International Journal of Environmental and Biological Sciences
The International Journal of Environmental and Biological Sciences is an international, peer-reviewed scientific journal committed to publishing high-quality original research articles, systematic reviews, technical notes, and case studies in the fields of environmental and biological sciences. The journal seeks to advance a comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions between biological systems and the environment across different scales. It places particular emphasis on contemporary challenges such as biodiversity conservation, human and animal health, environmental risks, climate change, sustainable management of natural resources, scientific innovation, and biotechnology.
Comparative Evaluation of Sacubitril/Valsartan and Apelin‑13 in Experimentally Induced Cardiac Disease in Rats
Background: In the world, cardiovascular diseases are the best morbidity and mortality causes. Objective: The proposed research is a comparative study of the therapeutic implications of Sacubitril/Valsartan (SAC/VAL) and Apelin-13 on the therapeutic effects of the effects of cardiac diseases induced experimentally in rats. Methods: Wistar rats were randomly selected as males and divided into three groups; control, SAC /VAL -treated, and Apelin-13 -treated. The physiological parameters, serum biochemical markers, inflammatory markers, and heart-specific biomarkers were used to evaluate the cardiac functioning. The data were given in the form of mean +- SD and tested via one-way ANOVA. Results: The findings indicated that SAC/VAL had significant cardiac parameter improvements over Apelin-13 and control groups, whereas Apelin-13 had moderate cardioprotective improvements. Conclusion: SAC/VAL demonstrates better cardioprotective properties than Apelin13 in rats with induced cardiac disease, has a better lipid profile, lowering myocardial injury, and decreasing inflammation. Protective effects are also provided by Apelin-13 but could be most effectively implemented as a form of adjunctive therapy. These results allow speculating on possible treatment plans of cardiac dysfunction.
Copyright (c) 2026 International Journal of Environmental and Biological Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Gene expression of ALAS2 in patients with iron deficiency anemia: a Case-Control study in Najaf Governorate, Iraq
Background: IDA (iron deficiency anemia) is a major public health issue that is very common in underdeveloped countries. It occurs if the number of erythropoiesis is inhibited due to insufficient iron needed for hemoglobin synthesis. The molecular etiology of anemia may be related to modulation in expression of the erythroid-specific gene aminolevulinate synthase 2 (ALAS2) required for heme biosynthesis. Present study aims comparison of ALAS2 gene expression levels between healthy persons in Najaf Governorate/Iraq and patients with iron deficiency anemia organisms during the period from August 2025 to February 2026. Methodology: In the case-control study, 100 patients were included consisting of 50 IDA patients (cases) and 50 healthy age- and gender-matched controls. The clinical and hematological data of all individuals were recorded. Peripheral blood samples were collected for the iron profile and full blood count. Total RNA was isolated from whole blood, and hybrid DNA (cDNA) were prepared. The ALAS2 gene expression was quantified using RT-qPCR followed by the 2^-ΔΔCt method with a housekeeping gene as a reference. We performed statistical analysis to make group comparisons and correlation analyses between gene expression and hematological parameters. Results: Compared to the controls, patients with IDA clearly had lower hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), serum ferritin and serum iron levels and significantly higher TIBC (P <0.001). This showed a significant downregulation in the expression of ALAS2 gene with IDA patients (mean fold change: 0.45 ± 0.20) compared to controls (1.00 ± 0.30) (P < 0.001). ALAS2 expression correlated positively with hemoglobin, ferritin, MCV, and MCH (r = 0.58, r = 0.65, r = 0.49 and r = 0.44 respectively) while TIBC showed negative correlation (r =−0.46). Regression analysis further revealed that hemoglobin levels were independently predicted by ALAS2 expression. The diagnostic performance was good with the area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve being the 0.81 as per ROC analysis. Conclusions: The data show that iron deficiency anemia is associated with a profound decrease in ALAS2 gene expression that correlates closely with the haematological and total body indices of iron in patients. These findings give insight into the pathophysiology of IDA, and strengthen the hypothesis for ALAS2 to be a molecular marker for dysfunctional erythropoiesis. Genomic expression, biomarkers, erythropoiesis and heme production, iron deficiency anemia, ALAS2
