To determine the association between cigarette smoking and oxidative stress, a study was conducted in the period from January 2020 to April 2021, at College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq. The Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique was utilized for measurement the antioxidant enzymes including: Glutathione superoxide (GPX) and catalase (CAT) and the biomarker of lipid peroxidation Malondialdehyde (MDA). Also, the gene expression of Nrf2 and HO-1were determined by using RT-PCR technique. The results indicate lower level of both GPX and CAT (p ≤ 0.001) in smokers compared with non-smokers. While the result of MDA indicate higher level in smokers (p≤0.001) compared with nonsmokers. The Nrf2 and HO-1 gene expression was lower in smokers (p≤0.001) compared with non-smokers. Thus, we may conclude that smokers are exposed to more oxidative stress compared to the non-smokers group led to alterations in gene expression, enzymatic activities and MDA level.
A laboratory experiment was carried out in the laboratories of College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad in 2017. Three factors were studied; Sorghum bicolor L. cultivars (Inqath, Rabeh and Buhoth70), primed and unprimed seed and osmotic potential (0, -5, -9, -13 bar). The aim was to improve germination and seedling growth under water stress. The results showed significant superiority of Buhoth 70 cultivar compared to others, significant superiority of primed seed compared to the unprimed, significant negative impact as long as increasing levels of osmotic potential and significant superiority of interaction treatment (Buhoth70 × primed seed × 0) compared to others in germination ratio, radicle and plumule length
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In this research, a novel synthesis of CaONPs has been developed via an environmentally friendly, green method. Garlic extract (Allium sativum) was used as a green-reducing and stabilizing agent for CaONPs. The average particle size of CaONPs was approximately 24.42 nm. The synthesized CaONPs were identified by using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, U.V.-vis spectrum, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and zeta potential (Zp) analysis. The current study highlights the notable applications for CaONPs. First, an antimicrobial assay revea
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This paper aimed at specifying the leading obstacles which faced by Iraqi EFL secondary school teachers in teaching English language. According to studies and observations, lack of adequate materials, overcrowding classrooms, lack of infrastructures, and low job satisfaction are the main barriers to English language teaching in Iraq. Data were collected from 130 EFL teachers from Iraqi schools through a standard questionnaire. The data were analyzed using a descriptive statistic to summarize and present it in a meaningful way. The findings supported previous studies regarding the classroom overcrowding, lack of teaching aids and materials, and dilapidated facilities. Furthermore, regarding job dissatisfaction and salary, interesting and eye
... Show MoreIn the present work, the feasibility of formation near-ideal ohmic behavior of In/n-Si contact efficiently by 300 s duration Nd:YAG pulsed laser processing has been recognized. Several laser pulses energy densities have been used, and the optimal energy density that gives best results is obtained. Topography of the irradiated region was extensively discussed and supported with micrographic illustrations to determine the surface condition that can play the important role in the ohmic contact quality. I-V characteristics in the forward and reverse bias and barrier height measurements have been studied for different irradiated samples to determine the laser energy density that gives best ohmic behavior. Comparing the current results with
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