In December 2019, an outbreak of a new type of acute respiratory disease (pneumonia) was reported in central China, and the number of people infected with it increased rapidly. Doctors named this disease COVID–19 and identified its origin as a virus called SARS–COV–2. So far, no effective drug has been produced that can be used to treat this disease with certainty, but some drugs have been identified and introduced that have shown a significant effect on the recovery of patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate and analyze the drugs that have been used to treat Covid–19 patients so that the drugs that have the greatest effect on the recovery of patients can be identified and introduced. The drugs lopinavir and ritonavir, in combination with complementary drugs such as interferon alpha, have been effective in reducing the load capacity of the Betacoronaviruses family. The drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine have been effective in limiting the replication of COVID–19 in laboratory conditions. The antiviral drug amantadine reduces the replication capacity of the virus. Remdesivir can prevent lung damage caused by coronavirus infection in humans. In the case of favipiravir, studies have shown a recovery rate of 91.43%, indicating a very high effectiveness of this drug. Favipiravir and remdesivir have shown significant effectiveness. The drugs lopinavir and ritonavir, used in combination with interferon alpha, as well as hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, have shown low effectiveness.
REVIEW ARTICLE | Oct. 8, 2025
Microfluidics in Biomedical Research: Prospects, Limitations and Future Direction
Dr Sharique Ahmad, Dr Ashish Singh, Dr Waseem Raza, Dr Raushan Kumar, Dr Fardeen Zaidi
Page no 355-361 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjbr.2025.v10i10.002
Microfluidics is the science and technology of manipulating minute fluid volumes within micro-sized channels. It is an interdisciplinary technology that integrates physics, chemistry, biology, materials science, and microengineering, offering transformative potential for biomedical research. Recent innovations in the field of microfluidics such as organ-on-chip devices, droplet-based assays, 3D bioprinting, integration with artificial intelligence and CRISPR technologies have accelerated the development of physiologically close models and personalized medicine approaches. This review comprehensively examines the emerging field of microfluidics, including its design principles, fabrication techniques, and commonly materials used materials. Moreover, also highlights the key applications in stem cell culture, organ-mimicking systems, cancer and infectious disease research, drug discovery, and genome editing. Furthermore, it also compares with traditional methods, outlines the current challenges, along with future directions that emphasize smart, adaptive platforms for real-time monitoring and automated control.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Oct. 14, 2025
Clinical and Etiological Profile of Iron-Deficiency Anemia in Adults
El Idrissi El Houcine, Birouki Hind, Assoufi Naoufal
Page no 362-367 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjbr.2025.v10i10.003
Introduction: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common condition in adults, particularly affecting women of childbearing age. It is the leading cause of anemia worldwide and represents a major public health concern. Purpose of the study: analyze the clinical and etiological profile of iron deficiency anemia in an internal medicine department. Materials and Methods. This was a retrospective study conducted over a 4-year period (January 2021 to December 2024) at the OUED-EDDAHAB military hospital in Agadir. Results: Our study included 151 cases. The mean patient age was 35.2 years, with a male-to-female (M/F) ratio of 0.07. Women of reproductive age (14–50 years) were the most affected group. The mean hemoglobin level was 8.3 g/dL. Gynecological blood loss and malabsorption syndromes were the primary etiological mechanisms. However, digestive disorders were the leading cause of IDA in our series. Among the studied cases, we identified: 51 cases of gynecological bleeding (33.8%), 41 cases of impaired absorption (27.2%), 26 cases of gastrointestinal bleeding (17.2%), 9 cases of dietary deficiency (6%), 5 cases of PICA syndrome (3.3%), and 18 cases of undetermined origin (11.9%). Injectable iron therapy played a significant role in management in our setting, being prescribed in 56.3% of cases. Conclusion: The causes of IDA in adults are multifactorial, involving several mechanisms. Gastrointestinal disorders were the most frequent in our series, consistent with literature data. For blood loss, gynecological causes predominated. The diagnostic approach to IDA is guided by clinical findings, and treatment relies on iron supplementation alongside etiological management.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Oct. 14, 2025
