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Bio 252/254: Genetics Fall 2026, Brian White

OER Textbooks

Bio 252/254 Genetics Fall 2026

This work was created by UMass Boston Professor Brian White using the support and funding from the OER Faculty Incentive Grant Program. This book is also available on LibreTexts, and can be viewed at this link: https://bio.libretexts.org/Courses/University_of_Massachusetts_Boston/Bio_252_254%3A_Genetics

Table of Contents:

• Front Matter (opens in new tab)
• 1: SPOC I - DNA and Chromosome Structure (opens in new tab)
• 2: SPOC II- Genomes (opens in new tab)
• 3: SPOC III - Mitosis and Meiosis (opens in new tab)
• 4: SPOC IV - DNA Replication (opens in new tab)
• 5: SPOC V - Transcription and mRNA Processing …

Cold Plasma Seed Treating And Plasma-Activated Water: An Innovative, Sustainable Method To Improve Salinity Tolerance And Crop Yields In Sweet Pepper (Capsicum Annuum L.), Sura Muayad Abdul Majeed, Mushtak F. Karomi Kisko

Baghdad Science Journal

This study evaluated the efficacy of cold plasma (CP) and plasma-activated water (PAW) in mitigating salinity stress on sweet pepper. Seeds were exposed to CP for durations of 0, 60, and 180 seconds, then irrigated with saline solutions at 0, 4, and 8 dS/m NaCl, and sprayed with tap water, potassium nitrate, or PAW. Results showed that increased salinity significantly hindered plant growth and fruit yield. i.e. declines were observed in leaf area, shoot dry weight, and productivity, by 18.67%, 19.11%, and 17.56%, respectively, at an 8 dS/m salinity level compared to non-salinity conditions. CP treatment significantly alleviated these adverse …

Study Of Tissue Granzyme A & B And Their Relationship To Some Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines In Iraqi Patients With Ulcerative Colitis, Braihan Hamdi Hameed, Summer Saad Abdalhusian, Naser Elias Khudhur, Ekhlas Saddam Falih

Baghdad Science Journal

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an idiopathic inflammatory disorder of the colon and the most prevalent form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) worldwide. Cytotoxic T cells are one of the most important cells in the immunopathogenesis of IBD. These cells produce serine protease granzymes that initiate an apoptotic cascade that may contribute to intestinal tissue damage in IBD. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the tissue mRNA expression and serum levels of Granzyme A and Granzyme B in UC patients and to investigate their association with the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and Oncostatin M. A total of 80 Iraqi individuals were …

Integrated Application Of Hydrogen Sulphide And Gibberellic Acid Enhances Salinity Stress Tolerance In Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.), Houneida Attia, Khalid H. Alamer

Baghdad Science Journal

This study investigated the role of exogenously applied hydrogen sulfide (HS; 50 μM) and gibberellic acid (GA; 200 mg L¹) in alleviating salt stress (100 mM NaCl) in wheat. The applied HS and GA significantly improved plant height, biomass, chlorophyll and carotenoids, with the highest enhancement under their combined application. Salt stress markedly increased hydrogen peroxide, methylglyoxal, lipid peroxidation, lipoxygenase and NADPH oxidase, whereas HS and GA treatment reduced these effects. Both HS and GA further enhanced proline and sugar accumulation, increased γ -glutamyl kinase activity, and decreased proline oxidase. Activities of antioxidant enzymes and the glyoxalase …

Optimization Of Methane Production From Poultry Slaughterhouse Wastewater With Hydraulic Retention Time And Biochar Addition Using Response Surface Methodology, Juniarti Manova Hasibuan, Rita Purwasih, Bambang Haryanto, Dessy Ariyanti, Alfian Destomo, Agung Purnomoadi, Sutaryo Sutaryo

Baghdad Science Journal

Processing poultry slaughterhouse wastewater as a biogas substrate is a sustainable solution. The current study aimed to optimize methane production from poultry slaughterhouse wastewater at various hydraulic retention times, biochar addition levels, and biochar addition types. Optimization of the anaerobic digestion process was determined through response surface methodology with central composite design. The input variables were hydraulic retention times (10, 20, and 30 days), biochar levels (5, 10, and 15 g/L), and biochar types (chicken litter and rice straw). Meanwhile, the response variable was methane production. The results revealed that the resulting central composite design model was significant (p < 0.05) with an R-squared of 0.94, indicating a high model suitability. The analysis of variance showed that hydraulic retention times, biochar levels, and biochar types significantly affected methane production (p < 0.05). Based on optimization, the highest methane production was achieved at a 30-day hydraulic retention times, a biochar level of 15 g/L, and a biochar type of rice straw, which was 473.00 mL/g volatile solid. These results emphasize the importance of determining the correct hydraulic retention times and biochar addition (level and type) to optimize methane production.

