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Background: Globally, the records of people who have dementia are rising, which hurts communities and healthcare systems. The current study aimed to determine whether Ginkgo biloba (GB) and Cichorium intybus (CI) could relieve Alzheimer's disease (AD) by suppressing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Methods and Results: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to evaluate the phytoconstituents of GB and CI hydroalcoholic extracts. ELISA assay was used for the assessment of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and dopamine in the brain tissue and SOD and TNF-α in blood serum. Forty male albino rats were randomly divided into five groups (eight rats in each group). Group 1 (negative control) rats received only a baseline diet and distilled water. Alzheimer's disease (AD) was induced in Group 2 rats by oral administration (100 mg/kg bw) of AlCl3 dissolved in distilled water daily for 28 days (positive control). Rats in Group 3 were orally supplemented concomitantly with both Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) (120 mg/kg bw) once daily for 28 days and AlCl3 (100 mg/kg bw). Rats in Group 4 were orally supplemented concomitantly with both Cichorium intybus extract (CIE) (500 mg/kg bw) once daily for 28 days and AlCl3 (100 mg/kg bw). Rats in Group 5 were given 120 mg/kg of GBE and 500 mg/kg of CIE orally for 28 days with oral supplementation of AlCl3 (100 mg/kg bw). In Groups 3-5, GBE and CIE were given one hour before AlCl3 administration. The results showed that GBE suppressed levels of brain AChE and serum TNF-α in AlCl3-induced AD. Hydroalcoholic extract of CI improved levels of brain dopamine and serum SOD in AlCl3-induced AD. Moreover, the combined administration of GBE and CIE significantly suppressed the levels of brain AChE and serum TNF-α and improved the level of serum SOD in AlCl3-induced AD, leading to the achievement of negative control values. Conclusion: The combined use of GBE and CIE can lower the toxic impacts of aluminum chloride on brain neuronal structures, neurotransmission, and oxidative stress it causes, suppressing the development of AlCl3-induced AD.

Background and Study Aim. Physical inactivity is a major public health concern, particularly among female college students in Saudi Arabia. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) suggests that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) are important predictors of behavioral intentions and behaviors. The aim of this study was to examine the role of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control in predicting physical activity intentions among female university students in Saudi Arabia, using the theory of planned behavior as a framework. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 758 female college students from the University of Hafr Al Batin in Saudi Arabia. The measurement tool consisted of Godin-Shephard questions on leisure-time physical activity and theory-planned behavior questionnaires. Results. The study found that perceived behavioral control and attitude were significant predictors of physical activity intentions among female college students. However, subjective norms did not have a significant impact on the predictor variable. Furthermore, there was a statistical effect to predict involvement in physical activity from physical activity intention among female college students.. Conclusions. The study's findings suggest that the theory of planned behavior is a useful framework for understanding and interpreting physical activity intentions among female college students in Saudi Arabia. Interventions that aim to increase perceived behavioral control and positive attitudes towards physical activity may be effective in promoting physical activity among this population.

Background: Physical activity (PA) plays a crucial role in promoting good health and an active lifestyle among university students. Quality Physical Education (QPE) program is instrumental in achieving sustainability in PA. Motivation is a key factor in encouraging PA in students. However, motivation alone may not lead to inclusivity unless quality components are thoughtfully integrated into physical education (PE) programs. Aims: This study aimed to address three research questions: i) Can the motivation for PA participation be enhanced through the provision of high-quality PE programs in university settings? ii) Does the quality provision of PE contribute to promoting sustainable PA among adolescents? and iii) Is this carry-over process influenced by gender? Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled N = 610 university students, comprising 467 males and 143 females. Only students who had PE as a part of their coursework were included. These students participated in more than 27 different sports and had an average age of 20.76 years (SD = 3.47) and an average of 4.70 years (SD = 4.93) of athletic experience. To achieve the study's objectives, descriptive statistics (mean, SD), Pearson's correlation, and regression analysis were employed. Additionally, a 2 (Gender) by 2 (Type of Sport: Individual vs. Team) MANCOVA, with age as a covariate, was used to assess gender-based differences in the variables. Results: The study found that the factors demonstrated strong reliability and positive correlations between QPE and exercise needs satisfaction. However, these factors did not establish significant correlations with PA. Perceived competence for exercise needs satisfaction showed gender differences, with males scoring higher. Additionally, QPE did not exhibit significant gender-based differences. In terms of PA, males had higher mean scores compared to females. Conclusion: The provision of QPE was identified as a crucial determinant of exercise satisfaction competence among students. While QPE provision was adequate at the university level, it did not promote PA among females as anticipated.

Background. Due to dysfunction of the facial nerve (CN VII), Bell’s palsy occurs which is a facial paralysis of unknown cause, but viral infection is suspected. The study aims to determine the prevalence of facial nerve palsy in a private clinic in Basrah. Methods. The study was conducted at a private clinic and involved sixty-five patients with facial nerve palsy. It was a cross-sectional study in which any patient who attended the clinic and exhibited signs and symptoms of lower motor neuron facial nerve palsy underwent an examination to confirm the diagnosis and, if confirmed, were included in the study. While patients with other neurological disorders were excluded. Data collection started between October 1, 2022, and April 30, 2023. A total of 65 patients from the private clinic—males and females—aged from 4 to 70 years old were confirmed as having lower motor neuron facial nerve palsy. Results. This study at a private clinic found that Bell’s palsy was the most common facial paralysis, affecting more males than females and most of the patients in the age range of 18-39 years, also affecting mostly the left side, with onset more frequent during hot and cool weather conditions. Diabetes was significantly related to the onset of Bell’s palsy and weather temperature at the time of the clinic visit. Conclusion. Bell’s palsy has a peak age prevalence in the second and third decades of life, and temperature variations have no effect on the occurrence of Bell’s Palsy. Further studies are needed for an accurate estimation of the number of cases, to assess the severity, impact, and efficacy of Bell’s palsy management.

