bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In silico advancement of Aspergillus niger gluconic acid hyperproduction recommends plans for switching acid productivity
Authors: Habib Aiman , Muhammad Sher , Naveed Khalid , Huma Tayyaba , Shah Asad Ali , Rashid Kamran , Hussain Khadim , Ahmed Temoor , Ismail Muhammad , Manzoor Irfan , Faisal Muhammad , Aladhadh Mohammed 
Published: February 2025

Background: Non-toxic, non-volatile organic acid, gluconic acid (pentahydroxycaproic acid) is found in abundance in honey and plants and in wines. Gluconic acid and its salts are used widely in food, feed, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and many other industries.Methods: In the current investigation, Aspergillus niger was utilized for Gluconic acid production in submerged fermentation. Furthermore, for Gluconic acid hyperproduction, the fungus Aspergillus niger was exposed to MNNG (100 µg/ml) for 15 minutes. Aspergillus niger strain (parent and mutant) was tested and identified for its capability of producing gluconic acid. We finished the molecular identification, in which we extracted the DNA from the A. niger and amplified its ITS region using specific primers. We further sequenced the amplified product and created a phylogenetic tree employing the MEGA6 software.Results: The tree results showed that our target sequence has 100% identity with Aspergillus niger, which proved that the isolated strain belongs to the Aspergillus genera. In addition, factors related to the production of gluconic acid were confirmed by cultivating the mutant strain A. niger (MG1) and the parent strain under several conditions. These included varying the pH (4-7), temperature (30-40°C), and the concentration of the carbon source (40-100 g/l). The outcomes displayed that the best pH was 5. The most favorable temperature was 30°C, and maximum production occurred at a carbon source concentration of 100 g/l, for both mutant and parent strains.Conclusion: This study shows how microbial strains and substrates could be used to attain cost-effective hyperproduction of gluconic acid to achieve objectives of industrial significance. Keywords: Gluconic Acid; Aspergillus niger; Hyper-production; Mutation; Molecular identification; Sequencing
Immunohistochemical expression of Annexin A2 and Annexin A6 in a random sample group of Iraqi women with triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Sulaiman Hadjir Saad , Gaidan Hiba Ahmed , Zamil Raghad Hanoon 
Published: February 2025

Background: Breast cancer represents the most common and the first leading cause of cancer-associated deaths in Iraqi women. It is a heterogeneous disease with different subtypes; one of these subtypes is triple-negative (basal-like) breast cancer, which is characterized by a distinctive molecular profile, aggressive clinical behavior, and the absence of targeted therapies. Annexin A2 and Annexin A6 are part of the Annexin protein family; these proteins have a suggested role in the evolution and progression of many cancer types, including breast cancer. Evaluation of the immunohistochemical expression of Annexin A2 and Annexin A6 in triple-negative subtype) in a random sample group of Iraqi women patients and correlating the results with clinicopathological parameters, including tumor grade and stage.Methods: The current study was conducted in Baghdad /Iraq, in which forty paraffin-embedded blocks of breast tissue from women patients diagnosed with breast cancer were collected and selected to be triple-negative breast cancer. Immunohistochemical staining of Annexin A2 and Annexin A6 markers was performed for this sample with a correlation of the results with clinicopathological parameters, including tumor grade and stage.Results: The study demonstrates a significant association between Annexin A2 and Annexin A6 expression and a significant association between Annexin A2 expression and tumor grade and stage in triple-negative breast cancer in this group of Iraqi patients.Conclusions: This study displays the role of Annexin A2 and Annexin A6 in triple-negative breast cancer and suggests the role of Annexin A2 in the progression, metastasis, and prognosis of this special type of breast cancer by its association with advanced tumor grade and stage.Keywords: Annexin A2; Annexin A6; triple-negative; Breast cancer
Study role of gold and silver nanoparticles on antibacterial activity and lung cancer cell line (A549)
Authors: Alkharsan Noor , Al-Laith Zainab Naser , Masoodi Sura Z. Al , Al-Ibrahem Nibras 
Published: February 2025

