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Professor

Asal TAWFEEQ

Research Interests

Biotechnology

molecular biology

microbiology and sustainability

Gender FEMALE
Place of Work College of Health and Medical Techniques / Kirkuk
Position Professor/Lecturer
Qualification PhD
Speciality Biotechnology
Email drasalaziz@ntu.edu.iq
Phone 07701227299
Address كركوك /حي الواسطي, كركوك, Mosul, Iraq
Professor in Biotechnology

Name: Asal Aziz Tawfeeq
• Date of birth: 1977-Kirkuk- Iraq
• Nationality: Iraqi
• Degree: Ph.D. in Biotechnology
• Scientific Title: Professor
• Qualifications: B.Sc., M.Sc., PhD. In Biotechnology
(All of the studying Degrees were in English)
Past position: Head of Therapeutic Nutrition Techniques Department
• Qualification: Permanent Lecturer of “Molecular biology and Human
Genetics” at the Medical Laboratory Techniques Department since (2006

1 +

Medal for Best research in Environment and sustainability in / ISESCO / Morocco, 2019

1 +

Best research in Biotechnology in / The 5th International Scientific Conference of Genetic and Environment Baghdad, Iraq, 2018

Skills

teaching, Supervision and researches (100%)
Arabic Language (100%)
English Language (100%)
Turkman Language (100%)

Supervision

Raed Mohammed Khadban
Year: 2025

Academic Degree: Master

Supervisor Type: Co-supervisor

Supervisor State: Graduated

Phenotypic and molecular diagnosis of the predominant bacteria in hemodialysis patients

Marwa Najat Ahmed
Year: 2024

Academic Degree: Master

Supervisor Type: Supervisor

Supervisor State: Graduated

Molecular detection of virulence genes of biofilm producers E. coli isolated from vaginitis women used intrauterine devices

ShangaOmerHamaRadha
Year: 2024

Academic Degree: Master

Supervisor Type: Supervisor

Supervisor State: Graduated

Pediatric Urinary Tract Infection: Evaluation Antibiotic Susceptibility and Biofilm Formation Dynamics

Noor Raisan Hussain
Year: 2024

Academic Degree: Master

Supervisor Type: Supervisor

Supervisor State: Graduated

The relationship between biofilm production and antibiotic resistance of E. coli isolated from urine samples

SaharSalehHussien
Year: 2023

Academic Degree: Master

Supervisor Type: Supervisor

Supervisor State: Graduated

EvaluatingoftheRelationshipbetweenWaist CircumferenceandsomeTypesofIntestinalBacteria IsolatedfromObeseWomenwithType2Diabetes Mellitus

MuhammedYuzdemir Bahjat
Year: 2023

Academic Degree: Master

Supervisor Type: Supervisor

Supervisor State: Graduated

Staphylococcus Aureus and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Biofilms in Ear-Set Associated Infections

Ali Mohammed Hussein
Year: 2023

Academic Degree: Master

Supervisor Type: Supervisor

Supervisor State: Graduated

Biochemical Analysis of Malondialdehyde and Antioxidant Enzymes in Patients with Urinary Tract Infections

Sumaya Jabbar Kariem Askar
Year: 2022

Academic Degree: Master

Supervisor Type: Co-supervisor

Supervisor State: Graduated

Isolation, Identification and Molecular Characterization of biofilm forming Uropathogens from Urinary Tract Infections in Women

Hadeel Monther Thaker
Year: 2022

Academic Degree: Master

Supervisor Type: Supervisor

Supervisor State: Graduated

Molecular Characterization of Main Vaginal Lactobacilli isolated from Women with Urogenital Bacterial and Parasitic Infections

Sunober Abdalsamad Mohammed
Year: 2022

Academic Degree: Master

Supervisor Type: Supervisor

Supervisor State: Graduated

Evaluation of Bactericidal Activity, Oxidative Stress levels and Biochemical Parameters in Patients with COVID-19 and Vaccinated Individuals in Kirkuk City

Mays Mahmood Yassin
Year: 2022

Academic Degree: Master

Supervisor Type: Supervisor

Supervisor State: Graduated

Molecular Detection of Entamoeba gingivalis among Periodontitis and Gingivitis Patients by Singleplex Polymerase Chain Reaction

Ahmed Karim Jassim
Year: 2022

Academic Degree: Master

Supervisor Type: Co-supervisor

Supervisor State: Graduated

A Comparison between Microscopic and Conventional PCR in the diagnosis of Giardia lamblia among Children in Kirkuk

