First pages:

Author name: اسراء جعفر صادق السعدي

Supervisor name: نصر فرحان عبد الله

General topic: Biology

Specific topic: zoology - Genetics

Degree: Master

University: University of Baghdad - Ibn Al-Haytham College Of Education For Pure Sciences - Department Of Biology

Language: Arabic

University location: Baghdad

First pages:

التاثير التثبيطي لبعض المستخلصات على فعالية انزيم Angiotensin converting enzyme وبعض المؤشرات الحيوية المساهمة في ارتفاع ضغط الدم == Inhibitory Effect of Some Plant Extracts On Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Activity And Some Biochemical Marker That Associated With Hypertension

Author name: رؤى اياد يوسف

Supervisor name: غازي منعم عزيز | حسن فياض

General topic: Biology

Specific topic: Biotechnologies

Degree: Master

University: University of Baghdad - College Of Science - Department Of Biotechnology

Language: English

University location: Baghdad

First pages:

Abstract: The present study was sought to investigate the inhibitory effect of four crude aqueous plant extracts : Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger), Camellia sinensis (Green tea), Olea europaea (Olive) and Hibiscus sabdariffa (Rosella) on key enzyme linked to hypertension, Angiontensin - I Converting enzyme (ACE), and on the oxidant/antioxidants status, lipid profile in vitro and in vivo studies. Study of some biochemical biomarker demonstrated that antioxidant enzyme, oxidant enzyme, liped profile and ACE level for 75 hypertension patients. Antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were shown to have cross relationship with ACE level in hypertension groups, while lipid profile have positive relationship with ACE level in hypertension groups. ACE activity for the four groups G1, G2, G3, G4 were 19.61±3.97, 21.3 ± 1.95, 28.06 ± 5.34 and 32.74±8.19 ng/ml respectively. From these results we concluded that ACE was associated with hypertension and its modulated by drug or herbal extracts. Angiotensin - I Converting enzyme was extracted from sheep lung with specific activity 0.08 U/mg, then the crude ACE extract was concentrated with sucrose by dialysis with specific activity 0.1 U/mg, purification fold was 1.25.The enzyme was purified partly by ion - exchange chromatography using DEAE - cellulose with specific activity 0.5U/mg, yield 30% and purification fold 6.25. ACE activity was determined using N - [3 - (2 - furyl) acryloyl]L - phenylalanyl glycyl glycine (FA - PGG) as a substrate. Results for in vitro ACE inhibitory activity using plant extracts (ginger, green tea, roselle and olive) showed that the all four crude aqueous plant extracts had inhibitory activity in different values when used in the same concentrations about (1 mg/ml), and ginger extract possessed higher inhibitory activity than other three extracts. The ACE inhibitory potency of the ginger extract was found to be significant (P<0.001) when compared with the standard anti - ACE inhibitor drug (Captopril) at the same concentration. The inhibitory activity of ginger extract with different concentration (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) in L - N - ? - nitro - L - arginine methyl ester (L - NAME) induced hypertensive mice was evaluated. Acute oral administration with L - NAME 50mg/kg.b.w causes a rise in blood pressure in normal mice. Administration of aqueous ginger extract (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) for 4 weeks in L - NAME treated mice significantly (P<0.05) reduced the mean arterial blood pressure compared with L - NAME animals without treatment, with decreasing the serum levels of ACE; while the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase(GPx) showed a significant elevation in ginger treated L - NAME induced hypertensive mice. The results suggest that ginger extract could prevent the development of high blood pressure induced by L - NAME probably can be attributed to prevent or reduce the oxidation process and the inhibition of physiological processes of a substance L - NAME and so as it contains ginger compounds of polyphenols, which inhibits the activity of the ACE and prevent oxidation of fats and repair System Antioxident. Our study concluded that ginger might act as a natural alternative to better and safer in the prevention of negative impacts and risk factors such as high blood pressure and lipids.

