This edition of NIU Journal of Health Sciences touches on health and medically related issues such as Disease Control, Harmful Traditional Practices, Prevalence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) among admitted patients at Baqubah Teaching Hospital in Diyala, among others.

One of the papers, in this issue, reveals that that despite relatively high educational levels among participants, some harmful traditional health practices are still believed and practiced. It therefore, recommends that increasing awareness and providing accurate health education are essential to reduce the spread of these misconceptions.

Another paper also reveals that a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant S. aureus, including a substantial proportion of methicillin-resistant (MRSA) strains, at Baqubah Teaching Hospital. The significant variations in susceptibility patterns across different antibiotics and anatomical infection sites emphasize the necessity of tailored empirical therapy. These alarming resistance rates warrant the immediate implementation of strict antimicrobial stewardship programs and regular local surveillance to curb the dissemination of these refractory pathogens.

On the whole, this edition of NIU Journal of Health Sciences features many empirical and theoretical based articles which can be of great benefit to every reader.

This edition of NIU Journal of Health Sciences touches on Lung Cancer Prevention Awareness, Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) for Left-Sided Breast Cancer Assessment, Toxoplasma gondii Infection and Their Effects on Human Brain Health, among others.

One of the papers, in this issue, calls for more research to be conducted into lung cancer, as a way of improving understanding and hearing from the general public. Develop student-centered education programs that focus on increasing awareness of lung cancer risk factors and prevention. It therefore, recommends introducing Cross-sectional studies on awareness and attitude among adults to prevent lung cancer.

Another paper also reveals that Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) planning provided consistent and clinically satisfactory dosimetric outcomes for both the target volumes and surrounding normal tissues. The chest wall PTV had an average V95 of 97.2%, while the lymph node PTV reached 98.7%, demonstrating sufficient target coverage with satisfactory conformity and dose uniformity. In terms of organs at risk, cardiac exposure was kept low, with the heart receiving an average dose of 5.0 Gy. The ipsilateral lung experienced mean V5, V20, and V30 values of 56.6%, 25.0%, and 21.0%, respectively. It is revealed that VMAT achieved efficient target coverage, demonstrating good dose conformity and uniformity, all while keeping radiation exposure to nearby organs at risk within acceptable limits. These results endorse the clinical practicality of using VMAT for treating left-sided breast cancer.

On the whole, this edition of NIU Journal of Health Sciences features many empirical and theoretical based articles which can be of great benefit to every reader.