Expression Of Some Tumor Immune Microenvironment Markers In Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma With And Without Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Aqeel Abbas Alo, Dildar Haji Musa, Intisar Salim Pity

Baghdad Science Journal

Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common type of thyroid cancer, and its development has been increasingly associated with the tumor immune microenvironment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of FOXP3+ regulatory T cells, CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and CD138+ plasma cells in papillary thyroid carcinoma, and their correlation with clinicopathological parameters and their relation to Hashimoto's thyroiditis. 44 of papillary thyroid carcinoma cases were retrieved from archives; 25 patients had multinodular goitre, and 19 patients had Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Clinical and pathological data were collected from patient files, archival data, and relevant histopathological reports. These were …

The Use Of Schanginia Arbuscula Seeds As An Adsorbent For The Removal Of Congo Red And Eosin-Y Dyes, Ali K. Al-Muttairi

Baghdad Science Journal

Water is a crucial element for human prosperity, and maintaining clean and safe water is crucial for survival, and due to the continuous human activities, the water is being drastically polluted. These pollutants require treatment to reduce or remove them, and from the different types of water treatment methods, adsorption is considered a fast, affordable, and easy to apply method. In this study, the ability of Schanginia arbuscula seeds as an adsorbent to remove two dyes, which are congo red (C.R.) dye and eosin Y (E.Y.) dye was tested, at first, the characterization of the adsorbent was studied by using …

Skeletal Abnormalities In Two Freshwater Fishes From Iraq, Fatema Ali Al Fatle, Sura Abdul Munaff Abdul Wahab, Hind Dyia Hadi, Laith A. Jawad

Baghdad Science Journal

This research addresses skeletal deformities in two freshwater fish species, namely the common carp, Cyprinus carpio, and Leuciscus vorax (also known as the Tigris asp), sampled from two Iraqi sites: The Euphrates River, Lake Al-Tharthar, and the Tigris River near Al-Zubaydiyah City. High-resolution digital radiography was used to detect skeletal deformities in 40 specimens (20 specimens per species). Five different types of deformities were observed in C. carpio: abdominal rib deformity (13.6% of the deformed specimens), ankylosis (18.8%), caudal fin ray deformity (4.6%), kyphosis (4.6%), and vertebral deformity (4.6%). In L. vorax, three categories were observed: caudal …

Exploring Evolution As A Unifying Theme In The General Biology For Majors Course Sequence, While Iteratively Examining Attitudes And Decisions About Learning: An Application Of Lonergan’S Transcendental Method, Christine E. Gray

San Jose - Lonergan Chair in Catholic Philosophy

As I reflect upon my journey as an educator, I recognize it has been shaped, in large part, by my own foundational roots in the Catholic Liberal Arts tradition. As I prepare for another academic year, I find myself, once again, considering how my pedagogical practice can better meet my students “where they are” in my General Biology for Majors I and II courses. Since that “place” is shaped by a student’s prior experiences, both in and out of the classroom, I also recognize that “place” is unique for each student. This is precisely why each term pushes me to …

Effect Of Partial Ablation Of Skeletal Dynamin Related Protein 1 On Mitochondrial Health, Inflammation, And Fibrosis In A Mouse Model Of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Tessa L. Duzz

Graduate Masters Theses

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle weakness, degeneration, fibrosis, and impaired muscle regeneration. Mitochondrial dysfunction is an early pathological feature of DMD and has been linked to excessive mitochondrial fission. Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) is a central regulator of mitochondrial fission, a key process in regulating mitochondrial quality and function. Inhibition of Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission has shown promise as a potential therapeutic target for alleviating pathology and dysfunction in dystrophic muscle. The objective of this study was to determine whether partial skeletal muscle-specific ablation of Drp1 could improve muscle pathology and mitochondrial health in …

