Copper is a cheaper alternative to various noble metals with a range of potential applications in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology. However, copper nanoparticles have major limitations, which include rapid oxidation on exposure to air. Therefore, alternative pathways have been developed to synthesize metal nanoparticles in the presence of polymers and surfactants as stabilizers, and to form coatings on the surface of nanoparticles. These surfactants and polymeric ligands are made from petrochemicals which are non- renewable. As fossil resources are limited, finding renewable and biodegradable alternative is promising.The study aimed at preparing, characterizing and evaluating the antibacterial properties of copper nanoparticles. Copper nanoparticles were prepared using gelatin biopolymer, CuSO4.5H2O ions and hydrazine as stabilizer, precursor salt and reducing agent respectively. However, vitamin C and NaOH solution were also employed as an antioxidant and pH adjuster. The synthesized copper nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), zeta potential measurements powder, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The UV-visible absorption spectrum confirms the formation of the CuNPs, which showed maximum absorbance at 583 nm. Results obtained from TEM indicated a decrease in size of particle from a low concentration to high concentration of the supporting materials. The optimum concentration of gelatin was found to be 0.75 wt%. The supporting materials used for this synthesis are biocompatible and the obtained products are stable in air. The synthesized CuNPs display promising antibacterial activities against B. subtilis (B29), S. aureus (S276), S. choleraesuis (ATCC 10708) and E. coli (E266) as gram positive and negative bacteria respectively.
The present study aimed to evaluate the concentration of Malon dialdehyde (MDA) in pregnant women during different stages of pregnancy (stage of pregnancy, abortion, contraceptives and parity number).The study included (120) blood samples from normal pregnant women in age of the procreating were subdivided into three trimesters of pregnancy (40/group), and (40) samples from non-pregnant women as a control group. The results showed a significant increase in MDA in three stages of pregnancy compared with the control group. The concentration of MDA increased significantly in pregnant women with multipregnancy when compared with pregnant women for the first time, and in pregnant women whom was using contraceptions compared with p
... Show MoreCataract is an opacity in the normally transparent focusing lens of the eye which leads to blindness. The aim of current study is to investigate the possible protective and therapeutic effects of aqueous extract of Foeniculum vulgare seed eye drops (0.5%) against selenite induced cataract in rabbits. Aqueous extract of Foeniculum vulgare seed prepared then formulated as eye drops. Sodium selenite used to induce cataract in rabbits' right eye by single intravitreal injection. Thirty-six rabbits included in the study and divided into three equal groups (12 rabbits in each group): healthy control group, Cataract-Induced group and group treated by Foeniculum vulgare seed extract eye drops. Parameters include the score of lens opacity which was
... Show MoreThis study focuses on the impact of technology on creating a dystopian world as presented by the English playwright Caryl Churchill in her play A Number (2002). This dramatic work came as a reaction to the most crucial and valuable turning point in the scientific achievements of human engineering, namely, the cloning of the sheep called Dolly. Therefore, A Number is a play that presents an analytical stage for imagining the biotechnological and scientific future. This dramatic vignette captures the playwright’s fears towards the abnormal progress of technology and science and how far such technological progress affects human relationships and identity. It also portrays how technological progress results in the feeling of a lack of
... Show MoreSixty albino female mice were used in this experiment to study the possible effect of the crude alcoholic extract of the celery leaves on their fertility. These animals were randomly and equally divided into three experimental groups (20 females/group). The first and second groups were orally given a daily dose of 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight, respectively, of the crude alcoholic extract, while the third group (control) was similarly treated, at the same time, with 0.1 ml/gm body weight of physiological saline for comparison. The treatment, however, lasted for 25 consecutive days. On day 26, after treatment was stopped, the life body weight of all animals was recorded before sacrificing the animals. Thereafter blood
... Show MoreThe study aimed to assess the frequency of invasive fungal infection in patients with respiratory diseases by conventional and molecular methods. This study included 117 Broncho alveolar lavage (BAL) samples were collected from patients with respiratory disease (79 male and 38 female) with ages ranged between (20-80) years, who attended Medicine Baghdad Teaching hospital and AL-Emamain AL-Khadhymian Medical City, during the period from September 2019 to April 2020. The results in PCR versus culture methods in this study showed that out of 117 samples of fungal infections 30(25.6 %) were detected by culture method, while the 24(20.5%) samples were detected by PCR technique, the most commonly diagnosed pathogenic fungi is Candida spp.
... Show MoreTransit agencies constantly need information about system operations and passengers to support their regular scheduling and operation planning processes. The lack of these processes and cultural motivations to use public transportations contributes enormously to the reliance on the private cars rather than public transportation, resulting in traffic congestions. The traffic congestions occur mainly during peak hours and the accidents happening as a result of road accidents and construction works. This study investigates the effects of weekday and weekend travel variability on peak hours of the passenger flow distribution on bus lines, which can effectively reflect the degree of traffic congestion. A study of passen
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