Wasan Dheyaa Fahem
Year: 2021

Academic Degree: Master

Supervisor Type: Co-supervisor

Supervisor State: Graduated

Molecular Investigation of Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from Raw cow milk in Kirkuk/Iraq

Dawood Noori Mahmood Al.shekhani
Year: 2020

Academic Degree: PhD

Supervisor Type: Co-supervisor

Supervisor State: Graduated

Effective of some fermented fruit juices by Lb. plantarum and Lb. casei on some Biological parameters in rats with induced Diarrhea

Sinan Abdullah Ali
Year: 2020

Academic Degree: Master

Supervisor Type: Co-supervisor

Supervisor State: Graduated

Prevalence of Candida Albicans in UTI patients

working experience

Academic Qualification

Ph. D. in Biotechnology
Sep 1, 2001 - Dec 21, 2005

Azacytidine and folic acid effect in mice

Professor
Jul 16, 2014 - Sep 20, 2020

professor in biotechnology

Master degree in Biotechnology
Jan 9, 1998 - Jan 9, 2000

Isolation and identification of Streptomyces Spp. in Iraq

Bachelor's degree (BSc.) in Biotechnology
Jan 9, 1996 - Jan 9, 1998

in Biotechnology

Working Experience

Head of Department [Head of Therapeutic Nutrition Techniques Department]
Jan 12, 2020 - Jan 9, 2024

President and member of debate Committee for master and doctorate degrees [Member of Scientific committe]
Jul 16, 2014 - Present

Debate committee

Review researches and thesis [Reviewer]
Jun 17, 2014 - Present

Scientific reviewer of research and thesis

Publications

Biofilm Forming Intestinal Escherichia coli as a Risk Factor for Increasing BMI in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Nov 21, 2024

Journal Medical Journal of Babylon

publisher Wolters Kluwer - Medknow

DOI 10.4103/MJBL.MJBL_925_23

Issue 2

Volume 22

Background: The term diabetes mellitus (DM) describes a group of chronic diseases and metabolic disorders that accompany hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) which may be the result of an abnormality in secretion or insulin action. Diabetes type 2 is the most common type of diabetes, it usually occurs in adults but is increasingly with overweight. On the other hand, gut bacteria have a key role in the regulation of different metabolic pathways that are important in glucose homeostasis and diabetes type 2 pathogenesis. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the effect certain gut and biofilm formation on the glucose homeostasis and BMI in diabetic females. Materials and Methods: This study included the collection of 180 samples from diabetic and non-diabetic participants (20–50 years) during the period from December 2022 to March 2023. BMI was calculated for study participants, and Escherichia coli was microbiologically and biochemically identified. Results: The results demonstrated a substantial (P < 0.05) increase of 80% in biofilm formation E. coli in diabetic patients with greater BMI than those without diabetes with lower BMI. Conclusion: This study showed a significant relationship between intestinal bacteria (specially E. coli) and diabetes causing increased BMI, leading to probable useful tools for developing strategies to prevent obesity.

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Isolation and Identification of Individual Intestinal Bacteria Associated with Waist Circumference Increase
Nov 21, 2024

Journal Medical Journal of Babylon

publisher Wolters Kluwer - Medknow

DOI 10.4103/MJBL.MJBL_925_23

Issue 2

Volume 22

Background: The bacterial flora of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of humans, there are differences in the composition of the flora which are influenced by age, diet, cultural conditions, and the use of antibiotics. Since the origin of obesity is multifactorial and complex, resulting from the interaction between genetic/epigenetic, environmental, and socio-psychological determinants, in addition to the bacterial composition of the intestinal flora could be a third element involved in the development of excess weight. Therefore intestinal flora plays an intermediary role in the metabolism and inflammation and is involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes type 2 and obesity. Objectives: This study aimed to draw the relationship between identified intestinal bacterial types on increasing the waist circumference among study participants. Materials and Methods: This study included the collection of 180 samples from participants (20–60 years) during the period from December 2022 to June 2023. Body mass index and waist circumference were calculated for study participants and intestinal bacteria was microbiologically and biochemically identified. Results: Results obtained showed that the intestinal flora of obese participants is significantly (P < 0.001) different from that of thin and normal participants. This flora was characterized by the presence of high levels of Gram’s negative at the percentage (80.6% in obese), and Gram’s positive at the percentage (19.4% in obese), with higher body mass index and waist circumference than those participants, with lower body mass index and waist circumference. Conclusion: This study showed a significant relationship between intestinal bacteria and diabetic patients with increased body mass index and waist circumference, leading to probable useful tools for developing strategies to prevent obesity.

