Journal of Applied and Natural Science
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Determining the sound absorption coefficient of bagasse using the Two-microphone transfer function method
Get PDFNoise pollution is ranked as the third environmental pollution that can interfere with communication, recreation, or concentration. Hence, choosing the best materials could be one way to resolve a sustainable solution for noise pollution problems. Materials like bagasse are suitable composite materials for construction. Its natural fiber properties exhibit a good absorber characteristic that would be used for acoustics barriers. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the sound absorption of bagasse using the two-microphone transfer function method. Using two different thicknesses for the samples, 2.0 cm and 4.0 cm, the measured sound absorption coefficients were considerably higher than the conventional concrete. The measurements revealed that the 4.0 cm samples exhibited better sound absorption behavior between the two thicknesses, having a noise reduction coefficient (NRC) of 40% to 80%. It can be noted that it has shown consistency in the energy absorption throughout the frequency range of 250 Hz – 3000 Hz. Meanwhile, for the 2.0 cm-thickness samples, bagasse\u27s performance is less absorptive from 250 Hz-1000 Hz but becomes more absorptive as it goes to higher frequencies with a peak value of approximately 95%. Also, the material\u27s density and the sample\u27s thickness influence the measured sound absorption coefficients. The result implies that bagasse, a green waste, can be a suitable candidate for acoustic building applications. Its advantages included low-cost materials from renewable sources, non-toxicity, and comparably high performance compared to standard or commercial products. These types of barriers can positively impact the noise level in the areas.
Identification of class I, II, and III Integron genes in multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains
Get PDFIntegrons are one genetic factor that can contribute to the high prevalence of antibiotic resistance among Acinetobacter baumannii isolates and their spread. This research aimed to study the prevalence of class 1,2 and 3 integron in A. baumannii isolates and their relatedness to virulence factors of antibiotics resistance. Seventy clinical isolates of A.baumannii were isolated from several sources such as blood, urinary tract infection (UTI), sputum, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). First, the isolates were identified and characterized according to certain morphology, cultural and biochemical tests. Second genotypic ally Identification of the isolates was confirmed by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which was performed by housekeeping gene 16sRNA and by (blaOxa 51gene) for A. baumannii species. The antimicrobial susceptibility technique was evaluated through disk diffusion methods. These isolates resistant to various antibiotics were analyzed for integron class I, II and III content and sequences of the amplification products by PCR. The findings showed that the predominant A. baumannii isolates were multidrug resistant and they were most resistant to 15 antibiotics. The higher resistance of A. baumannii to Gatifloxacin and lower resistance to polymyxin. Sixty clinical Multidrug resistance (MDR) isolates of A. baumannii had class I integron and five class III integron, but class II integron was not detected in the isolates. This revealed that the dissemination of MDR among A. baumannii may be associated with the presence of integrons class I and class III. These data indicate that integrons are gene cassettes containing antibiotic-resistance genes that play a major role in the virulence characteristics of MDR and Extensively-drug resistance (XDR) in Acinetobacter baumannii.
A case-control study unravelling the prognostic significance of oxidative markers in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients
Get PDFPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinological disorders in female. Reproductive organ is a metabolically active organ; hence reactive oxygen species (ROS) are inevitably generated during the physiological process. Studies have suggested that OS may affect female fertility by reproductive impairment, leading to alter ovulation patterns, oocyte maturation and steroidogenesis in women with PCOS. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the oxidative status of diagnosed PCOS women. Based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, 100 Subjects (Group – 1 PCOS N=50 , Group-2 Controls N=50) were enrolled with their written informed consent. Blood samples were collected in aseptic conditions for the estimation of hormonal parameters (Testosterone) and oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, Catalase, GSH, GSSG). The statistical analysis of data indicated significant elevated level of MDA, SOD, GSSG (5.21 vs 1.52 ; 248.15 vs166.15; 11.38 vs 4.37), while decreased level of catalase and GSH (37.57 vs 78.2; 84.09 vs 121.7) was observed in PCOS cases when compared to controls. The linear regression model showed significant R2 values for MDA, SOD and GSSG . Further ROC curve was plotted for MDA, SOD and GSSG to estimate the sensitivity of these predictive markers. OS damages oocyte and follicle growth in females, damaging the endometrium and affecting endocrine function. Significantly higher levels of MDA, SOD & GSSG were reported in cases, and catalase, GSH levels were decreased. Linear regression and ROC curve analysis indicated that these MDA, SOD, GSSG may act as significant predictive markers of OS playing a pivotal role in the pathophysiology underlying PCOS and as prognostic tools to reduce the severity of the disease.
