Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with polymorphic expression. B cells have an essential contribution in immune system activation via the production of different cytokines and functioning as potent antigen-presenting cells. Therefore, a drug that particularly targets B cells may represent an ideal therapeutic approach for SLE. Rituximab (RTX), an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody causing transient B-cell depletion, has been used to manage SLE. This study aims to assess Rituximab effects on lupus nephritis (LN) patients when added to conventional immunosuppressants. Twenty four patients, 15-32 years old, with class III/IV/V LN were involved in this study. All were on steroids before lupus nephritis occurrence. They were given rituximab induction therapy and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) maintenance therapy. RTX was indicated for refractory and relapsing SLE. Several investigations done before and after RTX treatment and in the last follow up (done one year after starting Rituximab). Those included protein in urine, serum creatinine, double stranded DNA, C3, C4, and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR). Proteinuria decreased significantly after RTX treatment and in the last measurement (P=0.01 and P=0.001, respectively). Serum creatinine significantly decreased only in the last measurement (P=0.02). Double stranded DNA decreased remarkably after treatment (P=0.01) with a further decrease in the last measurement (P=0.006). C3 and C4 increased after treatment but the increase was significant only for C3 (P=0.002) and this increase continues till the last measurement (P=0.0006). Active urine sediments found in fifteen patients and disappeared after RTX treatment. Rituximab can be promising in treating lupus nephritis when used along with traditional immunosuppressants. It can reduce disease activity and improve renal function in such patients.
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in United State (U.S.). Controlling of modifiable risk factors such as smoking, hypertension (HT), diabetes mellitus (D.M.), dyslipidemia, physical inactivity & obesity will prevent other serious cardiovascular complications
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This study investigates the role of identity as a critical factor in mediating the relationship between local and regional politics within the broader context of international relations (IR). While identity is frequently acknowledged as a catalyst for political instability and conflict, its function in fostering interdependence across political levels remains underexplored, particularly through empirical research. To address this gap, the study adopts a quantitative methodology, drawing on theories of identity politics and interdependence. A structured survey was administered to assess public perceptions of identity's influence on international engagement and its bridging role between domestic and regional political dynamics. The fi
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YY Lazim, NAB Azizan, 2nd International Conference on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 2014
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Tench is a cyprinid fish that has undergone human-induced translocations. The natural populations of the species are on the decline due to habitat loss and spawning grounds degradation. The genetic diversity of seven natural populations was investigated to establish the genetic knowledge base for successful conservation efforts and for selective breeding. Twelve microsatellite markers, the sequencing of a 615 bp section of mtDNA (Cytb) and PCR-RFLP analysis of two nuclear markers (Act) and (RpS7) were used to analyze the genetic variation and structure among 175 individuals. All microsatellite loci were found to have moderate levels of polymorphism. The pairwise Fst values between population pairings were moderate; the populations w
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Purpose: The current research attempts to diagnosis the reflection level of Information Technology (IT) Capabilities (Architectural, infrastructure, human resources, relationships resources, and dynamic capabilities) at Baghdad soft drinks Company/Al- Zafaraniya to achieving the competitive superiority represented by indicators (Cost, quality, flexibility, delivery and innovation). Recognizing the importance of the subjects studied, and because of the importance of the expected results of the field under consideration.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The experimental method has been used, the questionnaire used to collect th
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The current study included details of the anatomical characteristics of vegetative parts including the root, stem, leaf in cultivated Iraq for the species Brassciaaleraceacabbage, where the study dealt with the stomatal index and the rate of both the length and width of the stomatal complex and the thickness of the periderm, the tissue, cortex, vascular cylinder and pith. The parts were taken and measured after the plant was treated with brassinolide and the treated species with brassinolide and non-treated were measured and the study showed that there was a clear variation in the properties above.
After a temporary halt to forced thghebr in different cities of Iraq this methodlogy
opeations returned directiy in the areas of political conflict on the ground which are translated
operations and forced displacement violence es they operations aimed at completing the
forced displacement that occurred after the occupation in(2003)which took an upward curve
publicly after these events and some of which are aimed at the liquidation of some provinces
than any demographic diversity of religious or sectarian or alhens and others aimed at
redemographic distribution within the province itself to produce a net sectarian zones as is the
case in Diyala Nineveh and Babylon Baghdad has the epicenter of sectarian violence and th