تاثير انزيم SNase المنقى من العنقودي في الغشاء الحياتي للايشيركية القولونية والكليبسيلا الرئوية == Impact of Snase Purified From Staphylococcus Aureus On Biofilm of Klebsiella Pneumoniae And Escherichia Coli

Author name: هند تحسين ابراهيم

Supervisor name: حارث جبار فهد المذخوري

General topic: Biology

Specific topic: Microbiology

Degree: Master

University: University of Baghdad

Language: English

University location: Baghdad

First pages:

Abstract: SDS - PAGE showed that a single sharp band with an approximately 16.8 KDa molecular weight has been seen. A matter indicates that the enzyme is consistently pure. PCR technique was applied to approve the existence of nuc gene in S.aureus Nevertheless, only those which depicted positive results on DNase agar harboured nuc gene, as it is specified by single band appearance of nuc at assumed molecular weight (ca. 255 pb) of marker that being used. The current study findings highlighted the participation of SNase purified from S. aureus in significant (P< 0.05) preventing biofilm formation by E. coli and K. pneumoniae compared with untreated controls. Evidently, the inhibitory effect of SNase on biofilm formation is undoubtedly perceived, indicating the degradation of the structural major component of biofilm formation (i.e. extracellular DNA). Results revealed that SNase was able to significantly (P< 0.05) reduce the number of the uropathogens; E. coli and K. pneumoniae attached to the uroepithelial cells. 1 Chapter one : Introduction and literature Review 1. Introduction and Literature Review 1.1. Introduction Staphylococcus aureus is a persistent human pathogen that is responsible for a range of diseases that vary widely in clinical presentation and severity. The pathogenesis of S. aureus infection is a complex process involving a diverse array of secreted and surface - associated virulence determinants that are coordinately expressed at different stages of infection (Loughman et al., 2009). Escherichia coli is a genetically diverse species that causes a variety of infections which fulfill many or all of the proposed criteria for biofilmassociated infections (Kaper et al., 2004). Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for a wide range of nosocomial infections. One important factor associated with virulence in K. pneumoniae is its capacity to adhere to surfaces and form biofilms (Cruz et al., 2012). Bacteria often exist as sessile communities called biofilms which are exquisite structures caused by a genetically programmed developmental process. It is estimated that biofilms are involved in 65% of human bacterial infections, since cells in biofilms are 1000 times more resistant than cells in the planktonic state, making medical treatments fail (Shal? et al., 2011). Extracellular DNA (eDNA) plays a significant role in biofilm formation, as revealed by studies in several bacteria including E. coli (Nakao, 2012) and K. pneumoniae (Whitchurch et al., 2002); however, there is no definite proof on a cause - and - effect relationship between DNA release and biofilm formation (Beenken et al., 2012) or becomes a key component of the macromolecular scaffold in many different biofilms (Jakubovics et al., 2013). In rare cases eDNA has been shown to inhibit bacterial settlement. Therefore, it is possible that nuclease mediated eDNA degradation would therefore promote adhesion. Consequently, it is not clear whether microbial nucleases contribute to the gross biofilm structure in clinically relevant situations (Sheilds et al., 2013). 2 Chapter one : Introduction and literature Review All previous studies used both commercial bovine and recombinant human DNaseI in the disruption of medically important biofilms; whilst, extracellular nuclease of S. aureus (SNase) was used against biofilm of S. aureus themselves (Benenken et al., 2012b ; Kiedrowski et al., 2014). Thus, to date, the role of S. aureus exonucleases in biofilm of other bacteria remains unclear. However, in the present study SNase is used against biofilm of other bacterial species (viz. K. pneumoniae and E. coli). To address this, the following steps were undertaken : 1 - Investigating the negative impact of SNase extracted from S. aureus on K. pneumoniae and E.coli biofilm formation. 2 - Studying the preventive activity of SNase on the adherence of K. pneumoniae and E. coli on uroepithelial cell.

دراسة بيئية لبعض انواع صنف بطنية القدم الارضية في ثلاث محافظات وسط العراق == An Ecological Study For Some Terrestrial Gastropoda Species In Three Provinces Middle Iraq

Author name: ايمان حسين عبد

Supervisor name: عماد الدين عبد الهادي المختار

General topic: Biology

Specific topic: Environment

Degree: Master

University: University of Baghdad

Language: Arabic

University location: Baghdad

First pages:

Abstract: اجريت الدراسة الحالية للتعرف على انواع صنف بطنية القدم الارضية المتواجدة في بعض محافظات وسط العراق (بغداد, بابل, كربلاء). اذ تم تسجيل الملاحظات الحياتية والتعرف على بيئاتها المفضلة وقياس العوامل البيئية ذات الاهمية. حيث تم تشخيص ثلاثة انواع وهي : Cornu as | The present study was conducted to identify the terresterial gastropoda species located in some provinces of middle Iraq (Baghdad, Babylon and Karbala). They were record Biological observations on their environment and learn about their prefer environments and to measure the important ecological factors. Three species were diagnosed : Cornu aspersum specie belong to Helicidae family, Monacha cantiana and Candidula gigaxii species belong to Hygromiidae family. Monthly sampling was conducted from (October 2013 - July 2014) of the three provincs on two sites per each provinc, Where the samples were collected randomly by five repeaters of one square meter once a month. The study also included soil ecological properties measuring : soil temperature, soil pH, Electrical conductivity, percentage moisture, organic matter content and soil texture.The results showed soil temperature values ranged between (8 - 30) C?, soil pH (7.33 - 7.96), Electrical conductivity (0.7 - 4.1) ds/m, percentage moisture (9 - 33) % , organic matter content (0.81 - 2.88) %. The results showed percentages rate for clay, silt and sand for Jadiriyah (38.39, 49.18, 12.43)%, Zafaraniya (36.66, 51.53, 11.81)%, Alexandria (37.93, 52.54, 9.53)%, Hindyia dam (40.54, 53.05, 6.41)%, Hosseinie (36.28, 45.81, 17.91)% and Twerij (37.79, 50.20, 12.01)%. Generally soil texture clay silt sandy soil for all study sites. The relative abundance of the studied species was recorded, The lowest value for Candidula gigaxii specie was 7.3 % in March in Hindyia dam, while the highest value was recorded for Cornu aspersum specie 75.0 % in December 2013 in Jadiriyah. Rates of population density (individuals / m 2) were calculated for the studied specimens and the results showed the presence of significant differences when comparing the study sites during research period. The population density rates for species the results showed the lowest value for Candidula gigaxii specie 0.4 (individual/m²) in October 2013 in Jadiriyah, and the highest value for Cornu aspersum specie 19.4 (individual/m²) in Janeuary 2014 in Jadiriyah. The results showed that Candidula gigaxii specie is found in sites (Jadiriyah, Zafaraniya, Hindyia dam(along research period, While the results did not record the presence of it in sites (Alexandria, Hosseinie, Twerij).The study showed presence of positive and negative significant relationships between species and soil ecological properties, as it were for Cornu aspersum specie negative significant relationship with air and soil temperature (0.827, 0.763) respectively, positive significant relationship with moisture and organic matter content (0.703, 0.880) respectively, while the results did not record significant differences with pH and Electrical conductivity (0.096, 0.168) respectively. Monacha cantiana specie has recorded negative significant relationship with air and soil temperature (0.431, 0.553) respectively, positive significant relationship with percentage moisture and organic matter content (0.368, 0.550) respectively, while did not record significant differences for pH and Electrical conductivity (0.214, 0.096) respectively. The results showed for Candidula gigaxii specie negative significant relationship of air and soil temperature (0.504, 0.322) respectively, positive significant relationship with moisture and organic matter content (0.380, 0.569) respectively, While did not record significant differences with pH and Electrical conductivity (0.088, 0.170) respectively.

تحديد تعبير الجين المتحمل للملوحة TaGSK1 في عدد من اصناف الحنـطـة == Determination of Gene Expression of Salt Tolerant Gene Tagsk1 In Wheat Cultivars

Author name: ايمان نعمان اسماعيل

Supervisor name: نورية عبد الحسين علي | مجيد ارشيد سباح

General topic: Biology

Specific topic: Biotechnologies

Degree: Master

University: University of Baghdad

Language: Arabic

University location: Baghdad

First pages:

Abstract: نفذت الدراسة الحالية في مركز بحوث التقنيات الاحيائية/ جامعة النهرين للمدة 2011 - 2012 لغرض الكشف عن جين الملوحة TaGSK1 ودراسة التعبير الجيني له في صنفين من الحنطة فرات ودجلة والتركيب الوراثي 2H المنتخبة لصفة تحمل الملوحة مقارنة مع الصنف تموز2 الحساس للملو | This study was conducted in biotechnology research center, Al - Nahrain university in 2011 - 2012 to detect the gene responsible for salt tolerant (TaGSKI) and study its expression in two wheat (Tigris and Euphrates) cultivars and the genotype (2H) were selected for salt tolerance through improvement and breeding programs as compared with to the sensitive local wheat cultivar (Tamooze 2). Seeds of the these cultivars were sown in flasks that contained Ms media in three salt levels (0, 15, 25) ds/m with three replication for each. Five seeds from each cultivars were sown in each replicate. After 10 - 15 days from the sowing, the percentage of germination was estimated, and samples of leaves were collected for RNA extraction and then changed to the cDNA. B - actin gene that consider endogenous control and salt tolerant gene TaGSK1 were amplificated by using PCR technique to discover the gene and by QPCR to estimate gene expression by determine the CT (Cycle Threshold) value for B - actin and TaGSK1 genes in wheat plants of the studying cultivars. Number of DNA dilutions of 189bp molecular weight that extracted from agarose gel were used to determing CT value for each dilution. Standard curves were drawn to find out value of PCR Efficiency which was used for gene expression for the salt tolerant gene TaGSK1.The results of germination percentage (%) showed that there were high differences between the two salt tolerant cultivars (Tigris and Euphrates) and 2H genotype and local cultivar (Tamooze 2). Euphrates cultivar gave 100% germination percentage, and the Tigris cultivar and 2H genotype gave 89, 86% germination percentage respectively at 25ds/m. whilst the local cultivar gave zero germination percentage at the same level of salinity. At 15ds/m level, also the Euphrates cultivar gave 100% germination percentage while the Tigris cultivar and 2H genotype gave 96, 94% germination percentage respectively as compared to Tamooze cultivar that gave 13% germination percentage. All the cultivars have 100% germination percentage at 0.0ds/m level. The conclusion of this result is the two cultivars (Tigris and Euphrates) and 2H genotype more salt tolerance than local cultivar at this growth stage which more salt sensitive than others growth stages. The results of PCR reaction were also indicated that Tigris and Euphrates cultivars and 2H genotype have salt tolerant gene TaGSK1, while this gene did not exist in the local cultivar. There were two bands of TaGSK1 gene that have 189bp and 404bp molecular weight in the Tigris and Euphrates cultivar and the genotype 2H, while the local cultivars have only one band that have 404bp molecular weight. These results were indicated that 189bp molecular weight of this gene is responsible for salt tolerance character in these cultivars.The results of QPCR reaction also were revealed that there is difference between the cultivars in their gene expression. Tigris and Euphrates cultivars and 2H genotype gave the highest gene expression at 15ds/m and increased at 25ds/m as compared to 0.0ds/m. At the second level 15ds/m the gene expression of the two cultivars and genotype was 0.8682, 0.8190 and 0.8688 respectively, and at the third level 25ds/m was 1.656, 1.3176 and 1.2665 respectively, while at the first level 0.0ds/m was less than the other 15, 25 ds/m as compared to local cultivar that the gene salt tolerant (TaGSK1) have no gene expression at the same salt levels. This result indicated that the local cultivar does not have salt tolerant gene TaGSK1. From these results we can revealed that TaGSK1 gene was found in the Tigris and Euphrates cultivars and 2H genotype, and this gene can be considered from high salt tolerant gene, because it gave the highest gene expression at the highest salt level 25ds/m. Therefore this gene help the plant to tolerate salt stress and grow very well. The results also showed that the two salt tolerant cultivars (Tigris and Euphrates) and the salt tolerant genotype (2H) proximately have the same salt tolerance degree, so they have proximately the same gene expression as compared to salt sensitive local cultivar which have no salt tolerant gene TaGSK1. This gene is good indicator for salt tolerance at high salinity levels 15, 25 ds/m in these cultivars and genotype.

التاثيرات المرضية النسجية لعقار ليفيتيراسيتام في التكوين الجنيني لكلى اجنة ومواليد وحوامل الجرذ الابيضAlbino rats (Rattus rattus) == Histopathological Effect of Levetiracetam Drug On The Kidney Development In Rats Embryo, Newborns And Pregnant Albino Rat (Rattus Rattus)

Author name: لمياء هادي محمد الابراهيمي

Supervisor name: نهلة عبد الرضا البكري

General topic: Biology

Specific topic: Zoology - Embryology

Degree: Master

University: University of Baghdad - Ibn Al-Haytham College Of Education For Pure Sciences - Department Of Biology