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Study of the Effects of Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) on Some Physiological Blood Parameters among Electric Generator Workers in Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf City
Background: Electric generators workers are unceasingly exposed to a lot of hazardous and toxic fumes that has the potential to cause many health complications. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate effect of gases rising from electrical power generators on physiological blood parameters, liver and kidney functions in of workers in electrical generators in Al - Najaf Al-Ashraf city. Methodology: The study noted that all the quarters selected in southern sector during morning period have decibel levels above the recommended limits set by Iraqi-standards and WHO. Results: the results recorded that there was elevation in carbon monoxide (CO) concentration emitted by electrical generators in south sectors compared with permissible limits of gaseous air pollutants emission from electrical power generators in Iraq. The results recorded that there was elevation in carbon monoxide (CO) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) concentrations emitted by electrical generators in north and south sectors compared with permissible limits of gaseous air pollutants emission from electrical power generators in Iraq. the results showed that there was a significant elevation (P≥0.01) in total leukocyte count of electrical generators workers comparison with control group. Conclusions: the result for current study indicated that there was a significant increment (P≥0.01) in hemoglobin and packed cell volume of electric generators workers compared with control group.
Physiological and Biochemical Blood parameters
Fecal Calprotectin and Treatment Strategies in Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a long-term inflammatory condition that causes the intestinal mucosa to become inflamed over and over again. To treat it, you need a planned and goal-oriented approach. The major goal of therapy is to achieve long-term steroid-free remission while lowering the adverse effects and problems that come with treatment and the condition. Topical and oral 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) formulations are used for mild cases, whereas systemic corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and biologic therapies are utilized for moderate to severe cases. Consequently, these treatment strategies are dictated by the severity, scope, and clinical trajectory of the disease. Patients with refractory illness may need advanced therapies, such as calcineurin inhibitors (like cyclosporine or tacrolimus) or biologic medications (like infliximab), which are antibodies that fight tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Surgery is still needed for problems like toxic megacolon, perforation, or severe refractory hemorrhage. To get the best outcomes from this kind of treatment, intestinal inflammation has to be precisely measured. Faecal calprotectin has emerged as a reliable, non-invasive biomarker for intestinal inflammation in recent years. It is very useful in medicine for keeping track of illnesses, predicting relapses, and evaluating how well treatments are working. Integrating it into clinical practice allows for quick changes to treatment and better disease activity evaluation. Including fecal calprotectin in clinical decision-making makes it feasible to have a more personalized and proactive treatment plan. This makes it possible to use faecal calprotectin-guided approaches that cut down on the necessity for invasive procedures like colonoscopy. Because of this, faecal calprotectin is very important for better managing UC, improving the results of the disease, and making treatment decisions that follow approved global standards.
