Rafidain journal of science

A pot experiment was conducted at the greenhouse of Science College- Salahaddin University-Erbil, Iraq, during November 2009 to April 2010 to study the effect of different concentrations of dill plant residue (added to soil at ratio 0, 2, 4, and 6% W: W mixed and incubated for four weeks) on some vegetative growth characters and chemical composition of leaves and grains of two barley cultivars (C1= Tedmor, C2=Barbara). The results indicated that the different concentrations of dill plant residue were affected significantly (P≤ 0.05) on most growth characters except number of tiller/plant. The highest values for all studied growth characters were recorded at 2% of dill plant residue for both cultivars. On the other hand, statistical analysis showed significant (P≤ 0.05) differences between two cultivars on nutrient content of leaves and seeds. In general, increasing level of dill plant residue led to significant increase of nitrogen, protein percent, proline, phosphorus, Fe, K+, and Na+ content of the leaves in both cultivars.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the importance of Candida albicans rapid test device and to evaluate the importance of some risk factors in the diagnosis of Candida albicans in vaginal discharge and to compare this test with other diagnostic methods. One hundred sixty women were investigated in this study. Results showed no statistical relationship between the age and the occupation of the patient and the incidence of fungal vaginitis. Relationship between recent use of antibiotics and infection was statistically evident. The sensitivity of the rapid test device for the diagnosis of VVC was 87.9 % versus direct microscopical examination which has 64.5%sensitivity. We conclude that the rapid test device provided a rapid and better results than conventional microscopy and culture for the diagnosis of VVC. This easy-to-perform diagnostic test will be useful to practitioners treating women with symptoms of fungal vaginitis

The present study investigates the presence of four oral Treponemal species using rapid molecular methods. Subgingival fluid samples were obtained before and after one week of scaling and the nucleic acid was liberated from the bacterial cells to be used as a template for PCR. Specific primers for each Treponemal species targeted to16SrDNA sequence was depended.89% of samples were positive for Treponema sp., 88% of them were positive to the presence of more than one type. T. amylovorum, T. medium, T.socranskii, and T. vincentii were detected in 72%, 87%, 76 % , and 28% respectively with higher percentage at pocket depths >5 mm. Molecular method was able to detect Treponemal species even after scaling, however, in lower percentage than before it.

The present study aim to investigate the causes and characteristics of ambiguous genitalia in newborn who were referred to cytogenetic laboratory. Cytogenetic analysis was performed for each case. All cases were analyzed by chromosomal study using GTG karyotype. All patients after cytogenetic analysis revealed 46, XX and 46, XY Karyotype. One individual carry a Y chromosome but phenotypically female and one case have a female karyotype but are phenotypically male. The cytogenetic analysis of children with suspected chromosomal aberrations is important to uncover the contribution of chromosomal disorder in genesis of sexual ambiguity and congenital malformation in children and prevent further potentially unpleasant investigation being undertaken

Diabetes in pregnancy is associated with a derangement of hormones, cytokines, metabolites and growth factors in the maternal and foetal compartment. These may influence placental and umbilical cord, growth and histological structure that are tightly regulated in time and space.
The blood and placenta and umbilical cord samples were collected in Hawler Maternity Hospital from (70) diabetic (Type-II) pregnant women and (30) healthy pregnant women directly at parturition. The placenta prepared for histo-pathological examination, while the serum used for both leptin and insulin estimation in both diabetic and non diabetic pregnant women.
Our results showed linear significant increase in leptin and insulin levels would all support the increased incidence of placental-related complications observed in diabetic pregnancy witch revealed immaturity of placentae villi, edema of the intima, and intervillous fibrosis in addition of ischemia of the villi. While umbilical cords sections represented thickening parietal layer and vacuolation. So these are found to improve the specificity of diabetic (Type-II) screening tests.

