Background: Astrocytomas are among the most frequent brain tumors affecting both children and young adults. Objective: To analyze brain tissues with astrocytomas grades II obtained from a group of Iraqi patients for the rate of DNA detection by PCR of oncogenic Epstein- Barr virus. Materials and Methods: (75) brain tissue specimens have been enrolled from patients, which were related to patients; among them 50 patients, aged 20 to 77 years, ( 58 % males and 42% were females) had operations in neurosurgical theatres of Ghazi Al- Hariri Teaching Hospital at The Medical City Complex for astrocytoma (grade 2) and also a number of (25) patients has enrolled, aged 21 to 70 years, (56 % males and 44% were females ), whom brain tissues have histopathological examination shown neither in line of benign brain tumors nor brain cancers, and were including as the control group of the present research work. The current method was performed by using the technique of polymerase chain reaction that was done to amplify and localize of the examined DNA sequence of EBV. Results: 28% (14 out of 50) of the examined brain tissues from astrocytomas grade 2 cases were positive for EBV genome detection. The most infected brain tumor tissues with EBV- DNA are related to the age stratum (20-40 years), which accounted for 14 %, while the age strata of (41-60 years) and (61- 80 years) accounted for 12% and 2 %, respectively. The male patients accounted for 71.4 % while females accounted for 28.6 %, while positive EBV-PCR detection result in brain tissues from control patients without tumors was found in 8% of the examined tissues. Conclusion: high rate of EBV detection in this percentage of the studied astrocytoma grade 2 tissue samples can possibly considered playing in the induction of these brain tumors.

Fresh water aquaculture is considered as the most prominent type of aquaculture in the world. Nile tilapia aquaculture is favored because it can adopt to wide range of environments and can tolerate various abiotic stresses. However, the success, profitability of aquaculture and nutritional composition of fishes depends upon nutritional values of meal provided to them. For this purpose, aquafeeds industries are trying to prepare complete meal for favorable nutrition. An experiment was performed to examine the effectiveness of five biochar experimental diets on growth, body composition, hematological and mineral content of Nile tilapia fingerlings. These fingerlings were acclimatized for ten days under laboratory conditions and were fed with commercial diet. After acclimatization 30 fingerlings were distributed randomly in each tank and there were three replicates of each experimental diet. Fingerlings were fed with their respective biochar experimental diet twice a day for 60 days. Data were recorded for growth, body composition, hematological and mineral content attributes. Analysis of data revealed that D3 (CCBC) experimental diet performed exceptionally well for all growth, hematological and mineral attributes of Nile tilapia. D3 caused 44% increase in final weight and provided highest value of SGR (0.96) as compared to controlled. D3 (CCBC) fed fingerlings also showed significant increase in RBC’s, WBC’s, platelates, hemoglobin and PCV. Supplementation of 2% CCBC also provided the maximal absorption efficiency of minerals (Ca, Na, K, Fe and Zn). So form these findings it can be assumed that supplementation of 2% CCBC has the potential to be used as envirnonment friendly, cost effective and sustainable supplement in Nile tilapia diets.

Introduction: Lead (Pb) is a hazardous metal that presents substantial health hazards to both humans and animals. Extended exposure to lead can result from various causes, such as contaminated water, soil, and industrial emissions, causing nephrotoxicity and kidney damage. Methods: This study investigated the long-lasting impact of lead acetate on the kidneys of Wistar rats. The rats were categorized into four distinct experimental groups, consisting of one control group and three treatment groups. The treatment groups were exposed to varying amounts of lead acetate (2.5%, 3.0%, and 3.5%). The rats had a 35-day treatment period during which their weights was closely monitored, and after sacrificing, kidney function, and histological alterations were assayed. Findings: The data revealed a significant increase in weight among the groups receiving therapy, which can be attributed to the accumulation of water and edema. The 2.5% lead acetate treatment group exhibited higher creatinine levels, suggesting kidney damage. The histological examination showed evidence of kidney injury, including glomerular lesions, fibrotic lesions, and the buildup of leukocytes. Conclusion: Lead acetate induces nephrotoxicity and weight gain in Wistar rats, resulting in a substantial effect on both kidney function and structure. The study emphasizes the significance of taking into account several biomarkers and histological observations in order to comprehend the effects of toxic chemicals such as lead acetate. The results indicate that exposure to lead acetate can result in the development of chronic kidney disease, highlighting the importance of appropriately managing and disposing of items that contain lead.