First global registration of an isolate producing aflatoxin B1 from the fungus (Rhizopus microsporus) from stored grains and nuts in Iraq
Get PDFThis study delineates the mycotoxin-producing capabilities of Rhizopus microsporus strains isolated from stored grains and nuts. Aflatoxins, particularly aflatoxin B1, are significant due to their deleterious effects on human and animal health and their economic impact on vital agricultural commodities. Employing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for identification, one isolate was confirmed to produce aflatoxin B1 and was associated with R. microsporus. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and ammonia gas tests substantiated the isolate’s toxin-producing ability. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) quantified aflatoxin B1 concentration, revealing a yield of 395.19 PPb. This study’s findings are unprecedented, marking the first known instance of such isolates producing toxins globally. DNA extraction from fungal hyphae, PCR analysis, nucleotide sequencing, and submission to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database further corroborated the isolate’s classification as R. microsporus. The isolate was formally registered in the Gene Bank with serial number OP205376.1, representing a notable contribution to Iraqi and international scientific communities.
Pharmacognostical, phytochemical and phytopharmacological activities of Solanum torvum utilized as a traditional medicinal herb: A review
Get PDFTurkey berry, also known as Solanum torvum Swartz, is native to Africa, Asia and South America. This tropical plant of the family Solanaceae has versatile uses in both food and medicine in tropical and subtropical countries. It has been employed in traditional medicine all over the world. Chemical composition of this fruit, its pharmacological properties as ascertained through scientific investigations and its clinical applications are discussed. S. torvum contains numerous important metabolites such as saponins steroids and flavonoids, which function as antioxidants, antifungal, antidiabetic, anticancer, antiulcer, antianxiety and immunomodulators. Various notable roles in ethnomedicinal uses and approaches as a traditional medicinal herb. These have been found in large amounts and have various functions, including antioxidant properties against cardiovascular diseases and immune-modulating activities. Notably leaves extracts, fruits etc. have beneficial therapeutic traits. For a long time now, “Solanum torvum” has been used to treat numerous conditions such as fever, wounds, etc. Research backs up these traditional uses by pointing out the plant’s blood pressure management, kidney protection nature, and immune-boosting capabilities. The review summarizes the importance of ethnobotany, its chemical composition, and the scientifically proven pharmacological activities of S. torvum.
Evaluation of the anticancer potential of Iraqi Date Palma dactylifera L. seed extract on breast cancer MCF7 and prostate cancer PC3 cell lines
Get PDFDate seeds are rich in many dietary elements, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory and anticancer phytochemical compounds. The present study aimed to evaluate the anticancer potential of Iraqi Date Palma dactylifera L. seed extracts on breast cancer MCF7 and prostate cancer PC3 cell lines. The seeds were extracted with 70% ethanol and explored for the presence of many anticancer compounds by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis . The cytotoxicity of date seed extracts on cell lines was studied using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The cytotoxic assay of multi-parameters was carried out to detect the extract activity on valid cell count, total nuclear intensity, cell membrane permeability, mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome C release by using High-Content Screening (HCS) assay. The results of HPLC confirmed the presence of caffeic acid, sinapic acid and gallic acid. The results of MTT assay showed significantly reduced cell viability of MCF7, PC3 and control HdFn cell lines with IC50 of 269,325 and 1499 μg/ml, respectively. Analysis of HCS findings indicated significant changes in all tested parameters at concentrations of 100 μg/ml. Ethanolic extract of seeds was rich in many antioxidant compounds and the extract appeared to have strong cytotoxic activity against both MCF7 and PC3 cancer cell lines. The cells of MCF7 were more sensitive to extract than PC3. The viability of normal HDFn cells was not affected by the extract. The study showed the importance of date seeds as a very effective antioxidant and can contribute to reducing the risk of breast and prostate cancer.
Growth, mortality and stock assessment of Metapenaeus affinis (Decapoda, Penaeidae) from Iraqi waters
Get PDFJinga shrimp (Metapenaeus affinis) is one of the most productive shrimp fisheries in Iraqi waters. The study aimed to evaluate the growth, mortality, recruitment, yield-per-recruit, and virtual population analysis (VPA) of the M. affinis shrimp in these Iraqi waters. Samples were collected from the nursery grounds of the species in east Hammar marsh and the fishing grounds in Iraqi marine waters between November 2022 to October 2023. A total of 8021 M. affinis ranged from 2.0 to 15.6 cm TL (0.6-6.0 cm CL) were examined. The length-weight relationship exhibited a positive allometric growth pattern. Total length-frequency data for combined sexes was analyzed using the FiSAT II software. The asymptotic length, growth coefficient and growth performance index were 16.3 cm, 0.92 and 2.388, respectively. Total, natural and fishing mortalities were 3.69, 1.82 and 1.87, respectively. The current exploitation rate (Ecur) was 0.51. Length at first capture (Lc50) was higher than at first maturity length (Lm50). Recruitment continued throughout the year, with one major peak in April. The analysis of relative yield per recruit and relative biomass per recruit indicated that the Ecur of the stock was equal to its optimal level (E0.1= 0.520) and below its maximum sustainable yield (Emax= 0.628). To effectively manage the M. affinis stock, it is essential to adjust the mesh size so that the total length of the species at first capture must not be less than the length at first maturity. Consequently, it may have a chance to breed, and the nursery grounds should be protected from illegal fishing.
