Extraction & Purification of Plasmid from Some Spices of E. coli in Different Ways

This study involved the use of multiple methods to separate plasmids from bacterial cell DNA for some isolates of pathogenic E. coli through several steps, starting with the analysis of the bacterial cell using lysozymes to remove the outer wall, followed by centrifugation to isolate plasmids found in the solution from the rest of the proteins and other forms of DNA. Many sequential methods were used to separate plasmids. The first method used was the basal denaturation sodium hydroxide-based, which led to the denaturation of the chromosomal DNA without affecting the plasmid DNA, followed by the addition of sodium acetate, which led to the preservation of the shape and structure of the plasmid DNA. Second, using cesium chloride gradient density to isolate the protein cell components and the rest of the DNA forms. The different densities of these components led to the appearance of sequential bundles depending on their different molecular weights. Ethidium bromide, which gave the plasmid bundles a fluorescent dye, was added using ultraviolet rays. The last purification method was using the boiling method using a water bath. Plasmid samples extracted from the previous methods were taken to perform the purification and separation process using the high electrophoresis method. Akarose gel was used to separate the high molecular weight protein fragments. Standard proteins and plasmids were migrated to determine the volumes of purified plasmids

The effect of changing the exchange rate on some economic variables by using the autoregressive distributed Lag (ARDL) in Iraq

The issue of the exchange rate has emerged as one of the most important problems facing countries in drawing the parameters of their foreign exchange, as dealing in the foreign currency market has become one of the most dangerous transactions, and studies have shown the existence of several mutual effects between exchange rate fluctuations and macroeconomic variables. The study focuses on analyzing the impact of fluctuations The exchange rate on macroeconomic variables. This comes in the wake of the fundamental changes in the macroeconomic indicators in Iraq, which included inflation and oil prices, which had a major impact on the value of the Iraqi dinar against the US dollar. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) was used to analyze time-series data from 1990-2017. This model can distinguish between dependent and explanatory variables and eliminate the problems that may arise due to the presence of autocorrelation and internal growth. The ARDEL model can also estimate the short-term and long-term relationship, simultaneously. The results showed that there is a long-term relationship between the exchange rate with inflation, GDP, expanded the money supply, and foreign reserves. This is consistent with the reality of economic theory, but in the short term, there is a relationship between the exchange rate and inflation. The reason is that there is no relationship between the price Exchange and other variables in the short term due to the inability to demonstrate the impact of these variables in a relatively short period, from which we conclude that reducing volatility in macroeconomic variables due to the stability the exchange rate in the Iraqi economy to help decision-makers draw correct economic policies

A new approach for achievement of inulin accumulation in suspension cultures of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) using biotic elicitors

AbstractA promising protocol for achievement the accumulation rate of inulin compound in a suspension culture of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) was established. The effect of incorporated of cell cultures in combining with two type of biotic elicitors Aspergillus niger extract and Methyl-Jasmonate incorporation feeding medium on leaf cell growth patterns and production of inulin was investigated. The maximum value of cell growth parameters and highest content of inulinase activity (0.395u/ml) were resulted from elicitation of augmented MS-medium with A. niger extract at the level of 0.2% in combination with Methyl-Jasmonate (150μM) as compared with other concentrations after 2weeks of cultivation. The chemical analyses of the different cell lines were spectro-photometerically performed. This study clearly indicates that combining of A. niger and Methyl-Jasmonate elicitors plays a critical role on inulin process and its accumulation in Jerusalem artichoke cell cultures

Optimization and fault diagnosis of 132 kV substation low-voltage system using electrical transient analyzer program

In this paper, a simulation and analysis of 132 kV Substation in feeds western Iraq have been presented including a short circuit (S.C) analysis. This work helps to properly control and coordinate the protection equipment used in this grid interconnection spot. This work includes power flow analysis carried out using electrical transient analyzer program (ETAP) simulator. Also, the most common types of faults are investigated for the substation buses using International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards to discover the behavioral characteristics under different scenarios for the substation transformers connection to assess the range of S.C current this substitution can ride through. Finally, the results of ANSI and IEC are theoretically investigated for validity to ensure reliability and quality assurance in the case study substation

Comparison of Closure Versus Non-Closure of Buccal Mucosal Graft Harvest Site Outcomes in Urethroplasty

