Antioxidant activity, total phenolic content and antimicrobial activity of two medicinal plants from Sulaimani City, Iraqi Kurdistan Region

Malabar spinach  fruit  with dark blue skin and deep red violet flesh is a potential source of natural colorant. Nasturtium  officinal (watercress) of family  Brassica  ceae  has been long used as a home remedy or a medical plant by the people  Iraq- Sulaimaini City .The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant , antimicrobial activity of Malabar spinach &Nasturtium  official (water cress) extracts using various in vitro assay systems including ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP),1,1-dipheny-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2-azinobis -3- ethylbenzothiozoline sulphonate (ABTS ).Antibacterial activity were tested against five gram-positive ,three gram –negative bacteria and two fungi by disc  diffusion method for different extract  and determining their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)values . Total phenolic content was determined by folin ciocalteu reagent for the extract (mg Gallic acid  /g extract ). From the result  highest total phenol content was shown by Malabar  spinach  & Nastartium officinale in methanol extracts. Elemental analysis  have been done element by inductive couple plasma (ICP) techniques for each this two medicinal plants high amount of Na ,K Ca, Mn ,Zn ,Mg, Fe, Cu ,and se  elements have been detected in ppb. Key words:  Malabar spinach  , Nasturtium  officinal, antioxidant   , antimicrobial  ,phenolic

Evaluation of Anthhelmintic Potential of Pawpaw (Carica papaya) Seeds Administered In-Feed and In-Water for West African Dwarf (WAD) Goatss

Forty West African Dwarf (WAD) goats (average 10kg±0.25kg bodyweight) infected naturally with helminthes were used to evaluate the effectiveness of Carica papaya seeds in aqueous and crude extract forms against intestinal worms. The animals were randomly assigned into four treatment groups: GI, GII, GIII and GIV consisting of 10goats/group. GI animals were not treated while GII underwent Thiabendazole anthelmintic treatment. GIII and GIV were medically given the powdery and aqueous forms of C. papaya seed extract via feed and water respectively. Before anthelmintic treatments and after the 1st and 2nd two weeks of administering the anthelminth, faecal and blood samples were collected for parasitological and haematological analysis. Data collected were subjected to one-way ANOVA. Treatments of both aqueous and powdery forms of C. papaya seed extract resulted into a significant increase in lymphocyte counts, packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) and haemoglobin concentration. Conversely, there was significant decrease in the eosinophil counts. The reductions in the faecal egg counts of helminth when C. papaya seed extract were applied are comparable to those obtained for thiabendazole treatment. However, the effects of aqueous form of C. papaya seed extract were more conspicuous than the crude (powdery) extract administered via the feed. The results from this study suggests that extracts from C. papaya seeds could be of potential use as alternative anthelminthic to synthetic dewormers in therapeutic or sub-therapeutic use for production animals. Keywords: Anthelmintic, haematology, helminthes, parasitology, thiabendazol

Anti-inflammatory effects of boron alone or as adjuvant with dexamethasone in animal models of chronic and granulomatous inflammation

Background:Side effects of anti-inflammatory agents are a major problem during clinical use. The development of a newer, effective, and safe anti-inflammatory agent should be considered. Boron-containing compounds are found effective as anti-inflammatory agents with relatively low side effects. We aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of boron in animal models of chronic and granulomatous inflammation.Methods: Sixty-six Wistar rats were allocated into five groups; 1st (6 rats) treated with vehicle only without induction as a negative control; 2nd (12 rats) allocated into two subgroups, treated with vehicle only, with induction of chronic and granulomatous inflammation, as appositive control. 3rd group (24 rats) allocated into four subgroups, treated with different doses of boron (3 and 6 mg/kg) in both models. Fourth group (12 rats) treated with dexamethasone (1 mg/kg) in the same models. 5th group (12 rats used) treated with boron (3 mg/kg) with dexamethasone (1 mg/kg) in the same models.Results: Boron, in a dose-dependent pattern significantly decreases inflammation in rat models of chronic and granulomatous inflammation. Combination of boron with dexamethasone significantly suppresses inflammation in both models, which is significantly higher than all of the effects produced by other approaches of treatment.Conclusion: Boron, in a dose-dependent pattern, effectively suppresses formaldehyde-induced chronic inflammation and cotton pellet-induced granuloma in rats when used alone or as an adjuvant with dexamethasone. It may be considered as a potential treatment for chronic inflammatory conditions

Comparative study of Pap smear abnormalities in HIV infected and HIV non-infected women

Background: HIV positive women are more likely than HIV negative women to have cervical dysplasia. Incidence of HPV-related dysplasia increases as immune function declines. To analyse the prevalence of cervical dysplasia on papsmear among women affected with HIV and to compare with that of HIV negative women.Methods: The study period was of 6 months duration from December 2010 to May 2011. Cervical cytology specimen from HIV positive and HIV negative women who attended the OPD of Institute of Maternal and Child Health, Government Medical College, Kozhikode. Were collected after excluding known case of carcinoma cervix, post hysterectomy patients, patients with bleeding per vagina and also those with active genital tract infections.Results: A prospective study of 200 females (100 HIV positive and 100 HIV negative) was done in our hospital. Age range was between 36 and 50 years. PAP smear abnormality was obtained in 35% of the study group. Out of which 21% was seen in HIV positive patients and 14% in HIV negative patients. Prevalence of LSIL (low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion) was significantly higher among HIV positive patients. Abnormality was not associated with CD4 count, HIV status of husband or addictions of husband, not associated with number of partners of husband both in HIV positive and negative patients.Conclusions: PAP smear abnormality (overall), prevalence of LSIL was significantly higher among HIV positive patients. It was not associated with SES, age of first intercourse, number of partners of wife and other immunosuppressive status