Eight isolates of Enterococcus faecalis previously identified by API20 strep for Enterococci from diarrheal cases were used in the present study. Resistance towards ampicillin, cefalexin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, erythromycin, streptomycin and nalidixic acid was determined and the results showed different antibiotic resistance pattern. The presence of a conjugation system in Enterococcus isolates was determined by mating with plasmid free strain of E.coli JM83, the results indicated the presence of conjugative system in isolates number 3,4,6 and 7 corresponded with the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes for cefalexin, tetracycline, gentamicin and nalidixic acid to recipient strain of E.coli JM83 at a frequency of (0.24 - 0.55×10-7) which may indicate the presence of an F plasmid in these isolates. The ability of the Enterococcus isolates to produce sex pheromone was detected by treating the conjugation mixture of the isolates 3,4,6 and 7 with E.coli JM83 with pheromones isolated from the isolates 1,2,5 and 8 separately. The results showed the ability of the pheromone isolated from isolate 2 to increase the conjugation frequency to (0.16×10-5) between isolate 6 and the recipient strain of E.coli JM83 which indicates the presence of a pheromone-responsive plasmid in the isolate 6 that is induced with the pheromone produced by isolate 2.

The rate of reaction between Schiff bases (N-Benzylidene-4-Picolyamine) and its derivatives with Chalcone(2-benzylidine-1-tetralone) to form spiropyrrolidine have been studied in DMF. This study occurred in two steps: The first step involved following the formation of intermediate by Fluorescence. The study indicated a pseudo first order dependence with rates 3,4-Dimethoxy> p-OCH3 > p-CH3 > H > P-Cl > P-NO2 at any temperature (298-318 K). The effect of substituents on the rate showed that electronic factors, inductive, conjugative and steric factors play reasonable role on the stability of the intermediates. The second step involved the disappearance of intermediate (cyclization process) to form the final product (spiropyrrolidine). This step was followed by UV technique and indicated a first order dependence with rates P-NO2 > p-Cl > H > p-CH3 > p-OCH3 > 3,4-Dimethoxy. A suitable mechanism for this type of reaction, which is consistent with the results, has been postulated

A simple, rapid and sensitive spectrophotometric method for the determination of microgram amounts of metronidazole (MZ) has been proposed. The method is based on the reduction of metronidazole with iron metal and hydrochloric acid followed by diazotisation and coupling with N-(1-naphthyl)ethylenediamine in acidic medium to give a pinkish-red colored azo dye which has maximum absorption at 503 nm. Beer's law is obeyed in the concentration range of 20-500 μg of metronidazole in a final volume of 25 ml, i.e., 0.8-20 ppm, with a molar absorptivity of 4.673×103 l.mol-1. cm-1 and Sandell's sensitivity index of 0.0366 µg.cm-2 , a relative error of – 1.73 to +1.58% and relative standard deviation of ±0.47to ±1.32 %, depending on the concentration level. The method has been applied successfully to the determination of metronidazole in pharmaceutical preparations.

In this work, series of substituted α, β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds (A1-8) had been prepared using Claisen-Schmidt condensation. Also, series of substituted Schiff bases (N-arylidene-4-picolyamine) (B1-6) were prepared by the condensation of 4-picolyamine with various aromatic aldehydes.
The reaction of the above mentioned materials (A+B) afforded the desired products [Spiropyrrolidines (S1-15)]. The reaction occurred through the formation of azallyl anion which acted as a nucleophile that has the ability to attack the exocylic double bond of chalcones through the 1,3-anionic cycloaddition mechanism to form the product.
The structure for all synthesized compounds (chaسبايروبايروليدين، 1، 3 الانيونية.lcones, Schiff bases, pyrrolidines) had been confirmed by the spectral data obtained by (UV, IR, 1H-NMR) as well as the determination of physical properties

