Universal Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HUMAN CYTOMEGALOVIRUS INFECTION AND RECURRENT PREGNANCY LOSS

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background and aims: Pregnancy loss and human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection have been linked in several studies. It is unclear, therefore, if recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is linked to latent or recurrent CMV infection or a changed immunological response to CMV. We compared women with RPL to healthy controls to assess CMV infection and the level (titer) of CMV antibodies.

Materials and Methods: In this comparative study, 149 women with recurrent miscarriage, referred to gynecology clinics in Sana'a, Yemen, and 149 multiparous women of the same age who had never had a miscarriage served as controls. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to assess IgG and IgM antibodies to cytomegalovirus (CMV), as well as IgG levels in patients and controls. Data were analyzed using chi-square and Student's t-tests.

Results: The study found that the majority of patients with recurrent miscarriage were in the 20-24 age group (34.9%), followed by the 15-19 age group (25.5%) and the 30+ age group (22.1%). The prevalence of CMV IgM indicating current CMV infection was 5.3% in RPL cases, with the highest prevalence in cases aged ≥30 years (6.1%), followed by 20-24 years (5.8%) and 15-19 years (5.2%). The control group had a 3.4% positive IgM rate. No significant difference in IgG-CMV antibody prevalence between patients and controls, with a crude prevalence of 97.98% in the patient group and 97.3% in healthy controls. Patients aged ≥ 30 had a lower prevalence of IgG (93.9%). The study found significant differences in IgM antibody levels between patients and controls. Patients had higher IgM antibodies than controls; also, CMV-IgM-positive cases had higher IgM antibodies.

Conclusions: According to the current study's findings, RPL had a somewhat greater level of prior CMV exposure than controls, as shown by positive IgG antibodies. Nonetheless, we discovered a statistically significant correlation between elevated IgG levels and RPL, with patients exhibiting higher antibody levels than healthy controls. We can therefore conclude that hyper-response (greater IgG titers) to a comparable number of CMV exposures may be another risk factor, and that repeated exposure to CMV is a risk factor for RPL.

Peer Review History:

Received 6 August 2025; Reviewed 13 September 2025; Accepted 20 October; Available online 15 November 2025

Academic Editor: Dr. A.A. Mgbahurike, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, amaka_mgbahurike@yahoo.com

Reviewers:

Dr. Dina Abd Elfattah Eldakhs, Pharos university (PUA), Egypt, dina_eldakhs@yahoo.com

Antonio José de Jesus Evangelista, Federal University of Ceará, UFC, Brazil, tony_biomed@hotmail.com

INTERPRETABLE BINARY CLASSIFICATION MODELS USING XAI AND FEW DESCRIPTORS FOR PREDICTING BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER PERMEABILITY OF PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOUNDS BASED ON RESAMPLING, CLUSTERING, AND MACHINE LEARNING METHODS

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Designing pharmaceutical compounds to treat brain diseases, or drugs that interact with biological targets in peripheral organs without penetrating the blood-brain barrier, remains a very difficult task. It is evident that animal models are costly and unproductive; therefore, the pharmaceutical industries and/or regulatory bodies need reliable, accurate and interpretable predictive tools to assess the permeability of pharmaceutical compounds across the blood-brain barrier.

Method: This study proposes the development of artificial intelligence models characterized by greater accuracy and enhanced explanatory capacity, in the context of binary classification of blood-brain barrier permeability of drug candidate compounds. By applying a resampling approach and clustering technique, we developed five distinct artificial intelligence models support vector machine, k-nearest neighbor, classification and regression decision tree, random forest, and gradient boosting machine using only 10 molecular descriptors and a dataset of 1,726 molecular observations (comprising 1,000 originals and 726 synthetic compounds).

Results: Of all the models evaluated, Gradient Boosting Machine had the best 10-fold cross-validation statistics, achieving prediction accuracy (Q), MCC and AUC of 91.04%, 0.82 and 1.0 on the external test set respectively. The gradient boosting machine outputs are explained using Shapley additive explanation approach. This method allows the main modelling descriptors involved in predicting blood-brain barrier permeability to be ranked in order of importance.

