Passer Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences

Molecular Detection of Fusarium species infected Corn in Kurdistan region-Iraq

Halmat Salahaden Kakakhan; Khattab Ahmed Mustafa Shekhany

Volume 5, Issue 2 , December 2023, , Pages 224-230

https://doi.org/10.24271/psr.2023.375971.1190

Abstract

Corn or Maize product is regarded as one of the essential products in the world and stands third product after the rice and wheat crops. Different fungal pathogens attack corn plants; ... Read More

Molecular Identification and Phylogeny of Endophytic Bacterial Communities Isolated from some Legumes Using 16SrDNA

Mohammed Amin Azeez Issa; Shaymaa Hadi Ali

Volume 5, Issue 2 , December 2023, , Pages 231-236

https://doi.org/10.24271/psr.2023.388837.1279

Abstract

Abstract:Bacterial endophytes are host-beneficial microbial symbionts inhabiting different plant tissues without causing damage to the host plant. To our knowledge, no previous data ... Read More Abstract:Bacterial endophytes are host-beneficial microbial symbionts inhabiting different plant tissues without causing damage to the host plant. To our knowledge, no previous data was available regarding the endophytic bacterial population colonizing root nodules of plant legumes in this region. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify and assess the biodiversity of the bacterial endophytes of four different legumes species of the Fabaceae family, including Chickpea, Faba bean, Common bean, and Lentil in Duhok province, using 16S rDNA sequencing. The results revealed that 69 different pure culture colonies were isolated based on the phenotypic characteristics of endophytes on YEM medium and Gram staining. Based on 16S rDNA sequencing, seventeen bacterial species have been identified, with the sequence identities ranging from 98.41-100%. They belonged to nine different bacterial genera. The identified bacterial genera were Pantoea sp. (35%), Enterobacter sp. (26%), Clostridium sp. (15%), Kosakonia sp. (9%), Pseudomonas sp. (4%), Curtobacterium sp. (4%), Erwinia sp. (3%), Salmonella sp. (3%), and Rahnella sp. (1%). These bacterial genera belonged to four Phyla, including Pseudomonadota, Bacillota, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. The antibacterial sensitivity against six various antibiotics by disc diffusion method showed different resistant patterns (bacitracin 78%, amoxicillin 56%, rifampin 34%, erythromycin 11%, chloramphenicol and tetracycline 6%), respectively. The phylogenetic analysis clustered the identified bacterial endophytes into three major clades and 11 different sub-clusters (C1 to C11), with a high degree of similarity amongst bacteria belonging to the same species. In conclusion, the population densities, species richness, and frequency of isolated endophytes showed variations based on geographical locations and the type of plant legumes. Finally, the results of the current investigation might add significant knowledge regarding endophytic bacterial populations colonizing different plant legumes in this region.

GC-Mass Spectormetry Profiling of Essential Oils from Aerial Parts of Hypericum triquetrifolium Turra using ITEX and HD Methods

Hoshyar A. Azeez

Volume 5, Issue 2 , December 2023, , Pages 237-242

https://doi.org/10.24271/psr.2023.390199.1285

Abstract

Hypericum (H.) triquetrifolium contains numerous bioactive molecules in the aerial parts. Such molecules have numerous biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, ... Read More Hypericum (H.) triquetrifolium contains numerous bioactive molecules in the aerial parts. Such molecules have numerous biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, and anticonvulsant compounds. Despite the presence of H. triquetrifolium in Iraq, no previous studies have examined the biochemical contents of plant in the region. This study is carried out to evaluate the variability of the essential oil profile of aerial parts of Hypericum triquetrifolium Turra. Samples were also analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) with two different extraction methods, namely in-tube extraction (ITEX) dynamic headspace and hydrodistillation (HD). A total of thirty-three, forty-three, and thirty-nine compounds were identified in stem, leaves, and flowers, respectively. Monoterpene hydrocarbons were the main compounds in the essential oil extracted from different parts. The highest constituent detected in the ITEX/GC-MS in stem parts was alpha-pinene (20.47%). On the other hand, the predominated compound of the essential oil detected by the HD method was cubenol (26.72%). The essential oil extracted from leaves by ITEX and HD methods showed 43 compounds. ITEX/GC-MS detected 32 products in the essential oil of leaves; vubenol was the highest (23.64%), and Using ITEX and HD/GC–MS, a subset of 39 chemical components in H. triquetrifolium essential oil were detected in the flower. Twenty-five out of 39 compounds, were analyzed by ITEX/GC-MS. The main constituent was 3-methyl-nonane (27.76%). HD/GC-MS method was characterized by detecting 23 components in flower oil. The major chemical structure identified in the essential oil in flower by HD/GC-MS was the monoterpene hydrocarbon represented by alpha-pinene (18.39%). Our data indicates that the ITEX method is more accurate than HD in the separation of essential oil components in this plant.

