Al-Kunooze Scientific Journal

Abstract This study investigates the photoprotective properties of Boswellia species resin, commonly
known as frankincense, and evaluates its potential as a natural sunscreen agent. Considering the
increasing interest in natural skincare alternatives, this research examines the ultraviolet (UV)
absorption characteristics and the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of frankincense extracts. Three
distinct formulations were prepared: a standard zinc oxide suspension, a macerated frankincense
extract, and a sonicated frankincense extract. Spectrophotometric analysis was employed to
determine the absorbance spectra in the 290-320 nm range, and SPF values were calculated using
the Mansur equation. In addition, a preliminary phytochemical screening of the frankincense resin
was conducted to identify the presence of key bioactive compounds, including flavonoids,
polyphenols, and alkaloids. Results indicated that the sonicated frankincense extract exhibited a
significantly higher SPF value than the macerated extract and the standard zinc oxide suspension.
This suggests that the extraction method significantly influences the photoprotective efficacy of
the resin. The phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids in frankincense. This
study scientifically validates the traditional use of frankincense in skincare, highlighting its
potential as a natural source of UV protection. The findings highlight the importance of extraction
techniques in optimizing the photoprotective properties of natural products. 

Abstract Integrate dentistry and informatics have emerged in the emergence of a new technology like 3d
printing.
The objective of the study was to evolve the effectiveness of nanoparticles on some important
mechanical properties for the base of denture which is made by 3d printing. The procedure of
work was first collected and analyzed, and relevant articles were chosen, the general databases
were searched for articles published that appeared between 2010 and 2024, and we grouped
relevant search terms, such as 3D-printer denture base, nanoparticles, mechanical test This
review was develop using the literature search was performed with PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of
Science and EMBASE databases, until 30 June 2024.
Printing resin presented the values of the flexural strength, tensile, and impact strength were
improved by addition with a limited concentration of ZrO2 and TiO2 compared between them
while indirect tensile and hardness appeared different results. The roughness does not appear any
different value. 

Abstract Background: needle stick injuries expose healthcare workers to blood-borne viruses including
HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, they pose a serious occupational danger. To lessen these risks,
infection prevention procedures must be understood and followed. 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.

Abstract Methods: The study aimed to assess the age, body mass index (BMI), Period of
_Infertility Counts, types of infertility distribution of patients diagnosed with prostatic
hyperplasia and prostate cancer in Najaf, Iraq. The data was categorized into two age
groups: less than 40 years and more than 40 years. BMI was categorized into two
groups: less than 25 kg/m2
and more than 25 kg/m2
. The Chi-square test evaluated
statistical significance to analyze how prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer affected
distribution patterns of azoospermia, asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia,
oligozoospermia, and unexplained infertility.
Results: A significant association was found between age and prostate condition (X2
= 48.21, P = 0.0001). Prostate cancer was significantly more prevalent in men over 40
(77.3%), while Prostate Hyperplasia was observed in both age groups, with a slightly
higher percentage in men under 40 (51.7%). No statistically significant association was
found between BMI and the presence of prostatic hyperplasia or prostate cancer. The
BMI distribution was similar between the two groups, with a slightly higher prevalence
of normal/healthy weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2
) in both conditions. No statistically
significant association was found between "Period_of Infertility Counts" and the
presence of prostatic hyperplasia or prostate cancer. The distribution of
"Period_Infertility Counts" was similar between the two groups. Research established
an important connection between infertility type and prostate condition occurrence.
"Unexplained Infertility" was the most common type in both prostatic hyperplasia
(84.5%) and prostate cancer (50.0%). However, the distribution of other infertility types
differed significantly between the two groups. Older age (OR = 3.64, p = 0.024), fertile
periods greater than 5 years (OR = 4.87, p = 0.035), azoospermia (OR = 28.00, p =
0.005), and a combination of asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia, and
oligozoospermia (OR = 9.62, p = 0.0001) were significantly associated with increased
odds of "P. Cancer a." BMI and fertile periods between 5.1 and 10 years were not
significantly associated.
Conclusion: Older age functions as a primary risk factor leading to prostate cancer
development in this specific demographic. Age serves as a vital element during prostate
disease diagnosis and management because Prostate Hyperplasia happens in men at
different age groups. Research findings showed that BMI had no impact on prostatic
hyperplasia diagnosis or prostate cancer presence in addition to Period of _Infertility
Counts posing no connection to these conditions. The type of male infertility
Ali & Hamood, 11,3 (27-38), 2025
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establishes the risk of prostate cancer together with age and particular male fertility
factors thus making these variables significant predictors for prostate cancer.