Diagnostic Assessment Of Blood Parasites In Tick-Infested Horses (Ixodidae In Iraq: A Comparative Survey Between Microscopic Inspection And Elisa Technique, Wasan Addai Al-Marsomy

Baghdad Science Journal

Ticks (Ixodidae) are a major vector for many parasites that cause considerable diseases in horses; the most prominent are tick fever or bloody urine fever, which is caused by Babesia or Piroplasmosis, which is found inside red blood cells, leading to blood loss or hemolytic anemia, or Theileria parasite, affecting lymphocytes and erythrocytes, and other parasites, such microorganisms negatively impact in immunity of equines. This study involved the collection of blood samples (75) from horses; samples were divided into two groups: the first group (40) cases infested with a tick parasite and the second group (35) healthy horses. Specimens were …

A Comparative Study Of Ladxs1 Gene Expression In Four Lavandula Angustifolia Callus Treatments, Sumaya F. Hamad, Zainab O. Salman, Emad H. Jassim, Bushra M. J. Alwash, Zainab Anwar Ali

Baghdad Science Journal

The current study was conducted to compare and evaluate the increasing or decreasing levels of LaDXS1 ``1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase'' gene expression of four treatments of callus initiate on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) with various application of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and Benzyl adenine (BA) from leaves of Lavandula Angustifolia consider one of species used for oil extraction through total RNA extraction from callus for the four treatments then reverse-transcribed to complementary DNA (cDNA) then amplified by RT-qPCR technique as a relative quantitation method .The results demonstrated that gene expression of LaDXS1 was varied between treatments. The highest gene expression of …

Genotyping Of Echinococcus Granulosus And Evaluation Of Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract As A Novel Protoscolicidal Agent, Hersh Ahmad Amin, Hoshyar Abdullah Azeez, Sirwan Muhsin Muhammed Ameen

Baghdad Science Journal

Cystic echinococcosis is a globally prevalent zoonotic infection, including in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. It arises when Echinococcus granulosus eggs are ingested, leading to the larval stages that mainly effect the internal organs of humans and livestocks. This study aimed to explore the genetic variability and sequence polymorphisms of E. granulosus and to evaluate the protoscolicidal potential of Moringa oleifera leaf extract. Protoscoleces PSCs were isolated from hydatid cysts collected from infected humans, sheep, cattle and goat. Among the 73 hydatid cysts examined, 63 (86.3%) were fertile. DNA was extracted from PSCs, the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 ( …

Biochemical And Histological Assessment Of Oral Wound Healing Using Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles-Hyaluronic Acid Composite Gel In Rat Models, Shahida Rasoul Husain, Amal Hanna Aziz, Treefa Farouq Ismail

Baghdad Science Journal

Oral wound healing is a complex biological process involving coordinated inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases. Recent advances in nanotechnology and biomaterials have highlighted the potential of composite formulations to enhance tissue repair. This study aimed to evaluate the biochemical and histological effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and hyaluronic acid (HA) composite gel on oral wound healing in rat models. Green-synthesized ZnO NPs, prepared using Cinnamomum zeylanicum extract, were gradually incorporated into methylcellulose (MC) and commercially available HA gels. The physicochemical characterization of the composite gel was assessed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy …

Phytochemical Screening And Antioxidant Potential Of Glycyrrhiza Glabra L. Extract And Silver Nanoparticles Against Aspergillus Spp., Sakar Abdulqadr Saheed, Badr Qader Ismael

Baghdad Science Journal

Medicinal plants continue to be a source of antifungal agents, and the green synthesis of nanoparticles has enhanced the bioactive potential of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. In the present study, ultrasonic-assisted chloroform- and ethanol-extracted leaves & roots were prepared, whereas aqueous extracts were used for green synthesis of Ag NPs. Phytochemical evaluation of the extract showed the availability of terpenoids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and resins. Formation of Ag NPs was confirmed by a UV–Vis plasmon resonance peak at 400–438 nm, FT-IR functional groups (O–H, C=O, and C–N), spherical morphology from FE-SEM, EDX signal of silver atoms, and fcc planes in …