Evaluation of the protective role of Epimedium grandiflorum leaf nano-extract in testicular histological changes in male albino rats treated with amlodipine
The current study aimed to investigate the protective role of the nano-extract of Epimedium grandiflorum leaves on the testicular tissue structure of male albino rats (Rattas rattus) treated with amlodipine. The study was conducted at the Animal Unit, College of Science, University of Kufa. Thirty-five male albino rats, with an average age of 10 weeks and an average weight of 225-250 grams, were used. The animals were divided into seven groups of five animals each and treated as follows: the control group (group 1), which was treated with normal saline solution only; the second group, which was treated with the drug at a dose of 10 mg/kg; the third group, which was treated with the plant extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg; the fourth group, which was treated with both the plant extract and the drug at a concentration of 500 mg + 10 mg/kg; the fifth group, which was treated with the nano-extract at a dose of 1 mg/kg; and the sixth group, which was treated with the extract. The nanoparticles and the drug at a concentration of (1) + (10) mg/kg and the zinc oxide group at a concentration of (1 mg/kg), and all groups were treated for 45 days daily via the Abnub gastric dosing route. The animals were then sacrificed, and the testes were removed and placed in formalin for histological section preparation. Microscopic examination of the testicular tissue in the control group of male rats revealed that the seminiferous tubules had well-filled lumen containing sperm, and that Leydig cells and a germinal epithelial layer were present. In the drug group, however, fibrosis, atrophy, or obstruction were observed, along with degeneration and disintegration of the germinal layer, resulting in few or no sperm in the seminiferous tubules and separation of the germinal layer from the basement membrane in most tubules. The testicular tissue in the rat group treated with the plant extract had a normal structure, showing normal seminiferous tubules and nuclei. The group treated with the plant extract and the drug exhibited a near-normal structure and was considered a protective group. Spermatogenous cell layers and regular seminiferous tubules were observed, along with the presence of Leydig cells in the interstitial tissue. As for the nano-extract group, the seminiferous tubules appeared normal, indicating the extract's protective and therapeutic effects against the drug. Sertoli cells also appeared. Similarly, the nano-group combined with the drug showed sperm and seminiferous tubules filled with normal sperm, indicating their regularity. However, the zinc oxide group, the toxic group, exhibited a decrease in the size of the epithelial cell layer, almost no sperm in the tubular lumen, cell disintegration, and separation of the germ layer from the basement membrane.
Eelaf kareem abd ali hussein Al-Ibrahimi
Serum uric acid and acute coronary syndrome: Case-Control study
Background: Acute Coronary Syndrome represents a challenge to the global public health, because of the high morbidity and mortality. Identifying the risk factors and biomarkers is important for early detection, risk stratification, and effective management. Recent studies suggest a potential association between elevated serum uric acid levels and Acute Coronary Syndrome, yet the relationship remains poorly understood and need further investigation. Objective: This study aims to assess the relationship between serum uric acid levels and the incidence of ACS in a defined population. thereby assessing its potential as a biomarker for detection and prognosis. Methods: Employing a case-control design, this study will involve participants diagnosed with ACS at IBN SINA Hospital and a matched control group of apparently healthy individuals. Exclusion criteria include chronic kidney disease, malignancies, active inflammatory conditions, and the use of drugs affecting serum uric acid levels. Data collection will focus on demographic information, medical history, clinical characteristics, and serum uric acid levels, determined through blood sample analysis. Results: Our study involved 64 ACS cases with a mean age of 59.39±11.886 years and 60 healthy controls with a mean age of 56.35±8.631 years. We observed that the median serum uric acid level was significantly higher in ACS cases (341.0) compared to controls (333.0) with a p-value of 0.046, indicating a statistically significant difference. Gender-based analysis revealed a significant difference in serum uric acid levels among females between cases and controls (p=0.035), but not among males (p=0.602). Age group analysis showed a significant difference only in the 70-79 age group (p=0.045). The ROC analysis suggested that serum uric acid level has a modest discriminatory ability for ACS with an area under the curve of 0.604 (p=0.046). Conclusion: Elevated serum uric acid levels are associated with an increased risk of ACS, particularly among females and in older age groups. Serum uric acid could serve as a potential biomarker for ACS detection and prognosis, though its utility may vary across different demographic groups. Our findings highlight the importance of considering serum uric acid levels in the risk stratification and management of ACS patients
Optimal culture and environmental circumstances for bacterial cellulose synthesis by Bacillus licheniformis
Objectives: This study aimed to optimize bacterial cellulose (BC) production from B. licheniformis and characterize the produced films. Methods: BC production was optimized by evaluating various nutrient media, carbon sources, nitrogen sources, pH levels, and temperatures. The produced BC films were characterized through solubility tests, swelling capacity measurements, in vitro degradation assays, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Results: MHS nutrient medium yielded the highest BC production, 158 g/l. Glucose was the most efficient carbon source, 158 g/l. Optimal conditions were pH 7 and 35°C with a yield of 188 g/l. while yeast extract and peptone achieved maximum yields of 188 and 170 g/l, respectively. BC films exhibited insolubility in water and organic solvents, exceptional swelling capacity 2330%, and minimal degradation of 5-10% over 21 days. FTIR confirmed characteristic cellulose peaks (C-O-C, C-O, C-C, C-OH), while TGA demonstrated multistage thermal degradation and high thermal stability. SEM revealed a porous three-dimensional fibrous network with CaCO3 granules integrated into the fiber structure. Conclusion: BC was successfully produced from B. licheniformis under optimized conditions, demonstrating superior physicochemical properties and structural characteristics suitable for diverse industrial and biomedical applications.
