A number of juices, jams, canned foods and frozen fishes available in local markets were inspected with respect to microbial contamination. We have determined the total viable bacterial cell counts in these samples and the number of g(-) lactose fermentors as a bacterial indicator of food spoilage. The results indicated that most of the food items inspected, were contaminated with large numbers of different species of g(-) ,g(+), yeast and fungi and some were contained more than the maximum permissible number of pathogenic g(-) enteric E-coli, which render these food items unsafe for human consumption.
Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the correlation between levels of certain seminal biochemical parameters and serum reproductive hormones, on the one hand, and sperm function tests, on the other hand, in asthenospermic patients. Patients and Methods: Sixty asthenospermic patients and twenty fertile men as a control group were included in this study. Semen samples were collected to perform seminal fluid analysis. Total protein, cholesterol, calcium, creatine kinase, and fructose were measured in the seminal plasma. Blood samples were collected for hormonal assay of serum reproductive hormones: testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone. Results: The results revealed a significant positive correla
... Show MoreThe aim of this study is to investigate the sedimentation environments and diagenetic processes of the Ibrahim Formation (Oligocene-early Miocene) in Zurbatiya, eastern Iraq. The Ibrahim Formation is comprised mostly of clayey micrite and skeletal grains composed of planktonic foraminifera, calcispheres, radiolaria, and benthic foraminifera. Glauconite and pyrite were documented in some restricted zones of this formation; they reflect quiet and reducing conditions. Radiolaria were identified in Late-Oligocene which was not known previously at this age regionally in carbonate formations of the Arabian Plate (AP). Mudstone, wackestone, and planktonic foraminiferal wackepackstone are the main microfacies that are affected by dissolutio
... Show MoreThis research examines the issue of Internet banking services and their impact on customer's perceived value to know the potential of Iraqi commercial Banks to provide Internet banking services as well as determine the customer's level of perception of the value of such services. The research aims to demonstrate the effect that Internet banking services have on the customer's perceived value and to find how online banking services can be used to add value that the customer perceive. The main findings were that research sample banks don't have a sophisticated network of electronic Windows through which banking services are provided to allow customers to manage their accounts, and perform various operational operations through the
... Show MoreAbstract: The article aimed to formulate an MLX binary ethosome hydrogel for topical delivery to escalate MLX solubility, facilitate dermal permeation, avoid systemic adverse events, and compare the permeation flux and efficacy with the classical type. MLX ethosomes were prepared using the hot method according to the Box–Behnken experimental design. The formulation was implemented according to 16 design formulas with four center points. Independent variables were (soya lecithin, ethanol, and propylene glycol concentrations) and dependent variables (vesicle size, dispersity index, encapsulation efficiency, and zeta potential). The design suggested the optimized formula (MLX−Ethos−OF) with the highest desirability to perform the
... Show MoreSolar energy is still commonly used to produce clean drinking water due to its simple construction, low maintenance, and ecofriendliness. This work aims to experimentally investigate the yield upgrade and the thermal performance of a novel concentrated single‐axis tracking trough tubular solar still (TSS). This tubular still is identified by three baffles that generate four interrupted sections in the U‐receiver, which is inserted with copper mesh and fitted in a hexagonal‐shaped glass cover. Two identical TSS models were side‐by‐side outdoor tested in Baghdad‐Iraq 33.3° N and 43.3° E from January to March 2024. The first is inserted with black copper mesh (Model I), and the other h
In this paper, a theoretical study of the energy spectra and the heat capacity of one electron quantum dot with Gaussian Confinement in an external magnetic field are presented. Using the exact diagonalization technique, the Hamiltonian of the Gaussian Quantum Dot (GQD) including the electron spin is solved. All the elements in the energy matrix are found in closed form. The eigenenergies of the electron were displayed as a function of magnetic field, Gaussian confinement potential depth and quantum dot size. Explanations to the behavior of the quantum dot heat capacity curve, as a function of external applied magnetic field and temperature, are presented.
Thyroid hormones (TH) regulate the metabolic processes required for normal development and growth; also, to organizemetabolism in adults, any defect in thyroid function leads to abnormality in thyroid hormones level. The current study hasbeen designed to find the relationship between retinol-binding protein-4 and progranulin in the serum of Iraqi women withhypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, also, to study whether these patients are exposed to a risk of developing diabetes mellitus,and PGRN may be a biomarker in detection early stage of diabetes mellitus.Materials and Methods: in this study, serum samples were obtained from 50 Iraqis women patients, [25 patients withhypothyroidism (G2) and 25 patients with hyperthyroidism (G3)] in addition
... Show MoreBackground Mirabegron is a β3-adrenergic receptor (β3-AR) agonist indicated for the treatment of overactive bladder. β3-AR agonists are located in the urinary bladder and adipose tissue, where they are involved in the regulation of thermogenesis and lipolysis. Objective To evaluate the effect of mirabegron on lipid profile (serum cholesterol and triglyceride) and BMI in patients with OAB. Materials and Methods In the medical city complex (Ghazi AL-Hariri Hospital) urology outpatient clinic, a prospective study of 40 patients diagnosed with OAB. These patients took a single dose of mirabegron 50 mg for 4 months and assessed its effect during this period on weight and fasting serum (s.) cholesterol and triglycerides. Results Investi
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