Molecular Characterization And Genotypic Distribution Of Hepatitis B Virus Isolates In Iraq: Prevalence Of Drug Resistance Mutations, Omar Hamid Salman, Raghad Harbi Al-Azzawi

Baghdad Science Journal

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains one of the most pervasive viral threats worldwide, posing a significant risk to millions. Due to the absence of proofreading activity during reverse transcription, HBV exhibits a high genetic variability. To date, ten distinct HBV genotypes have been identified globally, associated with varying disease outcomes, including progression to cirrhosis and carcinoma, as well as responses to antivirals. Consequently, genotypic analysis and molecular characterization of HBV are critical for optimizing therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to investigate the distribution of HBV genotypes among Iraqi patients and to characterize their molecular profiles. Therefore, a modified protocol was …

Star Anise's Shield: How Illicium Verum Protects Dna From Oxidative Damage: An Integrated Experimental And Computational Study, Rafeef Amer Abdul-Jabar, Sabaa Ali Mohammed Al. Fadal, Anwar H. Ali

Baghdad Science Journal

Illicium verum, a star anise evergreen tree, is of great ethnopharmacological, medicinal, and biological interest. Objective: To develop an aqueous extract from its fruits and to evaluate its antioxidant potential, particularly in terms of DNA protection. The extraction method was straightforward; total phenolics (123 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (51.3 mg QE/g) were quantified, and antioxidant (DPPH radical scavenging and iron (III) reducing) properties determined. The total antioxidant capacity (TAE) of the extract was estimated, and its protectiveness on human genomic DNA was examined. In addition, an in silico computer docking simulation was conducted to describe the molecular interactions of …

Monitoring Of Plankton And The Symbiosis In Maintaining Fertility In Tropical Water, Luthfiana Aprilianita Sari, Fio Surya Pratama Semendo Panhar, Naufal Falatehan, Fitrul Azizi Firdaus, Octavia Kartika Sari, Nurul Ashikin Abdullah, Felipe Polivanov Ottoni, Sulastri Arsad, Veryl Hasan, Syifania Hanifah Samara

Baghdad Science Journal

Plankton serve as live food for aquatic organisms and are indicators of water fertility, which is related to its abundance and diversity. Some live feeds also form a symbiotic relationship with macroalgae, known as epiphytic plankton, which is found in estuarine waters. The Brondong estuary area, Brondong District, Lamongan, East Java, with abundant Caulerpa sp. macroalgae, exemplifies these characteristics. This study aimed to identify the abundance, diversity, uniformity, and dominance indices of zooplankton, epiphytic microalgae, phytoplankton, and chlorophyll a in the Brondong estuary. Given that research on identifying epiphytic plankton species attached to Caulerpa sp. is lacking, this study investigates …

Dung Removal And Tunneling Contributions: Ecomorphological Traits And Functional Performance Of Onthophagus Gazella And Onthophagus Ramosellus, Takhmina Nazir, Mubashar Hussain

Baghdad Science Journal

Dung beetles perform various functions in ecosystems, such as nutrient cycling, aeration of soil, and dung burial activities that increase soil properties. Genus Onthophagus is well known for its role in dung removal and decomposition. We appraised the role of Onthophagus ramosellus and Onthophagus gazella in dung removal under field conditions. Species-specific functional features like body size and dry body weight associate these dung beetle species with tunneling depth and dung removal. We installed mesocosms (18 cm height and 12 cm diameter) at three sites in district Gujrat, i.e., Chak, Chopala, and Kot Mir Hussain. Treatment groups used in the …

Study Of The Correlation Between Asprosin And Insulin Resistance In Obese And Normal-Weight Pcos Patients, Walaa Najm Abdulwahid, Reem M. Obaid

Baghdad Science Journal

Fatty tissue is considered an endocrine organ that produces a type of hormone called Adipokine; this hormone is specifically secreted by adipose tissues, such as asprosin. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal condition throughout the years of reproduction in females, manifesting with a significant frequency of decreased glucose tolerance, increased serum androgen levels, and type 2 diabetes among female sufferers who are overweight or obese. The current investigation included 120 PCOS patients (40 obese, 40 normal weight) and 40 healthy women; samples were collected from July to December 2024 at Kamal al-Samarrai Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq. Serum …