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Pediatric Urinary Tract Infection: Evaluation Antibiotic Susceptibility and Biofilm Formation Dynamics
Oct 26, 2024

Journal Kirkuk Journal of Medical Science

publisher University of Kirkuk

DOI 10.32894/kjms.2024.151674.1114

Issue 2

Volume 12

Background: Urinary tract infections are quite prevalent among children presented with non-specific symptoms including abdominal pain, fever, and nocturnal urine incontinence. The study aimed to determine the sensitivity of uropathogenic bacteria to antibiotics and assess their ability to form biofilms. Methods: This study was carried out in Kirkuk City. A total of 180 children with positive urine culture participated, within the age range of 6-12 years. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed. The ability of all bacteria isolated to produce biofilms was assessed using a quantitative microtiter plate method. Results: The uropathogenic Escherichia coli was the predominant isolate (40 %) from children with urinary tract infections. The prevalence of UTI in children was highest in the age group between (9-12) years, with 120 children accounting for (67 %) of the cases. Biofilm production for isolated bacteria was; E. coli (66.7 %), Klebsiella pneumonia (33.4 %), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (66.6 %) Proteus mirabilis (100 %), Acinetobacter baumannii (33.6 %), Staphylococcus haemolyticus (85.6 %), Staphylococcus aureus (83.3 %), Staphylococcus epidermidis (100 %), Staphylococcus lentus (100 %), Enterococcus faecalis (66.6 %). Conclusion: The majority of bacteria recovered from children with urinary tract infections were capable of forming biofilms. Infections caused by bacteria that develop biofilms are more resistant to typical antibiotic treatments, requiring higher dosages or more powerful drugs.

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Role of Glutathione Reduction in Causation Severe Complications of Coronavirus Disease-2019
Mar 29, 2024

Journal Medical Journal of Babylon

publisher Wolters Kluwer - Medknow

DOI DOI: 10.4103/MJBL.MJBL_178_22

Issue 2

Volume 22

Background: Coronavirus is a pandemic disease that emerged in China in 2019 with severe respiratory syndromes in conjunction with organ failure and advanced mortality rate where it has attracted worldwide interest. The pathogenicity of the virus increases by exacerbated oxidative stress that leads to the accumulation of free radicals in the body. Frequently, those free radicals are neutralized by antioxidants, especially glutathione. Objective: Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the role of glutathione in the pathogenicity of the virus alongside certain blood parameters. Materials and Methods: In this study, 90 participants were examined for glutathione levels using a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit in addition to the levels of hemoglobin (Hb). Ferritin and vitamin D3 were also measured as they are linked to the level of glutathione in coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Result: The lowest level of Reduced glutathione in COVID-19 hospitalized patients especially male patients alongside with vitamin D3 and Hb levels. Whereas a significant (P < 0.05) increase in ferritin level was recorded. However, a significant (P < 0.05) increase in ferritin level was recorded. Conclusion: This study showed a significant relationship between glutathione level and disease severity in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, where the depletion of the glutathione level may have a central role in COVID-19 severity and pathophysiology.

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Molecular Detection of Entamoeba gingivalis among Periodontitis and Gingivitis Patients by Singleplex Polymerase Chain Reaction
Mar 29, 2024

Journal Medical Journal of Babylon

publisher Wolters Kluwer - Medknow

DOI DOI: 10.4103/MJBL.MJBL_178_22

Issue 2

Volume 22

Background: Periodontal disease is classically characterized by progressive destruction of the soft and hard tissues of the periodontal complex, mediated by an interplay between dysbiotic microbial communities and aberrant immune responses within gingival and periodontal tissues. It is being recorded as public health problems. Objective: The aim of study is to detect Entamoeba gingivalis parasite in the oral cavity of patients with periodontitis and gingivitis by using molecular technique with singleplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients with periodontal diseases (periodontitis and gingivitis) were enrolled in the current study. Samples of dental plaque were collected from each patient and stained with Giemsa stain and studied under a microscope. Six samples were selected to be examined by using singleplex PCR technique for the detection of 18S-the small subunit of ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rDNA) gene with 203 bp and comparing the results. Results: This result showed a high significant prevalence of E. gingivalis in dental plaque samples in patients with periodontitis and gingivitis. About 46 (46%) samples were positive by microscope examination. In comparison, six positive samples (3 men and 3 women) were selected for parasitic investigation by singleplex PCR and the results of PCR with specific primers designed for the detection of 18S SSU rDNA gene of (203 bp) showed positive results for the six samples. Conclusion: It was concluded that E. gingivalis had a prevalence among male patients than female patients. In addition, singleplex PCR is the technique of choice for the detection of the target sequence of DNA.