Background: This study will evaluate gold and silver nanoparticles' antibacterial action against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and synergistic effects on the human lung epithelial cell line A549 lung cancer cell line.Methods: Gold and silver nanoparticles (33-40 nm) were obtained from Nanomaterials at quantities of 5, 15, 25, and 35 µg mL⁻¹. The University of Kerbala Biology Department donated bacterial isolates for this investigation. Clinical specimens yielded Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus isolates. Vitek-2 confirmed isolate identities and antibiotic susceptibility. Lung cancer was studied using A549 lung cancer cells from a 58-year-old Caucasian male's lung tissue.Results: The results show that nano-gold complexes are more effective than silver nanoparticles against lung cancer. Gold nanoparticles exhibit a significant inhibitory concentration of 35 µg/ml, culminating in a 55 µg/ml anti-cancer effect, while silver nanoparticles have a maximum inhibition of 49 µg/ml. At a concentration of 35 µg/ml, gold nanoparticles inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a 29 mm zone.No significant difference in cell growth inhibition was seen at lower dosages of 5, 15, and 25 µg/ml. The treatment's antioxidant and cytoprotective characteristics reduce paracetamol-induced oxidative stress, explaining this lack of difference. These findings imply that gold nanoparticles may protect against oxidative damage and cancer.Conclusion: The cytotoxic effects of gold (AuNPs) and silver (AgNPs) on A549 human lung cancer cells were different. At 35 µg/mL, AuNPs inhibited cell growth by 55%, while AgNPs showed a 49% inhibition rate. AuNPs were more effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa than Staphylococcus aureus than AgNPs. These findings show that AuNPs may be useful in anticancer and antibacterial therapy, depending on nanoparticle concentration and target specificity. Keywords: Gold; Silver nanoparticles; Lung cancer; Staphylococcus aureus; Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Prevalence of Microbial Contamination and Aflatoxins (B1) in Flour Producing Silos
Authors: Ibrahim Iman Khaleel , Yassen Kadhim Hashim , Alzubaidi Lubna 
Published: February 2025

Background: The microbial growth and fungal growth associated with the process of storing and grinding wheat is one of the main reasons affecting consumer health. The current study aimed to measure bacterial, fungal and mycotoxins prevalence in Iraqi silos and mills, which May affect the health of silo workers and public health.Methods: The study included 40 samples of local wheat grains and 40 samples of wheat flour were collected randomly for the summer seasons from 4 silos in Baghdad, Maysan silo and Al- Basra silos in the south, and Erbil silo and Kirkuk silo in the northern region during July and August 2022.Results: The results of the study showed the spread of many types of pathological spores that were isolated from wheat flour and local wheat, and also the chemical analysis indicated the presence of mycotoxins the following silos (Al-Dora, Al-Taji, Al-Khan, Maysan, Al- Basra, Kirkuk) in a percentage affecting human health.Conclusions: The statistical analysis data shows significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) for local wheat and local flour, the temperature and moisture associated with storage and grind respectively, most specimens of domestic wheat and the flour produced from them contain more total coliforms and fungi than the permissible limit.Keywords: Temperature; Moisture; Microorganisms; B1 Aflatoxin
Significance of miR-122 -and miR- 150 in the pathogenicity of hepatitis B infection
Authors: Al-Maliki Lamiaa , Issa Yasir W. , Salih Shahlaa M. 
Published: February 2025

