Biomarkers such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) have a role in the pathogenesis of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of this study was to explore the differences between serum levels of such biomarkers in severe and non-severe COVID-19 cases and compare them with normal people and to evaluate the sociodemographic variables and chronic diseases effect on the severity of COVID-19. The study included 160 subjects, divided into two groups, a case group of 80 patients, and a control group of 80 normal persons. The case group was divided into two subgroups: 40 severe COVID-19 patients and 40 patients with non-severe disease. Blood IL-6 was assessed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), PCT by an immunoassay, CRP by an immunoturbidimetric assay and NLR from CBC. The levels of IL-6, PCT, CRP, and NLR were significantly higher in the case group than in control group (p= 0.001, for all). However, there was no difference between these biomarkers level in the non-severe COVID-19 subgroup and the control group (p>0.05 for all). The proportion of severe COVID-19 was significantly higher in patients aged >50 years, and in patients with chronic diseases (p=0.046 and p=0.001, respectively). We also found a strong correlation between such biomarkers and old age, and chronic diseases with the disease severity. There was a significant difference in the level of the three biomarkers (IL-6, PCT, CRP, and NLR) between patients’ subgroups and the control group. In conclusion, since the levels of these biomarkers are correlated with the severity of the COVID-19 disease, and there was a difference in the levels between the groups with severe and non-severe symptoms, we suggest a role of these biomarkers in predicting the severity COVID-19 disease and its poor prognosis.
This study thoroughly investigates the potential of niobium oxide (Nb2O5) thin films as UV-A photodetectors. The films were precisely fabricated using dc reactive magnetron sputtering on Si(100) and quartz substrates, maintaining a consistent power output of 50W while varying substrate temperatures. The dominant presence of hexagonal crystal structure Nb2O5 in the films was confirmed. An increased particle diameter at 150°C substrate temperature and a reduced Nb content at higher substrate temperatures were revealed. A distinct band gap with high UV sensitivity at 350 nm was determined. Remarkably, films sputtered using 50W displayed the highest photosensitivity at 514.89%. These outstanding optoelectronic properties highlight Nb2O5 thin f
... Show MoreIn this work, silicon nitride (Si3N4) thin films were deposited on metallic substrates (aluminium and titanium sheets) by the DC reactive sputtering technique using two different silicon targets (n-type and p-type Si wafers) as well as two Ar:N2 gas mixing ratios (50:50 and 70:30). The electrical conductivity of the metallic (aluminium and titanium) substrates was measured before and after the deposition of silicon nitride thin films on both surfaces of the substrates. The results obtained from this work showed that the deposited films, in general, reduced the electrical conductivity of the substrates, and the thin films prepared from n-type silicon targets using a 50:50 mixing ratio and deposited on both
... Show MorePurpose: The aim of this study is to examine knowing the real role and impact of manufacturing flexibility on competitiveness through operations management practices, which is to determine the role and impact of manufacturing flexibility on competitiveness directly in the General Company for the Battery Industry. On the other hand, identifying the indirect role of flexible manufacturing systems in enhancing competitiveness. Theoretical framework: The main purpose of the theoretical framework is to identify all the dimensions and variables included in the current study, and thus form a deep scientific view of the study and its variables. Design/methodology/approach: field coexistence, personal interviews, and classification of
... Show MoreAny design subject to a set of forces contributing to the establishment of relations working to strengthen the internal elements of the design; any imbalance in these elements can make a fragmented and weak design, thus preventing it from achieving the goal or performance. Poor performance can be attributed to various factors: the extent and function of the elements and principles in the design, realization of the idea, especially in fashion design.
Moreover, there are many aspects of a design that go into achieving the realization of the designer’s idea. The design utilizes a lot of stimulants by drawing attention to its design, which is consistent with the need for psychological and material individuals. In this research, we will
China's economic policy and its huge capabilities operate according to an expansion strategy, especially in investing foreign projects, as the past ten years have witnessed a major development in the elements of comprehensive strength, especially in the economic field, in 2014 China launched the largest initiative in the world, represented by the Belt and Road Project (BRI), which links nearly 70 countries, through this project, a very important region has emerged, which is (the port of cadres) in Pakistan, as China has headed towards that region and given the highest importance that is in its interest in the first place regardless of the great Pakistani interest, This is consistent with its future aspirations, especially after breaking
... Show MoreThe present study aimed to evaluate sera TGF- ?1 concentration in patients with urinary bladder carcinoma (UBC). All malignant of them was transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) type , patients with urinary bladder disorders (UBD ) and healthy control , and to study the correlation between sera TGF-?1 levels and tumor stages and grades in UBC patients . A direct ELISA test was used to quantify the seraTGF-?1 concentrations in sera of 58 patients with urinary bladder carcinoma UBC of different grades (G) and stages (T) all malignant of them was transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) type , 15 from patients with UBD and 15 healthy subjects . Sera levels of TGF-?1 were elevated in patients with UBC and UBD compared to healthy (P ? 0
... Show MoreThe mix promotion important to any organization in general, has been selected promotional mix tools in this research to identify the role in maximizing the Organization of sales growth business, which included the research problem several fundamental questions about the role of each promotional tool of advertising, public relations and personal selling and sales promotion direct marketing within the promotional mix in the promotion of business sales organization. The research aims to provide theoretical and field organizations surveyed about the role played by the mix promo in sales growth, and importance of research on the identification of more than promotional tools impact on sales gr
... Show MoreThe gamma camera, along with SPECT and PET scanners, is one of the main imaging technologies in nuclear medicine. A collimator is typically constructed from tungsten to provide high absorption of gamma photon energies. It has a hole or holes for imaging. Gamma rays from a radioactive source within the body are emitted in all directions, while the photons required constructing an image travel through the hole. A scintillator is the most common material used to convert the high energy of gamma radiation into a lowenergy optical photon. These detectors are one of the primary secrets to radio-diagnosis in nuclear medicine. The photomultiplier tube (PMT) is a versatile device with extraordinarily highly sensitivity and response. A typical photom
... Show MoreDental caries is a common chronic disease affecting tooth of many subjects at different ages due to biofilm-mediated oral bacterial infection.