Seven Kinds of Intermediate Filament Networks in the Cytoplasm of Polarized Cells: Structure and Function

Intermediate filaments (IFs) are involved in many important physiological functions, such as the distribution of organelles, signal transduction, cell polarity and gene regulation. However, little information exists on the structure of the IF networks performing these functions. We have clarified the existence of seven kinds of IF networks in the cytoplasm of diverse polarized cells: an apex network just under the terminal web, a peripheral network lying just beneath the cell membrane, a granule-associated network surrounding a mass of secretory granules, a Golgi-associated network surrounding the Golgi apparatus, a radial network locating from the perinuclear region to the specific area of the cell membrane, a juxtanuclear network surrounding the nucleus, and an entire cytoplasmic network. In this review, we describe these seven kinds of IF networks and discuss their biological roles

An empirical examination of the moderating role of age and gender in consumer mobile banking use: a cross-national, quantitative study

Purpose Despite the benefits of mobile banking services in an increasingly digitised world, adoption rates remain unsatisfactory. The present cross-national study examines age- and gender-dependent variations of consumer intentions and use of mobile banking services. Design/methodology/approach The study analyses consumer mobile banking use by integrating factors such as with trust, security and privacy and it examines the effects of these factors among two demographic factors including age and gender. 897 Lebanese and British mobile banking users completed a survey. Data was analysed by partial least squares-structural equations modelling. Findings Consumer behavioural intention was significantly moderated by age through its relationship with facilitating conditions and trust among Lebanese respondents, and performance expectancy, effort expectancy, hedonic motivation, price value and habit among their British counterparts. As for gender, a significant moderating effect was evidenced in the Lebanese, but not the British sample, on the level of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, price value and perceived security. Originality/value The findings provide evidence of the applicability of the new factors proposed in this research. The reflection of the influence of these demographic factors in a cross-national context provides insights into mobile banking adoption variation between different countries

Evaluating the Strategic Performance in Yemens Public Universities from the Point of View of Experts

The aim of the research is to evaluate the strategic performance in Yemeni government universities from the point of view of experts, by identifying the level of practice of administrative performance and academic performance in its various fields, according to the opinions of experts. To achieve the objectives of the study, the descriptive analytical approach was used through a closed questionnaire designed, according to the modified Delphi method, distributed among an intentional sample of (31) experts. (Administrative performance-Academic performance) came at a low score, with an average of (2.21) for the tool as a whole. As for the axes, they were respectively, (2.21, 2.22). The study also found that there are no statistically significant differences between the experts’ estimates due to the variables (scientific degree, current job, years experience). Accordingly, the study recommends expanding the dissemination of a clear vision among university employees, beneficiaries and stakeholders about the concept of strategic performance evaluation. In addition, the use of information and technology technologies in strategic performance evaluation processes

Glued to your phone? Generation Z's smartphone addiction and online compulsive buying

Recent studies found that smartphone usage has become an addiction nowadays, especially among young consumers. The abuse of these digital devices affects individuals' social life and well-being. Of particular interest in this regard is the study of compulsive buying, as it has been noted a possible co-occurrence of this disorder with smartphone abusive tendencies. With a model theoretically anchored in the stimulus-organism-response framework, the current study investigates the novel connection between smartphone addiction and online compulsive buying in a sample of 275 Generation Z consumers. The proposed model integrates mood regulatory behaviours and flow experiences associated with smartphone addiction to affect online compulsive buying behaviours. The current research contributes to the literature on compulsive buying behaviours and smartphone addiction by offering empirical evidence that (1) smartphone addiction and online compulsive buying are related; and (2) mood regulatory behaviours and flow experience act as strengthening factors in this relationship. This article advances knowledge in terms of theory and practice on Generation Z consumers’ smartphone addiction and online compulsive buying

Evaluation Strategic Performance in Yemens Public Universities from the Point of View of Experts

The aim of the research is to evaluate the strategic performance in Yemeni government universities from the point of view of experts, by identifying the level of practice of administrative performance and academic performance in its various fields, according to the opinions of experts. To achieve the objectives of the study, the descriptive analytical approach was used through a closed questionnaire designed, according to the modified Delphi method, distributed among an intentional sample of (31) experts. (Administrative performance-Academic performance) came at a low score, with an average of (2.21) for the tool as a whole. As for the axes, they were respectively, (2.21, 2.22). The study also found that there are no statistically significant differences between the experts’ estimates due to the variables (scientific degree, current job, years experience). Accordingly, the study recommends expanding the dissemination of a clear vision among university employees, beneficiaries and stakeholders about the concept of strategic performance evaluation. In addition, the use of information and technology technologies in strategic performance evaluation processes

INDIGO : better geomagnetic observatories where we need them

The INDIGO project aims to improve the global coverage of digital observatories by deploying digital magnetometer systems in: i) Observatories where existing analog recording equipment is in need of upgrading. ii) Newly established digital observatories. iii) Existing digital observatories for the purpose of quality control and redundancy. In implementing the project and selecting suitable sites, special attention is paid to parts of the Earth devoid of magnetic observatories, increasing the reliability and long-term operation of existing observatories and cost-effective use of local resources. The Poster reviews the current status of the project. We examine the different steps and initiatives taken since the initiation of INDIGO in 2004 and assess their effectiveness in achieving progress towards our aims of improving global coverage and enhanced data quality