The Effect of Creatine Supplementation on Weight Loss and Physiological Status in Obese Laboratory Rats (Rattus norvegicus)
This study was conducted at the University of Basra, College of Science - Department of Biology. The study included the evaluation and comparison of the physiological and histological effects of the aqueous solution of the dietary supplement creatine on laboratory rats. The results revealed a significant decrease in weights (p < 0.05) in the group of animals treated with the T3 creatine solution, where a notable drop in weights was observed. Meanwhile, the control group (C). The results revealed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the levels of both albumin and globulin, as well as total protein, in the animals treated with the T3 creatine solution compared to the control group. The results revealed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in leptin levels compared to the control group C. The results revealed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the levels of thyroid hormones T3 and T4 in the treated animals compared to the control group C. The results revealed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in glucose and insulin levels, as well as insulin resistance, compared to the control group C. The results revealed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the levels of liver enzymes AST and ALT compared to the control group C. The results revealed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) compared to the control group. Additionally, there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in high-density lipoproteins (HDL) levels when compared to the control group.
A Comprehensive Evaluation of Premarital Screening Program in Basrah (2020-2025): Statistical Trends, Genetic Counseling Impact, and Infrastructure Readiness
Premarital screening (PMS) is a vital preventive strategy for managing hereditary blood disorders and infectious diseases. In Basrah, despite the program's long-standing implementation, the gap between clinical diagnosis and behavioral change remains a significant challenge. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the PMS program in Basrah (2020–2025), focusing on statistical trends, infrastructure readiness, and the impact of genetic counseling on the decision-making of high-risk couples. A multi-dimensional approach was employed, including a longitudinal analysis of 252,361 individuals (2020–2024) and a detailed cohort study of 58,034 participants in 2025. Data collection involved automated extraction from electronically linked centers and manual verification from peripheral outlets, supplemented by telephone interviews with high-risk couples. The findings revealed a 33% increase in screening volume over five years. In 2025, the prevalence of Thalassemia and Sickle Cell traits was 2.2% and 3.4%, respectively. Infrastructure assessment identified a technological divide, with 40% of centers still relying on manual entry systems. In 2025, follow-up with high-risk couples revealed that 76.9% (176 couples) proceeded with marriage despite intensive counseling, while 23.1% (53 couples) chose to cancel their marriage plans. This reflects a growing but still limited impact of genetic counseling on behavioral change due to the late timing of the screening. While the program demonstrates high diagnostic efficiency, its preventive impact is severely hindered by socio-cultural pressures and late-stage testing. The study advocates a strategic shift toward routine school-based screening for adolescents to ensure early genetic awareness. Additionally, it recommends full digital integration of all centers and the establishment of a judicial requirement for intensive counseling for high-risk cases.
