Organophosphorus insecticide and growth regulator namely Ethephon (2-chloroethylphosphonic acid) are widely used as a ripening process accelerator and a cultivation duration inhibitor. Pomegranate extract (PPE) has recently been taken into consideration due to its pharmacological effects especially those associated with renal diseases. Thus, this study aims to investigate the possible protective effect of PPE against ethephon-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. In this study four groups of adult male rats were divided into control group, PPE 400 mg/kg group, Ethephon 250 mg/kg group, and finally, PPE + Ethephon group (treated with the same dose of PPE group and Ethephon group). In the current study, kidney function parameters (KIM-1, creatinine, and urea) along with oxidative stress markers, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), glutathione (GSH) and its correlated enzymes, nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT) were estimated. Additionally, mediators of renal inflammation: interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were measured. Apoptotic biomarkers (Bax, caspase 3, and Bcl2) in addition to renal histopathological data were also investigated. Results revealed that Ethephon elicited a significant increase in oxidation markers and reduced antioxidant levels, accompanied by oxidative renal tissue injury. Consequently, administration of Ethephon was reported to provoke secretion of the pro-inflammatory mediators. Moreover, histopathological results showed that deformities in the renal tissues were noticed which is attributed to Ethephon exposure. Interestingly, co-administration of PPE and Ethephon resulted in significantly ameliorated the biochemical and histopathological alterations produced by Ethephon. Current results propose the potential effect of PPE in the protection of renal tissue from Ethephon induced nephrotoxicity in rats.
A Wearable Robotic Knee (WRK) is a mobile device designed to assist disabled individuals in moving freely in undefined environments without external support. An advanced controller is required to track the output trajectory of a WRK device in order to resolve uncertainties that are caused by modeling errors and external disturbances. During the performance of a task, disturbances are caused by changes in the external load and dynamic work conditions, such as by holding weights while performing the task. The aim of this study is to address these issues and enhance the performance of the output trajectory tracking goal using an adaptive robust controller based on the Radial Basis Function (RBF) Neural Network (NN) system and Hamilton
... Show Morecharge transfer complex formed by interaction between the p- aminodiphenylamine (PADPA) as electron donor with iodine as electron acceptor in ethanol at 250C as evidenced by color change and absorption. The spectrum obtained from complex PADPA – Iodine shows absorptions bands at 586 nm. All the variables which affected on the stability of complex were studies such as temperature, pH, time and concentration of acceptor. The linearity of the method was observed within a concentration rang (10–165) mg.L-1 and with a correlation coefficient (0.9996), while the molar absorbitivity and sandell sensitivity were (4643.32) L.mol-1.cm-1 and (0.0943) μg.cm-2, respectively. The adsorption of complex PADPA–I2 was studied using adsorbent surfaces
... Show MoreBackground: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death worldwide. Objective: To determine of coronary care unit nurses' knowledge regarding patient rehabilitation after myocardial infarction. Methodology: A cross- sectional study was designed in the Cardiac Care Unit of Al-Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital and the Specialized Center for Cardiac Surgery and Catheterization for the period from (November 7, 2022) to (May 12, 2023). A non-probability (purposive) sample consisting of (75 nurses) working in the above-mentioned study site. To determination of coronary care unit Nurses' knowledge regarding patient rehabilitation after myocardial infarction, the researcher used a tool that consists of two parts: The first part:
... Show MoreNo. Due to their apparently extreme optical to X-ray properties, Narrow Line Seyfert 1s (NLSy1s) have been considered a special class of active galactic nuclei (AGN). Here, we summarize observational results from different groups to conclude that none of the characteristics that are typically used to define the NLSy1s as a distinct group – from the, nowadays called, Broad Line Seyfert 1s (BLSy1s) – is unique, nor ubiquitous of these particular sources, but shared by the whole Type 1 AGN. Historically, the NLSy1s have been distinguished from the BLSy1s by the narrow width of the broad Hb emission line. The upper limit on the full width at half maximum of this line is 2000kms−1 for NLSy1s, while in BLSy1s it can be of several thousands
... Show MorePolyacrylonitrile nanofiber (PANFS), a well-known polymers, has been extensively employed in the manufacturing of carbon nanofibers (CNFS), which have recently gained substantial attention due to their excellent features, such as spinnability, environmental friendliness, and commercial feasibility. Because of their high carbon yield and versatility in tailoring the final CNFS structure, In addition to the simple formation of ladder structures through nitrile polymerization to yield stable products, CNFS and PAN have been the focus of extensive research as potential production precursors. For instance, the development of biomedical and high-performance composites has now become achievable. PAN homopolymer or PAN-based precursor copolymer can
... Show MoreThe main objective of this paper is to study the behavior of Non-Prismatic Reinforced Concrete (NPRC) beams with and without rectangular openings either when exposed to fire or not. The experimental program involves casting and testing 9 NPRC beams divided into 3 main groups. These groups were categorized according to heating temperature (ambient temperature, 400°C, and 700°C), with each group containing 3 NPRC beams (solid beams and beams with 6 and 8 trapezoidal openings). For beams with similar geometry, increasing the burning temperature results in their deterioration as reflected in their increasing mid-span deflection throughout the fire exposure period and their residual deflection after cooling. Meanwhile, the existing ope
... Show MoreSphingolipids (SLs) are major structural constituents of eukaryotes, including the kinetoplastid parasite Leishmania. SLs are important for cellular trafficking and signaling and participate in different cell functions, such as, differentiation and cell death (apoptosis). In this study we have investigated the viability of Leishmania major wild type (W.T) and L. major knockout LmLCB2, one of two subunits of serine palmitoyl transferase (SPT) after treatment with myriocin (potent inhibitor of SPT) in order to detect the survival and proliferation of the parasites in vitro. This is to focus on the de novo sphingolipids biosynthesis pathway in both Leishmania wild type which can synthesize SPT and knockout Leishmania which genetically ablated
... Show MoreThe challenge to incorporate usability evaluation values and practices into agile development process is not only persisting but also systemic. Notable contributions of researchers have attempted to isolate and close the gaps between both fields, with the aim of developing usable software. Due to the current absence of a reference model that specifies where and how usability activities need to be considered in the agile development process. This paper proposes a model for identifying appropriate usability evaluation methods alongside the agile development process. By using this model, the development team can apply usability evaluations at the right time at the right place to get the necessary feedback from the end-user. Verificatio
... Show More