Journal of Biotechnology Research Center

Background: Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have wide-ranging applications and can be synthesized using environmentally friendly green synthesis methods as an alternative to conventional approaches. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is an extremely perilous bacterium known for its multidrug-resistant (MDR) nature, posing a significant threat to hospitalized patients and those with compromised immune systems. The bacterium's ability to withstand multiple antibiotics, combined with its capacity to form biofilms, contributes to its high rates of morbidity and mortality. The intrinsic resistance of P. aeruginosa, along with its ability to form biofilms, further complicates treatment and exacerbates the severity of infections, particularly in susceptible patient populations. Objective: The main objective of this study was to utilize extracts from Ocimum basilicum leaves in a green synthesis approach to produce zinc oxide nanoparticles. Additionally, the research aimed to assess the antibacterial effectiveness of these synthesized nanoparticles against P. aeruginosa. Materials and Methods: In this study, ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using the leaf extract of O. basilicum plants under various parameters. The biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles was verified using a UV-visible spectrophotometer and characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The synthesized ZnO nanoparticles exhibited significant antibacterial efficacy. Specifically, they demonstrated antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa pathogens. Different concentrations of both O. basilicum extract and synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were tested against P. aeruginosa and observed antibacterial activity. Results: indicated that the ZnO NPs synthesized from O. basilicum exhibited stronger antibacterial activity compared to the plant extract alone. The most effective concentrations were found to be 1.0, 1.5, and 3 mg/ml of prepared ZnO nanoparticles. Increasing the concentration of ZnO nanoparticles resulted in enhanced inhibition of bacterial growth in P. aeruginosa. Conclusion: The green synthesis of ZnO NPs using plant extracts has demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against P.aeruginosa. The high concentration of the ZnO NPs resulted in larger inhibition zones at higher concentrations. These findings underscore the possibility of green-synthesized ZnO NPs as an antimicrobial agent for P. aeruginosa. The environmentally friendly and cost-effective nature of the green synthesis method further enhances its appeal for future applications in antibacterial treatments.

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main causative agent of cervical cancer and genital warts. HPV infection can be persistent with high-risk HR-HPV genotype. Objective: Investigate the distribution of HPV genotype in Baghdad province, to afford a scientific source for initial detection policies and immunization for cervical tumors in the province. Methodology: From January 2021 to September 2022, 400 women who were tested for HPV genotyping, were referred to the Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL) in Baghdad province. They have one or more of the following (intermenstrual bleeding, post-menopausal bleeding, post-coital bleeding, vaginal discharge, and warts). Results: The prevalence of HPV infection showed a high percentage in Rusafa about 74.17%, however, Al-karkh showed about 25.83%. Both regions appeared high distribution for genotypes (16&18) as predominant types for HR-HPV. Two major rates of HPV infection have been found in women aged group (20-30) years, about (45.31%) and (36.72%) in women aged (30-40) years, these groups consider reproductive age therefore HR-HPV risking persistent infection. In comparison, HPV infections show (13.28%) among women aged 40-50 years. finally, HPV infection in the elderly group 50-65 years was (4.69%) showing the lowest percentage, also women with secondary education level appeared higher percentage of HPV infection about (42.63%) compared with primary and higher education.Conclusion: The prevalence of high-risk-HPV infection showed a high percentage in Baghdad providence and there was an important for age specificity, in addition to an inverse relationship with the education level.

Background: The Candida spp. is considered an opportunistic fungi, as the infection increases when the immune system is weakened due to the exposure of the host to diseases or as a result of diabetes, immunodeficiency, cancerous diseases, or organ transplantation. Methods: The phenotypic and microscopic diagnosis methods for three isolates of Candida albicans isolated from different hospitals in Iraq were conducted along with the Vitek2 Compact System, then the diagnosis of isolated yeasts was confirmed based on PCR technology. The physical factors study was conducted to show the effect of temperature, pH concentration, and CO2 ratio on the three isolates of Candida albicans. Results: The three isolates contained one single bundle of extracted DNA. The PCR products using the fungal primer pair (ITS1, ITS4) showed the production of a single band for the three isolates of Candida albicans of 535bp. While the effect of high temperature on isolates, the best rate of growth was at 37°C, whereas isolate K8 recorded the highest growth rate then isolate B17 and T5, and no growth was recorded for the three isolates at 45°C. As for the effect of pH, the results showed that the best growth was at pH 6.2, where the highest growth rate was in isolate K8, followed by isolate T5 and then isolate B17. The results showed that a high percentage of CO2 harmed the growth rate; the best growth rate for all isolates was at a concentration of 0.03% of carbon dioxide. The highest growth rate was recorded in isolates K8, followed by B17 and then T5, while the lowest growth rate of isolates was at a concentration of 15% of carbon dioxide, as isolates recorded K8, followed by B17, then T5. Conclusions:In this study we found that Candida albicans has a gene expression of 535bp and there were effects of some physical factors on three isolates of pathogenic Candida albicans.

