Actinomycosis is a chronic, suppurative, and slowly progressive infection caused by anaerobic or microaerophilic, non-spore-forming Gram-positive bacilli belonging to the genus Actinomyces. This condition is challenging to diagnose as it requires anaerobic culture media. We present the case of an 80-year-old male patient diagnosed with loculated left empyema, treated surgically with decortication, along with prolonged antibiotic therapy, resulting in resolution of the case.

Keratinophilic fungi are molds with similar morphology and physiological characteristics that generate the keratinase enzyme, which degrades keratin materials in or on the soil. The study included isolation of Chrysosporium indicum which represents keratinophilic isolate associated with dermatophytic infections. The genetic variant of the ribosomal sequences was investigated in this research for the pattern of biological diversity of isolate collected from province of Babylon. The findings revealed the precise identification of amplified sample was Chrysosporium indicum. Two adjacent variants were located in sample (480T>C and 481G>A). Additionally, phylogenetic analysis verified their position among the appropriate clades.

Introduction: Paraquat is a leading cause of herbicide-related fatalities worldwide. Its high mortality rate is attributed to its inherent generation of ROS-mediated toxicity, and lack of effective treatment till date. Lutein is an antioxidant with free radical scavenging ability, which may contribute to its protective effects and possible DNA preservation. Objective: The study is evaluating the effects of lutein on body weights and hepato-renal antioxidant capacity with DNA quantification following paraquat toxicity in wistar rats. Methods: Thirty-five male Wistar rats (150-180g) rats were randomly divided into five equal groups (A-E). Paraquat toxicity was induced in Groups B-E with 5mg/kg for three days. Group A received normal saline only, while Group B was given paraquat only. Thereafter, Groups C-E received varying doses of lutein (50, 100, 150mg/kg) for 21 days. Their body weights were recorded twice weekly using a digital balance. The animals were sacrificed and their liver with kidneys were excised and processed. The photomicrographs were taken at various magnifications while Image J software was employed for DNA densities. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was assessed by Prieto method. Results: There was significant reductions in the body weights, (p=0.00) hepato-renal DNA densities (p=0.00, p=0.01) and antioxidant capacities of the PQ-only group relative to the positive control A in both liver and kidneys (p-0.01, p=0.02). However, the lutein-treated groups had dose-dependent similar features with the control, which had normal histo-morphological feature. The highest dose of lutein showed the best correlation with the control. Conclusion: This study showed significant alterations in body weights, hepato-renal DNA densities and antioxidant capacities especially in the PQ-only group. Meanwhile, the lutein-treated groups, especially at high dosages, showed significant improvements in the indices similar to the control. Hence, lutein may be a useful agent for attenuating paraquat toxicity.

Breast cancer metastases in the skin can have different clinical presentations, breast carcinoma in armor has an exceptional presentation. It is called "cuirasse carcinoma" because of its resemblance to the armor of cavalry soldiers, it is characterized by the presence of erythematous plaques of fibrous consistency that can become ulcerated, on the skin of the thorax. It usually appears between 60 and 80 years of age, as a first sign or as part of metastasis. When associated with metastasis, it is associated with a history of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or mastectomy. Treatment can be given with electro-chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, intra-lesional therapy, hormonal therapy and local therapy with the aim of palliating the disease.

Background: Cancer patients increasingly seek complementary and alternative therapies (CAM) alongside conventional treatments. Herbals represent a significant component of CAM, with growing interest in their potential anticancer properties. Objective: This review critically examines the role of herbals in cancer management, exploring their mechanisms of action, clinical evidence, potential for synergy with conventional therapies, challenges and perspectives, and patient perspectives. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and other relevant databases. Studies investigating the mechanisms, efficacy, safety, and patient experiences with herbals in cancer management were reviewed. Results: Herbals exhibit diverse mechanisms of action, including anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenic, and immune-modulatory effects. Clinical evidence suggests promising results for certain herbals, such as curcumin and ginseng, in improving treatment outcomes and reducing side effects. However, safety concerns and the need for standardization and quality control remain challenges. Conclusion: Herbals hold potential as complementary therapies for cancer management, offering a holistic approach that empowers patients and improves their quality of life. Further research is crucial to optimize their integration with conventional therapies, ensure safety, and establish evidence-based guidelines for their clinical use.

Calciphylaxis is a progressive, inflammatory disease characterized by the calcification of small and medium-sized arteries, leading to thrombotic ischemia. It is commonly associated with patients with chronic kidney disease; however, it can also manifest in patients without uremia. The incidence in patients undergoing dialysis can vary from 0.04% to 4%; it can affect multiple organs including the skin, brain, lungs, and muscle. Hyperphosphatemia, hypercalcemia, and hyperglycemia are common biochemical conditions in patients with this disease that induce the transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells into osteoblast-like cells, thus establishing the mechanism for vascular calcification through the formation of ectopic bone within the vessel wall. Additionally, there is a deficiency of calcification inhibitors in patients with chronic kidney disease. These factors promote the hardening and narrowing of affected arterioles, compromising their structural integrity and fostering an environment conducive to thrombosis. Cutaneous calciphylaxis can present as non-healing nodules, plaques, and ulcers. Currently, biopsy and histological analysis are the methods of choice for diagnosis. Treatment is multidisciplinary and includes early surgical debridement, symptom management, and modification of risk factors. We present the case of a female in her fifth decade of life with a history of chronic kidney disease who developed calciphylaxis with cutaneous manifestations requiring surgical treatment.

Skin wounds are a major disaster in health care due to the more number of traumas and pathological conditions. Natural wound healing involves a well- organized operation, consist of a chain of proceedings like hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Five groups of adult female albino mice were used, and the dorsal region was clipped to a length (1 cm) after hair removal by shaving. She was treated with an ointment extracted from the oil extract of the leaves and stems of the astragalus plant at a concentration of (5% - 10%) for 14 days. The groups were treated for 7 days and half of them were dissected, then the rest of the groups were dissected after 14 days with continued treatment twice daily. The most notable results were wound healing and the return of skin tissue to its normal state, especially in the groups treated with the highest concentration of tree leaf oil extract ointment. The results showed that the skin tissues underwent cellular repair, the cell layers appeared in their natural shape, the keratin threads appeared in the form of ribbons and did not peel, and the dermis also contained fibers. Colloids, sebaceous glands and hair follicles.