A Flashback to Cholera Outbreaks in Kurdistan region-Iraq

Karzan Sidiq

Volume 5, Issue 1 , June 2023, , Pages 7-12

https://doi.org/10.24271/psr.2022.367483.1177

Abstract

Cholera is a contagious acute diarrheal disease due to ingestion of contaminated water and food with Vibrio cholera, a Gram-negative bacterium that naturally inhabits coastal and estuarine ... Read More

Most Reliable Haematological Indices for Diagnosis of Iron Deficiency Anaemia from Non-Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Reproductive-Age Females

Adnan Lateef Abdulraheem; Mustafa Yunis Rashid; Gulzar Star Hama amin; Rahma Qasim Darwish; Rahman Karim Faraj; Ali Jalak Muhialdin; Shwan Sardar Weli

Volume 5, Issue 1 , June 2023, , Pages 24-29

https://doi.org/10.24271/psr.2022.366774.1176

Abstract

Iron deficiency anaemia has become a major public health issue, especially in women of reproductive age. About 50% of anaemia is caused by iron deficiency anaemia. Numerous statistical ... Read More Iron deficiency anaemia has become a major public health issue, especially in women of reproductive age. About 50% of anaemia is caused by iron deficiency anaemia. Numerous statistical procedures based on red blood cell parameters have been developed to easily, quickly, and inexpensively provide a differential diagnosis for the microcytic anaemia. The study aims to evaluate the reliability of the haematological discrimination indices (RBC count, Mentzer index, Red blood cell distribution width index (RDWI), Srivastava index, Green and King index, and Ehsani index) to distinguish iron deficiency anaemia from other causes of the microcytic anaemia. The blood samples were collected from non-pregnant women, and they had the microcytic anaemia. During the study, 101 blood samples were taken. A Complete blood count test and serum ferritin test were performed to calculation of the sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive value for each discrimination indices. The validity of discrimination indices was evaluated by using Youden's index. In correctly distinguishing iron deficiency anaemia from other causes of the microcytic anaemia, the Green and King index and RBC count showed the highest ability (77%) and (76%), respectively. None of the discrimination indices had 100% sensitivity or specificity. The highest and lowest sensitivity were found for the RBC count and RDWI, at 92% and 70%, respectively. The RDWI had the highest level of specificity (65%), and the Srivastava index had the lowest level of specificity (30%). The highest positive predictive value found for both Green and King, and RDWI was 78%, and the RBC count had the highest negative predictive value (78%). The Srivastava index had the lowest levels of positive and negative predictive values, 67% and 50%, respectively. According to the findings of this study, the most reliable index in the calculation of Youden's index is the Green and King index. It can be used as a pre-diagnostic tool for IDA and other causes of the microcytic anaemia

Investigation of biochemical profiles derived from different Fritillaria species in Kurdistan Region using GC-MS

‌Hemin M. Akbar; Hoshyar Azeez; Asaad Mohammed Mahmood

Volume 5, Issue 1 , June 2023, , Pages 38-45

https://doi.org/10.24271/psr.2022.370102.1183

Abstract

Fritillaria species belongs to Liliaceae family, it has been used as medicinal plants in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2000 years. These plants are known with significant ... Read More

Potential of Fungal-Microalgal species in the Environmental Biotechnology

Muzhda Qasim Qader; Yahya Ahmed Shekha

Volume 5, Issue 1 , June 2023, , Pages 52-58

https://doi.org/10.24271/psr.2022.370554.1185

Abstract

Biotechnology involves the provision of services to society by microbial communities. By using microorganisms to detoxify contaminated water, one such service offers environmentally ... Read More

Evaluation the Impact of Chlorination on the Development of Chlorine and Antibiotic-Resistant Bacterial Isolates in Public Swimming Pools

