This study was carried out to determine the heavy metal accumulation of Juncus rigidus Desfontaines, 1798 from three different regions of the Basrah Province in Southern of Iraq. Specifically, the concentrations of lead, nickel, and cadmium were determined in the roots, culms and leaves of the plant. The results indicated that the highest accumulation of the heavy metal was recorded in lead (Pb) 12.50± 3.58 mg kg^-1and then in nickel (< 0.30). The lowest value was recorded for cadmium (< 0.05). As well, lead concentrations in J. rigidus varied in different locations and parts of the plant from undetectable in control to 12.66, 19.33, and 9.80 mg kg^-1 in leaves, culm, and roots respective

The biological activities of some ternary nickel complexes with a Schiff base obtained from 4-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde and 2-aminophenol have been reported. The Schiff base ( HL1) acts as a primary ligand whereas, anthranilic acid ( HL2), 2-nitroaniline ( HL3), alanine ( HL4) and histidine ( HL5) act as secondary ligand or co-ligand. The anticancer activity of these compounds was studied against human colon carcinoma (HCT-116), human hepatocellular liver carcinoma (HEPG-2) and human breast carcinoma (MCF-7) cell lines. As per the results, the compounds were active against the cell lines. The antioxidant activity of the same compounds was evaluated using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) radical scavenging and compared with ascorbic aci

Nosocomial infection is acquired contamination of hospitals and health care units caused by multidrug resistant bacteria. Currently, bacterial resistance to antimicrobial medication represents a complicated public health problem. Recent studies on the antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) attracted researchers worldwide to focus on the safe synthesis of AgNPs as antimicrobial agents against multidrug resistant bacteria. The antimicrobial efficacy of AgNPs on pathogenic bacteria isolated from clinical cases of acquired hospital infection was targeted in this project. Fifty specimens of stool were collected through private laboratories in Baghdad from patients who suffered diarrheal symptoms. Bacterial isolation, identific

Leishmaniasis is one of the neglected parasitic diseases, which belongs to the family Trypanosomatidae. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic in Iraq and the available drugs are of side effect or resistant by the parasite. In this study, cytotoxicity of methotrexate was investigated on the promastigotes proliferation of the Iraqi strain ofL.tropica.The results showed a significant (p ≥ 0.05) difference in growth of treated groupsat all concentration (1000, 500, 250, 125.5, 62.5, 31.25, 15.6) μM, after 24 and 48 hours of follow up, while after 72 hours, significant difference was observed at concentration(1000, 125, 62.5) μM.The IC50 measured after 24and 48 hours and it was 40.366 and 44.452 μM, respectively.The present study showed

Three series of monomers, polymers and thioester cyclic compounds containing 4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-thiol moiety were synthesized and examined for their liquid crystalline properties. All monomers, polymers and thioester compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and FTIR, 1 H-NMR and mass spectroscopy. The phase transition and mesomorphic properties were investigated by polarized optical microscope (POM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The monomer with terminal phenyl substituent display dimorphism nematic and smectic A (SmA) mesophases. The corresponding polymers derived from acrylic and phenyl acrylic acid monomers show nematic mesophase. The only thioester cyclic compound derived from terephtaloyl chloride show nemati

Hard-grade asphalt binders like AC20-30 typically exhibit excessive stiffness, reduced penetration, and compromised workability, necessitating modification before use in paving applications. This study evaluates the efficacy of regular polyalphaolefin (PAO), a synthetic olefin-based lubricant, as a performance-enhancing modifying agent for such binders. AC20-30 was blended with PAO at dosages ranging from 2 wt.% to 10 wt.%, and the modified binders were characterized via penetration, ductility, softening point, and rotational viscosity measurements, alongside advanced rheological and chemical-morphological analyses. Incorporating PAO in AC20-30 asphalt progressively reduced the binder stiffness and enhanced its flexibility, with all modifie

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of conventional implant site preparation technique and a combination of conventional/piezosurgery preparation on implant stability measured at different time intervals, insertion torque, and preparation time. A randomized controlled study was designed, it included 26 patients who received 54 dental implants randomly assigned to 2 groups; in the control group, implants were installed after conventional preparation with drills whereas the study group received implants after mixed conventional/piezosurgery preparation. The outcome variables included: implant stability measured immediately after implant insertion, at 8 weeks and 16 weeks postoperatively, insertion torque and preparation time. All

Jumping ability is a fundamental variable in many sports, as its execution requires an integration of muscular strength Q1 and certain biomechanical variables. This is particularly evident in gymnastics jumping events and jump shots in ball games, both of which rely on a high level of vertical resistance. Vertical resistance serves as an indicator of an athlete’s ability to overcome their body weight while counteracting gravitational force to achieve optimal performance. As such, it is considered one of the key factors in movements that demand explosive power and speed. The researchers believe that despite the significant relationship between vertical resistance, speed-strength of the arms and legs, and certain biomechanical varia

This study included synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in a green method using AgNO3 solution with glucose exposed to microwave radiation. The prepared NPs were also characterized using ultraviolet and visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The UV/vis spectroscopy confirmed the production of AgNPs, while SEM analysis showed that the typical spherical AgNPs were 30 nm and 50 nm in size for the NPs prepared using black tea (B) and green tea (G) as reducing agent, respectively. The changes in some of the biochemical parameters related to the liver and kidneys have been analyzed to evaluate the probable toxic effects of AgNPs. 40 adult male mice were included in this study. To assess the probable he