Different Chitinase Activity In Nutrient-Enriched Multi-Antagonistic Streptomyces Sp. And Trichoderma Sp. Against Root-Knot Nematodes Meloidogyne Sp., Tri Mujoko, Penta Suryaminarsih, Safira Rizka Lestari

Baghdad Science Journal

The threat of root-knot nematodes to horticultural and plantation crops is a grave concern. To combat this issue, using bacteria and fungi as biological control agents is an effective and efficient approach. This research aims to evaluate the efficacy of Streptomyces sp. strains PS23104 and Trichoderma sp. when grown on nutrient-enriched media as a biological control agent for root-knot nematodes Streptomyces sp. PS23104 and Trichoderma sp. were cultured on enriched EKG media with malt extract, glucose nitrate, pure coconut water, and molasses, while potato extract media without nutrient addition served as the control. The findings indicate that both Streptomyces sp. …

Histopathological And Immunological Effects Of Tamanu Oil Nanoemulsion On Imiquimod Induced Psoriasis In Albino Rat Skin, Israa Mahmood Mohammed, Treefa Farouq Ismail

Baghdad Science Journal

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease caused by T-cell activation. This condition is characterized by skin proliferation and inflammation. This study aimed to enhance tamanu oil bioavailability by green synthesis method, in order to evaluate the potential anti-psoriatic benefits of tamanu oil nanoemulsion in rat skin, based on observational, histopathological, and immunological outcomes. The formulation was prepared by phase inversion temperature technique. The physical and chemical characteristics include: droplet morphology, size, zeta potential, pH, and stability. The formulation exhibited a spherical and small globule size of less than 100 nm, good zeta potential (–23.9 mV), suitable pH (5.3) and physically stable. …

Bioactivity Of Chitosan Coated Nanoparticles Biosynthesized Using Yeast Against Hypervirulent Klebsiella Pneumoniae (Hvkp), Sura Alaa Suod, Huda Suhail Abid Al-Hayanni

Baghdad Science Journal

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are becoming one of the most pressing problems worldwide and are becoming difficult to treat; therefore, nanotechnology is a promising alternative technology. The current study aimed to biosynthesize chitosan Saccharomyces cerevisiae nanoparticles (ScNPs) and evaluate their antibacterial activity against hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (HvKp). Five K. pneumoniae isolates from different clinical sources were screened for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production and virulence tests. ScNPs were synthesized and characterized. The antibacterial activity of ScE and ScNPs was determined. The result showed that five bacterial isolates were confirmed as K. pneumoniae and displayed highly virulent and resistant capabilities, hence classifying them …

Association Of Calcium-Sensing Receptor (Casr) Gene Polymorphisms With Calcium Stone Disease In Babylon Province, Iraq., Hadi Sajid Abdulabbas, Yasir Haider Al-Mawlah, Aamal Muhsen Kadhum

Baghdad Science Journal

In an effort to identify the polymorphism's ultimate function in calcium stone development, an evaluation of the link between calcium stone disease and CaSR polymorphism in the population of Babylon Province, Iraq, was performed. 60 patients were hospitalized at Hillah Hospital in the province of Babylon. Blood samples were collected between January and December 2020. Sixty patients diagnosed with renal stones and forty healthy controls were included in the study. CaSR single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped using the single-strand conformation polymorphism technique after a polymerase chain reaction. In order to confirm these DNA polymorphisms, DNA sequencing was employed. The findings …

Prevalence Of Torovirus, Rotavirus, And Adenovirus Infection Among Iraqi Pediatric Patients With Gastroenteritis, Eman A. Mahmood, Nadira S. Mohamed, Safaa Al-Deen A. S. Al-Qaysi

Baghdad Science Journal

Gastroenteritis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children, particularly in developing countries. Rotavirus, adenovirus, and torovirus are among the common viral agents associated with pediatric gastroenteritis. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of these viruses and to evaluate diagnostic methods for torovirus infection among Iraqi children. A total of 250 stool samples were collected from pediatric patients aged from 2 weeks to over 10 years who attended Children's Protection Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq, between December 2023 and August 2024. The samples were screened for the presence of rotavirus, enteric adenovirus, and torovirus antigens using the Hemagglutination …

