Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with polymorphic expression. B cells have an essential contribution in immune system activation via the production of different cytokines and functioning as potent antigen-presenting cells. Therefore, a drug that particularly targets B cells may represent an ideal therapeutic approach for SLE. Rituximab (RTX), an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody causing transient B-cell depletion, has been used to manage SLE. This study aims to assess Rituximab effects on lupus nephritis (LN) patients when added to conventional immunosuppressants. Twenty four patients, 15-32 years old, with class III/IV/V LN were involved in this study. All were on steroids before lupus nephritis occurrence. They were given rituximab induction therapy and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) maintenance therapy. RTX was indicated for refractory and relapsing SLE. Several investigations done before and after RTX treatment and in the last follow up (done one year after starting Rituximab). Those included protein in urine, serum creatinine, double stranded DNA, C3, C4, and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR). Proteinuria decreased significantly after RTX treatment and in the last measurement (P=0.01 and P=0.001, respectively). Serum creatinine significantly decreased only in the last measurement (P=0.02). Double stranded DNA decreased remarkably after treatment (P=0.01) with a further decrease in the last measurement (P=0.006). C3 and C4 increased after treatment but the increase was significant only for C3 (P=0.002) and this increase continues till the last measurement (P=0.0006). Active urine sediments found in fifteen patients and disappeared after RTX treatment. Rituximab can be promising in treating lupus nephritis when used along with traditional immunosuppressants. It can reduce disease activity and improve renal function in such patients.
The population has been trying to use clean energy instead of combustion. The choice was to use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for domestic use, especially for cooking due to its advantages as a light gas, a lower cost, and clean energy. Residential complexes are supplied with liquefied petroleum gas for each housing unit, transported by pipes from LPG tanks to the equipment. This research aims to simulate the design and performance design of the LPG system in the building that is applied to a residential complex in Baghdad taken as a study case with eight buildings. The building has 11 floors, and each floor has four apartments. The design in this study has been done in two parts, part one is the design of an LPG system for one building, an
... Show Moreالخلفية: العقدية المقيحة المعروفة أيضًا باسم ""(GAS) هي احدى مسببات الأمراض ذات الأهمية الصحية العامة، حيث تصيب 18.1 مليون شخص في جميع أنحاء العالم وتقتل 500000 شخص كل عام. الهدف: حددت هذه المراجعة المقالات المنشورة حول عوامل الخطر واستراتيجيات الوقاية والسيطرة لأمراض المكورات العقدية. المواد والأساليب: تم إجراء بحث منهجي لتحديد الأوراق المنشورة على قواعد البيانات الإلكترونية Web of Science و PubMed و Scopus و Google Scholar في مح
... Show MoreRare earth metal oxides (REMOs) have gained considerable attention in recent years owing to their distinctive properties and potential applications in electronic devices and catalysts. Particularly, cerium dioxide (CeO2), also known as ceria, has emerged as an interesting material in a wide variety of industrial, technological, and medical applications. Ceria can be synthesized with various morphologies, including rods, cubes, wires, tubes, and spheres. This comprehensive review offers valuable perceptions into the crystal structure, fundamental properties, and reaction mechanisms that govern the well-established surface-assisted reactions over ceria. The activity, selectivity, and stability of ceria, either as a stand-alone catalyst or as
... Show MoreBackground There is an increasing need for pharmacists to incorporate more patient care targeting. Consequently, the productivity of pharmacy programs can be enhanced by evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of pharmacy curriculum. Objectives To assess the beliefs, perceptions, and challenges of the College of Pharmacy –The University of Baghdad PharmD graduates regarding the PharmD program. Method Qualitative research methodology was implemented. Graduate PharmD candidates were interviewed either inperson or via telephone. The interviews were conducted in a semi-structured format, utilizing a predetermined interview guide that included open-ended questions. Thematic analysis was implemented to analyze the data. Results A total of 2
... Show MoreIsatin is a heterocyclic molecule that belongs to one of the most important classes of organic compounds known as indolines. Isatin, isatin analogs, and their Schiff bases have recently attracted a lot of attention in medicinal chemistry. Isatin, itself, shows various biological activities such as antiviral, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and anticonvulsant. Bis- Schiff bases containing isatin moiety have been known to possess a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities. This review offers up-to-date information on the most active isatin bis-Schiff bases, which would include anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities. These observations c
... Show MoreA field Experiment was carried out in Baghdad for the purpose of compare five horticulture machines during used two types of fuel deffirance in octane number, normal and super fuel which produced in Iraqi and measuring the vibrations transmitted of the three axes are longitudinal X , lateral Y and vertical Z from handlebar in (Mowers) to the operator which walks behind the mower, and the determine of the productivity practical of cutting, productivity passing and fuel consumption. Experiment Factorial used with two factors, The first factor was Five Mowers vary in width , types, weight and company manufacturer, The Second factor was the types of fuel used internal combination engine horticulture mowers were Normal fuel with Octane Number 82
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