Herbs and spices are sources of many bioactive compounds that can improve the taste of foods as well as their influence on digestion and metabolism processes. They can also contain some undesirable components that can be harmful, e.g. micotoxins, pesticides, heavy metals, and polycyclic carbohydrates residues.
The objective of this study was to determine metals content in the most popular spices and herbs used in local market in Erbil. The content of these metals was assayed by Atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. The study showed differences in metal concentration according to the plant part (Rhizomes, Seed, Leaf, and fruit). The concentration ranged on dry basis were : ( 6.1- 47.0), (56-650), (6-44), (10.5-22.5), (8.5-26.5), (26-88.6), (1.25-14.6), and (0.045-1.35) mg/kg for the metals, Zn, Fe, Cu, Cr, Co, Mn, Pb, and Cd respectively.
Most of the metal levels in the spices were acceptable with the exception of Pb, Cu and Cd which were above the standard limit approved by World Health Organization (WHO) and Food Agriculture Organization (FAO), Pb was above the standard level for fenugreek, cinnamon, Cd was above the standard level for ginger.
Consumers of these spices would not be exposed to any risk associated with the daily in take of 10g of spices per day containing the following metals; Zn, Fe, Cu, Cr, Co, Mn.but there are danger from fenugreek and cinnamon for Pb, while the danger of ginger is from Cd.
Generally most of the spices available in the market are safe for human consumption except for Pb and Cd

Grafting of wastes polypropylene taken from sack with some active functional groups like maleic anhydride, N- phenylmaleamic acid, N( o-chloro-phenyl) maleamic acid, N( 2,6-diethyphenyl) maleamic acid and N(3-chloro-4-methylphenyl) maleamic acid were accomplished via free radical polymerization.
The grafted polymers were examined as an ion exchanger toward Cu+2, Zn+2 and Cd+2 ions from their aqueous solutions. The initial concentrations of metal ion solution, pH of the extraction medium and treatment time were studied as a factors influence the efficiency of extraction. The r esults were constructed with some isotherm models (Langmuir, Frendlich and Dubiuin-Radushkevish models). The langmuir and Dubini-Radushkevish isotherm are the more suitable models to describe the results than Frendlich model.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of cupping therapy on serum lipid profile concentration and correlated to some trace elements (Cu, Zn, and Mn). Thirty one men (35 to 55 years old), with hyperlipidemia and without antihyperlipidemic drug or high energy diet consumption for the duration of the study were subjected to cupping. The serum for total cholesterol, triglyceride, lipoprotein (HDL, LDL) and trace elements concentration was collected from brachial veins, and determined before cupping and then once a week for two weeks after cupping. Patients with hyperlipidemia who subjected for cupping show a significantly decrease (p≤0.05) in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and LDL/HDL ratio by comparison before cupping, while there were no significant differences in serum HDL cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. Zn concentration and Cu/Zn ratio show a highly significant difference (p<0.001) after cupping and also showed a significant correlation with serum lipids profile after cupping, especially zinc metal.

Absorbing materials are key components of any solar water heater device. Silicon solar cells are very efficient but are highly expensive. An alternative is to use absorbing materials that are cheaper than silicon to produce. The use of carbon (soot) in the preparation of the coating layer of a homemade solar water heater has been investigated. When added in different proportions to oil-based white paint, marked increases in water temperatures were obtained. The increase in water temperature was directly proportional with the increase in the percentage of carbon in the coating layer. The maximum achieved outlet water temperature was 90° C in July and 70° C in November.
Due to its non-toxic nature and very low cost, carbon in the form of smoke suspension or soot, can provide a good and reliable alternative in the fabrication of domestic solar water heaters.

The results revealed to the increase of the specific activity of dihydrofolate reductase in stem' callus of sunflower, Heliathus annuus L. exposed to UV(360 nm.) for 5,10 and 15min. with the growth period. The total content of folate increased substantially, whereas 20min decreased activity of dihydrofolate reductase and folate content extracted from callus of different age.
The inhibitory effect of folate analogoues aminopterin and trimethoprim, In Vivo and In Vitro on dihydrofolate reductase and folate content of sunflower callus exposed or nonexposed to UV was tested. The results revealed that the exposure of callus for five min. exhibited high level of resistance to trimethoprim and aminopterin. The specific activity of dihydrofolate reductase and the total content of folate partially reserved as a result of radiation compared with non-radiated callus.

