Iraqi Journal of Science

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Estimation of fatty acids methyl esters FAME of castor oil in biodiesel samples using refractive index, density, and dynamic viscosity measurements

Pages: 585-589 English

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Assessment of Volatile Chemical Composition of Essential Oil of Schinus molle (L.), Myrtus communis (L.), and Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Dehnh.) Grown in Erbil, Iraq

Pages: 590-598 English

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Abstract

Myrtus communis (L.) and Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Dehnh.), both members of the Myrtaceae family, are extensively prevalent throughout the Middle Eastern region. Schinus molle (L.), a member of the Anacardiaceae family, is native to South America and has recently been introduced to Iraq to determine its ability to adapt and grow under the climatic conditions of Iraq. This study focused on the chemical comparison of essential oils (EOs) extracted from the leaves of this species grown under the climatic conditions of Erbil by hydrodistillation, followed by analysis using GC-FID-MS. The results showed that a total of fifty-two compounds were identified, revealing that the EO was rich in monoterpenes, with percentages of 71%, 83%, and 91% for SMEO, MCEO, and ECEO respectively. 1,8-Cineole (46.4%), α-Phellandrene (10.68%), Isobicyclogermacrenal (5.85), β-Atlantol (5.73%), α-Vetispirene (5.09%), and Bicyclogermacrene (4.5%) were the dominant components of SMEO. The most prevalent components of MCEO were α-pinene (26.84%), 1,8-Cineole (16.79 %), 3-methylthio-Propanal (13.76%), Limonene (12.57%), and Linalool (11.3 %). Moreover, the major components of ECEO were Limonene (41.52%), α-Phellandrene

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Design and Synthesis of several new developed Sulfa Drugs and screening of their Antimicrobial and Antifungal Activities

Pages: 612-628 English

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Abstract

The objective of this study was to design and synthesize novel sulfa drugs by incorporating different cyclic imides into their structures. This goal was achieved in two steps. In the first step, four selected sulfa drugs, including sulfamerazine, sulfamethazine, sulfadiazine, and sulfamethoxazole, were reacted with different cyclic anhydrides, namely (maleic, phthalic, and succinic) anhydrides producing N-Drug amic acids (1-6). In the second step, the dehydration of compounds (1-6) was carried out through a fusion process to produce the target corresponding imides (N-Drug imides) (7-12). The results of the biological activity

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Modified Carbon Nanofibers CNFs from Electrospun Polyacrylonitrile and Carbon Nanotubes PAN/CNTs

Pages: 629-640 English

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Abstract

This study introduces a method to enhance the graphitization of carbon nanofiber (CNFs) by incorporating multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to polyacrylonitrile (PAN) as precursors to improve graphitization compared to CNFs produced from pure PAN precursors. Both traditional CNFs and modified CNFs/CNTs were synthesized via electrospinning followed by thermal treatment (stabilization at 275°C and carbonization at 1000°C in N2 gas atmosphere). FE-SEM analysis showed a reduction in average fiber diameter after the addition of MWCNTs. Post-carbonization, the composite CNFs/CNTs exhibited a smaller diameter reduction (−13.54%) compared to pure CNFs (−25.05%), indicating enhanced structural stability. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the effectiveness of adding MWCNTs to the graphitization process. XRD analysis revealed the successful carbonization

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Synthesis, Characterization, and Elimination of Amoxicillin by Using V2O5 and NiO Nanoparticles

Pages: 641-656 English

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The Vital Role of Cytotoxic T Cells in Iraqi COVID-19 Patients and Vaccinated Individuals

Pages: 657-665 English

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Abstract

Coronaviruses, including the novel SARS-CoV-2, have led to a global pandemic, emphasizing the crucial role of T cells in mounting effective immune responses. This study investigates the correlation between cytotoxic T cells (CD8), vitamin D3 (VD3), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in a sample of Iraqi COVID-19 patients and vaccinated individuals. A total of 120 participants were included, comprising COVID-19 patients and vaccinated individuals. Samples were collected between October 2021 and February 2022. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used for COVID-19 diagnosis. VD3 and CD8 levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits, while CRP levels were measured via the ICHROMA system. Elevated VD3 levels were observed in COVID-19 patients (G1) and vaccinated individuals (G2), while CRP levels were notably higher in G1. CD8 levels were elevated in G1, G2, and individuals previously infected for 3-6 months (G3). While a significant correlation between CD8 and VD3 was noted, the association with CRP was not as pronounced. The findings underscore the importance

