Articles

16 published articles

Review Article 03 Jun 2026

A Comprehensive Review of Female Reproductive Tract Infections Among Married Women

Female reproductive tract infections (FRTIs) represent a significant health concern for women, particularly among married women, due to their adverse effects on reproductive health. This review was conducted to examine the various types and underlying causes of FRTIs in married women. The findings highlight the high prevalence of these infections, especially during pregnancy, when they may be transmitted to the fetus either in utero or during delivery. FRTIs encompass a range of viral, fungal, and bacterial infections that arise from numerous contributing factors, including unsafe sexual practices, inadequate personal hygiene, social and environmental influences, compromised immune function, excessive medication use, and certain contraceptive methods. Additionally, female sex hormones play a crucial role in susceptibility to infection by affecting physiological, immunological, and behavioral processes. A thorough understanding of these determinants is vital for designing effective prevention and control measures. Given the widespread occurrence of FRTIs, a comprehensive strategy is required to evaluate and mitigate the associated health risks for both mothers and their children.

Oguz Ataberk, Dr. Mary J. Meegan , Prof. James Harrington
Original Article 06 Mar 2026

Neuroprotective Effects of Curcumin in a Murine Model of Parkinson's Disease: A Mechanistic Analysis

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterised by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Curcumin, the principal bioactive compound of Curcuma longa, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in multiple experimental models. Methods: We employed an MPTP-induced murine model to evaluate the neuroprotective potential of curcumin administered at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight. Behavioural assessments including rotarod performance and open-field tests were conducted. Dopaminergic neuron counts and oxidative stress markers were quantified. Results: Curcumin at 200 mg/kg significantly attenuated MPTP-induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration (p < 0.01), improved motor performance, and reduced malondialdehyde levels by 42% compared to untreated controls. Conclusions: These findings suggest that curcumin exerts dose-dependent neuroprotective effects in PD models, warranting further investigation into its translational potential.

Dr. Omar Hassan, Dr. Lena Hoffmann
Parkinson's disease curcumin neuroprotection MPTP model
Review Article 06 Mar 2026

The Role of Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Current Evidence and Therapeutic Implications

The human gut microbiome, comprising trillions of microorganisms, plays a pivotal role in metabolic homeostasis. Emerging evidence implicates dysbiosis of the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This review synthesises current literature on the mechanistic links between microbiome composition and insulin resistance, inflammation, and gluconeogenesis. We examine findings from metagenomic studies, germ-free animal models, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiments. The evidence supports a bidirectional relationship between glycaemic dysregulation and microbial imbalance. Therapeutic strategies including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and FMT are evaluated in the context of available clinical trial data. Future directions for microbiome-targeted interventions in T2DM management are discussed.

Dr. Nadia Karimi
gut microbiome type 2 diabetes dysbiosis insulin resistance
Original Article 06 Mar 2026

Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolated from Intensive Care Units in Baghdad Teaching Hospitals

Objective: To characterise the antimicrobial resistance profiles of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from ICU patients in Baghdad tertiary care hospitals. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted across three teaching hospitals between January and December 2025. A total of 184 K. pneumoniae isolates were recovered from blood, urine, and respiratory samples. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and confirmed by MIC determination. Carbapenem-resistant isolates were screened for resistance genes by PCR. Results: Resistance rates to carbapenems reached 38.6% (71/184). The blaKPC gene was detected in 56.3% of carbapenem-resistant isolates. High rates of resistance were also observed for cephalosporins (82%) and fluoroquinolones (74%). Conclusions: The high prevalence of multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae in Baghdad ICUs represents a significant public health concern requiring urgent antimicrobial stewardship interventions.

Dr. Omar Hassan, Dr. Zainab Mahdi, Prof. Ahmed Al-Tai
Klebsiella pneumoniae antimicrobial resistance carbapenem resistance ICU