Isolation and identification of the member of the genus Brevibacterium which belong to Actinomycetes, were carried out, a total of (175) sample from different sources of dairy products, human blood and skin from kidney dialysis and cancer patient from August 2010 to February 2011.
The result indicate the higher percentage of isolation from dairy (32%), cheese and milk (20%) for each of them, blood of kidney dialysis 12% (8% male and 4% female)and from skin of kidney dialysis patient (4%), and they didn’t isolated from skin and blood of cancer patient.
The isolates were purified on the modified media Plate Count Agar (PCA) and blood agar and was purified and then identified to species level depending on the morphological, characteristics as shape, color and consistency of colony, sensitivity to antibiotics, most of species have shown sensitivity to Ciprofloxacin 5Mg/disc and resistance to penicillin and ampicillin 10Mg/disc, in addition to biochemical and physiological tests to the following
species B. linens, B. epidermidis, B. otitidis, B. iodinum, B. casei, B. sanguinis and
B. paucivorans.

Six varaieties of bread wheat Triticum aestivum L.(Sham 4, Adnaniya, Iba 95, Tamoz 2, Eratom, Abo-Graib) and their half diallel crosses were used to estimate heterosis, broad and narrow sense heritability for the following quantitative characters: heading time, number of tillers per plant, plant height, flag leaf area, number of spikes per plant, spike length, number of spiklet per spike, number of grains per spike, 100 grain weight, grain yield per plant and the harvest index. Most hybrids appeared significant and desirable values for heterosis. The broad sense heritability was high for plant height, spike length and number of spiklet per spike while, it was modrate for harvest index, and low for heading time, number of tillers per plant, flag leaf area, number of spike per plant, number of grains per spike, 100 grain weight and grain yield per plant. The narrow sense heritability was high for plant height and harvest index, and moderate for heading time, spike length, number of spiklet per spike,100 grains weight while it was low for number of tillers per plant, flag leaf area, number of spike per plant, number of grains per spike and grain yield per plant

This study was conducted to elucidate the effect of different concentrations of zinc element on male fertility of swiss albino mice by using atomic absorption, and determination of acid phosphatase activity ( Ec.3.1.3.2) compared with control groups. The mice were divided into three groups ( 10 mice / group ) and they were three months old. The first group was treated with 0.5 mg / kg body weight and the second group with 1.5 mg / kg body weight with zinc, while the third group considered as control group. The mice treatment was for 15 and 30 days for the two experiment groups.
The results showed a significant increase ( p≤0.05 ) in weight of testes in the group which treated by concentration 1.5 mg / kg b.w compared with control group. Significant increase (p≤0.05) was also found in testes weight when using the high concentration of zinc compared with the low concentration. Results also showed a significant increase in sperm count of groups treated with zinc as compared with control group. Significant increase (p≤o.o5) in sperm motility was detected in both the first and second groups as compared with control . Significant decrease (p≤0.05) in slugish sperm in group with high concentration of zinc as compared with control. Significant increase in both groups in acid phosphatase activity and the concentration of fructose treated with concentrations 0.5 and 1.5 mg / kg b.w as compared with control.

The current study was designed to investigate the effect of cholesterol supplementation at a dose of (260 mg/kg ration) and boiled extract of red pepper at a dose of (100 mg/kg body weight) on the Testosterone hormone, Thyroid stimulating hormone or Thyrotropin, thyroxine, thyronine, and it is effects on the body weights of male rabbits after 4, 8 weeks of the start of treatment.
Forty local male rabbits aged (8-10) months old were randomly divided into four groups (10 animals/ group) to be treated as follows:
First group: Standard ration and distilled water represented as control groups.
Second group: Standard ration plus cholesterol at the dose (260 mg/ kg ration) and distilled water.
Third group: Standard ration with drinking red pepper fruit boiled extract at the dose (100 mg/ kg body weight).
Fourth group: Standard ration plus cholesterol (260 mg / kg ration) in addition to drinking red pepper fruits boiled extract at a dose of ( 100 mg/kg body weight).
All groups were treated daily for eight weeks.
Results showed that cholesterol treatment caused significant decrease(P≤0.05) in the hormones level, with a significant increase (P≤0.05) on the body weights of treated rabbit after 4 and 8 weeks. Furthermore, treatment with red pepper boiled extract led to a significant increase (P≤0.05) on the levels of the studied hormones, and a significant decrease (P≤0.05) in the body weights of treated rabbits.