Abstract This look at aimed to discover the bioactive compounds in tamarind (Tamarindus indica) fruits
using aqueous and ethanolic extracts. GC-MS analyses revealed quite a few compounds found in
those extracts. Tamarind is a tropical plant native to Africa but broadly cultivated globally. It is
known for its nutrient-wealthy houses and numerous health blessings. It is thought for its nutrientrich houses and numerous health benefits. In latest years, interest in herbal antioxidants and their
role in ailment prevention and treatment has grown. Tamarind consists of an excessive attention of
polyphenols and flavonoids, which can be presumed to be the primary materials liable for its
powerful antioxidant houses. The phenolic compounds in tamarind make contributions to heart and
immune health, along with their antimicrobial and antineoplastic consequences. Flavonoids found
in numerous parts of the plant are also recognized for their anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and
lipid-lowering homes, making them beneficial inside the control of several fitness conditions. This
study investigates the bioactive compounds in tamarind and their associated organic activities.

Abstract Pink eye or conjunctivitis remains one of the most widespread eye infections where
Staphylococcus aureus which is both virulent and antibiotic-resistant stands among several
infecting pathogens as a Gram-positive bacterium. This study aimed to characterize
Staphylococcus aureus in conjunctivitis, focusing on antimicrobial susceptibility Patterns, efflux
pumps and virulence genes. The researchers obtained 150 sample collections from patients
experiencing symptoms of conjunctivitis at From Al-Nasiriyah Teaching Hospital along with AlHaboubi General Hospital in Ophthalmology Consultant at Dhi-Qar Governorate in Iraq
throughout August to December 2024. These samples received culture on blood, chocolate, and
MacConkey agar media. Of the isolates, 34 (40%) were typed as Staphylococcus aureus by the
Vitek2 compact system. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed resistance in some of the isolates,
and further assessment of efflux pump activity was conducted by the ethidium bromide cartwheel
method. Of the 20 resistant isolates, 7 (20.6%) were found to have efflux pump activity. Molecular
analysis by PCR identified the presence of three virulence genes sigB, katG, and clfA in all effluxpositive isolates. The genes perform multiple functions which include stress response together with
oxidative defense and host adhesion mechanisms and specifically contribute to Staphylococcus
aureus pathogenicity of conjunctivitis. The article highlights Staphylococcus aureus's survival and
adaptation through antibiotic resistance and virulence factor mechanisms and producing
difficulties in bacterial conjunctivitis control.

Abstract In recent years, asthmatic patients recorded a high prevalence worldwide. The aim of the study
was to address knowledge gaps in asthmatic cases with combination of factors affecting the
epidemiology of the disease in Southern region of Iraq. A cross-sectional study had been done
from October 2024 until April 2024. A total of 250 asthmatic patients from Southern regions in
Iraq aged from 7 years to 80 years, with and without recurrent respiratory infections. In addition
to patients who have been diagnosed by specialized clinicians and registered at Thi Qar Center
for Respiratory diseases (TQLD) and evaluated through follow up visits. Results recorded a nonsignificant difference between patients according to sex and age group. High significant
difference with P-value <0.001 have been scored in non-smoker patients, patients with three
respiratory tract infections (RTI), disease severity, duration of disease of (< 1 year), patient who
had no family history of asthma, patient who have four sibs and who were the third order
between their sibs. Conclusion: knowledge gaps have been well addressed in studied asthmatic
cases.

Abstract Male infertility exists as a complex medical issue which depends on multiple physiological and
biochemical factors particularly lipid metabolism and genetic integrity. The research evaluated how
lipid profile characteristics relate to DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in Iraqi men who have either
normal or abnormal semen test results. The study enrolled 90 male participants who included 46 men
with normal semen characteristics between ages 20 to 45 and 44 men with abnormal semen
parameters. Semen samples underwent analysis for standard parameters and lipid profile and DFI.
The aberrant semen group displayed elevated triglyceride (TG) levels at 19.32±5.60 mg/dl which
exceeded normal group levels at 14.50±4.62 mg/dl (P<0.01). The analysis revealed no significant
variation between cholesterol (CHO) levels (P=0.410) but LDL levels of the aberrant semen group
(6.38±4.12 mg/dl) significantly diverged from the normal group levels (9.03±3.43 mg/dl with
P<0.01). The DNA fragmentation index (DFI) levels of the aberrant semen group exceeded those of
the normal semen group by a significant margin (31.66±16.15% versus 13.54±9.49%, P<0.01). This
indicates that men with poor semen quality typically present with sperm DNA damage. The research
findings suggest that abnormal lipid metabolism together with increased DNA fragmentation plays a
role in male infertility development particularly among men with abnormal semen analysis results.