Hastyar Hama Rashid Najmuldeen; Chawan Hazhar Razaq

Volume 5, Issue 1 , June 2023, , Pages 110-120

https://doi.org/10.24271/psr.2023.379749.1218

Abstract

Water is necessary for human daily activities and acts as a vehicle for the transmission of several waterborne diseases. This study was designed to investigate the bacteriological safety ... Read More Water is necessary for human daily activities and acts as a vehicle for the transmission of several waterborne diseases. This study was designed to investigate the bacteriological safety of water in swimming pools in Sulaymaniyah city-Iraq. For this purpose, during summer time (August to September 2021), sixty-seven water samples were collected from eight indoor public swimming pools. The physicochemical parameters were measured and the bacteriological assessment was done using the Most Probable Number test. The diversity of microbial communities was then assessed using the Vitek 2 compact and the 16S rRNA gene. In addition, the chlorine resistance test and biofilm formation were quantified using the microdilution technique and crystal violet staining method, respectively. Moreover, the Kirby- Bauer disk diffusion technique was used to test antimicrobial susceptibility. Variable results of the physicochemical analysis were recorded for each of the temperatures (25.81±1.16 to 28.69±1.03 °C), pH (7.02±0.24 to 7.46±0.31), and free chlorine (0.12±0.05 to 1.38±1.24 mg L-1). MPN negative results revealed that non-lactose fermenting bacteria were detected in 80% of the water samples, including Enterobacter cloacae 34/59 (57.63%), and Pseudomonas spp. 10/59 (16.95%), and other important opportunistic pathogens 15/59 (25.42%). The contamination rate was strongly correlated with the sources of water used for the swimming pool and the free chlorine concentrations in the pools. Chlorine resistance test results revealed variations for all isolated bacteria ranging from 1.25 to 5 mg L-1. Moreover, a negative linear correlation was found between chlorine concentrations, and both bacterial growth and biofilm formation. Most significantly, there was a strong positive correlation (r=0.90 to 0.98) between the degree of biofilm formation and bacterial growth. Moreover, different antibiogram profiles were recorded for the 15 antibiotics used in this study.It can be concluded that most of the studied swimming pools are heavily contaminated by chlorine and antibiotic-resistant waterborne pathogens.

Expression Profile of PBRM1, PLAU and CLEC3B Genes in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Karzan Ghafoor Khidhir

Volume 5, Issue 1 , June 2023, , Pages 128-133

https://doi.org/10.24271/psr.2023.376917.1195

Abstract

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common type of human cancer which is capable of metastasis and is the second-leading cause of skin cancer death. Various molecular ... Read More Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common type of human cancer which is capable of metastasis and is the second-leading cause of skin cancer death. Various molecular mechanisms play a role in the development of HNSCC. This study investigates expression levels of PBRM1, PLAU, and CLEC3B genes in HNSCC compared to normal tissue to identify their potential use as molecular biomarkers for HNSCC diagnosis; and uses bioinformatics analysis to detect the functional association of the target genes. HNSCC skin and matched normal tissue were obtained from patients underwent surgical removal treatment. RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were carried out to detect the relative expression levels of PBRM1, PLAU, and CLEC3B genes. The potential use of PBRM1, PLAU, and CLEC3B expression as diagnostic biomarkers was studied using Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) and Area Under the Curve (AUC) analysis. GeneMANIA software was used to analyze the functionally relevant genes. RT-qPCR showed that expression of PLAU and PBRM1 genes were significantly up-regulated by 2.4 and 1.8 fold, respectively, in the HNSCC tissues compared to normal tissues. In comparison, the expression level of CLEC3B was decreased by -1.4 fold in the HNSCC compared to normal tissues. The diagnostic performance criteria of PBRM1, PLAU, and CLEC3B assessed with the ROC curve and AUC analysis demonstrated that they could be used as potential biomarkers for the HNSCC diagnosis. The network of interaction between the genes generated by GeneMANIA showed that our target genes had multiple interactions with several other genes and the most significant interactions were physical interactions and co-expression. The outcomes of this study suggest that PBRM1, PLAU, and CLEC3B genes play roles in the development of HNSCC, and they can be used as potential molecular biomarkers for the diagnosis of HNSCC.

PPARG and FTO gene variants and their association with type 2 diabetes in the Kurdish population

Sally Khalil Baqer; Nzar Ali Ameen Shwan

Volume 5, Issue 1 , June 2023, , Pages 171-177

https://doi.org/10.24271/psr.2023.386183.1254

Abstract

Abstract Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is considered the most common form of diabetes; it develops when pancreatic cells produce an excess amount of insulin, which leads to insulin resistance ... Read More

Prevalence of Silent Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistance (PMQR) Genes Among Clinical Isolates Fluoroquinolone-Sensitive Klebsiella pneumoniae

Mustafa Masood Abdulkareem; Najim A. Yassin; Masood A. Abdulrahman

Volume 5, Issue 1 , June 2023, , Pages 207-212

https://doi.org/10.24271/psr.2023.386813.1269

Abstract

Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes confer varying degrees of fluoroquinolone (FQ) resistance. Silent antibiotic resistance genes are DNA sequences typically not expressed, ... Read More

Functional importance and structure of small ribosomal protein RACK1

Karzan Jalal Salih

Volume 4, Issue 1 , June 2022, , Pages 1-7

https://doi.org/10.24271/passer.2021.301031.1080

Abstract

AbstractThe Receptor for Activated C Kinase 1 (RACK1) protein is one of the ribosomal proteins that is located in the small subunit which is maintained across most of the eukaryotes ... Read More

