Vol.10 No.2 – 3: Preliminary observations of the gustatory function of sensilla on antennae of the female Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): from single compounds to complex natural stimuli.

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By: Mervat A. Seada

Entomology Division, Department of Zoology, Tanta University, 31527-Tanta, El-Gharbiya, Egypt.

Abstract

The gustatory system in insects is composed of detectors screening different panels of ligands, which enable or suppress life behaviors depending on the context. Single sensillum electrophysiology recordings were conducted from the antennal sensilla chaetica of an adult female moth of Spodoptera littoralis to ascertain whether these sensilla have a gustatory function. Five test stimuli (NaCl, sucrose, ethanol, green cotton leaves extract, and conspecific larval frass extract) were used to stimulate each sensillum. Two types of gustatory sensilla chaetica located on the same flagellomere of the distal third of the antenna were characterized, each sensillum enclosed three gustatory receptor neurons (N1, N2, and N3). Overall, responses (spikes/s) were higher in the case of low concentration of sucrose and higher concentration of ethanol than of salt and higher concentration of sucrose. Individual differences were observed in the response patterns of these sensilla to the tested stimuli but functional sensillum types could not be identified. Higher concentrations of sucrose, ethanol extracts of green cotton leaves, or conspecific larval frass significantly stimulated the same neuron of ventral and lateral sensilla chaetica. Response patterns revealed that antennal gustatory sensilla contain gustatory neurons, which are possible receptors for host-plant recognition. Moreover, stimulation of the female’s antennae with phagostimulative sucrose evoked activation of the proboscis extension reflex with dose-dependent responses. Differences in sensilla distribution and their response patterns suggest that gustatory sensilla on the antennae of the female S. littoralis have a key role in adaptation and host plant recognition.

Preliminary observations of the gustatory function of sensilla on antennae of the female Spodoptera littoralis Lepidoptera Noctuidae from single compounds to complex natural stimuli

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Vol.10 No.2 – 2: Gene sequences of TNF and INFα Cytokines in Cryptosporidium Co-infection with H-pylori of irritable bowel syndrome

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By: Basheer Abd. Nasralla1, Nazar Sh. Mohammed2, Salwa S. Muhsen1

1 Medical Technical Institute, Middle Technical University (MTU), Iraq

2 Collage of Health and Medical Techniques, Middle Technical University (MTU), Iraq

Abstract

In this study, 100 whole blood samples were collected from patients having Cryptosporidiosis and co-infected with H pylori bacteria who attended Baghdad Teaching Hospital during the period from June 2022 to April 2023. The results showed that the Mean±S.E of anti-Cryptosporidium IgM antibodies in the patient group was (14.614±0.901) when compared with the control group (0.081±0.022), with a highly significant difference p<0.0001. Also, the Mean±S.E of anti-Cryptosporidium IgG antibodies was (24.213±0.839) in the patient group when compared with the control group (4.775±0.249), with a highly significant difference p<0.0001. The Mean±S.E of anti-H pylori IgM antibodies in the patient group was (13.923±1.005) when compared with the control group (0.200±0.032), with a highly significant difference p<0.0001. The results also demonstrated that the Mean±S.E of anti-H pylori IgG in the patient group was (28.460±0.847) when compared with the control group (15.835±0.438), with a highly significant difference p<0.0001. The result showed that Mean±S.E of INFα in the patient group was (14.588±0.849) when compared with the control group (4.655±0.271), with a highly significant difference p<0.0001. Data in our study also showed a mutation occurred with TNF gene ID 90865 in SNPs, rs7044343. The variation of wild TT was changed to CC, CC, TC, TC, CC, TC, CC, TC, TT, TC in comparison with the control group. A mutation occurred with INFα gene ID 90865 in SNPs, rs7044343. The variation of wild TT was changed to CC, CC, TC, TC, CC, TC, CC, TC, TT, TT compared to the control group.

Gene sequences of TNF and INFα Cytokines in Cryptosporidium

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Vol.10 No.2 – 1: Effect of Fungi Presence on Wing Morphometry and Flight Behaviour in the Common Pipistrelle Bats (Pipistrellus pipistrellus)

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By: Rana O. Khayat1

1 Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 21955, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Bats play an important role in ecosystem function, serving as a biocontrol agent of insects and pollination in plants, hence the need to understand the factors affecting their health and performance. Infestation of fungi has been identified as a potential threat to populations of mammals, especially bats, yet their specific effects on wing morphology and flight behavior remain understudied. In this study, swabs of Pipistrellus pipistrellus bat wings were taken from bat carers around the United Kingdom. For identification, samples were exposed to conventional PCR using fungal-specific primers to amplify the ribosomal DNA’s internal transcribed spacer (ITS). The wind morphometric parameters such as wing angles (maximum, minimum, mean, and amplitude) and wing frequency were determined for both wings with fungi infestation and without fungi infestation. A rain cloud distribution plot with a box plot was used to determine the distribution of flight parameters of the wings. A principal component analysis biplot was used to determine the relationship between the flight parameters in terms of wings with infestation by fungi and without infestation. The findings in this study are important to bat biology, ecology, and conservation and give insights into the need for wildlife management and conservation, ultimately contributing to the ongoing efforts to preserve bat populations and support ecological balance in diverse ecosystems.