Impact of drip irrigation and tailored fertigation levels at various stages of crop growth on the yield and nutrient uptake of high-density sweet corn (Zeamaysvar. Saccharata Sturt)
Get PDFSweet corn (Zeamaysvar. saccharatasturt) is a high-value crop with rising demand. Efficient irrigation and fertigation management play a vital role in improving crop yield and quality. A study was conducted during the summers of 2020 and 2021 to evaluate the effects of drip irrigation and fertigation levels on the nutrient uptake and yield of high-density sweet corn grown in sandy clay loam soil under semi-arid conditions. The experiment used a factorial randomized block design with three replications and twelve treatment combinations, varying drip irrigation across three levels (0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 Epan) and fertigation across four levels: 100% recommended dose of nitrogen and potassium (RDNK) applied based on differential dosage (F1), 100% RDNK based on the crop coefficient curve (F2), 125% RDNK with differential dosage (F3), and 125% RDNK based on the crop coefficient curve (F4).Results showed that irrigation at 1.0 Epan (I3) achieved the highest cob yield (12,870 kg ha-¹ in 2020 and 12,337 kg ha-¹ in 2021), fodder yield (36,409 kg ha-¹ in 2020 and 35,044 kg ha⁻¹ in 2021), nutrient uptake, and crude protein content. Among fertigation treatments, F4 (125% RDNK based on crop coefficient curve) recorded the highest cob yield (12,349 kg ha-¹ in 2020 and 11,769 kg ha-¹ in 2021), nutrient uptake, and protein content.The study concluded that using 1.0 Epan irrigation combined with fertigation based on the crop coefficient curve (F4) is the most effective strategy, promoting nutrient uptake and maximizing sweet corn yield.
Anti-inflammatory property of hydrogen-rich Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino distillate
Get PDFHydrogen-rich Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino distillate (HRGD) is produced by distilling G. pentaphyllum Makino, with the addition of hydrogen gas. This study sought to explore the pharmacological and biological impacts of HRGD on the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators in macrophages. The cells were treated with various concentrations of HRGD (2, 4 and 8 μg/mL) in the absence or presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1 μg/mL) for 24 h. The results indicated that HRGD is an effective inhibitor of LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO•) production in RAW 264.7 cells: The NO• concentration was reduced dramatically after treatment with 8 μg/m98L HRGD (11.8 μM) compared to the LPS-induced group (28.4 μM). These inhibitory effects of HRGD included a dose-dependent decrease in the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) proteins. To evaluate the inhibitory effects of HRGD on other cytokines, we also measured cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level in the cell supernatants of LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In this assay, HRGD significantly decreased the expression of TNF-α in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). The study also performed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay on macrophages. HRGD did not display any cytotoxicity in this assay. The findings demonstrated that HRGD could modulate macrophage-mediated inflammatory functions such as the overproduction of cytokines, NO• and PGE2 without any cytotoxic.
Deciphering multivariate patterns and diversity analysis of yield and associate traits in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) accessions of northwestern India
Get PDFOkra is a valuable crop cultivated worldwide for its edible fruits. Understanding genetic variability and the relationship among key traits is essential for improving yield and other agronomic characteristics. This study focused on evaluating 27 okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) genotypes at research farm of Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab to explore their genetic diversity and yield-contributing traits. The genetic variability of okra genotype assessed the relationships between yield-contributing traits and identified the traits with the most significant direct and indirect effects on the yield of okra. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications was used for traits such as plant height, fruit production, seed weight and other characteristics. Variance analysis, heritability estimation, correlation analysis, path coefficient analysis and cluster analysis were conducted to identify significant relationships and genetic diversity among genotypes. The highest coefficient of variation was observed for fruit weight per plant, the number of main branches and seed weight per plant. Path analysis showed that seed weight per plant had the largest direct positive effect on fruit production per plant (0.878) and total number of main branches (0.845). Negative influences were seen from days to first flowering (-0.164). Cluster analysis revealed the highest genetic distance between cluster II and V (D2 = 356.76). Plant height (23.93%) and biological yield (22.22%) contributed most to genetic divergence. This study identified key traits such as seed weight and fruit production with the highest genetic potential for yield improvement in okra. The findings can be applied in breeding programs to develop high-yielding okra varieties through targeted selection.