IntroductionThis study evaluated the ability of children (8–12 years) with mild bilateral or unilateral hearing loss (MBHL/UHL) listening unaided, or normal hearing (NH) to locate and understand talkers in varying auditory/visual acoustic environments. Potential differences across hearing status were examined.MethodsParticipants heard sentences presented by female talkers from five surrounding locations in varying acoustic environments. A localization-only task included two conditions (auditory only, visually guided auditory) in three acoustic environments (favorable, typical, poor). Participants were asked to locate each talker. A speech perception task included four conditions [auditory-only, visually guided auditory, audiovisual, auditory-only from 0° azimuth (baseline)] in a single acoustic environment. Participants were asked to locate talkers, then repeat what was said.ResultsIn the localization-only task, participants were better able to locate talkers and looking times were shorter with visual guidance to talker location. Correct looking was poorest and looking times longest in the poor acoustic environment. There were no significant effects of hearing status/age. In the speech perception task, performance was highest in the audiovisual condition and was better in the visually guided and auditory-only conditions than in the baseline condition. Although audiovisual performance was best overall, children with MBHL or UHL performed more poorly than peers with NH. Better-ear pure-tone averages for children with MBHL had a greater effect on keyword understanding than did poorer-ear pure-tone averages for children with UHL.ConclusionAlthough children could locate talkers more easily and quickly with visual information, finding locations alone did not improve speech perception. Best speech perception occurred in the audiovisual condition; however, poorer performance by children with MBHL or UHL suggested that being able to see talkers did not overcome reduced auditory access. Children with UHL exhibited better speech perception than children with MBHL, supporting benefits of NH in at least one ear.

Surra, a wasting disease caused by Trypanosoma evansi, is one of the major animal health burdens in camel-rearing countries, imposing significant economic losses due to reduced fertility and high mortality rates. The present study used inactivated T. evansi (from the Card Agglutination Test for Trypanosomes/Trypanosoma evansi; CATT/T. evansi) and flow cytometry to investigate their binding and activation potential toward camel leukocyte subsets. Labeling T. evansi with propidium iodide (PI) enabled their flow cytometric enumeration and identification with forward scatter (FSC; indicative for cell size) and side scatter (SSC; indicative for cell internal complexity) characteristics that are comparable with values reported for Trypanosoma cruzi. The incubation of PI-labeled non-opsonized T. evansi with camel leukocyte populations revealed that camel monocytes have the highest potential to bind T. evansi, followed by granulocytes and lymphocytes. The identification of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) on camel immune cells and the pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) in T. evansi that are responsible for this different binding capacity requires further studies. Stimulation of camel neutrophils with Trypanosoma evansi induced shape change, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and neutrophil extracellular traps (NET)-formation. To ensure that T. evansi, in the parasite concentration used in this study, is not apoptotic or necrotic to camel leukocytes, we evaluated cell apoptosis and necrosis after stimulation with T. evansi. The results revealed no impact of T. evansi stimulation for 2 h on the cell viability of camel leukocytes. Subsequent work may focus on the diagnostic employment of labeled T. evansi and flow cytometry for the detection of anti-Trypanosoma antibodies in camel serum. In addition, more efforts should be deployed to investigate the host–pathogen interaction mechanisms and the escape mechanisms of T. evansi in camels. To complete these data, further studies using the living or freshly killed parasites could also be implemented in camels and/or horses.

Lumbar spondylosis, characterized by degenerative changes in the lumbar spine, often leads to pain, reduced spinal stability, and musculoskeletal dysfunction. Understanding the impact of lumbar spondylosis on musculoskeletal function, particularly lumbar extensor endurance, functional balance, and limits of stability, is crucial for improving the management and well-being of affected individuals. This study aimed to assess lumbar extensor endurance, functional balance, and limits of stability in individuals with lumbar spondylosis compared to age-matched healthy individuals and explore the correlations among these parameters within the lumbar spondylosis group. The lumbar spondylosis group consisted of 60 individuals initially screened by an orthopedician and referred to physical therapy. Age-matched healthy controls (n = 60) were recruited. Inclusion criteria encompassed adults aged 45–70 years for both groups. Lumbar extensor endurance was assessed using the Sorensen test, functional balance with the Berg Balance Scale, and limits of stability using a computerized stabilometric force platform. Lumbar extensor endurance was significantly lower in individuals with lumbar spondylosis compared to healthy controls (23.06 s vs. 52.45 s, p < 0.001). Functional balance, as assessed by the Berg Balance Scale, demonstrated a significant decrement in the lumbar spondylosis group (48.36 vs. 53.34, p < 0.001). Additionally, limits of stability variables, under both eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions, exhibited marked impairments in the lumbar spondylosis group (p < 0.001 for all variables). Within the lumbar spondylosis group, lumbar extensor endurance exhibited significant positive correlations with functional balance (0.46, p < 0.001) and negative correlations with limits of stability variables (r ranging from −0.38 to −0.49, p < 0.01 for all variables). This study underscores the significance of addressing lumbar extensor endurance, functional balance, and stability impairments in the comprehensive management of lumbar spondylosis.

Over the past few decades, numerous studies have explored the use of steel fiber (SF) as an alternative to transverse reinforcement rebars in reinforced concrete beams, either partially or completely replacing them. However, there are limited studies that have investigated the effect of fiber dosage and length on reinforced concrete beam performance under torsional loads without the use of transverse reinforcement rebars. In this study, experimental investigations were conducted to examine the performance of reinforced SF concrete beams subjected to torsional load, utilizing SFs as a complete substitution of transverse reinforcement rebars. Ten different concrete mixes with varying dosages of SFs, namely 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%, were examined while maintaining the same aspect ratio for fiber length and diameter. The results revealed that the addition of SFs in the concrete mix had an impact on its properties, reducing workability but increasing flexural, tensile, and compressive strengths. By incorporating 1.0% of SFs in the concrete mix, the missing torsional strength resulting from the absence of stirrups was adequately compensated. Moreover, the presence of SFs significantly influenced the ductile behavior beyond the point of cracking in the tested beams. Hence, it is recommended that SFs are incorporated with dosages of 1.0% and 1.5% in the concrete mixture, particularly for beams subjected to torsion, as a viable substitute for stirrups.