Effect of Fungi Presence on Wing Morphometry and Flight Behaviour in the Common Pipistrelle Bats (Pipistrellus pipistrellus)

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Vol.10 No.1 – 9: Assessing Gene Expression of factor XIII-A in Iraqi patients with FXIII deficiency

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Murtadha A. Al- Shami¹, Asmaa Mohammed Saud¹

1Biotechnology Department¹‚ College of Science‚ University of Baghdad ‚ Baghdad, Iraq

ABSTRACT

Coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) circulates in plasma as a pro-transglutaminase heterotetrameric complex (FXIIIA2B2), which upon activation by thrombin and calcium covalently crosslinks preformed fibrin polymers. The heterotetrameric complex is composed of a catalytic FXIIIA2 subunit and a protective/regulatory FXIII-B2 subunit coded by F13A1 and F13B genes, respectively. The study aimed to assess the level of expression of the FXIII-A gene in seven Iraqi families affected with FXIII deficiency. Samples of whole blood were collected from seven Iraqi families that were characterized with F13 deficiency register in the Hemophilia Ward, Children Welfare Teaching Hospital, Medical City, Baghdad. These samples were divided into three groups according to the genotype, which included affected homozygous recessive and heterozygous with control healthy group. RNA was isolated from whole blood samples and gene expression levels of the F13 A1 gene was determined using quantitative Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), the result revealed that the expression levels of the F13A gene in heterozygous parents were significantly increased compared with the homozygous affected and control group. The (ROC) curve was analyzed in this study to determine the optimal cut-off value for F13 expression and showed a very good predictor for FXIII deficiency diagnosis with “Area under the ROC Curve.” AUC equals 0.844 and p< 0.001.

Assessing Gene Expression of factor XIII-A in Iraqi patients with FXIII deficiency

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Vol.10 No.1 – 8: Detection of bla OXA-48 and bla IMP Resistance genes in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from Children with Urinary Tract Infections

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Noor Ahmad 1*, Qudus Wamidh 2, Thanaa Rasheed Abdulrahman2

Department of Microbiology, Al Nahrain University/ College of Medicine – Iraq

1 Department Microbiology, Medical College/Al Nahrain University, Iraq

2 PhD in Department Microbiology, Medical College/Al Nahrain University, Iraq 

ABSTRACT

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) frequently affect the urinary system, predominantly caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella pneumoniae. This study examines the prevalence of these bacteria and bla OXA-48 and bla IMP genes.

Objectives: The research aims to assess the occurrence of MDR and XDR E. coli and K. pneumoniae in pediatric UTI cases, including the resistance genes bla OXA-48 and bla IMP.

Methods: A total of 100 pediatric UTI urine samples were analyzed for antibiotic resistance, ESBL detection, and bla OXA-48 and bla IMP gene presence using molecular techniques, gene sequencing, and statistical analysis via SPSS software.

Results: High resistance rates to common antibiotics were found in K. pneumoniae and E. coli isolates. bla OXA-48 was detected in 92.3% of E. coli and 100% of K. pneumoniae isolates, while bla IMP was found in 43.1% of E. coli and 25.7% of K. pneumoniae isolates. No nucleic acid variation was observed in the blaIMP-1 sequences of both bacteria.

Conclusion: The significant presence of bla OXA-48 and bla IMP genes in K. pneumoniae and E. coli highlights the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and careful antibiotic use to curb antibiotic-resistant UTIs in children.

Detection of bla OXA-48 and bla IMP Resistance genes in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from Children with Urinary Tract Infections

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Vol.10 No.1 – 7: A Prospective study: Correlation between Serum Estradiol levels and Fertilization Rates in Assisted Reproductive Technology Outcomes

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Namir I. A. Haddad 1, Ekhlas Ali Hussein2, Israa Talib Hassan 3

  1. Professor. Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
  2. FICOG. Professor, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, College of Medicine, Al-Iraqia University, IRAQ
  3. FICOG. Professor, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, College of Medicine, Al-Iraqia University, IRAQ.

