Glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) play a role in the detoxification of environmental chemicals and mutagens, such as those inhaled during tobacco smoking. There have been conflicting reports concerning GST polymorphisms as risk factors in the development of lung cancer. No studies focused on Arab populations exposed to Waterpipe (WP) tobacco smoke have been undertaken. Here Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and gene sequenc- ing were applied to analyze allelic variations in GSTP1-rs1695 and -rs1138272 amongst 123 lung cancer patients and 129 controls. The data suggest that WP smoking raised the risk of lung cancer more than three-fold (OR 3.6; 95% CI 2.1–6.0; p < 0.0001). However, there was no significant association between individual GSTP1 polymorphisms and the risk of lung cancer. In contrast, analysis of the rs1695 and rs1138272 combination suggested that the risk of lung cancer was raised more than two-fold for carriers of the GSTP1-rs1695 (G) allele (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.0–6.4; p < 0.05), however, the presence of the GSTP1-rs1138272 (T) allele, in addition to GSTP1-rs1695, did not significantly change the risk ratio (OR2.8; 95% CI 1.4–5.7; p < 0.004). WP tobacco smokers who carried the GSTP1-rs1695, but not GSTP1-rs1138272, allele were similarly susceptible to lung cancer (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.1–5.3; p < 0.03). Hence, the results suggest that smoking WP tobacco and carrying GSTP1-rs1695 polymorphisms are risk factors for lung cancer in Arab Iraqi males.
his study aims to determine most stable isobar from some isobaric elements with mass number (A= 50-65 & 180-195). This aim achieved by, firstly: plot mass parabolas for these isobaric family, second: calculated the atomic number for most stable isobar (ZA) value. To plot the mass parabola, the binding energy (B.E) calculated from semi empirical formula for these isobars. The mass number (A) plotted as a function to the (ZA) for each range; we get a linear relationship between them. An empirical formula for the most stable isobar has been developed from this linear dependence. From the results, we can see that mass parabolas for isobaric elements with odd mass number (A) are different from the mass parabolas of even mass number (A) isobars,
... Show MoreThe esterification reaction of ethyl alcohol and acetic acid catalyzed by the ion exchange resin, Amberlyst 15, was investigated. The experimental study was implemented in an isothermal batch reactor. Catalyst loading, initial molar ratio, mixing time and temperature as being the most effective parameters, were extensively studied and discussed. A maximum final conversion of 75% was obtained at 70°C, acid to ethyl alcohol mole ratio of 1/2 and 10 g catalyst loading. Kinetic of the reaction was correlated with Langmuir-Hanshelwood model (LHM). The total rate constant and the adsorption equilibrium of water as a function of the temperature was calculated. The activation energies were found to be as 113876.9 and -49474.95 KJ per Kmol of ac
... Show MoreThe concept of decolonization of trauma has intrigued researchers for years due to its prolonged effect on personal and cultural levels. The process of intellectual decolonization involves defensive survival mechanisms, such as cultural rituals using traditional practices, nostalgic dialogues that idealize memories and recollections, and conversations about identity to navigate postcolonial trauma displacement. Symbolic connections evoke strong emotional responses, bridging the gap between the characters‘ physical dislocation and their imaginary homeland. Cocooning identity represents a space where a multidimensional self emerges—one that holds the victim of trauma, the survivor who endures, and the narrator, who constructs an idealized
... Show MoreCultural and identity scars have been engraved in the body of ethnic minority of Muslims in America due to the bloody attacks of 9/11. These events have created thus traumatic experiences on the party who witnessed the events at close and the people on whom the blame is conclusively directed, Muslim Americans. For Americans, the attacks resulted in a proud reassertion of the national virtue and communal integrity from which Muslim Americans were excluded. This reassertion is accompanied for Muslims by a reconstruction of a cultural identity away from their origin homeland and under pressures and prejudices that made the process of reconstruction to be severely challenging. Accordingly, the challenge needed to be portrayed to overcome the d
... Show MoreAn intelligent software defined network (ISDN) based on an intelligent controller can manage and control the network in a remarkable way. In this article, a methodology is proposed to estimate the packet flow at the sensing plane in the software defined network-Internet of Things based on a partial recurrent spike neural network (PRSNN) congestion controller, to predict the next step ahead of packet flow and thus, reduce the congestion that may occur. That is, the proposed model (spike ISDN-IoT) is enhanced with a congestion controller. This controller works as a proactive controller in the proposed model. In addition, we propose another intelligent clustering controller based on an artificial neural network, which operates as a reactive co
... Show MoreThe spectrum of clinical efficacy of Methotrexate (MTX) is broad in that MTX is used in the treatment of certain cancers, severe psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.Various mechanisms by which cancer cells grown in tissue culture become resistant to anticancer drugs. The use of multiple drugs with different mechanisms of entry into cells and different cellular targets allows for effective chemotherapy and high cure rates. In an efforts to develop effective strategies that increase the therapeutic potential of anticancer drugs with less systemic toxicity ,are being directed towards the investigation of dietary supplements and other phytotherapeutic agents for their synergistic efficacy in combination with anticancer drugs. A pr
... Show MoreIn digital images, protecting sensitive visual information against unauthorized access is considered a critical issue; robust encryption methods are the best solution to preserve such information. This paper introduces a model designed to enhance the performance of the Tiny Encryption Algorithm (TEA) in encrypting images. Two approaches have been suggested for the image cipher process as a preprocessing step before applying the Tiny Encryption Algorithm (TEA). The step mentioned earlier aims to de-correlate and weaken adjacent pixel values as a preparation process before the encryption process. The first approach suggests an Affine transformation for image encryption at two layers, utilizing two different key sets for each layer. Th
... Show MoreMelanoidins can be diagnosed using the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) technique. UV/Vis is an effective tool for both qualitative and quantitative analysis of chemical components in melanoidin polymers. The structural and vibrational features of melanoidin synthesized from D-glucose and D-fructose are identical, according to FTIR spectra, with the only difference being the intensity of bands. Using FTIR spectra, the skeleton of melanoidin is divided into seven major regions. The existence of the C=C, C=N, and C=O groups in all melanoidins formed from fructose and glucose with ammonia is confirmed by the areas ranging from 1600 to 1690 cm-1, and the band is largely evident as a broad shoulder. Both melan
... Show MoreAssessing the accuracy of classification algorithms is paramount as it provides insights into reliability and effectiveness in solving real-world problems. Accuracy examination is essential in any remote sensing-based classification practice, given that classification maps consistently include misclassified pixels and classification misconceptions. In this study, two imaginary satellites for Duhok province, Iraq, were captured at regular intervals, and the photos were analyzed using spatial analysis tools to provide supervised classifications. Some processes were conducted to enhance the categorization, like smoothing. The classification results indicate that Duhok province is divided into four classes: vegetation cover, buildings,
... Show MoreThe present work aims to study forward osmosis process using different kinds of draw solutions and membranes. Three types of draw solutions (sodium chloride, sodium formate, and sodium acetate) were used in forward osmosis process to evaluate their effectiveness with respect to water flux and reverse salt flux. Experiments conducted in a laboratory-scale forward osmosis (FO) unit in cross flow flat sheet membrane cell. Three types of membranes (Thin film composite (TFC), Cellulose acetate (CA), and Cellulose triacetate (CTA)) were used to determine the water flux under osmotic pressure as a driving force. The effect of temperature, draw solution concentration, feed and draw solution flow rate, and membrane types, were studied with
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