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The Impact of GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 Polymorphisms on Male Infertility in Basrah Province, Iraq

Pages: 666-678 English

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Biological Activity of the Selenium Nanoparticles Prepared by Saccharomyces cerevisiae Extract Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Pages: 679-700 English

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Abstract

There is increased interest in using safe substances for human health, such as creating nanoparticles in an easy and affordable manner to solve the issue of antibiotic resistance. The purpose of this study was to create a new antibacterial agent by using Saccharomyces cerevisiae extract (ScE) to biosynthesize selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), that inhibit the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). From 150 swabs taken from various clinical sources from patients at several hospitals in Baghdad, thirty-six S. aureus were isolated and diagnosed based on phenotypic characteristics, biochemical tests and then confirmed by PCR via targeting 16S rRNA gene for S. aureus, and mecA for methicillin-resistant S. aureus diagnosis. Following the use of several appropriate techniques, including FTIR, UV‒vis, AFM, fe-SEM, and XRD, selenium nanoparticles (Sc-SeNPs) were shown to be a chemically stable materials with highly crystalline spherical particles and a maximum grain size of 54.04 nm. A GC-MS analysis was carried

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The Bactericidal Effects of Titanium Nanoparticles on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli Utilizing Cold-atmospheric Plasma in Vitro

Pages: 701-714 English

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Abstract

The output argon plasma stream was generated, and its properties were studied. The deionized water was formed using the optically described plasma stream. The titanium plate was melted using a needle with the argon gas stream. An analysis was conducted on the emission spectra of the plasma generated within the argon gas plasma jet system at different operating voltages, a flow rate of 4 L/min, and the pressure of the atmosphere. The amounts of NO2, NO3, and H2O2 that the lab will treat to evaluate their impact on removing bacterial aggregation were determined by measuring the absorbance of the plasma-treated water at wavelengths between 300 and 400 nm. Using optical emission spectrometry (OES), we measured the electron temperature, Debye length, and Debye range while examining the excited titanium metal's spectral lines. A series of spectra generated by the plasma were recorded under different flow rates of argon gas. The temperature and electron band density (Te) and (ne) of titanium metal

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N Gene Mutations of SARS-CoV-2 and their Association with Variants and Pathogenicity among Iraqi Patients

Pages: 715-726 English

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The Interference of Soil Bacteria by Quorum Sensing Inhibitory Activity with the Biofilm of Pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates

Pages: 727-741 English

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Polymorphism and Haplotype of Mucin four gene in Iraqi women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Pages: 742-755 English

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Abstract

The protein-coding gene MUC4 (Mucin 4) is positioned on chromosome 3's long arm at position q29. The current study aims to investigate MUC4 polymorphisms and haplotypes concerning polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The research involved 120 women, comprising 60 women with PCOS, and 60 healthy fertile individuals serving as a control group. This study focused on sequencing of certain segments (775 bp) from exon 11 in the MUC4 gene to identify polymorphic SNPs and haplotypes. Four SNPs in the MUC4 gene were examined. The SNP rs781407488 GG homozygous genotype showed a significant protective association with PCOS with a 0.46 odds ratio. In contrast, the GA heterozygous and AA homozygous genotypes exhibited nonsignificant risky effects with 2.02 and 3.05 odds ratios associated with PCOS. These findings suggest that the G allele acted as a protective allele, while the A allele may be

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Visceral leishmaniasis infection stimulates anxiety behaviour and social behaviour disorders in rat models

Pages: 756-774 English

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Abstract

Leishmaniasis, a tropical disease caused by different species of Leishmania parasites, spreads through the bite of the female sand fly. Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is the most severe manifestation of Leishmaniasis. If untreated, it can lead to a high fatality rate. This research was designed to examine the prospects of alterations in behavior that might arise following an infection of visceral leishmaniasis in rats. This was achieved by evaluating the exploratory or locomotor activity, anxiety levels, and emotional social behaviour of infected rat models. Sixty adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: a control group and three infected groups with (10, 50, and 100 million parasites). Behavioural experiments were conducted for two, four, six, eight, and 10 weeks following the injection of visceral leishmaniasis, using an open field test and a social behaviour test. The results indicated a rise in anxiety-related behaviour and a reduction in locomotor activity, as evaluated by the open field test. Furthermore, the results demonstrated an increase in depression, as determined by the social behaviour test. Infection with Leishmania donovani increases anxiety-like behaviour, decreases emotion-related social activities and communication, and reduces locomotion. These observations were made using typical behavioural tests like open field and social behaviour assessments.