Phenotypic variance in parents and third generation were analyzed to estimate the additive genetic variance, dominance genetic variance, environmental variance, average degree of dominance, heritability in broad sense, heritability in narrow sense and expected genetic advance from selection in F3 generation, of two crosses in durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.), the first cross between Azeghar-1 and Um-Rabie-5 and the second cross between Leeds and Waha for traits, heading time, flag leaf venation, plant height, peduncle length, number of spike, spike length, grain yield, 100 grains weight and number of grains per spike. Average degree of dominance revealed the different types of dominance for the studied traits, the values of narrow sense heritability were high for plant height, peduncle length, number of spikes, grain yield and number of grains per spikes in both crosses, spike length and weight of 100 grains in first cross, and flag leaf venation in second cross.

The study detected the occurrence of antibiotic residues in (187) milk samples. The samples included 114 fresh raw milk of cows, buffaloes, ewes and goats and 73 milk samples of pasteurized liquid and dried powder intended for adult and for infant consumption, The samples were randomly collected from different regions and markets in Mosul city. The antibiotic residues were detected in 38.9%, 9.1% , 33.3% , 30 % in milk samples of cows, buffaloes, ewes, and goats, respectively. Antibiotic residues were found in 23.5% of pasteurized milk, and 23.3% in adult milk and 15.4% in infant milk. Results showed a significant difference, in the occurrence of antibiotic residues between buffalo milk and cow, ewes and goats milk, and between infant and adult milk and also with pasteurized milk.

Six self-fertilized generations (P1, P2, F2, F3, B1S and B2S) of two crosses in durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.), the first cross between Azeghar-1 and Um-Rabie-5 and the second cross between Leeds and Waha, were used to study gene action for the traits, heading time, flag leaf venation, plant height, peduncle length, number of spikes, spike length, grain yield, 100 grains weight and number of grains per spike. Two models were used in analyzing the components of the generation means, three –parameter model and six-parameter model. The results from the generation mean analysis showed that the three- parameter model was adequate for the inheritance of spike length and weight of 100 grains in the both crosses and number of spikes per plant in the second cross but there were additive, dominance and epistatic effects on the other characters in the both crosses

The research included studying of myeloperoxidase in human serum, The normal value of myeloperoxidase activity was found (27.71±0.74 U/ml) in control group for both sexes at (19-70 year), with no sex difference, while it was affected by age and smoking. The study also showed a significant increase in myeloperoxidase activity (38.95±1.01 U/ml) in serum of atherosclerosis patients group for both sexes at (31-80 year) in comparison with control, on the other hand, myeloperoxidase activity in serum of patients group was affected by sex, age, smoking and the intake of statins.
The results also indicated a significant increase in the concenteration of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein -cholesterol, C-reactive protein and troponin. While a significant decrease in high density lipoprotein -cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, chloride and arylesterease in serum of patients group in comparison with control. Correlation study was performed between the measured biochemical parameters and myeloperoxidase activity in serum by linear correlation coefficient, The results also showed that there was a significant positive correlation between myeloperoxidase activity and troponin in atherosclerosis patients.
Also, the research included the isolation of myeloperoxidase from normal human serum using different biochemical techniques, including: precipitation by ammonium sulfate, dialysis, gel filtration chromatography on sephadex G-100. The results predicted that spicefic activity and the number of fold of purification were (8.865 U/ml) and (25) respectively for partially purified enzyme. Furthermore, the comparative molecular weight of the partially isolated myeloperoxidase was (151±1.8 kDa) using gel filtration chromatography. The results were predicted also that myeloperoxidase containing heam group, zinc and calcium elements, which indicated that the enzyme is glycoproteins type.
The study showed that the optimum conditions of myeloperoxidase were obtained at the first minute using sodium citrate (0.1 M) as buffer at pH (5.0), at a temperature (45 ºC) and (12 mM) of ο-dianisidin as substrate. It was found that Vmax and Km have the values of (24.27 U/ml) and (2.443 mM) respectively.
Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid, sodium azide, 2-mercaptoethanol and sodium chloride showed inhibition on the activity of myeloperoxidase, where sodium azide had more inhibition in the activity and in an irreversible non competitive inhibition type.

