Background: Chemotherapy resistance is caused by a multiplicity of reasons; some of which can be avoided and others that are beyond the scope of current treatment methods. Since chemotherapy is administered under the supervision of health personnel, the role of oncologists cannot be undermined, and yet none is known about their knowledge and perspective. This research is the first-ever study aiming to develop a valid and reliable tool to determine oncologists' knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward chemotherapy resistance. Methods: Based on information gathered from literature searches, in-depth interviews with oncologists, and discussions with experts, an English-language questionnaire was developed. The questionnaire was tested for validity and reliability. A final version of the questionnaire (63 items) was piloted among 64 practicing oncologists and oncology trainees via convenient sampling. Data analysis was done using SPSS. Results: Correlation coefficients for each of the questionnaire's domains were more than 0.7 (P<0.001), which suggests that the questionnaire had strong test-retest reliability. The overall internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) for knowledge (0.728), attitude (0.722), and practice (0.716) were greater than 0.7 indicating good internal consistency. Participants demonstrated a low level of knowledge and a positive attitude toward chemotherapy resistance. A statistically significant difference was noted between the knowledge score and education level, years of experience in the medical and oncology field, and experiencing resistance cases. Conclusion: The developed questionnaire was found to be valid and reliable and can be used as an assessment tool for assessing oncologists' knowledge, attitude, and practice toward chemotherapy resistance in future studies. This study also reported that the oncologists have low knowledge on chemotherapy resistance and a predominantly positive attitude towards fighting chemotherapy resistance. Thus, it is essential for current practices in chemotherapy to be optimized to reduce the risk of chemotherapy resistance.

Background: Exam-related anxiety is a set of responses that include excessive worry, depression, nervousness, and irrelevant thinking from an individual's experience of assessment or testing and its outcome. Aim: This study was designed to evaluate exam-related anxiety among medical students in Baghdad City. Methods: This study utilized a cross-sectional survey design and was conducted by administering an online questionnaire to medical students (medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy). Results: A total of 530 students participated in the survey; 20.8% of them came from medical colleges, 41.7% from dentistry schools, and 37.5% from pharmacy schools. Around 27.1% of the respondents reported positive test-related anxiety. Conclusion: Exam-related anxiety is frequent among Iraqi medical students in Baghdad and highlights the need for education programs to reduce this anxiety.

Pro-inflammatory mediators like IL-6 effectively mediated the majority of musculoskeletal disorders such rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), and tendinitis. Increased levels of IL-6 are found in the serum or synovial fluid of patients with these disorders, and these levels are correlated with the incidence and severity of the disease. IL-6 is crucial for the development of cartilage pathology, for example, by inducing a variety of pathways that are involved in the induction and spread of inflammation. The expression of anti-catabolic factors is similarly increased by IL-6, indicating a protective function. The differential impacts of IL-6 classic and trans-signaling may be the reason for this dual role of IL-6, which has so far remained poorly understood. In this article, the experimental and clinical data on the function of inhibiting IL-6 signaling in the development and progression of pathologies of the synovium, cartilage, and bones were thoroughly reviewed. By evaluating the IL-6 targeting approaches that are currently being considered in research and clinical practice, it may provide a glimpse into the future of these illnesses' treatment.

Background: Dietary supplements are used to provide the body with nutrients necessary for the regulation of metabolic processes, to increase the nutritional value of a typical diet, and to enhance or maintain health. Aim: To assess the use frequency and demographics of dietary supplements consumers in Baghdad, Iraq. Method: From July to September 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted by distributing a self-administered survey to consumers attending community pharmacies in the Baghdad metropolitan area. About 150 participants took part in this investigation. Results: The study revealed that the majority of participants were female, constituting 58% of the total, while male subjects constituted 42% of the total. 16% of the subjects were taking multivitamins, with vitamin D3 being the most popular supplement (22.7%). Only 40% of all respondents relied on their physician's advice when using dietary supplements. 73.3% of them did not conduct any laboratory tests before or after ingesting these supplements. Conclusion: Significant numbers of users used calcium and vitamin D3 without obtaining lab results or being monitored by a physician; instead, they consulted the internet for information.

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