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the relationship between academic integrity of online university students and its effects on academic performance and learning quality. The first hypothesis aimed to see if there is statistically significant relationship between academic honesty of students taking online classes and their apparent academic performance. The second hypothesis aimed to see if there is a statistically significant difference in academic integrity among male and female students. The third hypothesis aimed to see if there was a statistically significant relationship between academic honesty of students and their quality of learning. Design/methodology/approach – This is a quantitative study; data was collected via student emails from 155 active online university students. Findings – There was a positive linear relationship for the first hypothesis, the relationship is relatively weak as the value of Pearson correlation was (0.172). For the second hypothesis, the results showed that there was no significant difference between males and females. The results for the third hypothesis showed that there is a statistically significant relationship between academic integrity of students taking online classes and academic learning quality. This relationship is relatively strong. Research limitations/implications – The sample size may have been a limitation for generalizing the results. Practical implications – As a practical implication, authors recommend that education administrators focus on training their faculty members to stress and instill strong ethical values, such as academic integrity and honesty, in their students all throughout their academic journey. Social implications – As for social implication, the embracing of ethical values in students, graduates may continue to embrace such values in the workplace which may lead to more reputable and profitable work environment where the society at large benefits. Originality/value – This research is among the pioneers that attempted to study the connection of academic integrity and learning quality from the students’ perspective.

Fiber-reinforced concrete is widely acknowledged for its ability to resist cracking effectively and limit its propagation. By preventing cracks from spreading, the addition of fiber composites to concrete can enhance its extensibility and tensile strength, not only at the initial point of cracking but also at its maximum capacity. Additionally, the fibers in fiber-reinforced concrete are capable of binding the matrix, even when exposed to significant cracking. However, there is limited information available about the behavior of fiber-reinforced concrete under a bending moment combined with torsion. This study aims to investigate the structural behavior of fiber-reinforced concrete members subjected to a bending moment with a torsion to moment ratio equal to 1. Synthetic and steel fibers of 1.0% content with different lengths (19, 35, and 55 mm for synthetic fiber and 13 mm for straight and hook steel fibers) were mixed with concrete mixtures to examine the effects of fiber lengths and types on the concrete beam performance. Test results indicated that the fiber-reinforced concrete beams showed higher cracking moments than the normal-strength concrete beam. The steel fiber with a hooked configuration reinforced beam showed increased moment capacity and total torsional toughness higher than that of the straight steel fiber-reinforced beam. The synthetic fiber of a 55 mm length reinforced beam exhibited the highest first-crack and ultimate moment values among other tested beams. The test results were compared with past research models for the moment capacity of beams under the compound effect of bending and torsion and we modified these values with another factor that represented the fiber length influence on beam capacity, as suggested in past research. The comparison between the ultimate moment of the test results and the moment predicted from the modified past research model presented a good correlation.

BACKGROUND: Digital pathology practice is rapidly gaining popularity among practicing anatomic pathologists. Acceptance is higher among the newer generation of pathologists who are willing to adapt to this new diagnostic method due to the advantages offered by whole slide imaging (WSI) compared to traditional light microscopy (TLM). We performed this validation study because we plan to implement the WSI system for diagnostic services. OBJECTIVES: Determine the feasibility of using digital pathology for diagnostic services by assessing the equivalency of WSI and TLM. DESIGN: A laboratory-based cross-sectional study. SETTING: Central laboratory at a tertiary health care center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four practicing surgical pathologists participated in this study. Each pathologist blindly reviewed 60 surgical neuropathology cases with a minimum 8-week washout-period between the two diagnostic modalities (WSI vs. TLM). Intraobserver concordance rates between WSI and TLM diagnoses as compared to the original diagnosis were calculated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Overall intraobserver concordance rates between each diagnostic method (WSI and TLM) and original diagnosis. SAMPLE SIZE: 60 in-house surgical neuropathology cases. RESULTS: The overall intraobserver concordance rate between TLM and original diagnosis was 86.3% (range 76.7%-91.7%) versus 80.8% for WSI (range 68.3%-88.3%). These findings are suggestive of the superiority of TLM, but the Fleiss' Kappa statistic indicated that the two methods are equivalent, despite the low level of the K value. CONCLUSION: WSI is not inferior to the light microscopy and is feasible for primary diagnosis in surgical neuropathology. However, to ensure the best results, only formally trained neuropathologists should handle the digital neuropathology service. LIMITATIONS: Only one diagnostic slide per case rather than the whole set of slides, sample size was relatively small, and there was an insufficient number of participating neuropathologists. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.

Carbon nanoparticles are prepared by sonication using carbon black powder. The surface morphology of carbon black (CB) and carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) is investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The particles size ranges from 100 nm to 400 nm for CB and from 10 nm to 100 nm for CNPs. CNPs and CB are mixed with silicon glue of different ratios of 0.025, 0.2, 0.05, and 0.1 to synthesis films. The optical properties of the prepared films are investigated through reflectance and absorbance analyses. The ratio of 0.05 for CNPs and CB is the best for solar paint because of its higher solar water heater efficiency and is then added to the silicon glue . Temperature of cold water and temperature of hot water in storage tank were tabulated on hourly basis with the help of an Arduino device. The atmospheric temperature was also noted. It was observed that outlet temperature of water was attained up to 75°C as compared to the inlet water temperature of 23°C for the tank applied with CNP-based paint. The tank applied with CNP-based paint has 4 °C higher water temperature than that coated with CB-based paint after 1 month of test under sun irradiation. Based on the results, the efficiency of a solar water heater depends on the difference in temperature of inlet water and outlet of heater. The efficiency of the solar water heater coated with CNPs is around 77% but the solar water heater coated with CB has an efficiency of 67%.

A total of 140 specimens of penaeid shrimps from Metapenaeus affinis and Penaeus semisulcatus were collected from different parts of Iraqi coastal waters to detect three species of viruses Infectious Hypodermal and Hematopoietic Necrosis virus (IHHNV), White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) and Monodon Baculovirus (MBV). PCR and nest PCR used to identify the viruses. The main important results in this study were detection two of more important viruses, (IHHNV) and (WSSV). So, we thought the studied shrimp was not suitable for aquaculture stock without screening because which may play a vertical and horizontal vector role. This study represents the first attempt to detect viral shrimp diseases in Iraq.