Conclusion: Non-animal predictive models were designed to determine whether pharmaceutical compounds can penetrate the blood–brain barrier. The proposed model reached a reliable level of accuracy sufficient to prove extremely useful for virtual screening of large pharmaceutical compounds libraries. It revealed two key indicators for predictions: spatial distribution of atomic charges and electronegativity.

Peer Review History:

Received 3 August 2025; Reviewed 11 September 2025; Accepted 17 October; Available online 15 November 2025

Academic Editor: Dr. Amany Mohamed Alboghdadly, Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, amanyalboghdadly@gmail.com

Reviewers:

Prof. Hassan A.H. Al-Shamahy, Sana'a University, Yemen, shmahe@yemen.net.ye

Dr. Adebayo Gege Grace Iyabo, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, funbimbola@gmail.com

OUTCOME OF 3D RECONSTRUCTION IN ORBITAL AREA AFTER LONG PERIOD FOLLOW UP IN A MILITARY HOSPITAL IN SANA’A CITY, YEMEN

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background and aims: Long-term follow-up after 3D reconstruction in the orbital area show improvements in cosmetic appearance, ocular motility, and resolution of issues like enophthalmos and diplopia, with some residual symptoms and rare complications. The study aims to assess clinical outcomes of 3D printing for reconstructing orbital bone defects in patients receiving PEEK and PMMA implants.

Materials and methods: A study conducted at the Military Hospital in Sana'a, Yemen, involved seven patients with orbital fractures who underwent 3D-printed orbital bone repair. Conventional treatments had previously failed in these patients. Examinations included computed tomography (CT), functional assessments, and preoperative evaluations. GOM and ATOS technologies were used to develop customized 3D-printed implants, and general anesthesia was used during the surgeries.

Results: The group, consisting of 100% males and 0.0% females, had a mean age of 30.3 years. Six cases showed positive outcomes, while the third case failed due to issues like loose orbital rim, blocked tear duct, allergies, and patient disengagement. The study reveals that 42.9% of patients underwent orbital bone reconstruction surgery using 3D printing technology, with 42.9% experiencing pain, 7.7% experiencing aesthetic deformity, and 23.6% experiencing infection. The reconstruction material used was polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or poly-cule. The study found that 28.6% of patients had fractures in the mandible, maxilla, nose, zygomatic bone, orbit, and frontal bone. Comminuted fractures were found in all seven patients, and no simple, compound, or complex fractures were recorded. The study found that 57.1% of patients were highly satisfied with their surgical results, with 14.3% satisfied and 28.7% dissatisfied, with all patients demonstrating good quality of life.

Conclusion: The study found seven patients had imperfect orbital fractures, with a third having fractures in various areas. Comminuted fractures were common, with high instability rates. Most patients were satisfied with their surgical results and quality of life, supporting the use of 3D navigation for complex orbital reconstruction.

Peer Review History:

Received 2 August 2025; Reviewed 10 September 2025; Accepted 19 October; Available online 15 November 2025

Academic Editor: Dr. Asia Selman Abdullah, Pharmacy institute, University of Basrah, Iraq, asia_abdullah65@yahoo.com

Reviewers:

Dr. Ogbonna B. Onyebuchi, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, summitpharm@yahoo.com

Prof. Syamsudin Abdillah, Pancasila University, Indonesia, syamsudin.abdillah@gmail.com

FORMULATION, CHARACTERIZATION, AND VIABILITY ASSESSMENT OF CORN MILK (Zea mays L.) NANOPARTICLES USING THE IONIC GELATION METHOD

Robert Tungadi, Teti Sutriyati Tuloli, Jenifer Sakul — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Functional probiotic beverages derived from plant matrices offer sustainable alternatives to dairy-based products but require technological strategies to maintain probiotic viability.

Objective: This study aimed to formulate, characterize, and assess the probiotic viability, release profile, and stability of corn milk nanoparticles prepared by ionic gelation.

Methods: Sodium alginate and calcium chloride were employed in an 8:1 ratio to form nanoparticles containing Lactobacillus shirota. Characterization included particle size, morphology (SEM), in vitro release, and stability testing.

Results: The nanoparticles exhibited a mean diameter of 447.6 nm (PDI = 0.454) with a smooth spherical morphology. Controlled release assays demonstrated a cumulative release of 86.2±2.5% viable probiotics after 4 h in simulated intestinal fluid, confirming sustained delivery potential. Stability assessment showed retention of >80% viable cells after 30 days at 4 °C.

