Cytokines are signaling molecules between inflammatory cells that play a significant role in the pathogenesis of a disease. Among these cytokines are interleukins (ILs) 17A and 33, and accordingly, the current case-control study sought to investigate the role of each of the two cytokines in the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Sixty-eight relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) Iraqi patients and twenty healthy individuals (control group) were enrolled. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used to determine serum levels of IL-17A and IL-33. Results revealed that IL-17A and IL-33 levels were significantly higher in MS patients than in controls (14.1 ± 4.5 vs. 7.5 ± 3.8 pg/mL; p < 0.001 and 65.3 ± 16.3 vs. 49.3 ± 20.0 pg/mL; p < 0.001, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated that IL-17A was a very good predictor of MS (area under curve [AUC] = 0.869; 95% CI = 0.779 - 0.960; p < 0.001; cut-off value = 10.2 pg/mL; sensitivity = 80.8%; specificity = 75.0%). A similar prediction was presented by IL-33, but the AUC value was lower (AUC = 0.762; 95% CI = 0.63 - 0.89; p < 0.001; cut-off value = 56.4 pg/mL; sensitivity = 70.6%; specificity = 70.0%). Multinomial logistic regression analysis confirmed the significance of IL-17A and IL-33 in MS risk, and under three models of analysis, the estimated odds ratios for IL-17A (1.50, 1.49 and 1.50, respectively) and IL-33 (1.05, 1.05 and 1.06) were above 1.0. Patients stratified by gender (male and female), expanded disability status scale (EDSS: < 3 and ≥ 3) or medication (pre- and post-medication) showed no significant differences in serum levels of IL-17A and IL-33 for each stratum. However, with regard to response to medication, it was found that responding patients showed significantly higher levels of IL-33 than non-responders (70.9 ± 12.2 vs. 57.2 ± 18.2 pg/mL; p = 0.018). This difference was not observed when considering IL-17A. Pearson correlation analysis between IL-17A and IL-33 revealed that both cytokines were not significantly correlated. In conclusion, the study indicated that IL-17A and IL-33 were up-regulated in serum of MS patients, and this up-regulation was not influenced by age, gender, EDSS or medication status, but the elevated level of IL-33 was more pronounced in patients who responded to medication.
One of the key molecules in the conversion of sphingosine to sphingosine-1- phosphate is SPHK-1, also known as Sphingosine Kinase 1 (SPHK-1). Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a lipid that acts as a signaling molecule and plays an essential role in inflammatory and immunomodulatory responses. S1P has recently been identified as a mediator and a biomarker in inflammatory bone diseases such as osteoporosis and inflammatory osteolysis based on the biological effects of S1P in osteoclastic and osteoblastic cells and immune cells. According to recent research, S1P may play a role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis, an inflammatory bone-destructive condition. This study assesses the salivary level SPHK-1 in periodontitis and its correlat
... Show MoreBackground: Spleen is a hemopoietic organ which is capable of supporting elements of different systems. It is affected by several groups of diseases; inflammatory, hematopoietic, reticuloendothelial proliferation, portal hypertension and storage diseases. Ultrasound (US) may detect mild splenomegaly before it is clinically palpable. Knowledge of the normal range of spleen size in the population being examined is a prerequisite. Racial differences in splenic length could result in incorrect interpretation of splenic measurements and such differences would make it difficult to standardize expected splenic length and to determine non- palpable splenic enlargement.Objectives: To measure the normal values of splenic lengthin Iraqi subjects an
... Show MoreIn this work, corrosion parameters were evaluated using potentiodynamic polarization curves. In order to determine corrosion parameters of potential and current density of the interesting metal, carbon steel, environmental conditions of external corrosion of buried carbon steel pipeline in Iraqi soil were prepared in the laboratory using simulated prepared conditions. Solutions of sodium chloride at different concentrations (300, 1100, 1900, 2700, and 3500 ppm) were used. pH of solution were acidic at pH =5, and alkaline at pH = 9. Laboratory conditions were similar to those of Iraqi soil where the pipelines were buried. Temperature was constant at 20 °C. Potentiodynamic polarization curves, of potential vs. log current density, were ob
... Show MoreIn this research, A thin film of Rhodamine B dye and TiO2 Nanoparticles doped in PMMA Polymer has been prepared by a casting method. The sample was spectrum absorption by UV-Vis. The nonlinear optical properties were measured by Z- scan technique using Nd:YAG laser with (1064 nm) wavelength. The nonlinear refractive index (n2) and nonlinear absorption coefficient (β) were estimated for the thin film for different energies of the laser, n2 and β were decreased with increasing intensity of incident laser beam. Also, the type of β was two-photon absorption and n2 negative nonlinear reflective.