Keywords

Anxiety behaviour Locomotor activity Open field test Social behaviour test visceral leishmaniasis

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Impact the some Antibiotics on Gene Expression Efflux Pump of Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolated from Clinical Sources

Pages: 775-791 English

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Abstract

One hundred thirty bacterial samples were collected from different clinical sources, including (diuresis, sputum, wounds, blood, and burns) from different hospitals in Baghdad, including Imamain Al-Kadhimain (PBUT) Medical City, Al-Karkh General Hospital, Al-Kadhimiya Children's Hospital, The burns Hospital, Ghazi Al Hariri Hospital and Baghdad Hospital. The isolates were diagnosed with phenotypic, microscopic, and biochemical tests, and molecular diagnosis was performed by detecting the 16SrRNA gene. After the final diagnosis, 50/130 (38.4%) of K. pneumoniae bacteria were obtained. The results of the study showed that the highest percentage of isolation of K. pneumoniae bacteria was from sputum samples of patients, which amounted to 14/60 (46.67%), followed by 25/60 (41.67%) of urine, 2/5 (40%) of burns, 6/20 (30%) of wounds and 3/15 (20%) of blood. A pattern of multi-drug resistance (MDR) was found among all K. pneumoniae isolates at 34 (68%). The results of the statistical analysis showed highly significant differences (p≤0.001) between most of the treatments studied for gene folding in resistant isolates, and of the treatment with the antibiotic ceftazidime was recorded the highest folding of

Keywords

Antibiotics Efflux pump genes Folding Klebsiella pneumoniae

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tructural modelling and in silico analysis of a thiol-activated cytolysin produced by Bacillus thuringiensis

Pages: 792-806 English

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Abstract

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a soil-dwelling, Gram-positive bacterium that produces proteins with specific toxic effects against invertebrate organisms. These toxins specifically target insects. This study examined a hypothetical Bt protein for its potential toxicity to mammals. The hypothetical protein was analyzed using various bioinformatics tools, including NCBI BLAST and conserved domain tools. The physicochemical properties were assessed using ExPasy ProtParam, and homology models were generated through automated services. The analysis revealed that the hypothetical protein is a thiol-activated cytolysin, a pore-forming toxin that targets mammalian cells with a signature motif. The toxin has a molecular weight of 52.6 kDa, and its instability index is 25.73, indicating it is stable under physiological conditions. Furthermore, the toxin is expected to exhibit thermal stability, as evidenced by its aliphatic index of 79.52. Three homology modeling services were used, homology modeling identified anthrolysin O, a thiol-activated cytolysin with 97.53% sequence identity, as the closest template. The Swiss model demonstrated superior validation compared to others. The protein folds into four functional domains characteristic of thiol-activated cytolysins: domain 3 likely forms beta-barrel channels, domains 1 and 2 are involved in oligomerization, and domain 4 recognizes

Keywords

Bacillus thuringiensis Cholesterol dependent cytolysin Pore-forming toxin Protein modelling Thiol

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Assessment of Gene Expression of some Biofilm- Related Genes in Staphylococcus aureus under the Effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus

Pages: 807-818 English

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Abstract

A wide range of infections result from the Gram-positive pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. One key virulence factor of this bacterium is the capacity to develop biofilm. Antibiotics are ineffective in treating a majority of infections linked with biofilm formation in this opportunistic bacterium. The current study was conducted to estimate the influence of cell-free supernatant (CFS) of lactobacillus acidophilus on the expression level of some biofilm-association genes in clinical strains of S. aureus. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern against twenty antibiotics and quantitative assay for biofilm development were examined for all bacterial isolates. Moreover, the agar well diffusion method was followed to evaluate the impact of CFS on the growth of S.aureus. In addition, real-time PCR was utilized to determine the impact of CFS extract on the transcription level of the genes involved in forming S. aureus biofilms (fib , eno,sdrC ). In isolates constituting biofilm, a high percentage of antibiotic resistance was detected. The CFS exhibited an antimicrobial effect toward strong biofilm-forming isolates. In addition, the results of real-time PCR for the treatment group showed

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Construction of Gold Nanoparticle-Loaded Bromelain with Potential Anti-Tumor and in vitro Wound Healing Activities