Conclusion: Corn milk nanoparticles produced by ionic gelation exhibited favorable size, morphology, release behavior, and stability, confirming their potential as a non-dairy probiotic delivery system.

Peer Review History:

Received 3 August 2025; Reviewed 11 September 2025; Accepted 17 October; Available online 15 November 2025

Academic Editor: Dr. DANIYAN Oluwatoyin Michael, Obafemi Awolowo University, ILE-IFE, Nigeria, toyinpharm@gmail.com

Reviewers:

Dr. Jennifer Audu-Peter, University of Jos, Nigeria, drambia44@gmail.com

Dr. Kamal Elbssir Mohammed Ali, Hail University KSA, kamalelbssir999@gmail.com

PRIMARY STABILITY FOR SHORT DENTAL IMPLANT WITH DEEP THREADED IN POSTERIOR MAXILLA DURING EARLY HEALING PERIOD

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background and aim: Because they provide a dependable way to replace lost teeth and restore both function and appearance, dental implants have completely transformed the profession of restorative dentistry. These artificial tooth roots, which are usually composed of titanium, are placed into the mandible to support crowns, bridges, or dentures. The study's objective was to assess the main stability of a short, deep-threaded dental implant in the posterior maxilla during the early healing phase. It focused on the correlation between the values of the implant stability quotient (ISQ) and insertion torque (IT).

Methodology: A prospective clinical study was conducted on 20 patients requiring posterior maxillary implants. Short implants (Ø4 × 7 mm) were placed using the Megagen Any Ridge system. Primary stability was assessed by measuring IT at insertion and ISQ via resonance frequency analysis (RFA) at baseline and weekly for four weeks. Variables such as bone density, age, gender, and implant site distribution were also recorded.

Results: Implants with moderate IT (26–35 Ncm) maintained stable ISQ values (50–65), suggesting optimal primary stability. Low IT (15–25 Ncm) implants showed gradual improvement in ISQ (from 45 to 64), whereas resulted high IT (36–45 Ncm in gradually decrease in ISQ (from 65-52). Bone density was predominantly D3 (50%) and D4 (40 %). No significant correlation was found between IT and ISQ over time (Spearman’s rho: 0.20–0.55, p> 0.05).

Conclusion: Short, deep-threaded implants placed with moderate insertion torque provide optimal primary stability in the posterior maxilla. Excessive torque increases the risk of loose the stability. Regular ISQ monitoring is recommended during the healing phase to guide clinical decision-making.

Peer Review History:

Received 4 August 2025; Reviewed 11 September 2025; Accepted 18 October; Available online 15 November 2025

Academic Editor: Prof. Dr. Gorkem Dulger, Duzce University, Turkey, gorkemdulger@yandex.com

Reviewers:

Dr. Kingsley C Anukam, University of Benin, Nigeria, kanukam@gmail.com

Dr. Liliya Logoyda, Horbachevsky Ternopil State Medical University, Ukraine, logojda@tdmu.edu.ua

IMPLEMENTATION OF PARETO PRINCIPLE IN IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM OF BACTERIAL ISOLATES IN HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENT

Mostafa Essam Eissa — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background and aims: Healthcare associated infections are a major concern, causing an estimated 72,000 deaths and costing the United States up to $45 billion annually. This study aimed to identify and characterize bacterial isolates in healthcare facilities to improve infection control.

Methods: Using biochemical identification and Pareto analysis, samples were examined to determine the most prevalent bacterial species. The Pareto principle helped focus efforts on the major contaminants.

Results: Results showed that Pseudomonas genus (34.6%) and Micrococcus genus (19.2%) were the most abundant, accounting for more than 50% of isolates. The presence of multiple bacterial species, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, suggests widespread prevalence, likely a result of inadequate cleaning and contamination of water or surfaces. Gram-positive bacilli were less common due to their lower environmental resistance.

Conclusions: The study concluded that implementing proper cleaning and disinfection protocols and regularly monitoring water quality are essential for preventing cross-infection and ensuring a safe environment. Identifying the most prevalent bacteria using the Pareto principle is a crucial step in mitigating the risk of microbial contamination.