Simple, accurate and sensitive indirect spectrophotometric method for assay of diclofenac (Di) and Isoxsuprine (IS) in pure and pharmaceutical formulation has been developed. The method is based on oxidation of (Di) and (IS) by N-bromosuccinimide in acidic medium. The excess of oxidant is determine by reaction with malachite green dye and the absorbance is measured at 615nm. Under the optimized experimental conditions, Beer's law is obeyed in concentration range 0.5-18 , 1-18 µg/ml with molar absorptivity 5.1×104 and 4.6×104 L.mol-1.cm-1 for (Di) and (IS) respectively. The limits of detection (LOD) 0.0314, 0.038 and quantification are 0.0104 , 0.126 µg/ml. with the accuracy (average recovery) 100.80%, 101.20% for above drugs respectively and the precision (RSD) less than 1.5% for both drugs. The proposed method is applied successfully for assay of pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract Background Physical inactivity is a crucial risk factor for the development of chronic health issues, which have a high incidence among Arabs living in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The Qatar Stepwise Survey 2012 reported that approximately 44% of young adults 18–44 years of age had insufficient levels of physical activity. Family is a powerful source of information and socialization for adolescents and has a strong influence on their attitudes, decision-making, and behaviors. Methods The purpose of this study is to understand how university students’ physical activity can be influenced by sociocultural factors, particularly family health values and Muslim Arab culture. Using the criterion sampling strategy, 20 undergraduate Muslim students (Female students =10, Male students = 10) aged from 18 to 23 years who were Qatari or born and also raised in Qatar were recruited and interviewed. Participants were asked if they consider themselves active or not, about their perception of family health values regarding physical activity and the factors shaping these values, and the influence of family values on their physical activity behavior. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed following inductive analysis. Results The majority of the participants were influenced by their family health values, which were shaped by Qatari culture and the culture of origin for non-Qatari and were implicitly shaped by Islam. Participants reported that their role models of physical activity were males (fathers and male siblings), a health condition will motivate their families to be physically active, and families give priority to work and academic achievement over physical activity. A few participants showed that there was explicit influence of Islam on their physical activity, because culture’s influence was veiling religion’s. Culture was seen as a facilitator for physical activity from the males’ perspectives, which was not the case for female participants who reported the negative influence of culture on their physical activity because of the limited choices available for them. Non-Qatari students revealed that their culture of origin (such as Syria, Palestine, Egypt, Somalia, Bangladesh, Sudan, Pakistan and India) was the dominant factor in shaping their family health values. Conclusions The findings address gaps in the literature about families’ health values regarding physical activity in Qatar, the influence of the different ecologies surrounding these values, and the physical activity behaviors of university students. Knowledge about these factors can aid in the development of family-based interventions designed to motivate adolescents to be physically active, which should be religion- and culture-tailored.

Egyptian society has been shaped by two revolutions: The Free Officer Movement government takeover in 1952 and the ouster of President Mubarak in 2011. Both were revolutions but were very different in character. This paper will comparatively analyze the two events, the “revolutionary actions”, and the aftermath of the Free Officers on July 23, 1952 as well as that of January 25, 2011. It will examine the societal climate in which each of these series of events occurred, the nature of the “revolutionary action”, and the resultant effects of these events. It will be argued that although both were revolutions, the circumstances that led to them and the way that the revolutionary action was inspired, organized, and executed was very different in 2011 from those in 1952. This paper will seek an examination to each of these “revolutions” in terms of ideology and philosophy, public support, the nature of the “revolutionary” action (viz. the actual mechanism that resulted in the ouster of the previous regime). By analyzing these aspects of each “revolution”, one can analyze the applicability of the designation of “revolution” in describing both of these groups of events.

Egyptian society has been shaped by two revolutions: The Free Officer Movement government takeover in 1952 and the ouster of President Mubarak in 2011. Both were revolutions but were very different in character. This paper will comparatively analyze the two events, the “revolutionary actions”, and the aftermath of the Free Officers on July 23, 1952 as well as that of January 25, 2011. It will examine the societal climate in which each of these series of events occurred, the nature of the “revolutionary action”, and the resultant effects of these events. It will be argued that although both were revolutions, the circumstances that led to them and the way that the revolutionary action was inspired, organized, and executed was very different in 2011 from those in 1952. This paper will seek an examination to each of these “revolutions” in terms of ideology and philosophy, public support, the nature of the “revolutionary” action (viz. the actual mechanism that resulted in the ouster of the previous regime). By analyzing these aspects of each “revolution”, one can analyze the applicability of the designation of “revolution” in describing both of these groups of events.

Egyptian society has been shaped by two revolutions: The Free Officer Movement government takeover in 1952 and the ouster of President Mubarak in 2011. Both were revolutions but were very different in character. This paper will comparatively analyze the two events, the “revolutionary actions”, and the aftermath of the Free Officers on July 23, 1952 as well as that of January 25, 2011. It will examine the societal climate in which each of these series of events occurred, the nature of the “revolutionary action”, and the resultant effects of these events. It will be argued that although both were revolutions, the circumstances that led to them and the way that the revolutionary action was inspired, organized, and executed was very different in 2011 from those in 1952. This paper will seek an examination to each of these “revolutions” in terms of ideology and philosophy, public support, the nature of the “revolutionary” action (viz. the actual mechanism that resulted in the ouster of the previous regime). By analyzing these aspects of each “revolution”, one can analyze the applicability of the designation of “revolution” in describing both of these groups of events.

Vibrio cholerae is a cause of serious endemic diarrhoea associated with cholera in many regions in the world. A total of 256 stool and rectal swabs were collected from patients suspected to have cholera admitted to three hospitals in Hillah, Babylon Governorate, Iraq, for the period 1 September to 29 December 2017. After the routine culture of samples for isolation and identification of V. cholerae isolates, PCR was performed for molecular detection of V. cholerae isolates based on 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Toxigenicity was detected by RTX toxin genes. PCR technique emphasized molecular detection of V. cholerae for eight isolates. Only two isolates (25%) possessed both the rtxA and rtxC genes, while only three isolates (37.5%) possessed the rtxB gene. DNA sequencing was performed for the eight isolates via analysis and phylogenetic tree. The observed bacterial variants were compared to their neighbour homologous reference sequences using the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) BLAST server (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool; https://blast.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Blast.cgi). The findings indicated that the eight investigated isolates of V. cholerae were positioned in three different phylogenetic positions. Partial sequence dissimilarities were reported between GenBank isolate accession number MK212155.1 and these six clustered GenBank accession numbers of the same species. For the first time in Babylon Governorate, Iraq, the molecular assay, sequencing and phylogenetic tree are reported for V. cholerae and their toxins isolated during the 2017 cholera outbreak.

