Background: Ichthammol, derived from shale oil, it is purported to have antimicrobial, anti inflammatory, antipruriginous, and analgesic properties. It is also believed to promote blood flow and act as a decongestant. It has been employed in the therapy of psoriasis, eczematous dermatitis, leg ulcers, seborrheic dermatitis, and furuncles. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical Ichthammol for treatment of mild plaque psoriasis. Patients and methods: This therapeutic interventional study was conducted in Baghdad training center of Dermatology and Venereology for period from April 2018 to May 2019. A total of 34 patients with mild plaque-type psoriasis were evaluated. They were 19 (56%) males and 15(44%) females. Their ages ranged from 7-65 years with Mean± SD (32±17.2). Split test used for each patient, each patient divided into right and left side and some patient divided into anterior and posterior parts according to psoriasis location, Ichthammol used to the right and anterior side and Vaseline used for left and posterior side. both Ichthammol and Vaseline were used twice daily. Assessment of drug efficacy was based on the reduction of PASI score. Results: The degree of response to total course of treatment with Ichthammol in comparison with Vaseline showing that 27 patients on Ichthammol had less than 25% clearance rate while 21 patients had clearance rate <25% with Vaseline, while 5 patients on Ichthammol and 7 patients on Vaseline had showed clearance between 25-50%. Also 2 patients on Ichthammol in comparison with 7 pts on Vaseline had showed 90% clearance rate. According to side effect Vaseline showed no side effect but ichthammol had showed burning sensation and irritation in 7 patients. Conclusion: Ichthammol is not a cost-effective non significant drug for psoriasis while Vaseline was significantly better.

The cross sectional study was determined the effective of dapagliflozin in lipid profile and cytokine in diabetic patients. The study was performed on 50 patients with diabetic mellitus in age between 40-65 years (22 males and 28 females) in Tikrit city from June 2023 until August 2024. The study was showed the significantly decreased the triglyceride level p < 0.01, cholesterol level p < 0.005, low density lipoprotein level (LDL) p < 0.005 and very low density lipoprotein level (VLDL) p < 0.005 and significantly increased high density lipoprotein level (HDL) p < 0.005. Potential side effects of the treatment include frequent urination, dizziness, or lightheadedness. When getting up from sitting or lying down, rise slowly to prevent dizziness and lightheadedness, although it could increase the chances of developing genital thrush and urinary tract infections. Also the study explained the significantly decreased the cytokine p< 0.005. The aim of the current study has study the effective of dapagliflozin on lipid profile and cytokine.

Recently, over 70% of fish are smoked as a means of preservation. Smoking is an ancient processing method that remains widely practiced in Nigeria today. This study investigates the levels of heavy metal accumulation and microbial loads in smoked catfish obtained from two different catfish farms to determine the safety of smoked catfish sold in Owo during the research period. Samples were collected from two farms (Farm 1 and Farm 2) in Owo, located in Owo Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria. The identified microorganisms included Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus spp., Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. The microbial counts for samples A and B were as follows: Streptococcus spp. (90.0 and 60.0), Staphylococcus aureus (160.0 and 170.0), Bacillus spp. (230.0 and 215.0), Klebsiella spp. (110.0 and 120.0), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15.0 and 10.0), and Escherichia coli (2.0 and 1.0). For heavy metals, the concentrations were Cu (0.001 and 0.000), Cd (0.222 and 0.002), Cr (0.840 and 0.670), Mn (2.33 and 1.99), and Zn (132.020 and 127.001). The highest microbial count was observed in Bacillus spp. from Sample A (230.0) and Sample B (215.0), while the lowest was found in Escherichia coli from Sample B (1.0) and Sample A (2.0). Among the heavy metals, zinc was the most abundant in both samples, with Sample A (132.020) having a higher concentration than Sample B (127.001). Copper was the least abundant, being almost undetectable in Sample A (0.001) and entirely undetectable in Sample B (0.000). The study revealed variations in microbial and heavy metal contamination levels between catfish farms. It highlights the need for regulatory authorities to enforce moisture control measures and implement strategies to reduce human activities that may lead to bacterial growth and heavy metal contamination in smoked catfish products.