Peer Review History:

Received 8 August 2025; Reviewed 11 September 2025; Accepted 19 October; Available online 15 November 2025

Academic Editor: Dr. Emmanuel O. Olorunsola, Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Uyo, Nigeria, olorunsolaeo@yahoo.com

Reviewers:

Prof. Hassan A.H. Al-Shamahy, Sana'a University, Yemen, shmahe@yemen.net.ye

Dr. Mohaddese Mahboubi, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran, mahboubi@barijessence.com

AESTHETIC OUTCOME COMPARISON BETWEEN MILLARD AND FISHER TECHNIQUE IN REPAIR OF UNILATERAL CLEFT LIP

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background and aims: The symmetrical shape of the nasolabial folds and both nose alae, along with a natural-looking philtrum and Cupid's bow in both static and dynamic phases, as well as a buried scar, are characteristics of the perfect lip restoration. The study's goal was to evaluate the Millard rotational advancement technique and the Fisher anatomical subunit approximation technique for unilateral cleft lip repair.

Methods: Prospective study for 30 patients submitted to Palestine Hospital in Sana’a City, Yemen, with unilateral cleft lip deformity between December 2022 and August 2024. The Millard rotational-advancement approach was used to correct fifteen patients with unilateral cleft lip deformity, while the Fisher anatomical subunit approximation technique was used to fix the remaining fifteen. NIH ImageJ software was used to evaluate the patients' postoperative photos using the Steffensen grading criteria. The normal side and the corrected side were compared in terms of lip length, cutaneous line symmetry, vermillion symmetry, scar appearance, Cupid's bow, nostril symmetry, and alar base.

Results: A study involving 69.2% males and 38.8% females aged 5-180 months with 30 unilateral cleft lips undergoing Millard and Fisher techniques found that patients with Millard techniques showed better cutaneous line symmetry, vermillion symmetry, and lip length compared to Fisher techniques. However, only 7.7% of patients with Millard procedures showed good Cupid's bow, scar appearance, nasal symmetry, and alar base compared to Fisher techniques. The study suggests that Millard techniques may be more effective in certain cases.

Conclusion: In conclusion, there was no discernible change in the anthropometric measurements between the two methods used for unilateral cleft lip repair. According to the study, there are several situations in which applying Millard approaches might be more successful.

Peer Review History:

Received 7 August 2025; Reviewed 11 September 2025; Accepted 20 October; Available online 15 November 2025

Academic Editor: Dr. Gehan Fawzy Abdel Raoof Kandeel, Pharmacognosy Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622, Giza, Egypt, gehankandeel9@yahoo.com

Reviewers:

Dr. Sheikh Abdul Khaliq, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan, drwadhsheikh1974@gmail.com

Dr. Taiwo O Elufioye, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, toonitaiwo@yahoo.com

PREVALENCE OF ELONGATED STYLOID PROCESS IN YEMENI POPULATION OF SANA’A CITY, YEMEN

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background and Aim: The styloid process (SP) is a cylindrical bony projection that originates from the inferior part of the petrous temporal bone, directly in front of the stylomastoid foramen. Numerous ligaments, muscles, and nerves are intimately associated with the (SP). When the measurement is more than 30 mm, it is deemed elongated. ES which is typified by a variety of neck and head pains, as well as tinnitus, earache, trigeminal neuralgia, and headache, is related to the elongation of the SP (ESP).The reason of the survey was to look into the ESP prevalence, shape, and calcification pattern in the Yemeni community in Sana'a City, as well as how these factors relate to subgroups and gender.

Methods: This study explored OPG of 1176 Yemeni subjects over the age of 14 years. Some radiograph together with a suspected SP was disregarded from the study. The obvious SP length was calculated by a single qualified maxillofacial and dental radiologist. The distributions of the SP according to sex, age, different types, styloid process length classifications, and differences in the mean length of the ESP in Yemenis were calculated.

Results: The study screened Yemenis for Eagle syndrome, with 35% males and 65% women, with 49.3% having the condition. Styloid process elongation was categorized into elongated type I (20.4%), segmented type III (15.4%), pseudoarticulated type II (2.9%), and type IV elongation due to distant ossification (4.3%). The mean length of the ESP was 29.97±8.17 mm, with no significant differences detected in different age groups.

