Objectives: This study aimed to compare liver uptake of radiopharmaceuticals in diabetic and non-diabetic patients using PET scanning, and to evaluate the influence of body weight and body mass index (BMI) on radiopharmaceutical uptake. Methods: A total of 150 patients (75 males and 75 females), aged 31–75 years, were enrolled between November 2024 and April 2025. Participants were divided into three groups: control (normal liver, n = 50), liver cancer without diabetes (n = 50), and liver cancer with diabetes (n = 50). All patients underwent PET/CT imaging after intravenous injection of 18F-FDG (0.1 MBq/kg). Standard Uptake Values (SUVs) were recorded and analysed across weight categories (50–100 kg). Results: Mean SUVs were significantly higher in patients with liver cancer compared with controls (e.g., males: 3.32 ± 0.35 vs. 1.49 ± 0.23; females: 3.38 ± 0.35 vs. 1.55 ± 0.23; P < 0.001). Patients with liver cancer and diabetes showed further increases (e.g., males: 3.99 ± 0.35; females: 4.15 ± 0.45), which were significantly different from both controls (P < 0.001) and liver cancer patients without diabetes (P < 0.01). Across both sexes, SUVs rose progressively with body weight, with the highest values observed in the 91–100 kg category. Conclusion: Diabetes and higher body weight/BMI are associated with significantly greater FDG uptake in the liver during PET/CT imaging. These factors should be considered in image interpretation to avoid potential overestimation of malignant activity.

Objective: Giardiasis, caused by the protozoan Giardia lamblia, remains a globally prevalent parasitic infection linked to considerable morbidity, especially in children. This study assessed serum levels of interleukin-38 (IL-38) and haematological parameters in patients with confirmed G. lamblia infection. Methods: A total of 90 participants (45 confirmed G. lamblia cases and 45 healthy controls) were recruited between September 2023 and March 2024. Stool microscopy confirmed giardiasis. Blood samples were analysed using standard haematology analysers and ELISA for IL-38. Results: IL-38 concentrations were numerically higher in infected patients (49.39 ± 4.11 pg/mL) compared to controls (39.59 ± 2.54 pg/mL); however, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.08). Haematological analysis showed significantly higher PCV and MCV in patients (p < 0.05), while MCHC was significantly lower. RBC count and haemoglobin levels did not differ significantly. The gender-based distribution of giardiasis indicated a slightly higher infection rate among males (54.0%) compared to females (45.0%), but this difference was not statistically significant (χ² = 0.720; p = 0.3961). Conclusion: Although IL-38 levels showed an upward trend in giardiasis patients, this was not statistically significant. The significant changes in PCV, MCV, and MCHC suggest potential diagnostic utility for monitoring giardiasis progression; however, further studies are needed to confirm the role of IL-38 in giardiasis. Improved sanitation and public awareness remain critical for reducing giardiasis prevalence.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the molecular prevalence of six key resistance and virulence genes, toxA, oprL, KPC, vim2, hlyA, and vanB2, in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates obtained from clinical sources in selected Iraqi hospitals. Methods: A total of 200 clinical specimens were collected from three hospitals in Iraq. Of these, 25 isolates were confirmed as P. aeruginosa based on culture and biochemical identification. All 25 isolates were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the six target genes. PCR amplification products were analysed by gel electrophoresis. Statistical associations between gene presence and sample sources were evaluated using chi-square tests. Results: All 25 isolates tested positive for toxA and oprL, indicating their ubiquity and potential utility as diagnostic markers. The KPC gene was detected in 84% (21/25) of the isolates, highlighting a high prevalence of carbapenem resistance. No amplification was observed for vim2, hlyA, or vanB2 in any of the isolates. Significant associations were found between gene presence and hospital or specimen source (χ² = 136.52, p < 0.00001). Conclusion: The detection of KPC alongside the universal presence of toxA and oprL genes underscores the clinical importance of these markers in Iraqi hospital settings. The absence of vim2, hlyA, and vanB2 may reflect regional genomic patterns. These findings emphasise the need for molecular diagnostics, enhanced infection control, and ongoing antimicrobial resistance surveillance to inform treatment protocols and policy.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin on glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity in rats, focusing on biochemical, histological, and molecular changes. Methods: Thirty male albino rats were randomised into three groups (n=10 each): control, atorvastatin (80 mg/kg), and rosuvastatin (40 mg/kg). Treatments were given orally for 30 days. Serum insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were measured. Pancreatic tissue was examined histologically. The molecular signalling pathway was studied by measuring the gene expression of protein kinase B (AKT) and Insulin-responsive glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. Results: [Atorvastatin treatment was associated with an initial reduction in fasting blood glucose and improvement in insulin sensitivity. However, by day 30, this group showed reduced glucose tolerance, increased insulin resistance, and β-cell alterations. These metabolic changes were accompanied by a transient early upregulation of AKT and GLUT4 expression in adipose tissue, which declined by the end of the study. In contrast, rosuvastatin treatment was associated with early improvement in glycaemic markers and preserved glucose tolerance, with histological changes observed in pancreatic tissue. Molecular analysis in this group showed a modest early upregulation of AKT and GLUT4 in skeletal muscle. Conclusion: Atorvastatin and rosuvastatin exert distinct effects on glucose metabolism. While rosuvastatin showed a more stable metabolic profile, prolonged high-dose atorvastatin was associated with insulin resistance and β-cell changes.

