Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is an autoimmune, and inflammatory disease that is closely related to the destruction of cartilage and bone. DC-SIGN are important types of C-type lectin receptors (CLRs), expressed on dendritic cells and macrophages, and have a central role in regulating innate and adaptive immunity, function as pattern recognition receptors, and as cell adhesion molecules. Recent evidence has demonstrated that DC-SIGN is involved in the pathophysiological of chronic inflammation, so DC-SIGN has been linked to several autoimmune and may play an essential indicator in the pathogenesis and progression of RA. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the serum level of DC-SIGN in RA patients, as well as the level of DC-SIGN based on demographic characteristics. Fifty Iraqi RA patients were enrolled in the study, and a control sample of 38 healthy individuals (ascertain by laboratory and clinical tests) were included and matched by gender, age, and ethnicity with the patients. The DC-SIGN concentration was calculated in the patients’ serum and compared to control using the ELISA assay and the results revealed significantly increased serum level of DC-SIGN (12.047 ± 1.114 vs. 6.863 ± 0.806 ng/ml) was recorded in RA patients compared to controls. When correlating results, it was shown that the concentration of DC-SIGN in the serum did not record a significant difference between gender and age, as well as the blood groups. To determine the impact of the therapeutic status in RA patients on the DC-SIGN level, it was found that the concentration of DC-SIGN level was higher in untreated patients compared to treated patients. Regarding viral infection, when an investigation was conducted in RA patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, the serum level of DC-SIGN in RA patients with COVID-19 showed no change in concentrations compared to uninfected RA patients.
The purpose of this paper is to develop a hybrid conceptual model for building information modelling (BIM) adoption in facilities management (FM) through the integration of the technology task fit (TTF) and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) theories. The study also aims to identify the influence factors of BIM adoption and usage in FM and identify gaps in the existing literature and to provide a holistic picture of recent research in technology acceptance and adoption in the construction industry and FM sector.
Warfarin dosing is challenging due to a multitude of factors affecting its pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD). A novel personalised dosing algorithm predicated on a warfarin PK/PD model and incorporating CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genotype information has been developed for children. The present prospective, observational study aimed to compare the model with conventional weight-based dosing. The study involved two groups of children post-cardiac surgery: Group 1 were warfarin naïve, in whom loading and maintenance doses were estimated using the model over a 6-month duration and compared to historical case-matched controls. Group 2 were already established on maintenance therapy a
Introduction: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease, that may be transferred from mothers to infants during pregnancy if it is left untreated. Method: This study was conducted among 65 women who suffered from recurrent abortions in Iraq. Syphilis screening recombinant (IgM + IgG) level by ELISA, RADIM (Italy) and rapid plasma reagin (RPR) (positive and negative results) tests were used to analyse the data. Results: A non-significant association was observed with age (p=0.989), and the number of healthy births (p=0.643). Non-significant differences were observed in comparisons between smoker and non-smoker percentages in the study group. The rapid test for syphilis confirmation was applied using Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) tests.
... Show MoreTo investigate the relationship between increased lipid peroxidation, and the lowering of both plasma total proteins and albumin in lead-exposed workers, and the effectiveness of antioxidants (vit. C and E) in modulating oxidative stress in those workers.
Thirty male and females workers employed in the Iraqi storage battery (age range 20-40 years) were participating in this study. Additionally, 11 healthy subjects were served as healthy controls, with the same age range compared to workers group, to avoid the effects of age variations on the studied parameters. Blood lead levels, erythrocytes and plasma MDA, erythrocytes and plasma GSH, total protein and albumin levels in healthy controls and lead-exposed workers pre- and post-tr
... Show More<span lang="EN-US">Usability evaluation is a core usability activity that minimizes risks and improves product quality. The returns from usability evaluation are undeniable. Neglecting such evaluation at the development stage negatively affects software usability. In this paper, the authors develop a software management tool used to incorporate usability evaluation activities into the agile environment. Using this tool, agile development teams can manage a continuous evaluation process, tightly coupled with the development process, allowing them to develop high quality software products with adequate level of usability. The tool was evaluated through verification, followed by the validation on satisfaction. The evaluation resu
... Show MoreBack ground: In Iraq, after 2003 had more
accidents of the shell, bullet and stab abdominal
wounds, more over colon injuries.
Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate
the most appropriate management of penetrating
colon injuries, comparing the primary repair with
the diversion.
Methods: Eighty patient series with shell, bullet
and stab colonic injuries during 4.5 years period
from June 2006-december 2010 at Al-Yarmouk
teaching hospital. The study compared the use of
primary repair versus diversion, analyzing
variables such as sex, age, severity of injury and
mortality rate.
Results: there were total 80 patients ,62 (77.5%)
male and 18(22.5%) female .male :female ratio
3.4:1. the most
Background: Thyroid operation needs very meticulous haemostasis to have minimal morbidity and mortality.
Objectives: Assessment of harmonic knife in open thyroid surgery as anew haemostatic procedure .
Type of the study: Cross-sectional study.
Methods: This study had been conducted at Alkindy teaching hospital in Baghdad city from the 1st of May 2013 to the 1st of January 2017 on 229 goiterous patients who needs thyroidectomy(36 males,193 females),divided in 2 groups according to the haemostatic procedure used during their operations, Group A (15 males,85females)using the usual conventional surgery(
... Show MoreWe presented here a 25years old lady with a multiple hatdtid cysts in lung and liver and spleen in large number in each organ. Which regarded inoperable and difficult to treared.We use medical treatment with antihelimenthes drugs in new regime and follow-up over 1year clinically, laboratory investigations, U/s and CT.scan. There was good disappearance of liver and spleen cysts with very good response in lungs.