Background: In water treatment, the most challenging problem that environmental engineers encounter is the separation and settling of colloids from water. Objective: The study aims to present various aspects of coagulation-flocculation in the removal of colloidal impurities from water. The shape, size, and significant characteristics of colloidal particles have been discussed in the present study. The colloidal systems, origin and nature of charge on colloids, and the stability theories including the concept of zeta potential have also been explained. The study has also been extended for conventional coagulants along with natural coagulants. The effectiveness of various coagulants has been extensively reviewed and presented herein. The review indicates that natural coagulants are equally effective as conventional salt-based coagulants. Conclusion: It is concluded from the present study that polymer-based coagulants are more effective than conventional coagulants. The removal of colloidal impurities from water is an important aspect. The separation of colloidal impurities by coagulation and flocculation is an effective method of water treatment that is safe and sustainable.

Background: One of the most prevalent autoimmune diseases is Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), which is characterized by autoantibodies specific to the thyroid but whose precise cause is still unknown. Objective: By comparing a sample of Iraqi patients with healthy controls using the comet assay, chromosomal abnormalities, micronucleus production, and mitotic index, the current study aims to clarify the cytogenetic impact of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Methodology: The study included ten Iraqi patients with HT (six males and four females), ages 20 to 75 years old, compared with ten healthy control groups (six males and four females). Results: The results showed that only cells in metaphase /1000 were being assessed, and the patient group (9.82 ± 0.0153) was more affected than the healthy control group (5.94 ± 0.170). The micronucleus formation result compared to the proportion of healthy controls was (0.004±0.0018 Mn/cell), while the frequency of Mn formation in HT was higher (0.0068±0.00132 Mn/cell). Three parameters were employed in the comet assay to indicate DNA damage in HT patients and healthy controls: tail length (9.2±6.016 and 25.5±10.607 px), tail moment (2.047±2.687 and 11.32±15.058), and DNA damage in the tail (20.892±11.225 and 35.153±44.429%). Conclusion: The percentage of mitotic index, micronucleus formation, and DNA damage detected by the comet assay in HT patients was higher than in healthy control.

Background: This study focused on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which secrete
important enzymes in medical and pharmaceutical applications and are isolated from
clinical samples. One of these enzymes is L-methioninase, the most desirable
enzyme in the medical and industrial fields today since it converted L-methionine
into methanethiol, ammonia, and alpha-ketobutyrate. Objective: Evaluated the
optimum conditions of L-methioninase production and then purified it.
Methodology: Pseudomonas samples were identified by microscopic and
biochemical tests and confirmed with the VITEK2 system. After the L-methioninase
production was examined, the optimal conditions for the production of L-
methioninase (MGL) were established using clinical samples of P. aeruginosa.
Additionally, MGL was purified from the supernatant of P.aeruginosa using
ammonium sulfate precipitation, DEAE-cellulose, and Sephadex G150 accordingly.
Results: There were 33 isolates of P.aeruginosa according to microscopic
characteristics and biochemical tests, followed by the VITEK2 system to ensure
identification. The optimization conditions were achieved when supplement media
with sucrose 1% w\\v, casein 1% w\\v, pH 7, temperature 37oC, and incubation for
48hrs within the specific activity of 1.6, 3.3, 3.4, 3.4, and 3.5U\\mg protein,
respectively, and 4.6 fold the amount of the purified enzyme as compared to the
crude enzyme. A single 55 kDa band on the SDS-PAGE indicates the enzyme is
purified. Conclusion: P.aeruginosa can be an efficient source of L-methioninase,
and this enzyme had better and higher specific activity after applying optimum
conditions for it and purifying it.