Language: Arabic

University location: Baghdad

First pages:

Abstract: الصرع هو حالة مزمنة تتميز بنوبات متكررة دون سابق انذار، سببها خلل في نقل الاشارات الكهربائية داخل الدماغ، وعقار Levetiracetam (LEV) من العقاقير المضادة للصرع، ذو خصائص دوائية ملائمة وتظهر فعاليته في تحسين السيطرة على النوبات، ويكون امتصاصه في البلازما سري | Epilepsy is a condition characterized by recurrent abrupt seizures episodes caused by the defect in the transmission of electrical signals to the brain. LEV is one of antiepileptic drugs which has appropriate pharmacological properties and show its effectiveness in improving the control of the epileptic seizers, its rapid absorbance, and its excretion through the kidneys by glomerular filtration and it is re - absorption into the tubular portion.Kidney arise from intermediate mesoderm and it consists of three execratory organs in all vertebrates : pronephros which is transient and present in all vertebrates, mesonephros which also present in all vertebrates embryos and their activity depends upon the type of embryo, and metanephros which is the functional kidney during life after the embryogenesis in reptiles, birds and mammals. The first signals for kidney initiation in albino rat embryo take place in the 10th days of pregnancy. The current study is designed to demonstrate the effect of LEV (350 mg/kg/day) on the kidney development of Albino rat fetus from the age of 8 - 18 days of pregnancy and its effect on the kidneys of the 3 and 7 days aged newborns. In addition to its effect on pregnant rat kidneys treated with the drug for 17 days. Hundred pregnant Albino rat (Rattus rattus) are enrolled in this study, classified blindly to 50 control and 50 pregnant rats are orally treated with LEV (350 mg/kg/day). The histological results of the current study revealed that there is no effect on embryonic kidney in fetuses aged 9 days of pregnancy, whereas, the pronephros of the fetuses aged 10 days shows death of the cells in comparison to control group. Moreover, the kidney of the 11th aged fetuses showed degeneration of the mesonephric duct represented by decrease cellular mass, death and hypertrophy of some cells comparing to the cells of control group. Concerning the kidney of the 12th aged fetuses and subsequent days, there is degeneration of the epithelial cells of the metanephros duct, their detachment from the basement membrane and their congestion in comparison to the cells of the control group. The kidney of the 13th aged fetuses showed swelling, damage for some of the epithelial cells of the glomerulus and collecting tubules, accumulation and shrinkage of glomerular cells, damage, death, and detachment of some collecting tubules cells demonstrated in the 14th aged fetuses. There enlargement of capsular space in addition to the most previous defects was seen in the 15th aged fetuses in comparison to the control group. Most of the previous defects are seen in the 16th, 17th and 18th age fetuses. Scanning electron microscope revealed nuclear enlargement of the podocytes found in the visceral layer of the renal corpuscle of the 16th aged fetuses (mean diameter 64.6 µm compare to 39.2 µm of the control group). Regarding the kidney of 3rd and 7th aged newborns, the histological defects seen in the latest aged fetuses was also seen and there was statistically significant differences (p?0.05) between the diameters mean of the glomerulus of the 3rd and 7th aged newborn. Whereas, there was no significant difference in the diameter of the kidney tubules of 3rd but there was significant difference of the 7th aged newborn. Regarding the kidney of the 17th day treated pregnant rat, there was enlargement of the capsular space caused by accumulation, and degeneration of glomerular cells characterized by loss of the nucleus, shrinkage of the glomeruli, and atrophy of most of them. Loss of the nucleus and detachment of the cells, and swelling of most of the collecting tubules. There was a statistically significant difference between the diameter of the kidney tubules of the pregnant rat and the control group. In conclusion, LEV had histological effect on the kidney of the 10 - 18 aged fetuses and on 3, 7 days aged newborns in addition to its effect on the kidney of the pregnant female treated with the drug for 17 days.

