Author: Sinan Subhi Farhan

Detection of DNA molecules and possible chemotherapy-induced changes in its structure has been the goal of researchers using rapid, sensitive and inexpensive approaches. Therefore, the aim of this study was to fabricate a new electrochemical DNA biosensor using pencil graphite electrodes modified with polypyrrole/Ce doped hexagonal nickel oxide nanodisks or PP/Ce-doped H-NiO-ND composites for determination of Abemaciclib (AMC) and ds-DNA molecules. The DNA biosensor was prepared by immobilizing ds-DNA on the surface of PP/Ce-doped H-NiO-ND/PGE. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was used to electrochemically detect AMC. The results elucidate the extremely high sensitivity of the ds-DNA/PP/Ce-doped H-NiO-ND/PGE biosensor to AMC, with a narrow detection limit of 2.7 nM and a lengthy linear range of 0.01–600.0 μM. The admirable performance of as-fabricated biosensor could be related to the active reaction sites and the unique electrochemical response related to the nanocomposites by enhancing ds-DNA stabilization and accelerating electron transfer on the surface of electrode.

Background: Estimating stature is useful in forensics and personal identification. There are no established methods for estimating height among Iraqis in the literature. Objective: To forecast the stature of Iraqis based on the morphometric features of both hands. Methods: We recruited 101 students from Al-Rafidain University College, collected data on ethnicity, gender, weight, and height, and measured fourteen morphometric parameters for each hand, including hand length, palm length, hand breadth, maximum handbreadth, and finger length. To predict stature based on the above variables, the statistician used multivariable linear regression. Results: The sample consisted of males (48.5%) and females (51.5%) aged 18-23 years of Arabic (95%) and Kurdish (5%). We estimated the average weight (65.68±1.32) and height (169.5±21.13). Three prediction equations were developed. The whole sample (accuracy=74.8%, p<0.001) and the male cohort (65%, p<0.001) had significantly higher statistical accuracy than the females (47.2%, p[removed]

Metabolic syndrome is one of the major risk factors that lead to various serious complications like cardiovascular abnormalities, hyperlipidemia and diabetes. Its co-incidence with other organs dysfunction results in further deterioration of the condition or precipitation of other dysfunctions. This study aimed at studying the changes in the hepatic functions after the co-incidence of the high fat or fructose diets induced metabolic syndrome along with the gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity. Briefly, six groups of male Sprague Daley rats (n = 10–12) were fed with different feeding protocols; viz; standard rodent’s chow, an experimental high fat or high fructose diets feedings. For each, two groups were allocated that one of them was injected with normal saline and the other with 80 mg/kg/day I.P gentamicin during the last 24 days of the feeding period. The rats were monitored for changes in the metabolic data, glycemic control, lipid profile, renal and hepatic functions, oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. The study revealed stronger hepatic changes in the renal failure groups fed with the high fat diet rather than that in the groups fed with the high fructose diet. Although, the latter experienced a stronger deterioration in the glycemic control. The study suggests that the incidence of the hepatic changes is more linked to the incidence of the deterioration in the lipids profile that was observed after the high fat diet feeding. Overall, the co-incidence of the high fat diet induced metabolic syndrome along with the renal failure constitutes a risk factor for the hepatic dysfunction.

Background: Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the educational sector has undergone a series of changes which have affected both learners and students alike. As a result, the distortion of the students’ daily routine, isolation, social distancing and potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus changed almost all of the aspects of student life which has led to exhaustion of students, with both psychological and emotional challenges. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to determine the factors that have a significant impact on the level of lockdown fatigue among university students in the era of COVID-19. Methods: A cross sectional was undertaken for this study. A questionnaire was designed and then shared electronically with the respondents of this study. The respondents were 819 students from tertiary institutions in Iraq. Some of the scales used in ranking the responses of the participants are the Lockdown Fatigue scale, Brief Resilience Scale and Coping Behaviours questionnaire. Data analysis was. Results: Overall, the students had a high level of fatigue due to lockdown-measurement. Emptiness was one of the dominant feelings experienced by the students, along with concern for the safety and well-being of their own families. There was general agreement that students take a long time to return to normal routines after stressful events. The students also indicated that they cope with the lockdown through a variety of activities, ranging from making jokes about the situation to putting their faith in a higher power. Male student were less likely to suffer from lockdown-fatigue, however, studying in public university, being from urban areas, and studying in science field are the most significant factors that increase the level of lockdown. However, lower levels of lockdown fatigue were linked to significantly higher levels of personal resilience and coping abilities. Conclusion: High level of lockdown fatigue among students is noticed, and several factors have been identified. Therefore, it is helpful for students to consistently work on reinforcing positive habits which would help them to build resilience when they are subjected to stressful conditions and scenarios.

Background: The use of cosmetic products is growing in dominance in the Arab population, making it essential to measure its effects on users. The production of cosmetics has been largely driven by consumerism and a bid to keep abreast with the latest trends in the beauty industry with less attention on how the users’ quality of life (QoL) is affected. Aims: This study aims to investigate the effect of cosmetic products on users’ quality of life in eight Arab countries. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using an online data collection approach. A validated and specialist instrument tool called BeautyQoL, which consists of five domains and a total of 52 questions, was distributed to a sample of 2219 cosmetic users. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was done using SPSS® version 26.0. Results: The mean age of participants was 34 ± 11.25 years, and more women were represented in the sample (71%) than men. The majority of respondents had oily skin type (39.6%) and tan skin tone (30.4%). QoL through cosmetic use is computed with a mean score of 51 out of 100. The users’ mean score satisfaction from cosmetic use is centred on attractiveness (56.1), followed by self-confidence (51.8). Cosmetics have a statistically significant effect on participants who are young adults, women, single, and employed with high income. As the respondents’ skin tone deepens from very fair to dark, the mean score for each domain significantly increases, whereas when skin type changes from very oily to dry, the mean score for each domain decreases. Conclusion: The effect of cosmetics on the users’ QoL is limited, contrary to the narrative commonly portrayed in cosmetics’ advertisements. Therefore, the use of cosmetics among the Arab population should be from an informed perspective of their specific needs instead of conforming to the viral trends pedaled by influencers and bloggers on social media, which might be irrelevant for them.

Governments worldwide have imposed lockdowns in their countries to restrict unnecessary movement and curb the spread and transmission of the Covid-19 as a mitigation measure. The education sector has also implemented rapid changes, and this has transformed the operational procedures for both students and lecturers. As the pandemic has progressed, its emotional and psychological toll is equally bearing on students, leading to lockdown fatigue. This study aimed to investigate the level of lockdown-induced fatigue and its correlation with personal resilience and coping skills among university students in Iraq. This study used quantitative methods of research using a cross-sectional study design. A questionnaire survey was distributed electronically among 819 university students in Iraq. The study used three standardised scales: the lockdown fatigue scale, brief resilience scale, and coping behaviours questionnaire for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were done using SPSS. Overall, students indicated a high level of lockdown fatigue with a mean score of 33.48out of 50. Fear of personal safety and the wellbeing of the family was the most fear expressed by the students. The ability to go through stressful times and unpleasant events was the most common worry among the students. Female, urbanised, and science field students were the most students who suffered from lockdown-induced fatigue. However, positive coping behaviours and personal resilience were significantly correlated with decreasing fatigue levels during the lockdown period. Level of lockdown fatigue accelerated in an alarming stage among university students in Iraq. Hence, students need to build their emotional resilience and learn how to navigate surviving hard times and bounce back after a loss. This could be facilitated by counselling services being availed to educational and social institutions to benefit university students.