Rasheed Hussein Ahmed’s scientific contributions

Nigella sativa, known as black seed, is traditionally utilized in Middle Eastern and Asian medicine for millennia as a therapeutic herb. Preclinical and clinical research have shown that thymoquinone, its active ingredient, has immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. The aim of this narrative review is to highlight present knowledge on the function of Nigella sativa in treating infections, especially Helicobacter pylori, and its regulatory effects on inflammatory processes. To emphasize the therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa as an adjuvant in infectious and inflammatory illnesses, the review gathers results from systematic reviews, in vitro and in vivo research, and clinical trials.

Background/Objectives: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an emerging viral respiratory disease that has currently reached a pandemic status. This study aimed to assessCOVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and practices among the Kurdish population in Iraq. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from July 15 to September 15, 2020 among the Kurdish population in Iraq. A total of 885 subjects were interviewed. All subjects were aged 15-75 years. Knowledge scores, attitudes, and practices of subjects were analyzed according to demographic characteristics. Results: The study subjects were largely male, the average age was31.79 years, and 41.92% subjects were from Erbil province. Approximately 85.31% subjects had enhanced knowledge regarding disease prevention and control. The lowest subscale scores were related to clinical manifestations of the disease. Knowledge scores were significantly associated with age, place of current residence, and level of education. A large number of participants believed COVID-19 would be controlled and the fight against the pandemic would be won. Subjects' attitudes toward success differed significantly by demographic characteristics, except marital status. Approximately 40.03% subjects reported that they had not visited a crowded place, and 60.22% of these subjects wore face masks when leaving home. Conclusions: This study found good knowledge, positive attitudes, and proper practices among the general population regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. However, community-based health campaigns in the region should encourage optimistic attitudes and appropriate practices regarding virus

Background/Objectives: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an emerging viral respiratory disease that has currently reached a pandemic status. This study aimed to assessCOVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and practices among the Kurdish population in Iraq. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from July 15 to September 15, 2020 among the Kurdish population in Iraq. A total of 885 subjects were interviewed. All subjects were aged 15-75 years. Knowledge scores, attitudes, and practices of subjects were analyzed according to demographic characteristics. Results: The study subjects were largely male, the average age was31.79 years, and 41.92% subjects were from Erbil province. Approximately 85.31% subjects had enhanced knowledge regarding disease prevention and control. The lowest subscale scores were related to clinical manifestations of the disease. Knowledge scores were significantly associated with age, place of current residence, and level of education. A large number of participants believed COVID-19 would be controlled and the fight against the pandemic would be won. Subjects' attitudes toward success differed significantly by demographic characteristics, except marital status. Approximately 40.03% subjects reported that they had not visited a crowded place, and 60.22% of these subjects wore face masks when leaving home. Conclusions: This study found good knowledge, positive attitudes, and proper practices among the general population regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. However, community-based health campaigns in the region should encourage optimistic attitudes and appropriate practices regarding virus