Conclusion: With or without symptoms, panoramic radiographs are a cost-effective, readily available, and practical diagnostic technique for the early identification of an extended styloid process. Larger sample sizes, however, would be useful in determining how common this extended styloid process is among Yemenis in different areas.

Peer Review History:

Received 4 August 2025; Reviewed 11 September 2025; Accepted 18 October; Available online 15 November 2025

Academic Editor: Dr. Iman Muhammad Higazy, National Research Center, Egypt, imane.higazy@hotmail.com

Reviewers:

Dr. George Zhu, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, sansan4240732@163.com

Dr. Gülay B Anadolu, Anadolu University, Eskisehir, Turkey, gbuyukko@anadolu.edu.tr

COMPARATIVE RADIOLOGICAL STUDY OF BONE DENSITY AND THICKNESS BETWEEN OPEN AND CLOSED REDUCTION OF COMMINUTED MANDIBULAR BONE FRACTURE

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background and Objectives: Mandibular fractures, often caused by trauma, can lead to significant functional and aesthetic impairments, including difficulty chewing and speaking, and facial deformities, especially when comminuted. This study compares bone density and thickness in patients with comminuted mandibular fractures resulting from gunshot wounds, using advanced radiological methods to determine treatment efficacy and inform clinical decisions.

Subjects and Methods: This retrospective study compared the treatment of comminuted mandibular fractures resulting from gunshot wounds at Sana'a Military Hospital. The study included patients who underwent open or closed reduction, and demographic data, injury characteristics, and post-treatment examinations were collected. Bone density and thickness were measured using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) or CT scans, and statistical analysis was performed to compare the two groups.

Results: The study included five patients in each group who underwent intermaxillary fixation (IMF) and open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). The age distribution of patients was heterogeneous, with 30% between 22 and 24 years old, 20% between 25 and 27 years old, 30% between 28 and 30 years old, and 20% over 30 years old. Malunion was the most common complication, followed by bone loss in 30% of patients. No significant differences in bone density and thickness were observed between the IMF and ORIF groups at the site of injury.

Conclusion: Ultimately, a patient's previous bone density is the determining factor in determining the appropriate treatment for a jaw fracture and is not a criterion for comparison between IMF and ORIF. Although both treatments have risks and benefits, the success of the outcome depends on the quality of the underlying bone to ensure stable healing.

Peer Review History:

Received 6 August 2025; Reviewed 12 September 2025; Accepted 22 October; Available online 15 November 2025

Academic Editor: Dr. Sally A. El-Zahaby, Pharos University in Alexandria, Egypt, sally.elzahaby@yahoo.com

Reviewers:

Dr. Mahmoud S. Abdallah, University of Sadat city, Egypt, dr_samy777@yahoo.com

Dr. Mohamed Salama, Modern University for Technology & Information, Egypt, salama47@yahoo.com

BREAST CANCER CELLS UNDER OXYGEN STRESS: ADAPTATION AND SURVIVAL MECHANISMS

Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Oxygen deprivation, or hypoxia, is a key characteristic of the tumor microenvironment in various solid tumors, such as breast cancer. As tumors exceed their blood supply, regions with low oxygen develop, generating selective pressure that fuels cancer advancement and resistance to treatment. Breast cancer cells demonstrate significant flexibility, allowing them to adjust to and endure under these difficult circumstances. Grasping the cellular and molecular reactions to hypoxia is essential for creating more efficient treatment approaches. A key adaptation to hypoxic stress includes metabolic reconfiguration. Breast cancer cells lower their dependence on oxygen driven mitochondrial respiration while boosting glycolytic activity, even when oxygen is available this is referred to as the Warburg effect. This metabolic change facilitates ATP generation and biosynthesis in oxygen-limited environments. Simultaneously, hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) trigger various genes related to angiogenesis, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), encouraging the development of new yet frequently ineffective blood vessels that continue to sustain hypoxic environments.

