Quorum sensing (QS) is a perfectly orchestrated molecular communication system. It is a boon for Klebsiella pneumoniae, and bane for the host. This system is believed to make K. pneumoniae a leading cause of multidrug-resistant (MDR) nosocomial infections. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial and anti-biofilm potential of medicinal plant extracts through interfering with QS of K. pneumoniae. The effect of different concentrations of ethanolic extracts of cinnamon and clove on K. pneumoniae was determined by analyzing the growth curve, survival assay (MTT), Qualitative and quantitative biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance, along with studying gene expression of the genes encoding the above traits, using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The low concentrations of the plant extracts did not affect neither on the bacterial growth, nor on the viability of K. pneumoniae, supported with growth curves. Additionally, the biofilm production was inhibited even by lower plant concentrations, and both cinnamon and clove extracts were able to render the MDR bacteria to be more susceptible to antibiotics. At the molecular levels, the bacterium treated with either clove or cinnamon or in combination showed under expression of the biofilm formation regulation gene (bssS), the carbapenem resistance gene (bla), as well as the QS target gene (LuxS). Both clove and cinnamon ethanolic extracts exerted potent impacts on reducing pathogenic traits regulated by QS in K. pneumoniae. Finally, the study recommends further exploration of clove and cinnamon extracts separately or in combination to develop alternative therapies against MDR K. pneumoniae infections.
The main objectives of this study were investigating the effects of the maximum size of coarse Attapulgite aggregate and micro steel fiber content on fresh and some mechanical properties of steel fibers reinforced lightweight self-compacting concrete (SFLWSCC). Two series of mixes were used depending on maximum aggregate size (12.5 and 19) mm, for each series three different steel fibers content were used (0.5 %, 1%, and 1.5%). To evaluate the fresh properties, tests of slump flow, T500 mm, V funnel time, and J ring were carried out. Tests of compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural tensile strength, and calculated equilibrium density were done to evaluate mechanical properties. For reference mixes, the
... Show MoreThe current study was conductedas a pot experiment to determine the effect of soil texture on biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) of six most efficient local isolates, specified, of Bradyrhizobium. Cowpea (Vignaunguiculata L.), as a legume host crop, was used as a host crop and 15N dilution analysis was used for accurate determination of the amount of N biologically fixed under experimental parameters specified. Soils used are clay loam, sandy clay loam and sandy loam. Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF), in different soil textural classes, was as in the following order: medium texture soil > heavy texture soil > light textured soil. Statistical analysis showed that there is a significant variation in BNF % among six Iraqi isolates in the th
... Show MoreObjective: preparing exercises for the third intensity zone for strength and speed for the legs, and identifying their effect on some physiological and biochemical indicators for (the level of lactic acid concentration, the concentration of sodium bicarbonate, the concentration level of (potassium K+) and (sodium Na+) in the blood, and the number of breathing times (RF) Research methodology: the experimental research method was adopted by designing the experimental and control groups on a sample of Army Sports Club players amounting to (16) players, deliberately selected (100%) from their community using a comprehensive enumeration method, and then divided into two groups of equal number, After determining the tests for physiologica
... Show MoreThe research objective was to study the amount of lost fluids, some blood components and mineral salts in volleyball players under hot weather conditions. The sample of the present study was composed of 12 volleyball players of Al-Sinaa Club (Baghdad, Iraq) in the 2022/2023 season. The variables analyzed in this study were: Heart rate before and after exercise, internal and external body temperature before and after exertion, potassium ion, sodium ion, calcium ion, and the amount of fluid lost (the player's weight) before and after the exercise. The tests were conducted at a temperature between 42-47 degrees Celsius. The maximum anaerobic exercise was performed with volleyball. The results showed that to play volleybal
... Show MoreThe importance of the research is evident in the use of exercises with the training device, which is one of the modern techniques in teaching the abilities of players, especially in teaching the skill of the backhand, and in improving the accuracy of the performance of players and increasing the contribution to the formation of a base for the game for players who have a good level of learning and upgrading the game to reach a certain achievement, and the research issue was represented in the lack of accuracy in sending balls to the required areas to achieve points, especially in the performance of the skill of the backhand due to the speed of play during the course of the match, and the study aimed to introduce modern technology usi
... Show MoreThe research objective was to study the amount of lost fluids, some blood components and mineral salts in volleyball players under hot weather conditions. The sample of the present study was composed of 12 volleyball players of Al-Sinaa Club (Baghdad, Iraq) in the 2022/2023 season. The variables analyzed in this study were: Heart rate before and after exercise, internal and external body temperature before and after exertion, potassium ion, sodium ion, calcium ion, and the amount of fluid lost (the player's weight) before and after the exercise. The tests were conducted at a temperature between 42-47 degrees Celsius. The maximum anaerobic exercise was performed with volleyball. The results showed that to play volleybal
... Show MoreIn this review, numerous analytical methods to distinguish pigments in tattoo, paint, and ink items are discussed. The selection of a method was dependent upon the purpose, e.g., quantification or identification of pigments. The introductory part of this review focuses on describing the importance of setting up a pigment-associated safety profile. The formation of different degradation chemical substances as well as impurity trends can be indicated through the chemical investigation of pigments in tattoo products. It is noteworthy that pigment recognition in tattoo inks can work as a preliminary method to identify the pigments in a patient's tattoo before being removed by laser therapy. Contrary to the stud
In this review, numerous analytical methods to distinguish pigments in tattoo, paint, and ink items are discussed. The selection of a method was dependent upon the purpose, e.g., quantification or identification of pigments. The introductory part of this review focuses on describing the importance of setting up a pigment-associated safety profile. The formation of different degradation chemical substances as well as impurity trends can be indicated through the chemical investigation of pigments in tattoo products. It is noteworthy that pigment recognition in tattoo inks can work as a preliminary method to identify the pigments in a patient's tattoo before being removed by laser therapy. Contrary to the stud