Effects Of Modified Cryoprotectants On The Expression Of Heat Shock Protein 90 (Hsp90) And Zona Pellucida Ii (Zpii) Of Post-Thawing Sperm Quality, Silvia Werdhy Lestari, Manggiasih Dwiayu Larasati, Gita Pratama, Mulyoto Pangestu, Muhammad Thoriq, Dantha Rafael Sitompul

Baghdad Science Journal

Sperm cryopreservation is a basic element of assisted reproductive technology, yet it often compromises cell viability through thermal and osmotic stress. The cellular response involves HSP90, a stress marker and ZPII, which is essential for sperm-oocyte interaction and preventing polyspermy. In addition, this modified cryoprotectant combines glycerol and raffinose is expected to reduce damage and increase spermatozoa's recovery rate after cryopreservation. To address these challenges, we investigated the expression levels of HSP90 and ZPII to assess the protective capacity of modified cryoprotectant formulations. These parameters were analyzed pre- and post-cryopreservation to establish whether these novel mediums superiorly preserve sperm integrity …

Evaluation Of Cytotoxic Effect From Clinacanthus Nutans Leaf Extract On Mda-Mb231 Cells Expressing Cd44+/Cd24–, Siti Syarifah, Tri Widyawati, Sri Melinda Kaban, Nor Adlin Md Yusoff

Baghdad Science Journal

Breast cancer prevalence and incidence are increasing globally every year. Medication resistance and recurrence are more likely in breast cancer cells that express CD44⁺/CD24^–. C.nutans leaves are a traditional medicinal herb with numerous pharmacological benefits, including antioxidant and antiproliferation properties, although the activity against breast cancer stem cells is still unclear. Method: In this study, C.nutans leaves were extracted using ethanol solvent with graded concentrations of 100%, 80%, 60%, 40%, 20%, and 0% (water), respectively, by maceration. We used isolated MDA-MB231 cells with high expression of CD44⁺/CD24^– by using magnetic-activated cell sorting …

Foliar Application Of Methyl Jasmonate And Titanium Nanoparticles Mitigates The Negative Effects Of Salinity On Lettuce Plants, Tahani J. Hijazin

Baghdad Science Journal

Salinity stress is one of the major abiotic factors that significantly impact plant growth. In this regard, this work investigated a way to alleviate the adverse impacts by simultaneously spraying methyl jasmonate and titanium nanoparticles on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) plants, which are grown under induced salinity conditions. Two concentrations of salt (100 and 150 mM NaCl) were applied to the plants. After that, simultaneous spraying of methyl jasmonate (0.5 and 1 mM) and titanium nanoparticles (100 and 200 mg/L) was performed on lettuce leaves. Following the application of the previous treatments, the plants were collected, and various …

Cytokine Profiles In Rheumatoid Arthritis: Relationship Of Tnf-Α , Il-17, And Il-13 With Autoantibodies (Rf And Anti-Ccp) And Clinical Disease Severity, Sonia Elia Ishaq, Taban Kamal Rasheed, Niaz Albarzingi

Baghdad Science Journal

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by synovial inflammation and autoantibody production. This study aimed to assess serum levels of TNF-α , IL-17, and IL-13 in RA patients and to explore their association with disease severity and autoantibody status in comparison to healthy controls. The study involved 67 RA patients and 20 healthy individuals. Patients were initially classified based on autoantibody status (RF-positive vs. RF-negative and anti-CCP-positive vs. anti-CCP-negative), and further categorized into low, moderate, and high disease activity groups. Cytokine levels were measured by ELISA, CRP and RF by turbidimetry, and anti-CCP levels by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. …

Ecological Footprint Assessment, Santina Benincasa

Open Educational Resources

This handout guides students through a structured ecological footprint assessment using the online Footprint Calculator. By following a series of steps—selecting their location, entering detailed lifestyle information, and reviewing personalized results—students evaluate how many planets would be required if everyone lived with their same resource consumption patterns. The activity prompts learners to identify the largest contributors to their footprint, quantify their impact in global hectares, and explore scenario-based changes that could reduce their environmental demand. Through reflection, students consider how everyday human behaviors influence Earth’s productive capacity and resource availability. Overall, the exercise encourages critical thinking about sustainability and personal …