Background: This study dealt with an assessment of the effect of the nanoparticles of the fenugreek plant and the metformin of 50 mg/kg on female laboratory rats infected with the updated ovarian cyst syndrome using the letrazole with a concentration of 1 mg/kg of body weight (except for the healthy group), as ovarian affiliation is a common endocrine disorder that affects 3-13% of women at the age of pregnancy and childbearing. Objective: to assess the effectiveness of medicinal plants represented by the Fenugreek extract with nanoparticles and its ability to treat female rats infected with ovarian cyst syndrome. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four animals of white laboratory rats were tested, and the groups were randomly divided into the following ways: 1- The control group. 2- A group of animals infected with ovaries. 3- A group of animals with cysts was given orally the nano-fenugreek extract 2 mg/ kg. 4- A group of animals infected with cysts and treated by adding metformin 50 mg/ kg of body weight. After the end of the experiment period (30 days), the blood was withdrawn by heart puncture to conduct laboratory tests for hormones that are affected by the new disease, such as Lutein hormone, Follicle-stimulating hormone, Prolactin, Progesterone, and Estrogen. Results showed the following: 1- The injection of litrazole 1 mg/ kg led to an ovarian cyst and negative effects on the animal represented in a moral increase in levels, of lutein hormone and prolactin, while the injury led to a moral decrease in the hormone concentration that stimulates follicles, progesterone, and estrogen. 2- The treatment of an oral dosage of 2 mg/ kg of body weight with the nanoparticle fenugreek extract led to positive effects in the body's hormones represented in a moral increase in FSH, progesterone, estrogen while the same treatment led to a moral decrease in the lutein hormone and prolactin in the body at a level (P> 0.05). For follicles and decrease in prolactin and lutein hormone in the body at the probability level (P> 0.05). Conclusion: The current study has found that the Nano - extract fenugreek can be prepared with the Green synthesis by the use of Nanoscopic silver particles, which is an effective treatment to reduce the strikes in the hormones of the body with ovarian stinging syndrome, as a result of the small surface area to the size of the nanoparticles, so the absorption of cells has more efficient and faster than The normal size of the plant.

Background: Entamoeba histolytica is an intestinal protozoan parasite that causes “dysentery,” leading to Amebic colitis and a liver abscess. Infection begins with ingesting infective stages, represented by the cystic form found in contaminated food and drink; the parasite attacks the tissues by attaching to the epithelial lining of the intestine, and adhesion occurs through virulence factors. Objective: Detection of the E. histolytica parasite using the direct swab method, study the histological changes in the liver and some blood parameters of animals infected with E. histolytica and compare these with uninfected groups. Material and method: The current study was conducted between May 1, 2021, and October 30, 2022, to diagnose infection with E. histolytica. Samples were taken from clinically infected patients who suffered from diarrhea and examined microscopically using a direct wet swab. In the experimental study, E. histolytica was given to laboratory mice. Male laboratory mice were divided into four groups. The first group represented the negative control group, dosed with Normal saline only. Results: The negative control group showed normal liver histological sections. The hepatic lobule appeared to include hepatic cells, which were arranged radially, as they appeared as cords extending from the central vein, in addition to diagnosing normal liver cells. With central round nuclei and a homogeneous appearance of cytoplasm, hepatic lamellae, and hepatic sinusoids, the second group represented the positive control group. It was treated with the parasite E. histolytica, which recorded numerous histological changes in the livers of the group, which included irregular radiological appearance of the hepatic cells around the hepatic vein, infiltration of lymphocytes, and necrosis and swelling of some hepatic cells, there was an increase in liver enzymes, indicating infection with E. histolytica. Conclusion: Laboratory animals infected with E. histolytica had histological changes in the liver, represented by necrosis, nucleolytic, and amoebic liver abscesses. Although the parasite infects the intestines and settles there, it causes secondary infections through its transmission through the blood and lymph to the liver.

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized as an aggressive blood cancer with rapid growth of immature leukemic cells. AML primarily impacts bone marrow and blood, resulting in alterations in every single hematological parameter that is present in the peripheral circulation. These changes are also observed in most patients following chemotherapy. Objective: This study aims to compare the changes in the hematological parameters of acute myeloid leukemia Iraqi patients before, during, and after chemotherapy treatment to healthy controls. Method: 120 AML cases were studied. Based on the chemotherapy stage, 40 patients were assigned to each group (newly diagnosed, under treatment, and relapsed). Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Iraq, provided the cases and samples from February 2022 to April 2023. This study also included 40 healthy controls. All individuals had peripheral blood drawn. An automatic hematology analyzer counted haemoglubin (HB), White blood cells (WBC), and Platelets (PLT). Results: Results showed that the distribution according to gender revealed that the prevalence of AML was (61.66) % for males and (38.33) %for females. Smoking was also recorded in this study, 57 (47.5%) smoker patients and 63 (52.5%) non-smoker patients, and most of the clinical cases, according to the French-American-British system )FAB(, was in M3 p= (0.0001). The patients' ages ranged from 15 to 75 years old, and thirty-eight cases (31.666%) out of (120) were up to 40 years old. Results showed differences in hematological parameters between the control and AML patients group, before, under treatment, and relapsed, with lower Red blood cells (RBCs), WBCs, Hb, and platelets in the patient's group than the control, the exceptions being made for newly diagnosed and relapsed patients, whose WBC counts were elevated. After chemotherapy, most hematological parameters decreased significantly except PLT, which was higher in the treated patients. Conclusion: AML affects the patient's hematological parameters, making them at abnormal levels, increase or decrease, during different stages of disease and Chemotherapy. WBC, HB, and Platelet count show different levels after Chemotherapy and relapse.