Molecular Epidemiology and Maternal Humoral Immunity of Avian Infectious Bronchitis (AIB) in Sulaymaniyah Governorate/Kurdistan Region-Iraq

Hawraz Farhad Mohammed; Hiewa Othman Dyary; Nahla Muhammad Saeed; Omer Ismaeel Dana; Peshnyar Muhammad Atta Rashid

Volume 4, Issue 1 , June 2022, , Pages 64-70

https://doi.org/10.24271/psr.2022.313268.1103

Abstract

Avian infectious bronchitis, caused by the avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), is endemic in Sulaymaniyah, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, causing significant economic losses. Fertilized ... Read More

Prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis among Married Women in Kalar District, Iraqi Kurdistan Region

Saman Mohammed Mohammed- Amin; Bushra Maree Jaralla; Kameran Mohammed Ali; Hassan Tawfeeq

Volume 3, Issue 2 , September 2021, , Pages 194-199

https://doi.org/doi:10.24271/psr.32

Abstract

Abstract Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an inflammatory disease, caused by polymicrobial infection, including pathogenic bacteria which replace the vaginal normal flora and finally this ... Read More Abstract Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an inflammatory disease, caused by polymicrobial infection, including pathogenic bacteria which replace the vaginal normal flora and finally this replacement causes manifestations of several physiological and clinical symptoms among women within different ages. BV has become one of the main problems that make woman patients visit gynecological and obstetric consultant hospitals in most country. The present study is designed to determine the causative pathogen and the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among married women patients in Kalar district. This cross-sectional study was performed from the beginning of March to the mid April-2021 among women who attended Obstetrics and Gynecological governmental hospital and out-patient clinics in Kalar City. Intra vaginal swabs have been collected in sterile Amies transport medium sticks and processed for isolation and identification of bacterial species depending on colony morphology, Gram’s stain and microbiological analysis protocols. Then socio-demographic and gynaecologic data were collected by questionnaire. Out of the 108 participant women who suffered from Gynecological diseases, 67(62.03%) of them exhibited bacterial vaginosis. From the 73 different isolated colonies, 18 bacterial species were identified; coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were the predominant cause of BV (32.84%), followed by E. coli (14.93%), Staphylococcus aureus (13.43%), Klebsiella pneumonia (8.96) and Micrococcus luteus (7.46%), while Proteus spp. and some uncommon bacteria display (1.49%) for each of them. The socio-demographic analysis between positive and negative woman patients revealed that the association between all studied risk factors and BV were statistically significant (P value < 0.05) except the age factor which was statistically non-significant meaning that the age was not associated with BV. In addition, the clinical symptom analysis showed that abnormal vaginal discharge, lower back pain, dysmenorrhea and strawberry were significantly associated with BV (P value < 0.05), while the rest of other factor did not exhibit statistically significant association.

Passer Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences

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Main Subjects = Biology

Molecular Detection of Fusarium species infected Corn in Kurdistan region-Iraq

Abstract

Molecular Identification and Phylogeny of Endophytic Bacterial Communities Isolated from some Legumes Using 16SrDNA

Abstract

GC-Mass Spectormetry Profiling of Essential Oils from Aerial Parts of Hypericum triquetrifolium Turra using ITEX and HD Methods

Abstract

A Flashback to Cholera Outbreaks in Kurdistan region-Iraq

Abstract

Most Reliable Haematological Indices for Diagnosis of Iron Deficiency Anaemia from Non-Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Reproductive-Age Females

Abstract

Investigation of biochemical profiles derived from different Fritillaria species in Kurdistan Region using GC-MS

Abstract

Potential of Fungal-Microalgal species in the Environmental Biotechnology

Abstract

Evaluation the Impact of Chlorination on the Development of Chlorine and Antibiotic-Resistant Bacterial Isolates in Public Swimming Pools

Abstract

Expression Profile of PBRM1, PLAU and CLEC3B Genes in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

PPARG and FTO gene variants and their association with type 2 diabetes in the Kurdish population

Abstract

Prevalence of Silent Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistance (PMQR) Genes Among Clinical Isolates Fluoroquinolone-Sensitive Klebsiella pneumoniae

Abstract

Functional importance and structure of small ribosomal protein RACK1

Abstract

Molecular Epidemiology and Maternal Humoral Immunity of Avian Infectious Bronchitis (AIB) in Sulaymaniyah Governorate/Kurdistan Region-Iraq

Abstract

Prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis among Married Women in Kalar District, Iraqi Kurdistan Region

Abstract