This paper evaluates the quality of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals’ report for 2020, and devises a new data quality assessment framework based on analysing many data quality frameworks. Data in this paper is collected from the official UN SDG official website, and the national statistics offices of the UN countries. A weighted-score sum module is also being utilized to find the best data quality dimension. These dimensions are then used to create a new data quality framework. It is found that the UN SDGs used a data quality framework that is based on statistical output factors and ignores other quality factors and therefore the score for assessing this report is 56%. The perceived identified gaps include: countries are using different quality and assessment frameworks which cause inconsistency in data quality; data is outdated and incomplete; data is not available for many indicators and countries; cost and efficiency are not part of the UN SDG data quality framework; therefore weak data management is found. Areas for improvement include creating one comprehensive data quality framework for all countries will ensure the highest data quality.

Abstract The present study investigated the wax deposition tendencies of a light Malaysian crude oil (42.4° API), and the wax inhibiting potential of some surfactants and their blends with nanoparticles. With the knowledge that the majority of the wax inhibition research revolved around polymeric wax inhibitors, which cause environmental issues, we highlighted the potential of surfactants and their blend with SiO2 nanoparticles as wax deposition inhibitors. Different surfactants including oil-based, silane-based, Gemini and bio-surfactants were considered as primary surfactants. The primary surfactants and their respective blends at a concentration of 400 ppm were screened as wax inhibitor candidates using cold finger apparatus. The screening results showed a significant influence on the paraffin inhibition efficiency on wax deposition by using 400 ppm of silane-based surfactant, which decreased the wax deposition up to 53.9% as compared to that of the untreated crude oil. The inhibition efficiency among the silane-based surfactant (highest) and bio-surfactant (lowest) revealed an appreciable difference up to 36.5%. Furthermore, the wax from the treated sample was found to deposit in a thin gel-like form, which adhered inadequately to the surface of the cold finger. A further investigation by blending the 400 ppm silane-based surfactant with a 400 ppm SiO2 nanoparticle suspension in a load ratio of 3:1 found that the wax inhibition decreased up to 81% as compared to the scenario when they were not added. However, we have shown that the synergy between the silane-based surfactant and the nanoparticles is influenced by the concentration and load ratio of surfactant and nanoparticles, residence time, differential temperature and rotation rate.

Background: Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency is a prevalent worldwide health concern. Several factors are associated with vitamin B12 deficiency including lifestyle, genetic predisposition, and malfunctions in the absorption and transport of vitamin B12. In the current case-control study, we aimed at investigating the association between MTHFR polymorphisms and vitamin B12 deficiency in a Jordanian population. Methods: Two polymorphic sites of the MTHFR gene (c.677C>T, rs1801133 and c.1286A>C, rs1801131) were analyzed using RFLP and DNA sequencing in a group of vitamin B12 deficient individuals (45 males and 55 females). As a control, 100 matching individuals (age and sex) with vitamin B12 levels > 200 ng/mL were also recruited for this study. Results: The MTHFR c.677C>T variant was significantly associated with vitamin B12 deficiency in individuals from northern Jordan. The frequency of the homozygous MTHFR c.677C>T genotype was significantly higher in B12 deficient individuals in comparison with the control group (X2 = 8.397, p = 0.0150). The T allele frequency showed significant association with vitamin B12 deficiency in the study population (OR= 1.684, 95% CI: 1.116 to 2.542, p = 0.017). On the other hand, the MTHFR c.1286A>C variant did not show significant association with vitamin B12 deficiency in the selected population. Conclusions: Our results showed a significant association between homozygous MTHFR c.677C>T variant and T allele frequencies and vitamin B12 deficiency in the Jordanian population.

Structural engineers have used V-shaped columns based on technical requirements. The inclination of the V-shaped column underlines the individual purpose of the base floor. However, there is no any specification or guidance on the design of V-shaped columns to date. The aim of this study is to investigate the behavior of V-shaped reinforced concrete columns with three angles between columns (30°, 60°, and 90°) in order for the results to be used in the design and analysis of the V-shaped column. The impact of using a 1.5% dosage of micro-straight-steel fiber (MSSF) in the concrete mixture was also studied. The results showed that the V-shaped column with 30°, regardless of the concrete type (with and without MSSFs), exhibited crushing at legends when the sample reached the ultimate load, while no cracks occurred at the legends during the test for the other V-shaped columns. Upon increasing the angle of inclination of the V-shaped columns, the ultimate load capacity was decreased by 24%, 23%, and 20% for V-shaped columns with 30°, 60°, and 90° angles of inclination, respectively. The addition of MSSFs in the concrete significantly improved the ultimate axial load and the bending moment compared to the reference specimens with the normal reinforced concrete (NRC). The steel-fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) vertical column specimen demonstrated the highest increase in axial load, and the other SFRC V-shaped and flexural specimens showed a minor increase compared to the NRC specimens.

Agricultural experiment carried out during the 2014-2015 agricultural season winter wheat planting classAba99in tow sites Al-Shattra and Al-Dwayah in Al-Naseriah Explanatory farmers' fields covered by the national program for the development of the cultivation of wheat in Iraq and four treatments were applied on wheat(Laser plus weed controlling, Laser plus weed controlling plus sulfur, Laser plus weed controlling plus sulfur plus other elements, Control for comparing), in Randomized Complete Block Design RCBD with three replications, Correlations and path coefficient analysis between (number of brunches, Spike Length, number of spikes/m2, grains number per spike, thousand grain weight and plant grain yield), Results showed that grain yield had a positive significant correlation with each of number of spikes/m2 and grains number per spike (0.711**, 0.465**) respectively. Results of path coefficient analysis showed that the direct effect of number of spikes/m2 on grain yield was high and positive(0.5350), while the indirect effectsfor each of number of brunches and number of grains per spike and thousand grain weight on grain yield wasmedium and positive (0.2571, 0.2557, 0.2434) respectively, and also the indirect effect for grain number per spike on grain yield through number of spikes/m2 was positive and medium(0.2479). Results also showed that number of spikes/m2 had the highest contribution in yield as a direct effect 28.621%, followed by the corporate effect of number of spikes/m2 and number of grains in spike12.674%.

