Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one of the autoimmune disorders, generated by a production of specific autoantibodies against self-antigens before the occurrence of clinical symptoms. The etiology of disease is still unknown, although there have been several infectious agents that have been associated with SLE development, especially in genetically predisposed individuals. Herpes simplex virus-I and -II (HSV-I and -II) and Toxoplasma gondiiare two infectious agents that have been suggested to be involved in SLE etiology. Accordingly, the present study assessed anti- HSV-I and -II and anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in sera of 64 SLE female patients and 32 healthy control women. The patients w

Background: Diabetic mellitus (DM) is a collection of metabolic disorder identified by hyperglycemia. The heterogeneous etiology includes defects either in insulin secretion, or in insulin action, or the both. In addition to the distraction in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. Inflammatory reaction that caused by many pro-inflammatory cytokines play a central role in the pathogenicity of T2DM, these cytokines can enhance insulin resistance which led to impaired glucose homeostasis. Subjects: The study included 75 patients (38 males and 37 females) suffering from T2DM with age mean ± SE 52.30 ± 1.60, and 70 individuals as healthy controls (35 males and 35 females) with age mean ± SE 48.88 ± 0.64. Evaluation of immunological marke

Gliotoxin (GT) is sulfur-containing mycotoxin within the 2,5-diketopiperazines class. First discovery from Gliocladium. Later discovered from different strains belonging to Aspergillus fumigatus mainly those have glicluster. This study outlines a study on the histological effects of gliotoxin (GT) on mouse brain and spleen tissues using light and electron microscopy, with a focus on its interaction with matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Histopathological changes through MMPs expressing variability estimated by using Immunohistochemistry (IHC). Mature mice were injected intraperitoneally with acute doses determined by data response analysis (EC50/IC50) as (125, 250, and 500 μg/ml) of GT and compared with a control group that received (metha

The lead-acid battery has become so dependable in its used applications of automobile starting, emergency lighting and telecommunications, which left an impression that no further investigation is necessary or desirable. While there has been slow continuous improvements in lead-acid battery performance and mainly limited to design and material engineering. This work is mainly devoted to the properties of the active mass of the positive electrode and the acid/water ratio during the manufacturing process. A field study is carried out at the State Battery Manufacturing Company located in Baghdad, to prepare batches of lead mono-oxide with predefined quantities of liquid additives (i.e. sulfuric acid and water). Quality control and laborator

Historic city centers are cultural archives where built forms and spatial practices hold the collective memory of generations. In Baghdad, the concept of Cultural DNA (C-DNA) is a tool to understand how cultural codes are the generative rules that shape the evolution and persistence of the historic urban fabric. This research explores the role of C-DNA as a trigger of urban morphogenesis in Rusafa, the historic heart of Baghdad, by looking into how cultural values underpin spatial continuity, change, and adaptability. The study uses Space Syntax methodologies with DepthmapX, supported by historical maps, surveys, and field observations, to analyze two morphological stages of Rusafa: 1850 and now. Through axial analysis, the research

Samples prepared by using carbon black as a filler material and phenolic resin as a binder. The samples were pressed in a (3) cm diameter cylindrical die to (250)MPa and treated thermally within temperature range of (600-1000)oC for two and three hours. Physical properties tests were performed, like density, porosity, and X-ray tests. Moreover vicker microhardness and electric resistivity tests were done. From the results, it can be concluded that density was increased while porosity was decreased gradually with increasing temperature and treating time. In microhardness test, it found that more temperature and treating time cause more hardness. Finally the resistivity was decreased in steps with temperature and treating time. It can be c

An experimental study was conducted to determine the performance of a solar electric refrigeration system. The system contained flat photovoltaic solar panel which absorbs the solar energy and convert it to electrical energy, used to run the refrigeration cycle. Two refrigeration cycles with electrical solar panel were used over a period of 12 months, the first one with classical parts known in refrigeration cycle, while the second one introduced heat exchanger which improves the coefficient of performance by saving the consumed energy. The coefficient of performance of these refrigeration cycles with compressor efficiency 85% are 2.102 and 2.57 respectively. The overall efficiency of the two systems are 18.9% and 23.13%.

Background : Diabetes mellitus, also known as blood sugar, is a series of metabolic disorders described by high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia), low blood glucose (hypoglycemia), or both, resulting from defects in insulin production, insulin action, or both. Numerous studies have shown that interleukin (IL-6) acts on skeletal muscle cells , liver cells, and pancreas cells to influence glucose balance and metabolism, which directly or indirectly contributes to the development of diabetes. Research in this area is crucial because diabetes is recognized as a major risk factor for many diseases like Diabetic retinopathy, Diabetic nephropathy, Diabetic Neuropathy , heart disease and others.  Patients and methods : In this study, we

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 asses