Peer Review History:

Received 1 August 2025; Reviewed 11 September 2025; Accepted 15 October; Available online 15 November 2025

Academic Editor: Dr. Jennifer Audu-Peter, University of Jos, Nigeria, drambia44@gmail.com

Reviewers:

Dr. Hasniza Zaman Huri, University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, hasnizazh@ummc.edu.my

Dr. Hatem Sameir Abbas, Al-Azhar University, Egypt, hsam8406@yahoo.com

THE CONVERGENCE OF STATISTICAL PROCESS CONTROL AND QUANTITATIVE MICROBIAL RISK ASSESSMENT: ENHANCING PHARMACEUTICAL QUALITY AND PUBLIC HEALTH SAFETY

Mostafa EssamEissa — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Statistical process control (SPC) has become an essential tool for maintaining quality and safety in pharmaceuticals, public health, and other industries. This review critically examines the applications and synergistic potential of SPC applications in pharmaceutical manufacturing and public health risk assessment. The article demonstrates SPC's effectiveness in monitoring microbiological quality, detecting process variations, and assessing public health risks. Key applications include microbiological quality control of pharmaceutical products and water systems, statistical analysis of disinfectant efficacy, and risk assessment for infectious disease outbreaks. SPC can provide a unified analytical framework, facilitates proactive risk management, and supports data-driven decision-making. Future research should focus on developing standardized SPC protocols, integrating SPC with other data analysis tools, and exploring new applications. SPC enables researchers and practitioners to improve pharmaceutical quality and public health outcomes significantly.

Peer Review History:

Received 2 August 2025; Reviewed 11 September 2025; Accepted 17 October; Available online 15 November 2025

Academic Editor: Dr. Ahmad Najib, Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Indonesia, ahmad.najib@umi.ac.id

Reviewers:

Dr. Heba M. Abd El-Azim, Damanhour University, Egypt, h_m_abdelazim@hotmail.com

Dr. Kingsley C Anukam, University of Benin, Nigeria, kanukam@gmail.com

THE CLINICAL VALUE OF D-DIMER LEVELS IN CERVICAL CANCER: IMPLICATIONS FOR EARLY DETECTION OF DISEASE PROGRESSION AND RECURRENCE

Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Cervical cancer continues to be a significant global health issue, especially in low- and middle-income nations, where late-stage diagnosis and elevated recurrence rates hinder treatment success. Thus, it is essential to identify trustworthy, accessible biomarkers to aid in the early detection of disease progression and recurrence. Among coagulation indicators, D-dimer a byproduct of fibrin breakdown has attracted growing interest for its possible clinical significance in cervical cancer. Increased D-dimer concentrations indicate hypercoagulability, tumor-related angiogenesis, and systemic inflammation, all of which are essential to cancer biology. This narrative review investigates the clinical significance of D-dimer in cervical cancer, assessing its function in risk stratification, tracking treatment response, and forecasting recurrence. We emphasize proof connecting high D-dimer levels to progressed disease stage, metastasis, and unfavorable prognosis, while also addressing its incorporation with imaging and additional hematological indicators to improve diagnostic precision. Issues like assay variability, absence of standardized cut-off values, and confounding factors influencing D-dimer levels are thoroughly assessed. Ultimately, we suggest future research avenues, such as validation studies, integration into predictive models, and investigation of D-dimer within multi-biomarker panels for precision oncology. Connecting coagulation science and oncology, D-dimer presents a potential supplementary marker to facilitate prompt interventions and enhance clinical results in cervical cancer.

Peer Review History:

Received 2 August 2025; Reviewed 9 September 2025; Accepted 17 October; Available online 15 November 2025

Academic Editor: Dr. Marwa A. A. Fayed, University of Sadat City, Egypt, maafayed@gmail.com

Reviewers:

Dr. Leyla Açık, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey, leylaacik@gmail.com

Dr. Lucky Llegbosi Nwidu, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, menelucky@yahoo.com