Pages: 819-830 English

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Abstract

The most significant challenges in the advancement of cancer therapies including the adverse effects of chemotherapy, the emergence of drug resistance, and tumor metastasis, represent the major factors in therapies. In recent years, nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as a promising paradigm in drug delivery technology. This study utilised the human breast cancer cell line MCF7 to evaluate the anticancer efficacy of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) conjugated with bromelain (AuNPs-Br) and bromelain (Br). The AuNPs were synthesised using the Turkevich method, followed by the loading of bromelain onto these nanoparticles. Characterisation of the gold nanoparticles was conducted using various analytical techniques, including UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The anticancer activities were assessed through MTT cytotoxicity

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Molecular Detection of Biofilm-Related Genes (mrpA, fimH) in Urinary Tract Co-Infections

Pages: 831-845 English

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Abstract

Urinary tract co-infections are particularly significant due to their potential to facilitate the transfer of biofilm formation genes between pathogens. The research aims to uncover hidden partners for catheter patients and determine, that isolates producer biofilm. 131 samples were collected from urinary catheter patients, during the period from October 2023 to March 2024. Each sample was cultured on mannitol salt agar and MacConkey agar plates to differentiate between G+ve and -ve bacteria. Then, identification was completed by using chemical tests and the Vitek 2 compact system. Bacterial DNA was extracted, and specific primers were designed to amplify mrpA and fimH genes using multiplex PCR. 96/131 (73.28%) of samples showed positive growth, while 35/131 (26.71%) showed negative growth. On MacConkey agar, the results showed a growth percent of 93.75% (90 samples), while on mannitol salt agar, the growth percent was as low as 6.25% (6) samples. The results of MacConkey agar showed single species 68/90 (75.55%), double 7/90 (7.77%), and triple 15/90 (16.66%). Triplicates were Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli, which were the most prevalent (66.66%). Biofilm detection was done using three methods, congo red agar method, microtiter plate method, and electron microscopic examination. In conclusion, P. mirabilis was found to reduce the biofilm formation potential of K. pneumoniae and E. coli. The mrpA gene was detected in 60% of K. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis, and E. coli isolates, while the fimH gene was present in 70% of K. pneumoniae and E. coli isolates. Notably, E. coli isolates had a

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Effect of Chloroxylenol on Gene Expression of pslA and pelA in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pages: 846-854 English

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Abstract

Chloroxylenol is widely used in hospitals and other healthcare facilities to reduce the growth or the microbial load of pathogens. What’s more, biofilms are a major challenge in treating P. aeruginosa infections. The genes of PslA and pelA in two operons encode two polysaccharide polymers present in the biofilm of P. aeruginosa, Psl and Pel, respectively. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the contribution of chloroxylenol to the inhibition of the P. aeruginosa biofilm. Here, the intensity of biofilms was determined by the crystal violet and microtiter plate method, whereas the RT-qPCR technique was adopted to illustrate the effect of chloroxylenol on the expression of the pslA and pelA genes. The results showed that chloroxylenol suppresses the formation of biofilms and reduces the expression of both studied genes. As a result, chloroxylenol had inhibitory activity over P. aeruginosa biofilm via downregulating the pelA and pslA

Keywords

Biofilm Chloroxylenol Pseudomonas aeruginosa pslA and pelA

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Antibacterial Activity of Green-Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles from Ganoderma lucidum Mushroom Extract Against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria: An in Vitro Study

Pages: 855-870 English

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Abstract

The green synthesis of nanoparticles is regarded as an eco-friendly, cost-effectiveness, and simple methodology. Using green synthesis techniques for nanoparticles may enhance the characteristics of these nanomaterials through reduced dimensions and specific shapes achieved. Ganoderma lucidum mushroom has numerous bioactive compounds, such as proteins, polysaccharides, and secondary metabolites, which can act as reducing and stabilizing agents in nanoparticles synthesis. The antibacterial activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) has received considerable interest due to their ability to interact with bacterial surfaces and penetrate the bacterial core, hence revealing unique bactericidal mechanisms. This study explores the green synthesis of ZnO-NPs using G. lucidum extract as a reducing agent. The fruiting bodies powder was extracted with hot water in a shaking water bath at 75 °C with 40 rpm for 2 hours, then filtered to obtain G. lucidum aqueous extract. The nanoparticles, synthesized by reacting zinc chloride salt with the extract, were characterized using UV, FTIR, AFM, EDX, and FESEM. The antibacterial activity of ZnO-NPs was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method. The characterization techniques confirmed the successful biosynthesis of ZnO-NPs, revealing a diameter of 44.62 nm, and the particles formed were spherical, hexagonal, and triangular. Antibacterial activity was tested against four MDR bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia

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Association of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (rs 2108429654A/T) in PI3KCA Gene with Risk of Breast Cancer in Iraqi Women

Pages: 871-881 English

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Abstract

The catalytic subunit The catalytic subunit (P110α) of the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K), which is encoded by PI3KCA gene located in chromosome 3, has been found to be upregulated significantly in patients with breast cancer. The research aims to study single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP rs2108429654) located in exon 20. This SNP (rs2108429654) was genotyped in 70 women with breast cancer (50 postmenopausal and 20 premenopausal) and 40 control women using the DNA sequencing technique (Sanger method). According to statistical analysis of hormone receptors, prostaglandin hormone (PR), estrogen hormone (ER), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 hormones (HER-2) with menopausal status in patients with breast cancer show there were no significant differences. Isolated DNA is used to perform polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by DNA sequencing. The gene expression of PIK3CA was also determined by converting mRNA into cDNA via a reverse transcription mechanism, which will be used later in qPCR. The results of genotypic analysis of rs (2108429654) for AA genotype (OR= 1.0), AT genotype (OR= 0.1500, p= 0.0021), and TT genotype (OR= 0.2344, p= 0.0039) were significant associations with increased risk of BC. The median gene expression of PIK3CAwas (32.52) in patients increased significantly

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A First Study on Three HBB Gene Intronic SNPs: Molecular Profiling of β-Thalassemia Major in Southern Iraq

Pages: 882-903 English

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Abstract

Genetic association between HBB genetic variations and β-thalassemia is the key factor for management and counseling β-thalassemia. This innovative investigation aims to explore the connection between three intronic SNPs in the HBB gene rs7946748 (64G>A), rs7480526 (71A>C), and rs1451581925 (386A>T) and clinical outcomes in β-thalassemia major patients from Southern Iraq. Using PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing, 100 participants (50 patients and 50 controls) were analyzed. The study revealed a strong correlation between the AA genotype and the A allele of rs7480526 and a heightened risk for β-thalassemia and notable alterations in hematological parameters. Furthermore, rs7946748 and rs1451581925 were linked to increased ferritin levels

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Optimization and Characterization of Glycolipid Produced from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pages: 904-916 English

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Collision of Deuteron at Ultra relativistic Energy With 197Au Nuclei Utilizing Sharp Surface Density Profile

Pages: 917-926 English

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Impact of Post-Stack Seismic Inversion on Volumetric Estimation in Pliocene Channel Reservoirs: A Case Study from the Nile Delta's Baltim Field

Pages: 927-952 English

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Delineation of the Contacts between various formations in the Hit-Kubaiysa area using the 2-D electrical resistivity method

Pages: 953-963 English

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Abstract

The 2D electrical resistivity method was applied in four selected locations between Hit-Kubaiysa regions, Al- Anbar Governorate, western Iraq. This technique was implemented using the Wenner-Schlumberger array in four survey lines, each line covers 1190m distance. The robust least squares method was used for obtaining the inverted models. The absolute error percentage was less than 0.1%. On the lights of interpretation results, two zones were delineated in the locations of two inverted sections: the first zone represents the Euphrates Formation, while the second zone represents the Dammam Formation. While, in the locations of the other two sections, three zones were found: the first zone represents the Euphrates Formation, the second zone represents the Ana Formation that lies under the Euphrates Formation forming thin beds

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Seismic Noise Analysis of Four Broadband Seismic Stations in Central Part of Iraq Using Probabilistic Power Spectral Density (PPSD)

Pages: 964-979 English

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Abstract

Seismic noise analysis is crucial to enhance the reliability of earthquake monitoring networks. Therefore, in this paper, we investigated the ambient seismic noise at four seismic stations in central Iraq, namely Karbala (KAR2), Kut (KUT1), Diyala (DYL1), and Baghdad (BGD1) over a period of one year, by analysing the seismic noise using power spectral density (PSD) and probability density function (PDF) techniques and then comparing the analysis results with Peterson's models. Our results indicate that most of the stations are within the acceptable noise levels according to Peterson's model. However, the Karbala (KAR2) station consistently exceeds the New High Noise Model (NHNM) standards over the long periods range. A new station was installed in Karbala, and its noise analysis was calculated, but the results were similar to those of the old station. Therefore, the station location is not ideal for earthquake monitoring and should be moved

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