Immune evasion strategies of Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
Standing high level of the innate and adaptive immune resistance, hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes chronically persisting infection in most exposed individuals. Chronic replication is evidence of a multi-layered immune‐evasion program commencing at the time pathogen symmetry and continuing across antigen exposure, effector‐cell function, and antibody recognition and so on. Key signaling nodes in Type I/III IFN induction and response pathways are subverted by viral nonstructural proteins (most notably NS3/4A, NS4B and NS5A), and structural elements of the E1/E2 envelope glycoproteins together with lipaviroparticle configuration minimize sensitivity to neutralizing antibodies. Concurrently, HCV promotes a qualitative defect of cellular immunity through T cell exhaustion, regulatory networks and perturbation of dendritic cell (DC) and NK cell function. In this review, we have integrated the current knowledge of HCV immune evasion mechanisms and how they work together to promote persistence and discuss their implications for vaccine design and immunotherapeutic strategies. Hepatitis C virus (HCV), a poorly cytopathic single-stranded RNA virus, persists in the majority of individuals who encounter the virus although HCV-specific innate and adaptive immune responses are frequently vigorous, reflecting pathogens with extraordinary mechanisms to elude host immune control. Persistence is organized by a hierarchical program that functions from initial pathogen sensing to effector and antibody-mediated immunity. HCV nonstructural (NS) proteins, mainly NS3/4A, NS4B, and NS5A, inhibit major players of innate immunity signal pathways by PRRs and IFN activators, MAVS, TRIF, STING, and PKR to diminish IFN induction while reprograming antiviral effector responses. Simultaneously, HCV undermines early antiviral control through the circumvention of natural killer cell function and dampening dendritic cell maturation and antigen presentation to generate a tolerogenic immune environment. Chronic antigen exposure additionally drives functional exhaustion of virus-specific T cells by inhibitory receptor pathways such as PD-1, curbing effective cellular immunity. At the humoral level, broad glycan shielding and structural flexibility of the E1/E2 viral envelope glycoproteins, packaging with host lipoproteins as lipoviroparticles, and immune evasion through antibody-resistant cell-to-cell transmission provide strong dampening effects on neutralizing antibody responses. Here we provide an overview of current concepts of how these evasion strategies act in concert and redundancy to secure viral persistence, summarized from mechanistic understanding. Knowledge of this global evasion network could have implications in the rational design of HCV vaccines and diagnostic immunotherapies for preventing immune escape and achieving persistent protection.
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
HBV Infection and Apoptosis: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant global health burden, with over 250 million people estimated to be living with chronic HBV infection worldwide. The long-term occurrence of HBV infection is directly related to the efficiency that the virus accomplishes in modulation of the host cellular pathways, especially apoptosis. Apoptosis is involved in disposal of infected hepatocytes and control of spreading virus, whereas its disregulation results in chronic infection, hepatitis, fibrosis/cirrhosis, HCC. This review outlines our current understanding of the molecular pathways of apoptosis and apoptotic regulatory networks that are targeted by HBV or its viral proteins, as well as discusses clinical relevance of HBV‑induced cell death in liver disease progression. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still a worldwide health challenge and it causes chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Virus-mediated regulation of host apoptotic pathways is a key contributor to the pathogenesis of HBV. Apoptosis serves as a double-edged sword in HBV infection: It is critical for immunological clearance of infected hepatocytes, but its long-term perturbation leads to chronic inflammation, liver damage, fibrosis and ultimately to carcinogenesis. This article provides an overview of the basic apoptotic pathways (both intrinsic and extrinsic) and discusses how HBV promotes these processes to establish chronic infection. Special attention is paid to the dual pro- and anti-apoptotic functions provided by the mitochondrial-targeting factor of HBx, including multi-step influences on mitochondrial control, redox regulation, tumor suppression signaling, and pro-survival processes such as NF-κB-regulated pathways and PI3K/Akt. Moreover, the participation of HBV-enveloped and core proteins in ER stress, mitochondrial apoptosis, and immune-mediated apoptosis induced by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are also reviewed. Finally, the clinical relevance of apoptosis dysregulation during chronic HBV infection and hepatocarcinogenesis is emphasized, and novel therapeutic approaches aimed at targeting HBV–apoptosis crosstalk is discussed. Understanding these mechanisms in greater detail could aid toward developing new therapies that strive to reach a functional cure without damaging the liver. HBV continues to replicate in part by modifying the course of hepatocyte apoptosis; controlled cell death pathways can eliminate infected cells, while chronic or erratic apoptosis promotes inflammation/fibrosis/cirrhosis and enhances HCC risk.
