Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by clonal proliferation of malignant plasma cells within the bone marrow. In most patients, monoclonal immunoglobulin heavy chains or light chains are produced and are associated with organ dysfunction. The growth factor B-cell activating factor (BAFF) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma due to its ability to promote B-cell survival, expansion, and differentiation. Objective: to measure the circulatory level of B-cell activating factor in multiple myeloma patients in relapsed and remission states and explore its possible correlations with the clinical staging, β2-microglobulin, and interleukin-6. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 60 multiple myeloma patients, with 30 in remission and 30 in relapse, as well as 20 healthy individuals serving as a control group. The study was conducted in the Hematology department of Baghdad Teaching Hospital in the Medical City Complex from January to September 2020. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique was used to measure plasma levels of B-cell activating factor, β2-microglobulin, and interleukin-6. Results: The B-cell activating factor levels were significantly higher in multiple myeloma patients compared to the control, and in relapsed patients compared to those in remission. The level of B-cell activating factor increased with advanced disease, in both remission and relapse states. There are positive correlations with β2-microglobulin and interleukin-6 levels in both relapsed and remission states. Conclusion: Increased B-cell activating factor level in relapse more than remission states is a useful biomarker of disease activity in multiple myeloma and has positive correlations with β2-microglobulin and interleukin-6 levels.
Adherence to cardiac medications makes a significant contribution to avoidance of morbidity and premature mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease. This quantitative study used cross‐sectional survey design to evaluate medication adherence and contributing factors among patients with cardiovascular disease, comparing patients who were admitted to a cardiac ward (
Gestational diabetes mellitus is glucose intolerance of varying degree with onset or first detection duringpregnancy,it can causelong and short term morbidities in both the mother and the child, such as shoulder dystocia,preeclampsia, and high blood pressure. The most powerful endogenous vasoconstrictor peptide, urotensin II, andits receptor are involved in the etiology of gestational diabetes mellitus.Aim of the study: The study’s goal was to see if there is a link between Urotensin II levels and insulin resistancein pregnant women with gestational diabetes.Patients and method: A case-control study that was conducted in obstetrics and gynecology department atBaghdad Teaching hospital from the first of January 2019 to the end of D
... Show MoreBackground: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is one of the largest causes of mortality worldwide. Clopidogrel, antiplatelet drug, has been widely used for management of CAD. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of clopidogrel on the oxidative stress in CAD patients. Methods: One hundred CAD patients, who were followed-up for 5 days after receiving clopidogrel, and 50 healthy volunteers were included in this study. Parameters include catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant capacity (TOC), total protein, albumin, and globulins were determined before and after treatment with clopidogrel. Results: CAT, TAC, and Tp were significantly decreased (P<0.0001) in CAD patients compared to healthy control and
... Show MoreBackground: lip lengthening procedure is one of the surgical options for the correction of gummy smile in patients with short upper lip. Methods: A comparative clinical study was conducted on 15 patients requiring lip lengthening procedure for the esthetic correction of excessive gingival exposure with gummy smile. Scalpel was used in seven patients and diode laser in the remaining eight patients. Under infiltration anesthesia, about one cm strip of mucosa was excised at the vestibular depth and the mucosa of the lip was sutured to the alveolar mucosa. Results: The diode laser group demonstrated less postoperative pain and swelling. Regarding postoperative ecchymosis, three patients in the scalpel group developed ecchymosis and no cases
... Show MorePemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune disease of the skin and mucous membrane. Renal transplantation is a common procedure in
To study the frequency of skin tumors and infections in patients with pemphigus vulgaris compared with renal transplant recipients and normal controls.
One hundred kidney transplant recipients, their ages ranged from 14 to 70 (46.65 ± 4.74) years
background: human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (her2/neu) is related to growth factor receptors with alkaline kinase activity and it is regarded as important prognostic and therapeutic factor that can depended on in breast cancer therapy. HER2/neu expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) is submitted to a great in terob server inconsistency. Subsequently additional confirmatory tests for assessment of gene alterations and amplification status are needed for patients with early or metastatic breast cancer. In situ hybridization techniques and specifically Chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) was arise as a practical, cost-effective, and alternative to fluorescent in situ hybridization in testing for gene alterationAims of the study
... Show MoreBackground: Migraine is one of multiple attack neurological conditions that causes moderate to severe headaches with no defined pathophysiology and few animal models. Aim: Establishing an animal model that reproduces migraine-like action is important in medical research to identify the mechanism underlying this disorder. Additionally, it facilitates the availability and reliability of new models that may act as human surrogate models. Method: Rabbits were divided into four groups. Negative group, migraine group, rizatriptan- nitroglycerin group, and rizatriptan group. The frequency of head scratching and the histopathological changes in the brain, liver, kidney, and heart for groups were evaluated in all groups. Results: T
... Show MoreThirty nine (12.8%) isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from 304 healthy human (Nasal swabs). It was found that percentage of males that have S. aureus is more than female's percentage. These isolates (39) were tested with different tests. Twenty seven isolates (69.23 %) were positive for Staphylococcus protein —A (SPA) ,thirty seven ( 94.8 %) were positive for tube coagulase , thirty five ( 89.7 % ) were positive with clumping factor and thirty two ( 82.05 %) had 13 — hemolytic on blood agar. It was found that 100% of the isolates (39 isolates) were positive with one, two or three tests (tube coagulase, clumping factor and SPA).