ABSTRACT

Background and Objective: Advancements in reproductive procedures require an understanding of factors influencing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes. The study objective is to evaluate the impact of serum estradiol (E2) levels and fertilization rates on the success of IVF/ICSI in infertile women.

Materials and Methods: The study comprised one hundred and twenty infertile women undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment.  Hormone levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The fertilization rate (FR) was estimated by dividing the fertilized oocytes by the total number of microinjection oocytes. Based on the IVF/ICSI outcomes, participants were categorized into pregnant and non-pregnant groups.

Results: The pregnant group had a significantly higher mean E2 level (1480.84 ± 564.29) than the non-pregnant group (1147.84 ± 440.56) (p < 0.001). There were significant correlations between baseline E2 levels and IVF/ICSI outcomes (r = -0.317, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the pregnant group had a significantly higher mean of FR (72.22 ± 9.56) than the non-pregnant group (44.88 ± 37.17) (p < 0.001). Additionally, significant correlations were found between FR and IVF/ICSI outcomes (r = -0.420, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Higher E2 levels and higher FR significantly affect the probability of success in IVF/ICSI treatments. More research is needed to substantiate these findings and clarify the underlying processes at work.

A Prospective study Correlation between Serum Estradiol levels and Fertilization Rates in Assisted Reproductive Technology Outcomes

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Vol.10 No.1 – 6: Histopathology and Histochemistry study of surgically removed appendix of some patients in Misan Governorate, Iraq

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Muhanad Mahdi Mohammed1, Hawrra Jabbar Mohammed 2, Eman Kamil Aati 3

1 College of Dentistry, University of Misan, Amarah, Maysan, Iraq.

2 Department of Biology, College of Sciences, University of Misan, Amarah, Maysan, Iraq.

3 College of Nursing, University of Misan, Amarah, Maysan, Iraq.

ABSTRACT

This study sheds light on the histopathology structure and histochemistry of the appendix. For a further understanding of the supplement’s function. Where (neutrophils) were observed in all the specimens as signs of inflammation. The inflammation extended from the epithelial layer to the muscularis layer.

 Furthermore, it showed cells (neutrophils) Ulcerated in the mucosa, Fat necrosis and Atrophy in payer patches in the submucosa layer, and Hypertrophy in smooth muscle with damage for the same layer, The study included 40 samples, they are suffering from appendicitis, whose weights ranged between 45-75 kg, respectively. The study period was from (1/4/2023 to 7/4/2023). Eosin and hematoxylin, a tissue examination approach, and periodic acid Schiff stains, a histochemistry method, are used in this work, as well as show that PAs staining gave a strong reaction in all layers of the appendix, evidence for the presence of neutral carbohydrates such as neutral mucin and glycogen.

Histopathology and Histochemistry study of surgically removed appendix of some patients in Misan Governorate

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Vol.10 No.1 – 5: Investigate the impact of probiotics of lactic acid bacteria obtained from various local sources on some pathogenic bacteria.

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Hasanain Qasim Mezaal Al-kaabi1, Rahman Laibi Chelab1

1 Department of Biology, College of Education for Pure Sciences, University of Thi-Qar, 64001, Iraq.

ABSTRACT

Probiotics play a crucial role in fighting infectious diseases by significantly impacting their control. They possess the capacity to lower the frequency of contagious illnesses, potentially lessening the dependence on antibiotics and helping to alleviate the development of bacteria that are resistant to various medications. Besides, they hold substantial importance in the realm of food. The objective of this research was to isolate various strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from diverse sources and explore their capabilities in laboratory settings. The efficacy of probiotic strains against some harmful bacteria was assessed through both the agar diffusion method and the agar spot method. Additionally, their resilience under conditions resembling the stomach and intestinal environment, their capacity for auto-aggregation, and antibiofilm were also examined. Our findings suggest that the isolated strains displayed differing levels of probiotic effectiveness, with the HR3 strain, identified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, demonstrating notable excellence in this regard.