Objective: To compare perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) and open adrenalectomy (OA) in managing adrenal tumours at Al-Karami Teaching Hospital, Wasit Province, Iraq. Method: This retrospective study reviewed 80 patients who underwent adrenalectomy between January 2015 and December 2023. Data on demographics, tumour characteristics, operative details, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Statistical analysis included t-tests, Chi-square, and Mann–Whitney U tests, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Of 80 patients (mean age 37.4 years; M: F ratio 1:5.8), 70 underwent LA and 10 OA. Pheochromocytoma was the most common indication (82.5%). Compared to OA, LA had significantly lower blood loss (90 vs. 180mL, p<0.001), shorter operative time (135 vs. 158 min, p=0.008), and reduced hospital stay (1.9 vs. 3.3 days, p<0.001). No conversions from LA to OA occurred. All malignant tumours (5%) were treated with OA. Postoperative complications were minor (7.5%) and did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusion: LA is a safe and effective alternative to OA for adrenal tumours <6cm, offering shorter operative time, less blood loss, and faster recovery, even in resource-limited settings. Adoption of laparoscopic techniques and structured surgical training could improve adrenal surgery outcomes in similar regions.

Objective: There is a dearth of literature addressing the utilisation of AI models in patients with epistaxis, and ambiguities exist in the responses these models provide to patient-generated inquiries. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the accuracy and readability of responses regarding frequently asked questions (FAQs) about epistaxis provided by two advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models: ChatGPT-4 Pro and Gemini 2.5 Pro. Methods: A total of 30 commonly asked questions about epistaxis were retrieved from the publicly accessible Quora platform and submitted separately to ChatGPT and Gemini. Two independent medical experts evaluated the AI-generated responses on a 5-point scale, focusing on accuracy and comprehensibility. Readability was assessed using multiple indices, including the Flesch Reading Ease, Gunning Fog, and SMOG indices, among others. Statistical analyses, including interobserver agreement and t-tests, were conducted using SPSS v27. Results: The mean evaluation scores from the two observers were 4.18 ± 0.85 and 4.01 ± 0.83, respectively, with excellent interobserver agreement (ICC = 0.877, p < 0.001). ChatGPT scored slightly higher (4.18 ± 0.66) than Gemini (4.01 ± 0.91), though the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.179). When readability metrics for artificial intelligence were compared, there was no difference in all parameters except Linear Write Grade Level Formula: 14.17±4.56 vs. 10.35±3.77, p<<0.001. Conclusion: Both ChatGPT and Gemini provided highly accurate and readable responses to questions about epistaxis. These results indicate that AI-based tools can effectively support patient education and clinical communication. However, attention to content readability and regular evaluation is still necessary.

Objective: Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections pose a significant challenge due to their ability to resist various antibiotics and form biofilms. Excessive antibiotic use accelerates the development of multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa, which is further enhanced by its ability to form biofilms. Therefore, alternative treatment options are needed to control antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation. Cold plasma contains a mixture of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which directly kill bacteria, modify virulence factors, and enhance innate immune responses. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cold plasma on P. aeruginosa antibiotic resistance and ability to form biofilms. Methods: Clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa were exposed to cold plasma for different periods (3, 6, and 9 minutes). Changes in susceptibility to several antibiotics were assessed using the disk diffusion method, and biofilm formation was examined using crystal violet staining. Results: The results demonstrated the clear effectiveness of cold plasma against antibiotic resistance and the biofilm-forming ability of P. aeruginosa. The effectiveness of the tested antibiotics was increased, and the bacteria lost their ability to form biofilms by 100%. The results support the idea of using cold plasma technology as an alternative to antibiotics to eliminate pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, thereby treating diseases associated with these bacteria. Conclusions: The results demonstrated the potential of using cold plasma technology as an alternative to antibiotics to treat diseases associated with this bacterium.