Background: Urethroplasty is open surgical reconstruction of urethral stricture disease and it depends on the site of stricture and the used technique either by excision and primary anastomosis, on-lay repair, stricture excision and augmented anastomosis, flap-based repair, and staged repair. Objective: This study aimed to improve postoperative outcomes of the buccal mucosal graft harvest site by comparing closure versus non-closure of the harvest site. Patient and Methods: This prospective comparative study was conducted on 34 patients with urethral stricture planned to be managed by buccal mucosal graft (BMG) urethroplasty. Those 34 patients attended to urology outpatient clinic at Zagazig university hospital from September 2019 to December 2020. Results: Intraoperatively, two patients were found to have short stricture (approximately 1 cm) with dense spongiofibrosis and they were managed by anastomotic urethroplasty. Post-operative pain was maximal on the first day in both groups but it was more significant in the closure group by the second day. Conclusions: Buccal mucosal graft harvesting is well tolerated by all patients. The pain appears to be worse in the immediate postoperative period after suturing the harvest site

MCRP: multiple chain routing protocol for energy efficiency in homogeneous wireless sensor networks

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) comprise a wide variety of applications. In most of the applications, the sensor nodes are distributed in a hostile area and nodes in WSNs are energy constrained, once it is installed, it would be difficult to recharge the energy source of those sensor nodes. There are many solutions that can be used to overcome the energy limitation issue and one of the main solutions is the routing algorithm used in the network. Routing algorithms in WSNs are responsible for maintaining and discovering the suitable routes in the networks. Therefore, this research presents a Multiple Chain Routing Protocol for Energy Efficiency in Homogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks (MCRP). The major objectives of the MCRP protocol are to increase the lifetime of WSNs by reducing the data transmission path to minimize energy consumption in WSN, and to maximize the network stability period by distributing the load evenly among all nodes. The MCRP works within two stages: the initialization stage and the data transmission stage. Simulation results demonstrate that the presented algorithm MCRP achieves its design goals and outperforms the existing work such as Chain-Chain based routing protocol (CCBRP), and Two-stage chain routing protocol (TSCP) algorithms in terms of Network lifetime, FND and LND (first node and last node died), Network stability period, and Energy consumption

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices related to COVID-19 among People in Kurdistan Region of Iraq: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Background and objective: COVID-19 illness is a serious public health concern worldwide. The people in Iraqi Kurdistan have little knowledge about Coronaviruses. It was noticed that in the Kurdistan Region, the COVID-19 infection was not dealt with as required in terms of knowledge, attitudes, and practice. This study aimed to identify the level of knowledge and attitudes of Kurdish people in addition to their practices concerning COVID-19. Methods: This study adopted an online cross-sectional survey design and was conducted from March 23 to April 2, 2020, to collect data from Iraqi Kurdistan Region citizens who were asked about their knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to COVID-19. Results: The majority of the study participants were young and male (62.5%). Most respondents (92.9%) were optimistic that the government could take necessary procedures to reduce the risks of COVID-19 infection. Less than half of the participants wore masks and gloves when they left home (41.4%, 45.1% males and females respectively). Most of the participants had good knowledge (74%), and good practice (64.6%), and the vast majority had a positive attitude (98.1%) concerning COVID-19. Conclusions: Less than half of the participants who got engaged in this study wore masks and gloves whenever they went out. Hereby, the participants are to be provided with an extensive health education program so they can increase their awareness of COVID-19 infection

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Analyzing the Relationship between the Dow Jones Index and Oil Prices Using the ARIMAX Model

The values prediction of the Dow Jones index is essential in the global financial markets systems. The index provides a clear vision of what is happening in the market as a whole. Hence, it offers integrated information on that index to stipulate forecasts characterized as efficient for investors and shareholders. In this study, the ARIMAX model was used to predict the daily Dow Jones index values from 1/1/2020 to 1/ 5/2020 (the spread of COVID-19), considering Brent crude's effect daily prices as an external factor. The Dow Jones Index daily price prediction process went through several stages. The first stage is the time series stationary test phase through the Augmented Dickey-Fuller test. The second stage is achieving stationary by taking the first difference, passing through the stage of identifying the model, and determining the rank based on criteria (AIC), (BIC), (RMSE). The preference of the model was shown in ARIMA (0,1,2) for the Dow Jones index series. The ARIMA (1,1,0) model was shown for crude price Brent series and determining the order of the transfer function of the  ARIMAX model. The comparison stage between the models ARIMA (0,1,2) and ARIMAX(3,1,1)(0,0,1) by residuals scatter plot and (Ljung-Box) test for each model. The results demonstrated the superiority of the ARIMAX model over the ARIMA model. The daily Dow Jones Index values were predicted based on corresponding Brent crude prices according to the ARIMAX (3,1,1) (0,0,1) model. The researchers did not find substantial differences in the index’s behavior, except for a slight decrease in the index's value