Background: HBV, a contagious infection, causes chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular cancer in many people. The WHO estimates that 2 billion people are exposed to HBV annually, depending on when. The Hepadnaviridae family virus has an unfinished 3.2-kilobase double-stranded DNA molecule. Increased ALT, AST, and HBsAg positive or HBV DNA viral load are used to identify the illness. Despite global immunization campaigns, nations with low vaccination coverage and no diagnosis remain concerned. The worldwide HBV burden remains high. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) bind to mRNAs after transcription to govern gene expression, hepatitis B virus replication, and extracellular matrix development.Methods: Sixty six Iraqi HBV patients were involved in a case-sectional control study. From September 2021 to February 2022, blood samples were taken from Al-Yarmook Teaching Hospital and Central Public Health Laboratory in Baghdad. ELISA verified HBV markers, HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, and HBcAb in all samples, and real-time PCR estimated viral load from DNA. The research found that miR122 and miR150 gene expressions affect HBV fibrosis severity.Results: The gene expression of miR-122 and miR-150 was found using RT-PCR after normalization with Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), a common housekeeping gene. The analysis of variance found substantial differences between patients and controls. The research found a considerable downregulation of miRNA-122 and miRNA-150 in HBV-infected individuals.Conclusions: Depending on HBV severity, miRNA levels may vary. HBV patients, especially those with fibrosis and chronic HBV, have reduced miR122 and miR150. MiR-122 and miR-150 may be interesting HBV diagnostic, fibrosis progression, and therapeutic targets.Keywords: Hepatitis B virus; MicroRNAs (miRNAs); RT-PCR; Primers; Gene expression; Liver disease
Neutropenic fever in patients with Hematologic Malignancies: Microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility
Authors: Al-Shawy Huda A. , Jumaa Ali K. 
Published: February 2025

Background: Neutropenic fever is a life-threatening complication for patients with hematological malignancies during the course of their management. Early and precise detection of causative microorganisms are crucial. The purpose of this study was to identify the spectrum of these microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility.Methods: A total of 58 patients with proven hematological malignancies at The Basrah Center for Oncology and Hematology were included. Blood samples were inoculated into bottles of Bract/Alert blood culture system and sent to the reference lab for study. Culture from positive bottles were plated on appropriate media, and incubated at 37°C and 30°C for bacterial and fungal isolation, respectively. A bacterial suspension with turbidity equal to 0.5 McFarland (1.5 × 108 CFU/mL) was prepared and used for the Vitec2 system (bioMerieux). Statistical analysis using SPSS software version 26 was used for statistical analysis.Results: Among 58 patients with approved hematologic malignancies, 29.31% (n:17) samples established positive blood culture. Of them, 9 were gram-negative (15.52%) and 4 were gram-positive bacteria (6.89%), 1 was gram-positive bacillus facultative anaerobe (1.73) and, 3 patients (5.17%) showed fungemia.Conclusion: Thirty- five % of the samples studied were culture-positive. The most frequent microorganisms were gram-positive bacteria. CRP is a useful predictor of mortality for febrile neutropenic patients.Keywords: Neutropenic fever; Blood culture; Chemotherapy; hematologic malignancies
In Silico Analysis of CYP1B1 Gene Mutations in Pakistani Families Reveals Structural and Functional Characteristics
Authors: Shan Muhammad Adnan , Munir Maha , Khan Muhammad Umer , Rehman Raima , Zahid Tazeen , Ullah Muhammad Ikram , Khan Samiullah , Mohammed Alameen Ayman Ali , Farhana Aisha 
Published: February 2025

Background: Mutations in the CYP1B1 gene have been associated with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG), a developmental visual disorder. CYP1B1 mutations have been linked to increased lipid peroxidation and abnormalities in trabecular meshwork. In this study, protein modeling was utilized to analyze the pathogenicity of hotspot mutations in the CYP1B1 gene in Pakistani families with PCG.Methods: A comprehensive literature survey was conducted to identify CYP1B1 mutations in Pakistani Patients. Ensemble was used to identify missense mutations. 3-D modeling of the mutants was done using I-Tasser. Potential deleterious effects and pathogenicity were evaluated using PolyPhen-2. The effects of amino acid substitutions on protein function were assessed using SIFT analysis, scoring pathogenic mutations from 0.0 to 1.0 in decreasing order. The secondary structure of the mutated protein was predicted using PSIRED. MusiteDeep server identified potential phosphorylation sites, while Pfam database examined the potentially mutated domains. The potential effects on other genes were evaluated using Gene MANIA server and STRING databasesResults: A total of 5 hotspot mutations—4 missense (c.716C>G/p. A115P, c.988G>T/p. A330F, c.355G>T/p. A119S, and c.1058C>T/p. E229K) and 1 frameshift mutation (c.1325delC/p. P442Efs*15)—were identified among Pakistani patients. A119S was the most common mutation. 3-D modeling of the mutant proteins using i-Tasser revealed the global topology of the variants. Moreover, the phylogenetic tree of the CYP1B1 gene revealed its closest association with Phodopus roborovskii. Secondary structure of the mutant had six alpha helices, six coils, and six extracellular structures. Potential phosphorylation was identified in two nsSNP residues.Conclusion: This in silico analysis contributes to understanding the structural and functional implications of CYP1B1 gene mutations. These insights can potentially help in the development of new targeted and personalized treatments for PCG patients.Keywords: Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG); Missense mutation; In silico Analysis
Bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soil by xylanase enzyme
Authors: Abdulhussein Hassan Muslem , Muslim Sahira Nsayef , Muslem Wafaa Hassan 
Published: February 2025