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the protective and therapeutic effects of resveratrol on experimentally induced cholestasis and to provide new insights into the dual hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of resveratrol in cholestasis. Method: Thirty male Wistar albino rats (270–330 g) obtained from the College of Science at Babylon University were housed in standard plastic cages (five per cage) under controlled conditions (12-hour light/dark cycles, 50% humidity, and 22–25°C temperature, with free access to water). After two weeks of acclimatisation, rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=10 per group). Group A served as the negative control, Group B received ANIT (α-naphthylisothiocyanate) (positive control), and Group C received Resveratrol treatment following ANIT exposure. After the treatment period, all rats were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected for biochemical and inflammatory marker analysis. Results: Total bilirubin (TBIL) levels were significantly reduced in the resveratrol-treated group (1.09 ± 0.18 µmol/L) compared to the cholestasis group (1.98 ± 0.48 µmol/L) (TBIL: p=0.05). Serum IL-1β levels also showed a significant decrease (16.99 ± 2.41 pg/mL vs. 26.07 ± 3.52 pg/mL) (IL-1β: p=0.03). Additionally, ALP levels were significantly reduced in the resveratrol group (16.24 ± 2.81 IU/L) compared to the cholestasis group (50.14 ± 3.16 IU/L) (ALP: p=0.001). These findings demonstrate that resveratrol exerts both anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects. Conclusion: Resveratrol effectively attenuates ANIT-induced cholestasis in rats, likely through the reduction of ALP and bilirubin levels, and modulation of the inflammatory response via IL-1β inhibition.

Objective: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a major complication of diabetes mellitus, often complicated by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a biofilm-forming pathogen associated with delayed wound healing. This study evaluated the prevalence of the pelA gene, a determinant of biofilm production, in P. aeruginosa isolates from DFU patients and assessed systemic immune response through serum interleukin-22 (IL-22) levels. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2024 to January 2025, including 48 DFU patients and 48 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Wound swabs were collected from patients, and P. aeruginosa isolates were identified using the VITEK-2 system or PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene. The presence of the pelA gene was confirmed by PCR. Serum IL-22 concentrations were measured using ELISA. Data were analysed with SPSS v26, using t-tests or Mann–Whitney U tests as appropriate, with P < 0.05 considered significant. Results: All 48 P. aeruginosa isolates (100%) carried the pelA gene. Mean serum IL-22 levels were significantly higher in DFU patients compared with healthy controls (31.04 ± 0.22 pg/mL vs. 28.89 ± 0.84 pg/mL; P = 0.015). Conclusion: The universal detection of pelA highlights its potential as a molecular marker of biofilm-forming P. aeruginosa in DFUs. Elevated IL-22 levels indicate an active host immune response in affected patients. Combined microbial and immunological markers may support improved assessment of infection dynamics in diabetic foot ulcers, although further multicentre and longitudinal studies are warranted.

Objective: Among the leading causes of liver/kidney disease and ovarian failure in reproductive-aged women, inflammation and oxidative stress have been reported to aggravate organ complications induced by several factors, including surgical plumes. Vitamins A, C and E are well documented to improve the antioxidant defence system. This study hypothesised the toxic exposure of ovaries to surgical plume and the therapeutic effect of antioxidants. Method: Adult female Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups: control (CONT), surgical plume (SUPM), antioxidant (ANTO), and SUPM + ANTO groups. Surgical plume was simulated in an enclosed chamber, while administration of the antioxidant was for 28 days (20 mg/kg, p.o.). Thereafter, the animals were sacrificed, and the liver, kidney and ovaries were collected for histological examination. Result: Histological analysis revealed the SUPM group exhibited severe expression of Kupffer cells (hepatic inflammation) as well as macrophage infiltration in the Bowman’s space (renal inflammation. Similarly, ovarian tissue showed degenerated follicles when compared with control animals. Nevertheless, administration of an antioxidant cocktail decreased the Kupffer cells and macrophages in the liver and kidney, respectively, and reversed degenerated ovarian follicles when compared with the untreated SUPM group. Conclusion: Surgical plume exposure compromises hepatic/renal and ovarian tissue to cellular inflammation and oxidative stress, which contributes to cellular apoptosis. The present study revealed that antioxidant administration elicited protective effects in mitigating plume-induced hepatorenal and ovarian toxicity. The findings further highlight the urgent need for plume evacuation systems, enhanced ventilation, and protective measures to safeguard reproductive health among healthcare workers.