Numerous drilling additives and materials are used continuously because they are necessary to support and give the required properties of the drilling fluid so that to ensure the stability of the borehole. This paper aspires to evaluate the rheological properties of bentonite (montmorillonite) Trefawey as an alternative to using commercial bentonite. Monitoring and evaluating of the rheological and filtration properties were prepared. This exertion aims to focus on the effect of hematite, and barite on the rheological properties of the three aforementioned bentonite types. An improvement in the rheological properties of bentonite (montmorillonite). Trefawey was observed after adding the previous heavy materials. Hematite has by some
... Show MoreAn attempt was made to evaluate the PV performance of one-axis daily tracking and fixed system for Baghdad, Iraq. Two experimental simulations were conducted on a PV module for that purpose. Measurements included incident solar radiation, load voltage and load current. The first experiment was carried out for six months of winter half of year to simulate the one-axis daily tracking. The azimuth angle was due south while the tilt angle was being set to optimum according to each day of simulation. The second experiment was done at one day to simulate the PV module of fixed angles. It is found that there is a significant power gain of 29.6% for the tracking system in respect to the fixed one. The one-axis daily tracking was much more effect
... Show MoreSalah Al-Din Provence is an active agriculture and population region. One of its primary water sources is groundwater, which suffers from a lack of information regarding water quality and hydrochemistry. In order to study those missing variables, 27 samples from wells of shallow tubes were collected for analyzing the relevant physicochemical indices that help to produce the Schoeller index, Piper diagram, and Gibbs plot. Piper diagram revealed a hydrochemistry behavior of different values along with the groundwater samples. The chemistry of wells was controlled primarily by the evaporation process according to the Gibbs plot. The values of the Schoeller index of the studied samples stated that 59% of
New trends in teaching and learning theory are considered a theoretical axis
from which came the background that depends on any source, or practice sample or
teaching plane, accuracy and simplicity prevent the development of the teaching
process. Many attempts have come to scene to illuminate the teaching background,
but they have not exceed those remarkable patterns and methods. Thus, the
appearance of the teaching theory have been hindered.
This led to the need for research and development in the field of teaching to
find out a specific teaching theory according to the modern trends and concepts.
Teaching is regarded a humanitarian process which aims at helping those who
want to acquire knowledge, since teach
This study aims to identify the level of quality of Islamic banking services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It also investigates the importance of the various dimensions of the quality of banking services. The sample of the study included 69 clients of Al Rajhi Bank and Al-Bilad Bank. The study concluded that the overall level quality of services that Islamic banking offer is high. However, their relative importance varies from one dimension to another. The security, confidence and physical aspects are very high which this is a good point. On the other hand, the application aspects do not get the same importance. These aspects include the customer's wishes, helping them to improve the services offered to them,
... Show MoreMany economic entities working in multiple industrial fields suffer fromlow techniques in using modern administrative means in their works. The mostused tool in measuring required procedures is to adopt and use quality costs. inspite of complications and bronchial of operations in construction projects, Theresearcher was able to find a structure to quality costs according to traditionclassification (prevention, Appraisal, failure) which enables the calculation ofthese costs and then analyze results and setting standards which can beimplemented in evaluating strategic performance for targeted project. and theforge research in theoretical fly to quality and costs concerning it inconstruction section , as well as strategically performance a
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