ABSTRACT
The research included a clinical studying of Myeloperoxidase enzyme and some biochemical parameters in serum. The normal value of Myeloperoxidase activity in control group was (30.27 U/ml) for both sexes in age group (15-77 year). The results showed that Myeloperoxidase activity in the serum of control group was not affected by sex and marital status, while it was affected by age, smoke and body mass index.
The study also showed a significant decrease in serum Myeloperoxidase activity of Diabetes Mellitus patients group (19.17 U/ml) for both sexes at in age group (31-80 year) comparison with control, and the enzyme activity in serum of patients group was not affected by sex, marital status and type of disease, while it was affected by age, smoke and body mass index.
The results indicated a significant decrease in serum Myeloperoxidase activity in type Ι, type Π Diabetes Mellitus male in comparison with control male, and enzyme activity in type Ι, type Π Diabetes Mellitus female in comparison with control female. Also the results showed a significant decrease in enzyme activity in age groups of type Ι, type Π patients in comparison with age groups of control, so that in comparison the body mass index for type Ι patients with control. The results also predicted a significant decrease in serum Myeloperoxidase activity in type Ι, type Π Diabetes Mellitus smokers in comparison control smokers, and nonsmokers in comparison control nonsmokers.
The study also showed a significant increase in the level of Glucose, Total Cholesterol and Low Density lipoprotein, while a significant decrease in the level of Total protein, Albumin, Globulin and High Density lipoprotein in serum of type Ι Diabetes Mellitus patients in comparison control. Also noticed a significant increase in the level of Glucose, Triglyceride, Total Cholesterol, Low Density lipoprotein, Very Low Density lipoprotein, while a significant decrease in the level of Total protein, Albumin, Globulin and High Density lipoprotein in serum of type Π Diabetes Mellitus patients in comparison control

In this research studied the effect of macroscopic texturing on the characteristics of amorphous silicon solar cells. The texturing is in the form of long grooves with shape V and of groove angles (acute, right, obtuse) (40ْ, 90ْ, 110ْ ) a theoretical method is found to calculate the increase of photo current due to increase of optical energy trapped by texturing. Our study concentrate on the case when the solar panels exist in its practical situation and for the coordinates of Mosul city for the four season of the year. For acute angles there is no increase of efficiency, but for the right and obtuse angle the efficiency reach 12 and 14 % .

Undoped ZnO and Sb-doped ZnO (0.3-10 at. %) thin films have been prepared by APCVD technique on the glass substrate at (400Cº, 425Cº, 450Cº, 475Cº, 500Cº(. The structural, optical and electrical properties of these thin films were studied. The results of the structural tests showed that these Films of ZnO:Sb were successfully prepared by (APCVD) X-ray measurement revealed that thin film structure was Polycrystalline of Hexagonal Wurtzite type with preferential orientation along the (002), (100) direction, in addition peaks for some phases for Antimony oxides were appeared. AFM measurement revealed that thin film have Roughness Average (19.4 nm) & RMS (24.3 nm). The optical measurement Transmission (T') were increase with as the doping percentage increased and decrease with increased substrate temperature, were found (79-90%), the band gap energies of the ZnO:Sb thin film are nearly the same as the pure ZnO. the best Electrical conductivity is appear with ZnO thin and (10% Sb) concentration at substrate temperatures (400Cº). The Hall measurement revealed that Resistivity were (1.8 Ω.cm), mobility ((146-4749) cm2/V.sec) and carrier concentration (1015 cm-3). The doped and undoped ZnO films exhibited n-type conductivity.