NGAL Levels as New Biochemical Marker for the Early Detection and Diagnosis of Osteoporosis in Patients with Meningitis
Noor Ali Gebur, Makarim Ali Enad, Ayat Saeed Awad
Page no 368-377 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjbr.2025.v10i10.004
Acute inflammation of the meninges the protective membranes enveloping the brain and spinal cord is referred to as meningitis. NGAL, a protein classified as an acute-phase reactant. We aimed to assess serum NGAL levels in individuals with meningitis in this study and to assess potential associations with the evaluated biochemical markers. A case-control study was conducted involving 120 Iraqi participants (60 individuals diagnosed with meningitis, 60 individuals diagnosed as control). Serum levels of NGAL and various markers were measured in all subjects. Statistical evaluation showed increase in hs-CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, CTX and NGAL levels among individuals with meningitis as compared to control group, respectively (10±1 versus 3.5±0.3, P=0.03), (50±4 versus 13±2, P=0.01), (20±1 versus 8±0.5, P=0.03), (0.8±0.1 versus 0.45±0.1, P=0.01) and (165±20 versus 135±10, P=0.04). NGAL exhibited a strong direct positive correlation with hs-CRP, TNF-α, IL-6 and CTX levels. The present study demonstrated individuals with meningitis have significantly elevated serum levels of NGAL as compared to control group, and a strong direct correlation observed between NGAL and hs-CRP, TNF-α, IL-6 and CTX. These findings proposed that NGAL expression may serve as a new biochemical marker for the early detection and diagnosis of osteoporosis in patients with meningitis.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Oct. 23, 2025
Electrolyte Imbalance and Renal Marker in Newborns and Children
Dr. Salma Sadiya, Mashud Parvez, Dr. Azmeri Alam, Dr. Delara Sultana, Md. Masud Rana
Page no 378-382 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjbr.2025.v10i10.005
Background: Proper fluid and electrolyte balance is vital for preventing morbidity in neonates and children; thus, this study aimed to assess and compare electrolyte imbalances and renal marker profiles between newborns and children. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to assess and compare electrolyte imbalances and renal marker profiles between newborns and children. Methods: This cross-sectional study at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute, Dhaka (Jan–Mar 2024), included 100 participants (50 newborns, 50 children). Serum creatinine, blood urea, and electrolytes (Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻, Ca²⁺) were measured, and data analyzed with SPSS 26 using t-tests, chi-square/Fisher’s exact tests, and Pearson’s correlation (p < 0.05). Results: Newborns had higher creatinine (0.85 vs. 0.47 mg/dL, p = 0.0009) and urea (78.3 vs. 29.5 mg/dL, p = 0.012) than children. Electrolyte imbalance occurred in 58% (64% newborns, 52% children), mainly hypernatremia (24%), hypokalemia (18%), and hyperkalemia (15%). Newborns showed lower sodium (139.8 vs. 146.1 mmol/L, p = 0.037) and chloride (100.8 vs. 106.5 mmol/L, p = 0.016), but higher potassium (5.1 vs. 4.3 mmol/L, p = 0.030). Creatinine and urea correlated negatively with sodium (r = –0.32, –0.24) and positively with potassium (r = 0.68, 0.41; all p < 0.05). Conclusion: Electrolyte imbalances are common in newborns and children, with renal dysfunction closely associated with sodium and potassium disturbances, highlighting the need for age-specific monitoring.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Oct. 24, 2025
Evaluation of the Chemical and Nutritional Constituents of Potash from Some LGA’s in the Northern Zone of Plateau State
Orshio Augustina Dooshima, Ozor Josephat Ejike, Orshio Donald Uga, Nwapi Lucy Larrycarr, Idghri Monica Njideka, Fador Nimfa Geofrey, David Yakubu Bot
Page no 383-391 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjbr.2025.v10i10.006