A field experiment is conducted at Thi-Qar Province in AL-Shatra District located about 30 Km North AL-Nassiria City to study the response of three wheat Cultivars Triticum aestivum L. to Growth regulators during 2014-2015 growing Season. The Cultivars are Latifia , AL-Rasheed and Iba 99. The growth regulators are Alga600, Atonik and Azomin32%. Factorial experiment in R.C.B.D. with three replicates is used . The results showed that Iba 99 Cultivar gives the highest plant height , Spikes/m2 and grain yield , with a means 80.83 cm , 272.25 spike/m2 and 3.06 Ton/h) Respectively . Azomin32% growth regulator gives the highest grain /spike , 1000 grain weight and grain yield , with a means 66.00 seed/spike ,43.55 gm , 272.33 spike/m2 respectively. In addition the interaction between Iba 99 Cultivar and Azomin32% growth regulator gives the highest Leaf Area , number of grain/spike and grain yield with means 45.10 cm2 , 70.00 grain/spike and 3.16 ton/ha respectively. The combination treatment Iba 99 with Atonik growth regulator gives the highest number of spike/m2 with a mean 279.66 spike/m2 . In the other hand, the same cultivar with Atonik and Azomin32% gives the highest mean of grain yield with a amount 3.16 ton/ha.

Objective. To establish the features of cardiac remodeling in patients with postinfarction cardiosclerosis and type 2 diabetes based on gene polymorphism leptin receptors LEPR Q223R. Materials and methods. The study involved 147 patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD) with postinfarction cardiosclerosis (100.0 % of men aged 53.0 ± 7.83 years). Type 2 diabetes was detected in 64 (43.5 %) patients. CHD was established regarding the recommendations of the AHA/ACC (2014) and ESC (2013), verification of the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes was conducted under the existing criteria. Gene polymorphism LEPR Q223R determined by PCR mode Real­Time. Echocardiographic studies were performed in M­, B­ and D­mode on the ″Logic 500 Sono Series″ (General Electric, Korea). Results and discussion. In CHD patients with type 2 diabetes size of the left atrium was significantly higher than those in patients with CHD without diabetes. In men with postinfarction cardiosclerosis and type 2 diabetes was registered significantly higher myocardial mass, wall thickness, end systolic and diastolic dimensions than in patients without diabetes. In patients with CHD with type 2 diabetes final systolic size, end systolic volume, and end systolic extent index were significantly higher than in patients with CHD without diabetes. Presence of type 2 diabetes in patients with CHD was associated with the increase of end­diastolic volume, and left ventricular mass. In patients with postinfarction cardiosclerosis and type 2 diabetes was noted a significant worsening of cardiac systolic function: the degree of shortening of the anteroposterior size of the left ventricle (ΔS) in systole and ejection fraction were 7.4 and 6.6 % lower than in patients without diabetes. Among patients with CHD there were revealed 25.2 % homozygotes QQ, 42.4 % ­ QR ­ heterozygotes and 32.7 % ­ RR homozygotes. RR genotype was associated with a higher frequency of maladaptive remodeling type characterized by the dilation of the heart’s chambers and thinning of the myocardium walls, especially in patients with type 2 diabetes. The frequency of the eccentric hypertrophy in homozygotes RR was 77.0 % and was significantly higher than among carriers of allele Q (OR = 4.60, 95,0% CI 2.13­9.94), while the frequency of concentric left ventricular hypertrophy was significantly lower (2.3­2.5 times, p < 0.05). Based on the multiple linear regression analysis it was confirmed that the genotype RR gene LEPR Q223R is an independent predictor of decrease of ejection fraction in patients with CHD associated with Type 2 diabetes. Conclusions. Gene polymorphism of LEPR Q223R is a predictor of maladaptive type of cardiac remodeling in patients with postinfarction cardiosclerosis and type 2 diabetes.

يعد تلوث المعلومات الصحفية من ابرز المشكلات التي تواجه الصحفيين ولاسيما العاملين في التحرير الصحفي اذ تتعرض المادة الصحفية اثناء مرورها بسلم الهرم التحريري للصحيفة لهذا النوع من التلوث . نحاول في هذا البحث تحديد ماهية مصطلح تلوث المعلومات الصحفية وابرز معاني هذا المصطلح وما اسباب هذا التلوث ومصادره. وقد اتبع البحث خطوات المنهج الوصفي للوصول الى اهدافه باستخدام اداة الاستبانة مستهدفة العاملين في التحرير الصحفي للصحف العراقية المستمرة بالصدور . توصل البحث الى مجموعة من النتائج والاستنتاجات مفادها ان الصحفيين المبحوثين على دراية بوجود تلوث في المعلومات الصحفية وان لهذا التلوث اسبابه ومصادره .

We report a facile one-pot solution phase synthesis of one-dimensional Ge _1− _x Sn _x nanowires. These nanowires were synthesized in situ via a solution-liquid-solid (SLS) approach in which triphenylchlorogermane was reduced by sodium borohydride in the presence of tin nanoparticle seeds. Straight Ge _1− _x Sn _x nanowires were obtained with an average diameter of 60 ± 20 nm and an approximate aspect ratio of 100. Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis revealed that tin was homogeneously incorporated within the germanium lattices at levels up to 10 at%, resulting in a measured lattice constant of 0.5742 nm. The crystal structure and growth orientation of the nanowires were investigated using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The nanowires adopted a face-centred-cubic structure with individual wires exhibiting growth along either the 〈111〉, 〈110〉 or 〈112〉 directions, in common with other group IV nanowires. Growth in the 〈112〉 direction was found to be accompanied by longitudinal planar twin defects.