Zoonotic parasites are those that can infect humans and live on other animals. Several species, including goats, horses, cattle, and pigs, were later domesticated for meat or dairy products, which contributed to the spread of these diseases. Zoonosis is the term used to describe the spread of disease from one species to another as a result of contact between these two groups. The most zoonotic protozoa found in Iraq are Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium parvum, Toxoplasma gondii and leishmania spp. The main zoonotic helminths are trematodes, cestodes, and nematodes. Trematodes include Fasciola hepatica Cestodes include Echinococcus granulosus, Taenia spp., Diphyllobothrium latum, Dipylidium caninum and Hymenolepis nana. Nematodes are Ancylostoma caninum, Toxocara caninium and Trichuris trichiura.

Objective: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the sustained delivery of Tolnaftate using topical polymeric microsponges. Materials and Methods: Tolnaftate-loaded microsponges made of ethyl cellulose were prepared via quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion. The effects of the drug-to-polymer ratio on active drug content, particle size, and entrapment efficiency were examined. The optimized formulation was incorporated into a Carbopol gel and evaluated for drug content, pH, viscosity, and in vitro drug release. The study considered internal phase volume, stirring rate, and emulsifier concentration as variables and analyzed their impact on entrapment efficiency and particle size. Results: Increasing stirring speed reduced particle size and improved entrapment efficiency, while a higher volume of dichloromethane decreased particle size. Scanning electron microscopy revealed porous and spherical microsponges. The 1.5:1 drug-to-polymer ratio yielded the highest active drug content, optimal entrapment efficiency, and smallest particle size, making it the preferred ratio for further studies. Conclusions: The drug release from the microsponge gel was more sustained compared to both the marketed product and pure drug gel. An ex vivo drug deposition study using rat abdominal skin showed satisfactory drug deposition. These polymeric microsponges show potential as a topical drug delivery system for antifungal therapy.

Self-medication is a widely practiced behavior, especially among university students, and is influenced by a variety of socio-economic and cultural factors. This cross-sectional study investigates self-medication practices among university students in Bangladesh and Malaysia, focusing on the prevalence, types of drugs used, reasons for self-medication, and the awareness of its associated risks. A total of 731 students (514 from Bangladesh and 217 from Malaysia) in the study completed a structured questionnaire. The results reveal that self-medication was significantly more prevalent among Bangladeshi students (76.34%) compared to Malaysian students (39.2%). Financial barriers, lack of awareness, and difficulty in accessing healthcare services were the main drivers of self-medication in Bangladesh, while in Malaysia, peer influence and convenience were the primary reasons. The study highlights the importance of targeted interventions to raise awareness about the risks of self-medication and to improve healthcare access for students.

Mebendazole was introduced in 1971 and is not soluble in water or other organic solvents, it is also not absorbed from the intestinal tract in a high-fat context. Both albendazole and mebendazole have a low rate of absorption in the human intestine. These drugs primarily target parasites in the stomach's lumen, and their metabolites are effective against parasites in the stomach's muscles and tissues. For instance, albendazole sulfoxide is the primary metabolite that possesses anthelmintic properties. Metabolites of mebendazole are expelled in the urine. Both drugs negatively affect the function of microtubules in parasites and mammalian cells, this results in the depletion of the parasites' glycogen stores. Current helminth control strategies involve periodic deworming with albendazole or mebendazole. However, concerns about drug resistance and the persistence of high prevalence rates suggest the need for additional strategies, such as improved water, sanitation, and hygiene, and optimized treatment regimens. Albendazole and mebendazole are highly effective against Ascaris lumbricoides, with a single dose of albendazole showing a cure rate of 96% and mebendazole showing a cure rate of 92.3%. Mebendazole's efficacy against hookworms varies, but a recommended dosing regimen improves effectiveness. Mebendazole's effectiveness against Trichuris trichiura depends on the dosing regimen. It is less effective against hymenolepiasis, where praziquantel is preferred. Mebendazole has also been used to treat Giardia lamblia infections. In summary, STH infections are a significant health issue, and albendazole and mebendazole are commonly used drugs for treatment. However, there is a need for additional strategies to address drug resistance and improve treatment efficacy. Mebendazole has potential side effects and should be used with caution, especially during pregnancy.