Background: The global spread of petrochemical and petroleum contamination, such as petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs), is currently a significant environmental risk. The global biosphere is badly harmed by these pollutants, and biodiversity is significantly reduced. This study was to screen for xylanase synthesis in Pseudomonas spp. and evaluate its efficiency as a bioremediator in removal of hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon-contaminated soil.Methods: Soil samples from Al-Dora oil plant Baghdad, Iraq, were cultured in nutritional agar medium containing 0.5% of corn cob xylan for determination of xylanase producers and measuring of xylanase activity, after that xylanaseproducers were identified. The xylanase was purified with DEAE-cellulose chromatography and the percentage of hydrocarbon degradation was calculated after treatment of hydrocarbon-contaminated soil with purified xylanase and detection of hydrocarbon degradation percentage.Results: Pseudomonas putida had the highest productivity for xylanase in comparison with other Pseudomonas species such as Pseudomonas syringae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which revealed lower levels in xylanase production. Ammonium salt saturation and ion exchange chromatography were used to purify the xylanase enzyme on a DEAE-cellulose column with ultimate recovery of 43% and 4.3 fold of purification. With pure xylanase, hydrocarbons degraded over time, peaking after two weeks and then progressively diminishing.Conclusions: Pseudomonas putida is the best producer foe xylanase than other species. The purified xylanase led to removal of hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon-contaminated soil with time increasing manner until maximum removal after 15 days. Authors recommend using xylanase for cleaning up of oil-contaminated areas. Therefore, employing microorganisms as biological tools may be a more feasible way to handle one of the most serious issues in modern society which might be a more workable and affordable way to minimize waste and preserve natural resources.Keywords: Petroleum hydrocarbons; Pseudomonas putida; Xylanase; Bioremediation; Soil contamination
Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells: a potential therapy in an autoimmune hepatitis rat model
Authors: Sultan Nagia , Saadeldin Ramadhan Wafaa , Alkarim Saleh 
Published: February 2025

Background: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is becoming more common worldwide. The therapy choices for AIH are still limited, with unfavorable side effects resulting in patients with a low quality of life. This study aims to study the therapeutic role of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on AIH in the rat model.Methods: Twenty-nine white Wistar rats were used for a total of 53 days. Four groups were set up; Group I (5 rats) was used as the negative control (CON). Group II (24 rats) was administered Concanavalin A (Con A) 20 mg/kg ip once a week for five consecutive weeks. Sixteen rats from group II were divided among groups III and IV after stoppage of Con A and injected with 2 x106 BM-MSCs via tail vein. Group III (TTT-12) rats were sacrificed after 12 days and Group IV (TTT-18) after 18 days. Morphological, biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical studies were conducted.Results: The administration of BM-MSCs lowered elevated serum levels of AST by 47% after 12 days and 19% after 18 days whereas the level of ALT decreased by 13% and 20.8%in group Con A. Serum inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) increased in the Con A group were decreased in treated groups by 27% and 23% in TTT-12 and 22.8% and 1.8% in TTT-18. In group TTT-12, the area of Kupffer cells immunostained with CD68 was significantly reduced by 72%, whereas the BM-MSCs immunostained with CD44 were more intense by increasing by 257%. The therapeutic effect of BM-MSCs in group TTT-12 exceeded that in TTT-18 decreasing liver enzymes, inflammation and fibrosis, and restoring liver structure.Conclusions: BM-MSCs achieved a considerable short-term improvement in the AIH model; however, repeated injections were necessary to achieve a sustained therapeutic effect.Keywords: Liver; Autoimmunity; MSCs; Inflammatory cytokines; CD68; CD44; Histopathology
Potential application of the D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO) inhibitor sodium benzoate for individuals experiencing psychological stress after traumatic events
Authors: Lin Shih-Hsien , Abdullah Muhammad , Huang Li-Chung , Yang Yen Kuang 
Published: February 2025

