بحوث سكوبس — مهدي حمزة منذور مربد الطائي

The chromones found in the dried roots of Saposhnikovia divaricata include cimifugin; in fact, Saposhnikovia divaricata is a main source of cimifugin. Vinpocetine is a synthetic version of vincamine derived from periwinkle; it is characterized by potent anti-inflammatory properties that allow it to reduce immune cell infiltration and suppress the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential influence of a topically-applied combination of cimifugin and vinpocetine gels on a model of a psoriasis-like inflammatory skin reaction. To this end, we divided 48 albino BALB/c mice into six groups. All groups except for the negative control group received imiquimod topically (daily, for 7 days) for the induction of psoriasis-like skin lesions. A group received imiquimod (5%) only (positive control), while four other groups were also treated with a clobetasol (0.05%) cream, a cimifugin (3%) gel, a vinpocetine (3%) gel, or a combination of cimifugin (3%) and vinpocetine (3%) gels, once daily, for 7 days; the aforementioned treatments were first applied 7 days after the pharmacological induction of the lesions. Our findings revealed that the topically-applied combination of cimifugin-and vinpocetine-containing gels had an important anti-psoriatic effect, as seen by the diminishing of the skin levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-17, and interleukin-23, thereby improving the imiquimod-induced histological changes in mice. We conclude that a topically-applied combination of cimifugin and vinpocetine can exert substantial anti-psoriatic activity. © 2025, ZITA Medical Management. All rights reserved.

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a chronic condition of the digestive system that can lead to serious complications, increasing both morbidity and mortality and adversely affecting patients’ quality of life. This study aimed to assess the sociodemographic characteristics of the sample and to evaluate patients’ responses to known risk factors associated with PUD. A descriptive study was conducted in hospitals located in Al Hilla, Iraq. A purposive sample of 100 patients diagnosed with PUD was selected based on predefined inclusion criteria. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and were analysed using descriptive statistics. Frequencies and percentages were used in order to categorize responses, while the mean and standard deviation were calculated in order to assess central tendency and variability. The findings revealed that patients reported high levels of exposure to several risk factors, including psychological stress, consumption of spicy foods, and intake of caffeinated beverages such as tea and coffee. The highest mean score was observed for the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, whereas the lowest scores were recorded for alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking, and rapid ingestion of food. In conclusion, the study highlights that dietary habits and lifestyle factors play a significant role in the development and exacerbation of PUD. © 2025, ZITA Medical Management. All rights reserved.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents one of the most pressing challenges in contemporary public health. Neonates and children are among the most vulnerable populations, not only by being at heightened risk of developing AMR, but also for being among the ones most frequently being prescribed antibiotics, particularly for respiratory tract infections (RTIs). This study aimed at examining the relationship between antibiotic overuse and resistance in paediatric patients with recurrent RTIs. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed from 10 December 2023 to 10 March 2024, targeting children in the Babil Province (Iraq) that were selected through a non-probability convenience sampling method. Findings revealed a high prevalence of antibiotic prescription errors: 62% of the cases involved inadequate course duration, 69% of the patients received duplicate therapy, and 61% were prescribed antibiotics with insufficient dosing frequency. A significant association was observed between these prescription errors and a history of recurrent RTIs. Such errors appear to contribute to the development of AMR, not only in children but potentially extending to adult populations. Given the potentially fatal consequences of antibiotic misuse, both paediatricians and parents must exercise rigorous caution when administering antibiotics to children. © 2025, ZITA Medical Management. All rights reserved.

Triage refers to the placement of patients in the appropriate setting at the appropriate time in order for them to receive the appropriate level of care, along with the allocation of resources tailored to their medical needs. A descriptive study was conducted in order to assess nurses’ knowledge of medical triage between October 15, 2023, and April 1, 2024. A non-probability convenience sample comprising 50 nurses working in the Emergency Unit of the Al Hillah Teaching Hospital was included. The study utilized a questionnaire developed through a comprehensive review of the relevant literature and modified as necessary. Its content validity was established through evaluation by a panel of five experts. Data were collected using a researcher-developed, self-administered questionnaire in Arabic, employing both interview and self-report formats. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS software, version 24. The general level of nurses’ knowledge regarding medical triage, as assessed in this study, was found to be fair to good. It is recommended to appoint qualified registered nurses so as to enhance the quality of care provided in medical triage settings. © 2025, ZITA Medical Management. All rights reserved.

This study aimed at evaluating the performance of school health providers at primary health centers in Al-Hilla City (Hillah) through the application of a quality assurance framework. A descriptive evaluation study was conducted from October 5, 2024 to March 25, 2025. A purposive sample of 63 individuals was selected using a non-probability sampling technique from 15 primary healthcare centers, drawn from two health sectors within the Al-Hilla City Center under the Babylon Health Directorate in Iraq. The sample comprised 20 members of the medical staff and 43 members of the nursing staff. A panel of thirteen experts participated in a pilot study in order to assess the reliability of the evaluation instrument through content validity and internal consistency metrics. The findings indicate a growing demand and a diminishing supply of workforce in primary health care. The quality assurance assessment of school health activities performed by medical and nursing staff revealed a fair overall performance. However, health education services provided to teaching staff and students were found to be suboptimal. © 2025, ZITA Medical Management. All rights reserved.

Tobacco use remains one of the most pressing global health challenges. Approximately 80% of smokers worldwide reside in low-and middle-income countries, where the burden of tobacco-related morbidity and mortality is disproportionately high. Cigarette smoking is notably prevalent among university students. This study aimed at investigating and evaluating the awareness and determinants of smoking status within a university student sample, and at examining the association between awareness levels and smoking-related determinants. A descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted involving 230 university students who smoke, recruited from Baghdad City. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire designed to assess participants’ awareness of smoking-related harms and the factors influencing their smoking behavior. The majority of the participants were male and aged between 18 and 23 years. Most reported smoking cigarettes and hookah, and demonstrated awareness of the harmful effects of smoking, including its role as a major cause of lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory conditions. The lowest level of agreement was recorded for the statement linking smoking to road traffic accidents. Nearly half of the participants acknowledged that smoking negatively affects family income. Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between students’ awareness and the determinants of smoking status, as well as with their sociodemographic characteristics. © 2025, ZITA Medical Management. All rights reserved.