Abstract A high percentage of participants (92.7%) reported consuming sugar-sweetened beverages. Additionally, 62.8% believed that manufactured sugars are worse than sugar contained in SSBs, while only 28.9% demonstrated a good level of awareness. Moreover, 26.8% showed an acceptable level of knowledge, whereas 44.3% had a low level of awareness—highlighting the need to improve health awareness in this area.
Furthermore, the study revealed that the overall knowledge level was insufficient to improve overall perception. The results did not show any statistically significant correlation between level of perception and specific demographic factors such as age group, gender, or place of residence.However, other demographic and social factors—such as educational level, socioeconomic status, and body mass index (BMI) categories—showed a statistically significant correlation (p < 0.001).

Abstract Background: Antibiotics are important medicines that require great awareness in their use to
avoid bacterial resistance, as their misuse is considered one of the most prominent global health
challenges. Objective: this study aims to assess the level of practice of patients toward
antibiotics use. Methodology: cross-sectional study was conducted in selected government
hospitals in Al-Najaf city from 1 September 2024 until the end of January 2025 to assess the
practice of patients on antibiotic use. Data were collected from 400 patients using a structured
questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS-27. Results: the results of this study indicate that
59.8% of patients have a moderate practice score, followed by 20.2% of the participants have
a good practice score, and only 20.0% of patients have a poor practice score. The results of this
study reveal that there is a significant relationship between demographic characteristics (such
as age groups, residence, gender, marital status, educational level, high professional occupation
and socioeconomic status) and overall practices score (P. value <0.05). Conclusion: The study
conclude that more than half of patients have moderate level of practices about antibiotic use.
The study concludes that older married patients who live in urban areas, have high education
level, high occupational status, and high socio-economic status have good practice score
toward antibiotics. 

Abstract Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus represents a significant health problem. Many
studies have reported that intensive nutritional intervention by itself or in addition to
medications is the best method to improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus,
helps improve diabetes outcomes by assisting patients in achieving a target glycated
hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of <7.
Aim of Study: Exploring dietary carbohydrate and fiber intake pattern in patients with
with non-insulin-dependent diabetes and its effect on diabetes control on sample of adults
in Thi-qar Governorate /Iraq. Methodology: This cross-sectional study included 250
patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes who were attending Thi-Qar Specialized
Diabetes Endocrine and Metabolism Center (TDEMC), The data was gathered through inperson interviews with patients through questionnaires distributed on the basis of axes
(Socio-demographic and health characteristics of participants, Assessment of
carbohydrates and fibres intake patterns of patients. Results: The results of this study
indicate that 88.4% of patients follow foods that contain unhealthy carbohydrates. While
11.6% of diabetic patients follow a healthy diet. Iin contrast, the results of this study
indicate that 47.6% of patients follow healthy foods that contain fibers, 39.6% of patients
Rabie et. al., 11,3(117-135), 2025
with T2DM follow neutral fiber diet. While 12.8% of diabetic patients follow a unhealthy
fiber diet.A very high percentage ( 86.4%) of the patients with T2DM have high levels of
HbA1c. The mean of HbA1c was 8.97±2.237 (with range; 5.7-14.9). Additionally, the
results found there were negative correlation between HbA1c with carbohydrates scores
and fiber scores (r=-0.504 and r=-0.312) respectively. Conclusion: This cross-sectional
study showed that there was negative correlation between HbA1c with carbohydrates
scores and fiber scores

Abstract The rapid proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, spanning from smart home appliances to
wearable technology, has significantly heightened concerns regarding security and privacy across
various sectors. As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated and frequent, the urgency for
robust, adaptable security frameworks within IoT infrastructures is more critical than ever. This study
introduces a cutting-edge security framework tailored for IoT-based smart door locks, which employs
a novel integration of the Chameleon Swarm Algorithm (CSA), Secure Hash Algorithm SHA-256,
and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC). We conducted comprehensive performance evaluations in a
Microsoft Visual Studio 2012 environment, where our proposed framework was benchmarked against
conventional hybrid methods based on Genetic Algorithms (GA) and Firefly Algorithm such as -
SHA-256-ECC-GA and SHA-256-ECC-FA. These evaluations demonstrated that our framework
significantly enhances security performance, achieving up to 15.17% faster encoding times at 100
iterations and markedly quicker decoding times at 150 iterations compared to the benchmark
techniques. The improvements confirm the framework’s effectiveness in not only bolstering IoT
device security but also in its potential for scalability and adaptability across diverse IoT applications. 