POPULATION AGING AND THE RISE OF REFRACTORY LEUKEMIAS: SURVEILLANCE, SCREENING AND STRATEGIC HEALTH PLANNING

Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, Aakib Rahman Parray — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The global demographic shift towards an aging population has led to a marked increase in the incidence of refractory leukemias, posing significant challenges for healthcare systems worldwide. Older adults are disproportionately affected by leukemias that are resistant to conventional therapies, resulting in poorer prognoses and increased morbidity. This review explores the multifaceted impact of population aging on the epidemiology and management of refractory leukemias, highlighting the urgent need for tailored public health interventions. Effective surveillance systems are critical to monitoring trends in leukemia incidence, treatment resistance, and outcomes among elderly populations. Enhanced data collection and integration of molecular and clinical markers can improve early identification of high-risk individuals and inform resource allocation. Additionally, risk-based screening strategies adapted to the unique needs of older adults have the potential to facilitate earlier diagnosis and improve responsiveness to treatment, ultimately reducing the progression to refractory disease. Strategic health planning that incorporates multidisciplinary care models, public health policy initiatives, and community engagement is essential to address the complex care needs of elderly leukemia patients. Investments in healthcare infrastructure, provider training, and supportive services will improve quality of life and clinical outcomes. Collaborative efforts to integrate surveillance and screening into comprehensive health plans can help mitigate the growing public health burden of refractory leukemias in aging populations.

Peer Review History:

Received 9 August 2025; Reviewed 14 September 2025; Accepted 23 October; Available online 15 November 2025

Academic Editor: Dr. Nuray Arı, Ankara University, Turkiye, ari@ankara.edu.tr

Reviewers:

Dr. Marwa A. A. Fayed, University of Sadat City, Egypt, maafayed@gmail.com

Dr. Mohammad Bayan, Faculty of Pharmacy, Philadelphia University, P.O. Box: 1 Philadelphia University 19392 Jordan, mbayan01@qub.ac

REPROGRAMMING IRON METABOLISM IN HIV: MOLECULAR MECHANISMS DRIVING VIRAL PERSISTENCE AND DISEASE PROGRESSION

Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Iron, an essential micronutrient, serves multiple functions in the development of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, affecting viral replication, immune responses, and the advancement of the disease. This analysis explores the detailed molecular dynamics of iron management in HIV infection, illuminating the intricate relationship between iron metabolism and viral development. This review investigates the molecular mechanisms related to iron dysregulation in individuals with HIV, clarifying the effects of disrupted iron homeostasis on disease advancement and pinpointing possible therapeutic targets. Iron balance is closely controlled in the body, with disturbances linked to the development of several diseases, such as HIV infection. HIV affects iron metabolism in various ways, impacting both host and viral functions. Iron accumulation, frequently seen in individuals infected with HIV, has been linked to faster disease progression, immune impairment, and higher mortality rates. On the other hand, a lack of iron can weaken immune response and worsen complications related to HIV. Changes in iron balance significantly impact the progression of HIV and its clinical results. Iron imbalance can promote viral reproduction, worsen immune dysfunction, and intensify HIV-related comorbidities such as heart disease, cognitive decline, and anemia. Moreover, oxidative stress and inflammation triggered by iron lead to tissue harm and systemic issues, which further worsen HIV pathogenesis. Clarifying the molecular dynamics of iron orchestration in HIV infection offers important insights into disease mechanisms and reveals possible targets for therapeutic intervention.

Peer Review History:

Received 4 August 2025; Reviewed 11 September 2025; Accepted 20 October; Available online 15 November 2025

Academic Editor: Dr. Sally A. El-Zahaby, Pharos University in Alexandria, Egypt, sally.elzahaby@yahoo.com

Reviewers:

Dr. Mahmoud S. Abdallah, University of Sadat city, Egypt, dr_samy777@yahoo.com

Dr. Mohamed Salama, Modern University for Technology & Information, Egypt, salama47@yahoo.com

Message

Dr. Asia Selman Abdullah — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

I would like to extremely congratulate all the UJPR team for completing about ten successful years since the establishment of the journal. I take this opportunity to thankEditor-in-Chief and all the board membersfor their progress and success in scientific publication pathway and providing suggestions to improve the journal quality, causing a journal indexed in good indexing platforms and increase the journal articles citation. The Universal Journal of Pharmaceutical Research (UJPR) stands as a beacon of progress and promise. This international, peer-reviewed journal is not merely a publication; it's a catalyst for innovation and collaboration. UJPR's commitment to open access signifies an unwavering dedication to the democratization of knowledge, offering a bridge to individuals from diverse backgrounds, and uniting them in the quest for pharmaceutical excellence. As a platform for students and professionals alike, UJPR nurtures aspirations. It provides the resources and insights necessary for individuals to not only build their careers but also to shape the future of pharmaceuticals.

I am expecting more success for our journal to be indexed in the famous indexing such as Scopus and Thomson Reuters.