices, and NSI
views. Result: The majority of participants were aged 20–29 years (62.5%), mostly
male (70.8%), and resided in metropolitan regions (75.8%). Moderate awareness
levels were seen in 54.8% of healthcare workers, accompanied by notable deficiencies
in knowledge of viral survival periods. Good behaviors were noted in 59.2% of
participants, especially for infection control measures such as hand cleanliness and
sharps disposal. Conclusion: The study found that most healthcare workers have a
moderate level of awareness about needle stick injuries.
Dr. Serge Mordon, Richard O. Solomon, Dr. Gary J. Stephens