Estimation the Role of Epstein-Barr Virus in Prostate Cancer in Kirkuk
The incidence prostate cancer (PCa) in the Arab world is lower than that in Western countries but is rising significantly, with projections showing the highest relative increase globally by 2050. Viral infections are being studied in Iraq for their link to prostate cancer, with research highlighting roles for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The aim of this study was to explore the involvement of EBV in prostate cancer and examine its relationship with levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) shedding light on its possible role in tumor progression.
Phylogenetic relationship of Citrobacter spp. and Other Enterobacteriaceae Isolated from Stool Samples of Healthy and Patients with Colorectal Cancer in Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf/Iraq
The current study aimed to detect phylogenetic relationships among enterobacteriaceae isolates. A total of 110 stool samples were collected from healthy and patients with coleractal cancer during the period 2016-2017. The results of PCR technique for amplification of tuf showed that 55 isolate (55%) were belong to Enterobacteriaceae (suspected Citrobacter) by appearance amplicon with molecular weight 871 bp while 45 isolate (45%) were belong to E.coli by appearance of amplicon with molecular wight 884 bp. Also, the results of electrophoresis of atpD1 and atpD2 showed that 36 isolates (56%) and 24 (42.8%) isolates were belong to E.coli by appearance of amplicon with molecular weight 884 bp while 32 isolates (57.1%) were belong to other Enterobacteriaceae (suspected Citrobacter) by appearance amplicon with molecular weight 871 bp. DNA sequencing of amplicon resulted from amplification of tuf, atpD1 and atpD2 was carried out to confirmed identification of Citrobacter spp as well as to evaluate the phylogenetic relationship among bacterial isolates. Thirty isolates were selected for DNA sequencing depending one presence and absence of tuf, atpD1 and atpD2. The results of DNA sequencing and alignment with other enterobacterial sequences available in public database using MEGA 7 and BLAST showed that 4, 2 and 1 isolates gave strong alignment with E. coli, Klebseilla and Citrobacter.
Radon Emission and Cancer Risk in Najaf, Iraq: Field Survey, Epidemiological Analysis, and Hydrogeological Modeling
The desiccation of the Najaf depression, historically known as the Sea of Najaf, has eliminated its hydro-saline cover that once functioned as a natural barrier to radon exhalation, raising concerns about enhanced environmental radiation risks. This study aimed to provide an integrated assessment through a combination of field surveys, cancer registry analysis, and hydrogeological modeling (MODFLOW-6 + GWT). Indoor radon concentrations across 24 dwellings averaged 18.09 ± 9.41 Bq·m⁻³, while outdoor levels were 4.50 ± 2.96 Bq·m⁻³, both below the World Health Organization (WHO) reference of 100 Bq·m⁻³. Groundwater samples (n = 10 wells) showed dissolved radon between 0.712 and 2.42 Bq·L⁻¹ (mean 1.669 Bq·L⁻¹), with estimated annual effective doses of 3.44 µSv·yr⁻¹ (children, ingestion) and 23.35 µSv·yr⁻¹ (children, inhalation). National cancer statistics reported an Age-Standardized Incidence Rate (ASIR) of 158.94 per 100,000, with Najaf at 123.7 per 100,000, suggesting a notable disease burden relative to neighboring governorates. Modeling scenarios revealed that persistent desiccation could increase radon flux by ~65%, while hydrological restoration reduced emissions by ~40%. These results highlight that although current exposure levels remain modest, Najaf is environmentally predisposed to escalation, underscoring the urgent need for permanent radon monitoring, targeted cancer screening programs, partial hydrological restoration, and GIS-based surveillance to safeguard public health.