Agricultural experiment carried out during the 2014-2015agricultural season winter wheat planting classAba99in tow sites Al-Shattra and Al-Dwayah in Al-NaseriahExplanatory farmers' fields covered by the national program for the development of the cultivation of wheat in Iraq and four treatments were applied on wheat(Laser plus weed controlling, Laser plus weed controlling plus sulfur, Laser plus weed controlling plus sulfur plus other elements, Control for comparing), in Randomized Complete Block Design RCBD with three replications, Correlations and path coefficient analysis between (number of brunches, Spike Length, number of spikes/m2, grains number per spike, thousand grain weight and plant grain yield), Results showed that grain yield had a positive significant correlation with each of number of spikes/m2 and grains number per spike (0.711**, 0.465**) respectively.Results of path coefficient analysis showed that the direct effect of number of spikes/m2 on grain yield was high and positive(0.5350), while the indirect effectsfor each of number of brunches and number of grains per spike and thousand grain weight on grain yield wasmedium and positive (0.2571, 0.2557, 0.2434) respectively, and also the indirect effect for grain number per spike on grain yield through number of spikes/m2 was positive and medium(0.2479). Results also showed that number of spikes/m2 had the highest contribution in yield as a direct effect 28.621%, followed by the corporate effect of number of spikes/m2 and number of grains in spike12.674%

A field experiment is conducted at Thi-Qar Province in AL-Shatra District located about 30 Km North AL-Nassiria City to study the response of three wheat Cultivars Triticum aestivum L. to Growth regulators during 2014-2015 growing Season. The Cultivars are Latifia , AL-Rasheed and Iba 99. The growth regulators are Alga600, Atonik and Azomin32%. Factorial experiment in R.C.B.D. with three replicates is used . The results showed that Iba 99 Cultivar gives the highest plant height , Spikes/m2 and grain yield , with a means 80.83 cm , 272.25 spike/m2 and 3.06 Ton/h) Respectively . Azomin32% growth regulator gives the highest grain /spike , 1000 grain weight and grain yield , with a means 66.00 seed/spike ,43.55 gm , 272.33 spike/m2 respectively. In addition the interaction between Iba 99 Cultivar and Azomin32% growth regulator gives the highest Leaf Area , number of grain/spike and grain yield with means 45.10 cm2 , 70.00 grain/spike and 3.16 ton/ha respectively.The combination treatment Iba 99 with Atonik growth regulator gives the highest number of spike/m2 with a mean 279.66 spike/m2 . In the other hand, the same cultivar with Atonik and Azomin32% gives the highest mean of grain yield with a amount 3.16 ton/ha.

On average, additives make up to 7% of a typical lubricant base. Commonly, they are blended with lube oils to enhance specific features thereby improving their qualities. Ultimately, additives participate in the performance of car engine oils. Using an analytical tool, attenuated total reflectance fast transform infrared spectroscopy, various grades of car engine oils, at different mileages, were analyzed. Sulfate oxidation and wear were found to trigger chemical processes which, in the long run, cause lubricant degradation while carbonyl oxidation was observed to occur only at a slow rate. Based upon data obtained from infrared spectra and using a curve fitting technique, mathematical equations predicting the theoretical rates of chemical change due to the aforementioned processes were examined. Additive depletions were found to obey exponential regression rather than polynomial. Moreover, breakpoint (breakpoint is used here to denote the initiation of deterioration of additives) and critical mileage (critical mileage defines the distance at which the lubricant is chemically unusable) of both samples were determined.

Two field experiments have been carried out one. The first in the station for research and agricultural experiments belongs to the college of agriculture university of al-Muthana ,during the spring season 2011. to formulate a singular hybrid from twenty pure offspring. the second one in al-Gharaf district Thi-Qar, during the autumn season 2011 to compare eleven singular hybrid( five of them formulated from the first experiment and six have been delivered from the general association for agricultural experiments. Abu-Ghraib) with their eleven fathers. Carried out according to Complete Block Design by three times. The male and female blossom period, the plant length, leaf size and cereal product and its components. After analyzing and evaluating the data the hybrid vigor and compare it to minimum and maximum results from the fathers according to the qualities, it has been found that all singular hybrids differed in its hybrid are vigor, in all studied characters, except in the quality of plant ear. When most hybrids have been positive hybrid vigor, save in AXB hybrid and CXB hybrid when the hybrids vigor have reached to 7.69% and 0.7% respectively. The results have shown that BXA hybrid has given the best value for the female blossom period (-10.63)% and female blossom (-9.22)% and the plant length (45.61)% and the line number in ear ( 34.74)% while the hybrid H-SF has given the best hybrid vigor, as the singular grain reached (53.16)% and the hybrid CXA for the grains number in line (51.230% and the grains product in plants is (91.77)% and the hybrid AX C for the leaf size (63.53)%. Thus, these results refer to the possibility of formulating a singular hybrid and planting it comparing with its fathers in study field, as well as replanting the hybrid in other sites and seasons to reach the inherited stability for the hybrid and present it for application and register

Abstract A blocking set B in projective plane PG(2,q) is a set of points such that every line in the plane intersect B in at least one point and there exist a line intersect B in only one point, we say that B is minimal if B has no blocking subset. In this research we proved the non_existence of minimal blocking set of size (30) contains 12_secant and not contains 13_secant in PG(2,19).

Total bacterial load, total coliforms and faecal coliforms in ponds water and sediments, intestine of common carp Cyprinus carpio and birds faeces were investigated monthly over a period of one year from May 2007 to April 2008. Fish were collected randomly by a cast net from ponds of University of Basra. Total viable bacterial counts were ranging from 2.8،ہ1.9 x 101 to 7.0،ہ2.2 x 103 cfu ml -1 in ponds water, 4.2،ہ2.2 x 104 to 3.8،ہ2.5 x 106 cfu g -1 in ponds sediments, 9.2،ہ2.6 x 104 to 10.9،ہ2.5 x 106 cfu g -1 fish intestine and 2.0،ہ1.4x 106 to 10.7،ہ1.2 x 108 cfu g-l in birds faeces. The most probable number (MPN) of faecal coliforms ranged from 94،ہ5 to ،ـ920،ہ0 100 ml-1 in ponds water; while MPN ranges in sediment, common carp intestine and birds faeces were 63،ہ18 to ،ـ540،ہ0 g-l, 43،ہ5 to ،ـ540،ہ0 g-l and 240،ہ22 to ،ـ540،ہ0 g-l respectively. The abundance of normal bacteria coliforms was greater in the warm months than in the cold months. There were no sources of human faecal matter in the ponds. So, it is clear that faecal coliforms from water birds faeces significantly contaminated (P< 0.05) the ponds and common carp intestines.

Near-monodispersed water soluble SnS nanoparticles in the diameter range of 3–6 nm are synthesized by a facile, solution based one-step approach using ethanolamine ligands. The optimal amount of triethanolamine is investigated. The effect of further heat treatment on the size of these SnS nanoparticles is discussed. Diffuse reflectance study of SnS nanoparticles agrees with predictions from quantum confinement model.