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Docking of Vaginal Lactobacillus isolates as a Potential Bactericidal Agent in Kirkuk 2022
Mar 29, 2024

Journal Medical Journal of Babylon

publisher Wolters Kluwer - Medknow

DOI DOI: 10.4103/MJBL.MJBL_178_22

Issue 2

Volume 22

Background: Because the female genital tract is a complex microbial community that plays various roles in disease development. Alternatively, Lactobacilli in the vaginal environment play an important role in maintaining a healthy vaginal ecosystem by preventing pathogenic overgrowth. Objective: Therefore, this study was suggested to isolate vaginal Lactobacilli with antibacterial activity. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and sixty women participated in this study aged between 15 and 50 years divided into two cohorts of bacterial vaginosis (BV): infected and healthy individuals. BV-isolates isolated and identified according to microbiological and biochemical assays. Accordingly, Lactobacillus isolates were further identified through genomic DNA sequencing of the 16S rRNA, and the results were statistically analyzed. Results: A significant increase (P < 0.05) in the BV-infected women in the age range of 21–30 and 31–40 was recorded, with the percentages of 40.62% and 31.88%, respectively. Alternatively, a significant decrease (P > 0.05) in the percentages of vaginal Lactobacillus species between women of Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 recorded the ratios of 3.125% and 31% validating Lactobacilli presence as a sign of a healthy vaginal environment. Accordingly, four Lactobacillus isolates were assigned for their broad spectrum of antibacterial activity against several pathogenic bacteria. Moreover, results of the partial DNA sequencing revealed the isolation of four Limosilactobacillus fermentum strains registered at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) under specific gene bank accession numbers. Conclusion: Effective Lactobacillus species with potential bactericidal activity validates vaginal health.

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Some Histogenetic Aspects of Methotrexate Associated with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) Treatment Doses
Oct 29, 2020

Journal Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology

publisher https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/deed.en

DOI https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v14i4.11584

Issue Issue 4

Volume 14

A total of (36) mice in the age of (1-3) weeks were selected to evaluate the methotrexate effect on some histogenetic aspects of kidneys. Treatment lasted for three months, and results showed marked hemorrhage, cortical tubular basophilia, necroses, and degeneration in the autopsied organ of animals with low oral hydration. Besides, changes in the DNA methylation pattern were noticed in the RAPD-PCR profile upon analysis with agarose gel electrophoresis.

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Epidemiological study evaluating the impact of front door duct slot of a combined domestic sewererainwater drainage system on children health in Kirkuk, 2017
Oct 15, 2018

Journal arbala International Journal of Modern Science

publisher sciencedirect

Issue Issue 4

Volume 4

Total of eight districts within Kirkuk city were selected for investigating the effect of combined sewererainwater streams on children health during the period from August 2017 to the end of January 2018. Selected districts were sub-divided into two study cohorts (A and B) according to their sewer drainage systems and the total of (160) children living at the study cohorts at the age of (1e5) years were volunteered as the study population and were monitored for infections by subjecting them to a specific ques tionnaire. Analysis of the results obtained after six months of surveillance showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in disease incidence among the children of cohort-A in recording (1482) infection cases compared to only (593) infection cases were recorded amongst children of cohort-B. On the other hand, a significant increase (p < 0.05) in disease incidence was noticed in the two study cohorts (A and B) during hot seasons with a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the disease incidence shown by children of cohort-A compared to the recorded infection cases in cohort-B. As a consequence, a number of air samples were taken from different lo cations and distances above the front door duct slots of the study cohort-A regions and were subjected to a number of microbi ological assays where results of Gram's staining indicated the isolation of different bacterial strains mainly of the Enterobacteriaceae strains. Further microbiological diagnosis of the isolates revealed the dominance of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains within the isolates. Besides, the significant decrease in rainfall and the accumulation of solid wastes in the streams all together had possibly increased the emission of pathogenic bacteria within sewer gases discharged through the front door rainwater duct slots which probably led to the increase in diseases incidence recorded among children of the study

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