Abstract Background: Excessive inflammation in bladder cancer cases often leads to complications,
and UTIs have been shown to strengthen existing bladder inflammation. IL-1β and TNF-α
function as crucial during this process. The inflammatory mediators, pro-inflammatory
cytokines, guide infection defense against UTIs and cancer susceptibility and progression.
Aim of the study: The first objective of this research was to assess and differentiate IL-1β
and TNF-α concentrations in bladder cancer patients with recurring or without UTIs. This
research examined how UTIs affect bladder cancer patients' inflammatory cytokines in their
bloodstream while studying whether such infections correlate with cytokine measurements.
Methods: Researchers obtained 76 blood samples totaling 2ml from bladder cancer patients
throughout the Oncology Center in Najaf Governorate from June 2024 until December 2024.
This investigation included patient populations between the ages of 45 to 75 years.
Researchers measured IL-1beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) concentrations
through bladder cancer samples obtained from 40 patients with UTIs versus samples obtained
from 36 patients who did not develop UTIs. Blood samples were collected from healthy
individuals to serve as a control group. Results: This study analyzed 76 blood samples from
bladder cancer patients,40 of whom also had a urinary tract infection (UTI), including 30
males and 10 females aged 50–75. The remaining 36 patients, all males aged 60–70, had
bladder cancer without UTI. Additionally, 30 healthy individuals served as controls.
Immunological analysis showed significantly elevated levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in bladder
cancer patients with UTI compared to those without UTI and the control group. Notably,
TNF-α levels were highest in the UTI group (1.7525 ± 0.0693) and progressively lower in
non-UTI patients and controls. A similar pattern was seen for IL-1β, with UTI patients
showing the highest levels (1.7217 ± 0.0387), followed by non-UTI patients (1.2705 ±0.0557), and controls (0.7585 ± 0.0458). These differences were statistically significant (p =
0.0001). 

Abstract The results of blood factor analysis of rabbits given (10) micrograms of selenium orally, and those
given (10) micrograms of selenium with 0.4 mg of vitamin E added for (30) days showed a clear
significant decrease in the values of hemoglobin Hb, the number of red blood cells RBC, and the
values of packed red blood cell volume PCV in the treated rabbits. MCV and MCH values also
significantly increased in rabbits given selenium, and then significantly increased in rabbits treated
with selenium supplemented with vitamin E compared to the control group. A significant increase
in the number of white blood cells was also observed in the selenium and vitamin E group
compared to the selenium and control groups at a probability level of P = 0.05. Regarding the
differential count, the number of lymphocytes was significantly higher compared to the control
group (Figure (7). The values of the GPT and GOT enzymes also significantly increased (P = 0.05)
in the selenium-treated rabbits, while these values decreased in the selenium and vitamin E group
but remained higher than in the control group.

Abstract Proteus mirabilis is a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen commonly implicated in
urinary tract infections (UTIs) in both humans and animals. This study aimed to isolate and
identify P. mirabilis from urine samples of humans, cats, and dogs, and to evaluate the presence
and genetic variability of selected virulence genes. A total of 150 urine samples (50 from each host
species) were collected using sterile techniques. Isolation was performed on HiCrome UTI agar,
and identification was confirmed using the VITEK-2 system. PCR was employed to detect four
virulence genes: ureC, hpmA, mrpA, and ureR, followed by sequencing and SNP analysis. Out of
the 150 samples, 18 isolates were identified as P. mirabilis. DNA sequencing revealed varying
numbers of SNPs among the genes, with mrpA exhibiting the highest polymorphism, suggesting
potential genetic diversity and adaptation mechanisms. These findings highlight the zoonotic
potential of P. mirabilis and emphasize the importance of molecular characterization to understand
its virulence and evolutionary dynamics in different hosts.