The aim of present study is to investigate the antagonistic activity of Spirogyra micropunctata against multidrug resistant human pathogens. The test organisms include 3 Gram negative bacteria such as Echerichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi and 2 Gram positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The algal cell mass was extracted in 90% Methanol and 90% Ethanol and further concentrations of 0.5, 1, 3, 5, 10, 20 mg/ml were made for each extract. Antagonistic effect was tested by using agar well-diffusion method. Methanolic crude extract showed strong antibacterial activity against all tested bacteria, while ethanolic crude extract showed moderate activity. These findings suggest the possi

An aqueous chemical reaction has been used to prepare antifungal ZnS: Mn nanostructures, from manganese chloride, zinc acetate and thioacetamide in aqueous solution. The nanoparticle size has been controlled using thioglycolic acid as a capping factor. The major feature of the ZnS:Mn nanoparticles of average diameter ~ 2.73 nm is that possible preparing the sample from sources non-toxic precursors. The manufactured ZnS:Mn nanoparticles were identified and characterized to investigate the structure, morphology, composition of components of the nanoparticles and optical properties using (XRD, SEM, EDS and UV-Vis spectroscopy) techniques respectively. The agar dilution mechanism used to evaluate of the antifungal activity using ZnS:Mn nanopart

This study investigated the role of sunflower (Helianthus annuns L.) seed extracts as a cytotoxic agent against two cell lines (RD and L20B) using different concentrations of sunflower seeds oil 1.3 , 2.6 , 5.2, 10.4 , 20.8, 41.6 , 83.2 and 166.4 μg / ml for different exposure time (24 ,48 and 72 hrs). The results revealed a clear cytotxoic activity of sunflower seeds oil on growth of RD cancer cell line, and the effect was concentration-dependent.
The signification inhibition (P<0.05) was obtained at a concentration of 83.5 and 166.4 μg / ml as compared to control. In addition, the growth of RD cell line was more sensitive to sunflower seeds oil in comparison with the growth of L20B transform cell line. In conclusion, the extrac

Field experiment was carried out during 2013- 2014 at the research field of the
Department of Biology, College of Science, Baghdad University, to study the
effect of bio-chemical fertilizers and chemical fertilizers on some agronomic traits
and yield components of two wheat cultivars (IPA99 and Rabyaa) under drought
stress conditions. The bio-chemical fertilizers were mixture of (Azotobacter
chroococcum. Azospirillum brasilense. and Pseudomonas fluorescens.) with
chemical fertilizers (only 50% of the recommended dosage of N and P), while the
chemical fertilizers was 100% of recommended dosage of N and P. Field plots
(1×1 m) were randomly made in the field equipped with rainfall shelter to avoid
rains. Grains o

This study concerned with phytochemical investigation and methods of extraction and separation of active constituents from Valeriana officinalis plant cultivated in Iraq. Due to the large number of active constituents in Valeriana officinalis, it was necessary to make analytical study of its constituents to determine the chemical nature of these constituents and then determine the main classes (terpenes and iridoids) using chemical reagents specific for each class. Different organic solvents like ethanol (70%) used in soxhlet apparatus and hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol were used separately to extract the main active constituents by maceration. Through comparison between these solvents using thin layer chromatograph

Background: Successful root canal therapy depends on thorough chemo mechanical debridement of pulpal tissue, dentin debris and infective microorganisms. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial effect of silver nanoparticles, sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine in reducing the bacterial infection of the root canals. Materials and Methods: The root canals of 55 single-rooted teeth were cleaned, shaped, and sterilized. All the teeth samples were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis and incubated at 37°C for 2 weeks. Then, the teeth were divided into four groups. Group I (n=15): 100 ppm silver nanoparticles, Group II (n=15): 2.5 sodium hypochlorite, Group III (n=15): 2% chlorhexidine, IV (n=10): Normal saline as a contr

Background: Eucalyptus extracts and derivatives are natural substances with potent antimicrobial properties. This study investigated the in- vitro effects of non-nutritive sweeteners on the antifungal activity of alcoholic and aqueous Eucalyptus extracts against Candida albicans, a common oral pathogen. Materials and Method: Ten isolates of Candida albicans were isolated from dental students’ salivary samples. The alcoholic and aqueous extracts were prepared from fresh Eucalyptus leaves using maceration. The sensitivity of Candida albicans isolates to various concentrations of Eucalyptus extracts ranging from 50 to 250 (mg/mL) was evaluated via agar well diffusion method, while the agar streaking method  was used to assess the minimum

In the current study, synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) before and after functionalization with ampicillin antibiotic and their application as anti-pathogenic agents towards bacteria were investigated. AgNPs were synthesized by a green method from AgNO3 solution with glucose subjected to microwave radiation. Characterization of the nanoparticles was conducted using UV-Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential determination and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. From SEM analysis, the typical silver nanoparticle particle size was found to be 30 nm and Zeta potential measurements gave information about particle stability. Analysis of FTIR patterns and UV-VIS spectroscopy con

Recently, bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) was found to prevent petroleum – induced toxicities on the kidney whereas it potentiates the toxic effect of petroleum adulterated diet on the testes of animal model. This differential action has elicited further inquest into the role of bitter leaf extract in other organs in the midst of petroleum affronts. The hepatoprotective ability of Vernonia amygdalina methanol extract (VAME) is the objective of this investigation.  Administration of VAME significantly (P <0.05) reduced serum liver function indices relative to the control. In addition, the activities of liver oxidative enzymes, energy metabolizing enzymes and oxidative stress indices altered by crude oil