Potash, an impure form of potassium salts such as potassium carbonate (K2CO3), has significant applications in agriculture and food preparation. Derived from sources like wood ashes, maize cobs, and Acha hay, potash is used in Nigeria for various local purposes, as food tenderizer and supplement in traditional medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical and nutritional constituents of potash from some Local Government areas in the Northern zone of Plateau State, Nigeria. The study employed a Laboratory-based analytical approach to determine the chemical and nutritional components of four potash varieties: maize cob, Acha hay, white, and red potash. Samples were randomly collected from Vom Market in Jos South LGA, Fan Market in Barkin Ladi LGA, and Terminus Market in Jos North LGA of Plateau State. The chemical analytes, including sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, chloride, and cobalt, were measured in ppm using Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) machine (Buck Scientific 205), ultra-violet visible photometer machine and muffle furnace. Additionally, proximate analysis for moisture, crude protein, crude fiber, lipids, ash, Nitrogen-Free Extract (NFE) and Metabolizable Energy (ME) was conducted. The analysis revealed significant variations in the chemical and nutritional components among the different potash varieties. Maize cob potash exhibited high potassium (600,000 ppm) and sodium (6,666.7 ppm) levels, while white potash showed substantial amounts of potassium (500,000 ppm) and chloride (115 ppm). Acha hay potash had high potassium (600,000 ppm) and calcium (250 ppm) contents, and red potash contained notable levels of potassium (500,000 ppm) and chloride (110 ppm). Nutritional analysis indicated varying levels of moisture, crude protein, crude fiber, lipids, ash, NFE & ME, highlighting the distinct profiles of each potash variety. The study underscores the diverse biochemical and nutritional profiles of different potash varieties, highlighting their potential health benefits and risks. These findings lay the Background work for further research into the health implications of potash consumption and its role in dietary supplementation.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Oct. 25, 2025
Detection of Oral Candidiasis in Different Cancer Patients in Khartoum Oncology Hospital, Khartoum State, Sudan
Mutaz Fathelrhman Saad, Azza Emad Aldeen Awad Algeed, Manal Saif Aldeen Mohgoub
Page no 392-396 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjbr.2025.v10i10.007
Candida is the major fungal pathogen of humans causing a variety of afflictions ranging from superficial mucosal diseases to deep seated mycoses. Opportunistic infections due to Candida species occur frequently in cancer patients because of their inherent immunosuppression. This study aimed to detect the prevalence of oral yeast among Sudanese cancer patients with different cancer patients who received different cancer treatment in Khartoum oncology hospital (al Zarra Hospital). Fifty oral swabs were collected from the patients with different age groups ranging from 10 to 100 old, 18\50 were males and 32\50 were females. The study was carried out in the period from December 2021 to May 2022. All samples were first cultured on to Sabouraoud’s dextrose agar media which was supplemented with penicillin antimicrobial agent, from those only 40% were showed growth. Then growth colonies identified by Gram's stain and sub cultured on chromogenic Candida agar media and inoculated on serum for germ tube test. The colonies gave light green colonies were identified as Candida albicans with (18%), which were the most prevalence strain of isolated Candida species, followed by Candida tropicalis which gave blue colonies with (18%) and then Candida kruzei with (4%) which gave creamy-moove colonies. The study showed that the distribution of an oral yeast among cancer patients was 40% and age group over 50 years old were more affected with an oral yeast. That female was most affected with an oral yeast (64%) (32 female) than male (36%) (18 male). Head and neck cancer (HNC) patient were the most affected group among cancer patients (35%). The study showed that cancer patients that affected with an oral yeast resident out of Khartoum city (66%) compared to those from Khartoum city (34%). Also, the oral yeast infection was high in cancer patients that resident out of hospital (86%) compared patient admitted on the hospital (14%). This study concluded that the frequency of an oral yeast in cancer patients who were received treatment was 40%. The most prevelant species was Candida albicans with 18% which followed by Candida tropicalis 18% and Candida kruzei 4%. Patient in age more than 50 years old were more affected with an oral yeast. The most affected cancer patients were those who were diagnosed with head and neck cancer.