التحري عن بعـض عوامل الفوعة لبكتريا المكورات Enterococci المعوية المقاومة للمضاد الحيوي الفانكومايسين == Detection of Some Virulence Factors of Vancomycin - Resistant Enterococci

Author name: حيدر صباح كاظم الخماسي

Supervisor name: مي طالب فليح

General topic: Biology

Specific topic: Microbiology

Degree: Master

University: University of Baghdad

Language: English

University location: Baghdad

First pages:

Abstract: تم الحصول على (20) عزله لبكتريا المكورات المعوية البرازية من اصل (135) عينة جمعت من مستشفى مدينة الطب ومستشفى الكندي وهي كما ياتي (15 عينة الادرار, 60 عينة دم, 50 عينة من قنوات الجذر للاسنان و10 عينة من الحروق).اختبرت الحساسية لهذه العزلات العشرون لـ 11 | Clinical sampling was carried out between September and December 2013, Twenty Enterococcus faecalis isolates were obtained from 135 clinical specimens. The samples included of patients in Medical City Hospital and Al - kindy Hospital (15 urine, 60 blood, 50 root canal and 10 wound swabs) Antibiotics susceptibility test for 20 isolates was done against 11 antibiotics, it was revealed that the isolates showed multi drug resistance were (18) isolates. The vancomycin susceptibility was determined by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Resistant and intermediate resistant to vancomycin was distributed among isolates at a ratio of 65% and 20%, respectively. Imipenem was found to be the most bactericidal agent against E. faecalis isolates E. faecalis virulence factors were detected phenotypically, The results showed that all isolates (100%) were hemolysin, protease and aggregation substance producer. 30% of isolates showed an ability to produce gelatinase. While (40.7%) of the isolates were a lipase producer. The results of the tube method showed that all E. faecalis isolates (100%) were slime layer and biofilm producer but the amount of adherent layer were different among the isolates ranged from strong to moderate and weak.The extracted DNA was subjected to Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique in a monoplex pattern to amplify the virulence factor Enterococcal Surface Protein (esp) which is chromosomal, results of this investigation showed that 20 (100%) E. faecalis isolates gave the amplicon size 933 base pair for the esp gene.The genetic determinants of Vancomycin - Resistant vanA and vanB genes were amplified using monoplex and multiplex PCR techniques in order to identify vancomycin resistant (van+) and sensitive (lacking van) among (13) E. faecalis. The vanA, vanB genes were detected in 11 and 4 E. faecalis isolates, respectively. The results of monoplex and multiplex PCR revealed that the molecular weight of vanA and vanB genes were 550 and nearly 600 bp, respectively. The results revealed that the vanA and vanB amplicons have a genetic variation in their molecular weight during the electrophoresis of PCR product.

التحري عن الطفرات في جيني CNTNAP2 وIL1RAPL1 في مرضى التوحد == Mutation Screening of CNTNAP2 And IL1RAPL1 Genes In Autistic Patients

Author name: بشير كاظم خرميط

Supervisor name: عبد الكريم عبد الرزاق القزاز

General topic: Biology

Specific topic: Biotechnologies

Degree: Master

University: University of Baghdad - College Of Science - Department Of Biotechnology

Language: English

University location: Baghdad

First pages:

Abstract: ان اضطرابات طيف التوحد هي مجموعة من الظروف التي تتميز بضعف في التواصل الاجتماعي ونمطية في السلوك. يختلف الاشخاص المتوحدين اختلافا كبيرا في التطور المعرفي والتي يمكن ان تتراوح من فوق المتوسط الى العجز في التفكير. رغم ان اضطرابات طيف التوحد هي تورث بشكل كبي | The autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of conditions characterized by impairments in reciprocal social interaction and communication, and the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors. Individuals with an ASD vary greatly in cognitive development, which can range from above average to intellectual disability (ID). While ASDs are known to be highly heritable (~90%), the underlying genetic determinants are still largely unknown. The research studies correlate between Contactin - associated Protein - Like 2 (CNTNAP2), Interleukin - 1 Receptor Accessory Protein - Like1 (IL1RAPL1) genes and ASDs. This study includes forty autistic patients and forty non autistic children as control groups (twenty unaffected sibling and twenty unrelated children). The age of autistic and non autistic children was ranged from 3 to 10 years. Blood samples of autistic patients were collected from Rahman specialist centre for the care and service autistic children in Baghdad. DNA was extracted from blood samples for molecular detection of CNTNAP2 and IL1RAPL1 mutations associated with ASDs by the use Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique and sequence analysis. PCR reaction was performed to amplify exons (14, 17 and 20) of CNTNAP2 gene that encode to CASPR2, a member of the neurexin family which functions in the nervous system as cell adhesion molecules and receptors. The PCR results revealed that identical bands related to the CNTNAP2 exons were present in all samples. Therefore, five samples (four from autistic patients and one from control sibling) were selected for genotype analysis of CNTNAP2 exons (14, 17 and 20) by direct sequencing. Genotype analysis revealed that there were no any variants in CNTNAP2 exons, but it shows that four different mutations were identified in non coding region (introns) of the CNTNAP2 gene. These mutations were seen only in autistic patients but absent in control sample. Three of these mutations are single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs3779031 A/G in 2118282 position, rs3779032 A/C in 2118436 position and T/G in 2117905 position). The other mutations were deletion in one nucleotide (Del A/ - in 2117901 position). SNP rs3779032 A/C are located at intron 21 while other mutations are located at intron 19. The current study showed that two common SNPs (rs3779031 and rs3779032) in CNTNAP2 were strongly associated with ASDs, where the frequencies of these SNPs were relatively high. SNP rs3779031 identified in two autistic patients while rs3779032 identified in three autistic patients from four unrelated families with ASDs. PCR reaction also was performed to amplify exons (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9) of IL1RAPL1, a gene implicated in calcium - regulated vesicle release and dendrite differentiation. The PCR results show a large intrgenic deletion (Deletion of exons 3 and 4) in six autistic patients, two of these patients were twin. This deletion may be incomplete penetrance due to phenotypic heterogeneity of these patients. This study provides evidence of the role of genetic factors in the etiology of ASD and the important CNTNAP2 and IL1RAPL1 genes mutation of pathogencity ASDs.

الازالة الحيوية لليورانيوم والسيزيوم من الترب الملوثة بواسطة نبات الشعير == Phytoextraction of Uranium And Cesium From Contaminated Soil By Hordeum Vulgare Plants

Author name: سيف صبار كامل

Supervisor name: ناظم حسن حيدر

General topic: Biology

Specific topic: Biotechnologies

Degree: Master

University: University of Baghdad - College Of Science - Department Of Biotechnology

Language: English

University location: Baghdad

First pages:

Abstract: Phytoremediation is defined as the use of green plants to remove pollutants from the environment or to render them harmless. Phytoremediation process can be classified based on the contaminant fate as; Phytoextraction, Phytotransformation, Phytostabilization, Phytodegradation, Rhizofiltration. In this work, the phytoextraction process was employed. A piece of land in the Botanical Garden at the University of Baghdad with an area of 25 m2 was prepared to plant the barley plant. Then, seeds of barley of type "Samir", which is an Iraqi kind that suitable for cultivation in Iraq, have been seeded. For U and Cs experiments, soil was mixed with a limited quantity of each U isotope for three different concentrations; 152 Bq/kg, 95 Bq/kg and 81 Bq/kg and for Cs106.5 Bq/kg, 79 Bq/kg and51 Bq/kg. For NPK and Urea experiments, different concentrations were tested to establish the requirements of these experiments. The LB4100 - W counting system includes the most complete data analysis software package was used to measure and calculate the alpha and beta concentrations and subsequently the overall activity concentration of any studied sample. Samples were prepared by following the Indian Standard method. For U, the experiment achieved by dividing it into four groups that differ in the spent time of agriculture in contaminated and clean (reference) soils. The results illustrated that the phytoextracted of U with planted period in contaminated soil, which were 31, 50, 63, 34 days, were 36.22, 54.84, 76.24, and 66.30 Bq/kgm, respectively. However, the 4th group differs comparing with other groups in the spent time of cleaned soil, which was 73 days. For Cs experiments, the work grouped similar to U experiment. The results of Cs phytoextraction showed that the absorbed Cs were 54.34, 100.69 and 109.07 for spent times in contaminated soil; 23, 43 and 57 respectively. Furthermore, barley plant has significant ability to phytoextract U and good ability to phytoextract Cs for all the three different concentrations. Besides, the results illustrated that the increase in the planted time in contaminated soils led to increase the quantity of phytoextracted isotopes. The results of adding K fertilizer showed a decrease in the ability of barley to absorb U, while the addition of urea enhanced the ability of barley. Finally, the following conclusion can be drawn from the present study that : barley is a good tool to phytoextract Cs rather than U and the use of urea fertilizer is suitable for enhanced the phytoextraction process.