Preventing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is harmful in terms of human resources and burdens society, is an urgent issue. The glutamatergic system, a newly-identified target site of recent pharmacological interventions for various mental disorders, could be a potential pathway. A recent study confirmed that sodium benzoate, which is a D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO) inhibitor that is used as a safe food additive, is therapeutically effective for certain mental disorders. Studies also indicated a medium effect size on the perceived stress and 28%-61% reduction of panic symptoms. Hereby, we propose a novel clinically oriented medical idea: “proper use of sodium benzoate in the preparation of rations for individuals with mental disorders who will be or are currently exposed to stressors could be a feasible method for preventing PTSD and other associated mental disorders”. While this idea remains to be tested, its application could be helpful for rescue workers or victims of disaster.Keywords: Amino Acid Oxidase (DAAO) Inhibitor; Glutamate; Immune Response; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); Ration; Sodium Benzoate
Understanding the Role of Genetics in Tumour and Cancer Biology
Authors: Asiri Abdulaziz Mohammed , Al Ali Amer , H. Abu-Alghayth Mohammed 
Published: February 2025

The interplay between genetics and cancer has been a focal point of research for decades, leading to profound understandings into the molecular mechanisms driving tumorigenesis. In this comprehensive review article, we explore the genetic basis of cancer, encompassing the diverse array of alterations that underline oncogenic transformation. From oncogenes to tumor suppressor genes, and from point mutations to chromosomal rearrangements, we delve into the molecular hallmarks of cancer and their implications for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Drawing on recent advancements in genomic technologies, we discuss the role of next-generation sequencing, single-cell sequencing, and computational modeling in unraveling the complexity of cancer genetics. Furthermore, we examine the clinical implications of genetic predisposition to cancer, highlighting the importance of genetic testing and counselling in cancer risk assessment and management. Through an exploration of tumor heterogeneity, clonal evolution, and therapeutic resistance, we underscore the challenges and opportunities in precision oncology. Finally, we discuss future directions in cancer genetics research, including precision prevention strategies and ethical considerations.Keywords: Cancer Genetics; Oncogenes; Tumor Suppressor Genes; Genetic Alterations; Precision Oncology; Clonal Evolution
Structure-based multitargeted screening of bioactive compounds of Catharanthus roseus against breast cancer
Authors: Asiri Abdulaziz , Ali Amer Al Al , Abu-Alghayth Mohammed H. 
Published: February 2025

Background: Breast cancer (BC) remains a major global challenge, with current treatments targeting hormone receptors with partial agonists/antagonists that frequently cause side effects and resistance.Methods: This study investigates bioactive compounds of Catharanthus roseus as potential EGFR and ERα inhibitors. Protein-ligand interactions, which are important in drug design, were assessed using the PyRx 0.8 virtual screening tool. The LOTUS database was used to generate a bioactive compound library (N = 291) of C. roseus constituents. The physiochemical properties of selected hits were investigated to identify lead-like compounds.Result: Among the screened compounds, five compounds namely, LTS0049153, LTS0192836, LTS0084120, LTS0052616, and LTS0199033 exhibited strong binding to ERα and EGFR, and interacted with key amino acid residues of ERα and EGFR proteins. These compounds have favorable physiochemical properties and meet Lipinski's criteria.Conclusion: The compounds LTS0049153, LTS0192836, LTS0084120, LTS0052616, and LTS0199033 can be used as ERα and EGFR inhibitors for BC treatment. However, more experimental validation is needed to optimize these compounds as ERα and EGFR inhibitors.Keywords: Breast cancer; EGFR; Erα; Virtual screening; Drug likeness