Advanced mathematical model was used to capture the batch reactor characteristics of reacting compounds. The model was applied to batch reactor for the production of bio-diesel from palm and kapok oils. Results of the model were compared with experimental data in terms of conversion of transesterification reaction for the production of bio-diesel under unsteady state. A good agreement was obtained between our model predictions and the experimental data. Both experimental and modeling results showed that the conversion of triglycerides to methyl ester was affected by the process conditions. The transesterification process with temperature of about 70 oC, and methanol ratio to the triglyceride of about 5 times its stoichiometry, and the NAOH catalyst of wt 0.4%, appear to be acceptable process conditions for bio diesel process production from palm oil and kapok oil. The model can be applied for endothermic batch process. © 2009 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

In this study we present advanced mathematical model was used to capture the batch reactor characteristics of reacting compounds new parameters and new a prerequisite average slope analysis (PASA) method for the system dynamic behaviour under different operational conditions is a prerequisite to the good selection for these parameters. The model was applied to batch reactor for the production of bio-diesel from palm and kapok oils. Results of the model were compared with experimental data in terms of conversion of transesterification reaction for the production of bio-diesel under unsteady state. A good agreement was obtained between our model predictions and the experimental data. Both experimental and modeling results showed that the conversion of triglycerides to methyl ester was affected by the process conditions and by using PASA that could be achieved by making some deterministic tests either in real data plant or in the physical model that properly and adequately fits the actual process. The input-output relationships are studied using the open-loop dynamic response of the process, which can be determined from the process model by stepping different inputs and recording output responses. Starting from steady state conditions, each input is perturbed with certain magnitude that is enough to show the effect on the system dynamics. The transesterficition process with temperature of about 70 oC, and methanol ratio to the triglyceride of about 5 times its stoichiometry and the NAOH catalyst of wt 0.4%, appear to be acceptable process conditions. PASA shows methanol ratio to the triglyceride has big effect on the system. PASA method can be applied for different processes. © 2009 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

Advanced mathematical model was used to capture the batch reactor characteristics of reacting compounds. The model was applied to batch reactor for the production of bio-diesel from palm and kapok oils. Results of the model were compared with experimental data in terms of conversion of transesterification reaction for the production of bio-diesel under unsteady state. A good agreement was obtained between our model predictions and the experimental data. Both experimental and modeling results showed that the conversion of triglycerides to methyl ester was affected by the process conditions. The transesterification process with temperature of about 70 oC, and methanol ratio to the triglyceride of about 5 times its stoichiometry, and the NAOH catalyst of wt 0.4%, appear to be acceptable process conditions for bio diesel process production from palm oil and kapok oil. The model can be applied for endothermic batch process. © 2009 BCREC UNDIP. All rights reserved[Received: 12 August 2009, Revised: 15 October 2009; Accepted: 18 October 2009][How to Cite: A.S. Ibrehem, H. S. Al-Salim. (2009). Advanced Mathematical Model to Describe the Production of Biodiesel Process. Bulletin of Chemical Reaction Engineering and Catalysis, 4(2): 37-42. doi:10.9767/bcrec.4.2.28.37-42][How to Link/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.9767/bcrec.4.2.28.37-42 ]

In this study we present advanced mathematical model was used to capture the batch reactor characteristics of reacting compounds new parameters and new a prerequisite average slope analysis (PASA) method for the system dynamic behaviour under different operational conditions is a prerequisite to the good selection for these parameters. The model was applied to batch reactor for the production of bio-diesel from palm and kapok oils. Results of the model were compared with experimental data in terms of conversion of transesterification reaction for the production of bio-diesel under unsteady state. A good agreement was obtained between our model predictions and the experimental data. Both experimental and modeling results showed that the conversion of triglycerides to methyl ester was affected by the process conditions and by using PASA that could be achieved by making some deterministic tests either in real data plant or in the physical model that properly and adequately fits the actual process. The input-output relationships are studied using the open-loop dynamic response of the process, which can be determined from the process model by stepping different inputs and recording output responses. Starting from steady state conditions, each input is perturbed with certain magnitude that is enough to show the effect on the system dynamics. The transesterficition process with temperature of about 70 oC, and methanol ratio to the triglyceride of about 5 times its stoichiometry and the NAOH catalyst of wt 0.4%, appear to be acceptable process conditions. PASA shows methanol ratio to the triglyceride has big effect on the system. PASA method can be applied for different processes. © 2009 BCREC UNDIP. All rights reserved[Received: 12 November 2009, Revised: 20 December 2009, Accepted: 27 December 2009][How to Cite: A. S. Ibrehem, H.S. Al-Salim. (2009). New Dynamic Analysis and System Identification of Biodiesel Production Process from Palm Oil. Bulletin of Chemical Reaction Engineering and Catalysis, 4(2): 61-68. doi:10.9767/bcrec.4.2.31.61-68][How to Link/ DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.9767/bcrec.4.2.31.61-68 ]

The present search conducted at thecollegeofVeterinary Medicine–Universityof Basrahto investigate the effect of zinc toxicity on the physiological parameters, histopathological changes and reproductive efficiency in the laboratory mice. In this search, 32 mice were used, they were divided into two groups, each one consisted of four equal subgroups with 4 mice in each. The first three subgroups of each group were dosed via intraperitoneal injection with 60, 80 and 100 mg/kg zinc in the form of ZnSO4 for 15 and 30 days. An equivalent volume of saline (0.9 %N.S) was administered to the fourth subgroup which was set as the control group. The investigation of blood parameters included RBC count, Hb concentration, PCV concentration, total and differential WBC count. The results here showed a significant decrease (P≤0.05) of RBC count, Hb concentration, PCV value, and neutrophil count, whereas there was a significant increase (P≤0.05) of total WBC count, lymphocyte count, monocyte count, and there were no significant differences in the acidophil count and basophil count.

A new species of trypanosome from heart blood film of Silurus triostegus Heckel is found. It is one of four species recorded and described from Al-Hammar marsh, North West of Basrah City. Comparison between the newly found species and that of the existing species is given. The newly found trypanosome is denoted as Trypanosoma arabica sp. n. It is the first trypanosome to be recorded and described from the family Siluridae in Iraq.