Investigate the impact of probiotics of lactic acid bacteria obtained from various local sources on some pathogenic bacteria

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Vol.10 No.1 – 4: Infection control practices and approaches in the dentistry field; a review

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Akram N. Salah 1*, Modi. B. Al-Otaibi 2, Anwar Salah Farhan Al-dhmashi 3, Amr A. Mariee 4

  1. *Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo. Egypt.
  2. Nursing Specialist, Nursing Administration, KSA
  3. Director of Nursing of Turaif AL-Awast Primary Healthcare Center. Turaif, KSA
  4. Researcher and Biostatistician at Public Health, and Nursing Administration. Minya University, Minya, Egypt

ABSTRACT

   Patient safety is one of the vital disciplines in the medical field, in addition to that, the healthcare workers’ safety and protection are also critical, preventing the dissemination and transmission of infectious diseases such as bacterial infections of Staphylococci, Streptococci, Mycobacterium spp, and other viruses such as  Hepatitis B virus, is a critical thing that must be implemented in all healthcare settings, and dental settings specifically, so, achieving many methods to prevent infections and contamination from occurrence and dissemination is so crucial nowadays specifically with the spread of COVID-19 viral infections, several approaches such as Personal Protective Equipment, sterilization, disinfection, and immunization were done to prevent infections and keep patients and healthcare workers, such as dentists, health good. This review discusses the mean infection control approaches from healthcare professionals and dental settings as well as the ways to protect dentists and patients from any infectious diseases in the healthcare dental settings in an effective way.

Infection control practices and approaches in the dentistry field; a review

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Vol.10 No.1 – 3: Exploring the Phytochemical Composition of Methanolic Extract from Launaea nudicaulis: Investigating its Antioxidant, Anticancer, and Anti-Dengue Activities against Aedes aegypti

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Abadi M. Mashlawi1, Areshi S.1, Naimah Asid H Alanazi2, Gamal Mohamed 3, Abdel Daim Z. J.1, Mohammed A. Alfattah1, Dalia A. Mohamed4, Eman Fayad5 and Salama A. Salama1 *

1. Biology Department, College of Science, Jazan University, Jazan City/ Postal code 82817/ Saudi Arabia

2. Department of Biology, College of Sciences, University of Ha’il, KSA.

3. Human Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, KSA.

4- Biology Department, University College of Al Khurmah, Taif University P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, KSA

5- Biotechnology Department College of Sciences, Taif University P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944 KSA

ABSTRACT

Asteraceae is considered to be one of the most medicinal significant families. One family species Launaea nudicaulis is globally used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. The objective of the current investigation was to evaluate the chemical composition of the methanol extract of L. nudicaulis and its possible biological impacts. In the present study, the GC-MS analysis identified 10 components, with fatty acid derivatives, terpenes, and alkaloids as the main compound classes. The major components are (2E,6E,10E)-3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2,6,10,14-hexadecatetraenyl acetate (29.20%), 2-Ethylhexanoic acid (24.57%) and thunbergol (20.53%). The antioxidant assay shows the L. nudicaulis extract has good DPPH radical scavenging ability with an IC50 value for the shoot extract is 32.52 mg/L., which is linked to its phytochemical composition. The cytotoxicity results demonstrate selective anticancer effects of the extract against HepG- 2 and PC3 cells compared to normal cells. The MeOH extract demonstrated an IC50 value of 38.56 and 46.30 µg/ml of HePG-2 and PC3 cancer cells, respectively. Additionally, the extract’s excellent position as a perfect natural insecticide is highlighted in the current work. Using methanol as a solvent, the extract shows great larvicidal potential against Aedes aegypti L. Researchers are encouraged to employ natural insecticides when the insects are still young, not when they are older. The findings validate the traditional therapeutic applications of wild plants.Asteraceae is considered to be one of the most medicinal significant families. One family species Launaea nudicaulis is globally used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. The objective of the current investigation was to evaluate the chemical composition of the methanol extract of L. nudicaulis and its possible biological impacts. In the present study, the GC-MS analysis identified 10 components, with fatty acid derivatives, terpenes, and alkaloids as the main compound classes. The major components are (2E,6E,10E)-3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2,6,10,14-hexadecatetraenyl acetate (29.20%), 2-Ethylhexanoic acid (24.57%) and thunbergol (20.53%). The antioxidant assay shows the L. nudicaulis extract has good DPPH radical scavenging ability with an IC50 value for the shoot extract is 32.52 mg/L., which is linked to its phytochemical composition. The cytotoxicity results demonstrate selective anticancer effects of the extract against HepG- 2 and PC3 cells compared to normal cells. The MeOH extract demonstrated an IC50 value of 38.56 and 46.30 µg/ml of HePG-2 and PC3 cancer cells, respectively. Additionally, the extract’s excellent position as a perfect natural insecticide is highlighted in the current work. Using methanol as a solvent, the extract shows great larvicidal potential against Aedes aegypti L. Researchers are encouraged to employ natural insecticides when the insects are still young, not when they are older. The findings validate the traditional therapeutic applications of wild plants.

Exploring the Phytochemical Composition of Methanolic Extract from Launaea nudicaulis Investigating its Antioxidant, Anticancer, and Anti-Dengue Activities against Aedes aegypti

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