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Studies on the antibacterial effects of natural compounds, particularly those derived from medicinal plants, have garnered a lot of attention because of the enhanced resistance of germs to antibiotics. The resistance of bacteria to plant-derived chemicals may develop much slower if not at all, which enhances the potential for future research in this area. This study investigates the antibacterial effect of Equisetum arvense extract combined with TiO2 nanoparticles and embedded in Polymethacrylic acid films on the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus. The prepared material was characterized via X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Atomic Force Microscopy to understand the physicochemical merits of it, and the antibacterial properties were then examined. The results indicate that Equisetum arvense exhibits antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. At modest dosages, this plant may offer a novel treatment option for disorders associated with oxidative stress, apoptosis, or hypertonic conditions.

The use of agricultural and biomass waste to treat pollutants is a fruitful sector as it resolves a major problem by a low-cost and eco-friendly source. This study investigates the antimicrobial potential of Pomegranate (P. granatum) peel extract and Copper Oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs), evaluating their efficacy against various bacterial strains. The P. granatum extract displayed notable bactericidal activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). CuO NPs induced reactive oxygen species, disrupting bacterial mechanisms and altering cellular morphology. Even at lower concentrations, both agents exhibited efficiency comparable to a higher concentration of the pharmaceutical standard (Ciprofloxacin 250 mg/10 ml, 2.5 %). These findings align with previous research, underscoring the antimicrobial properties of P. granatum and the potential of CuO NPs as alternative agents. The study highlights the significance of the ongoing quest for effective and sustainable antimicrobial solutions.

On the 31st of December 2019, China reported several pneumonia-like infections in Wuhan's Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market. Ten days later, a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was announced by the Chinese center for disease control (CCDC). At that time, the genome sequence was publicly made available. The genome sequence analysis of the newly identified virus was found similar to 75-80% of the SARS-CoV clade and more than 88% of bat corona viruses. On January 30th, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 epidemic. In March 2020, the WHO raised a state of emergency and declared that COVID-19 has become a pandemic. Unfortunately, Iraq confirmed the first cases of COVID-19 in February 2020. On April 25th, 46,135 tests were conducted in Iraq with 1763 positive cases. Although Iraq is making great efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic stimulating all the available capabilities, such as having a full lockdown and teaching people about the sickness danger, the numbers of cases and deaths started to dramatically increase in June. Now, on the 2nd of July, the infection and death cases were around 54 K and 2.2 K, respectively. Herein, we outline the challenges that the Iraqi health sector is facing to control the spread of COVID-19 with procedures followed so far. This could assist in understanding the severity of the situation and end up with a realistic understanding of it.