Physiological Optimization and Biocontrol Potential of a Rhizospheric Isolate of Victoriomyces antarcticus Against Cucumber Soil-Borne Pathogens
Driven by the need for sustainable agricultural alternatives to synthetic fungicides, this study investigates the physiological optimization and biocontrol potential of the fungus Victoriomyces antarcticus (isolate AF1), isolated for the first time from the cucumber rhizosphere in Iraq (GenBank: OR131302). Physiological assays revealed that the optimal conditions for mycelial growth were Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), a temperature of 20°C, pH 6.0, and complete darkness, highlighting its psychrotolerant nature. Antagonistic assays demonstrated significant efficacy against the soil-borne pathogen Rhizoctonia solani, with a maximum growth inhibition rate of 82.22% using the fungal sterile filtrate at a 50% concentration. HPLC analysis identified key bioactive phenolic compounds, predominantly Gallic acid (40.23 µg/ml) and Caffeic acid (22.51 µg/ml), which are likely responsible for the observed antifungal activity. These findings position V. antarcticus as a novel and potent biocontrol agent, offering a viable, eco-friendly strategy for managing root-rot diseases in sustainable cucumber production.
Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC) Scale for Iraqi Cancer Caregivers
The present study was conducted between November 2024 and February 2025. An invited the caregivers of patients in the medical oncology clinic at the Al-Furatt Cancer Institute, in Al-Najaf Province, to participate in this study during their patients’ appointments at the clinic. Caregivers were included if they were aged 22 years or older. Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC) is a 35-item self-report measure of caregivers’ QOL measured on a five-point Likert-type scale from 1 (not at all) to 5 (very much). This score is obtained by summing the item scores; higher scores denote better QOL. The CQOLC takes about 20 minutes to complete. A total of 300 questionnaires were distributed, and a complete 230 were returned and used for calculation. So, the sample size for the subsequent analyses was sufficient. The demographics of patients and cancer caregivers were recorded. The overall QOL of the family caregivers of patients with cancer was shown. Out of 12 subscales of Burden factor, two have high scores represented by “I fear my loved one will die” and “It upsets me to see my loved one deteriorate”, one scale has a low score represented by “I feel guilty”. Among 11 subscales of Positive adaptation factor, only one “Relationship with patient” attained “A little bit”, the other 6 belong “quite bit” and 4 belong “somewhat”. The sixth subscale of the Disruptiveness factor has three scores: one “It bothers me that my daily routine is altered” of “A little bit”, also one “It bothers me that I need to be available to chauffeur my loved one to appointments” has “Quite a bit”, and the remaining 4 subscales have a “somewhat “score. Financial concern factors had 6 subscales, three had “Somewhat” score, two “quite bit”, and only one “Satisfaction with sexual functioning” of “Not at all”. The overall QOL of family caregivers has a moderate score; financial concern had a better score than the other factors, where the other three factors have a moderate QOL. Explanatory Factor Analysis (EFA) analysis showed that all items of the study were loaded more than 0.4 and included within 8 factors. 24 items belong to factor 1, the remaining 11 items are distributed across 7 factors. Bivariate correlations revealed that all were correlated to the total CQOLC score, r (.636–.849, all ps < .001. All factors were correlated with each other (ps < .001). Table 8 presents the descriptive statistics and correlations of the CQOLC. Many of the family caregivers reported a negative impact from the disease onset on the relationship among family members; good family relationships are associated with less distress than poorer family relationships. The financial situation might be an important topic in Iraq, in that Iraq does not have a fully financed healthcare system and relies instead on insurance systems that are not available for all inhabitants. About one-third of the family caregivers stated somewhat financial concerns related to the disease (e.g., increased economic pressure and being forced to discontinue treatment because of financial difficulties). Religion and spirituality are two dimensions important for Muslims and were among the most important areas for having QoL. In the present study, religion and spirituality were found to influence some of the family caregivers in a positive way. Although religion and spirituality in the Iraqi cultural context are important, other areas, for example, relationships and financial situation, were more important in the life of family caregivers to a person with any cancer.