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.
This research explores the integration of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrices to enhance their structural, electrical and thermal properties. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirms the formation of a PVA-MWCNT complex. The incorporation of MWCNTs, even at low concentrations, leads to increased electrical conductivity, making the composite material suitable for applications in flexible electronics and sensors. Dielectric studies reveal frequency-dependent electrical behavior, attributed to interfacial polarization, suggesting potential uses in capacitors and energy storage devices. The introduction of MWCNTs into PVA leads to N-type semiconductor behavior, as indicated by the Hall c
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In this review of literature, the light will be concentrated on the role of stem cells as an approach in periodontal regeneration.
Aneurysms of the cortical branches of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) are rare. They usually are secondary to traumatic or infectious etiologies and are rarely idiopathic. The specific characteristics of idiopathic aneurysms in such location are not well defined in the literature. The authors report a rare case of a ruptured giant idiopathic cortical MCA aneurysm with review of the available literature on this clinical entity.
A 24-year-old female presented with headache, disturbed level of consciousness, and right-sided weakness. Imaging studies showed a left frontoparietal intracer
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CD40 is a type 1 transmembrane protein composed of 277 amino acids, and it belongs to the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily. It is expressed in a variety of cell types, including normal B cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and endothelial cells, as a costimulatory molecule. This study aims to summarize the CD40 polymorphism effect and its susceptibility to immune-related disorders. The CD40 gene polymorphisms showed a significant association with different immune-related disorders and act as a risk factor for increased susceptibility to these diseases.
The study was preformed for investigating of Salmonella from meat, and compared Vidas UP Salmonella (SPT) with the traditional methods of isolation for Salmonella , were examined 42 meat samples (Beef and Chicken) from the Local and Imported From local markets in the city of Baghdad from period December 2013 -February 2014 the samples were cultured on enrichment and differential media and examined samples Vidas, and confirmed of isolates by cultivation chromgenic agar, biochemical tests ,Api20 E systeme , In addition serological tests , and the serotypes determinate in the Central Public Health Laboratory / National Institute of Salmonella The results showed the contamination in imported meat was more than in the local meat 11.9% and 2
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The study aimed to recognize the impact of polygamy on academic achievement and self-confidence among Sattam bin Abdul Aziz University students. To achieve this goal, the researchers used the Descriptive Analytical method using The Self Confidence measurement ,that has been prepared for the purposes of this study, consists set of 29 questions, then applied to the students sample that emerges from polygamy and one- wife families, study sample consists of randomly selected 230 students registered for the year .1435-1436
The results of the study showed presence of medium statistical impact on the significance level (a 4 0.05), this proof significant statistical effect of polygamy on self-confidence among the sample of Prince Sat-tam Univ