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 investigates the meanings and significance of the verse and the concluded educational purports. The expression “And in the heaven is your provision” signifies the deism of Allah. This research introduces the what have been said by Quran Explainers about meaning of Heaven & Provision. It introduces also the meaning of the sentence “which you are promised” and its concluded educational purports. This research discuses the role of educational institutions as well as the family and mosques in connecting Muslims and their children with the promise given by Allah.
Provision is guaranteed for all people if moral and material causes have been considered.
Key Words:
Purports – Educational – Co
... Show MoreIn this study, Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles were synthesized by an easy and eco-friendly technique (green synthesis) using green tea leaves (Camillia sinensis), Nanoparticles were analyzed using structural and optical analysis, the X-ray pattern showed that Titanium Dioxide NPs had a tetragonal structure with (Face Centered Tetragonal) FCT crystal structure, the UV-visible recorded an absorbance peak near 350 nm and calculated energy band gap was 3.5 eV, all measurements were proved the purity and Nano size of prepared Nanoparticles. Biochemical parameters evaluation also mentioned in this research, these analyzes showed that Titanium Dioxide nanoparticles in particular dose (50 mg/kg) have the ability to reduce blood glucose
... Show MoreThis study designed to examine association between-174G/C polymorphism of interleukin-6 gene and phosphate, calcium, vitamin D3, and parathyroid hormone levels in Iraqi patient with chronic kidney disease on maintenance hemodialysis. Seventy chronic renal failure patients (patients group) and 20 healthy subjects (control group) were genotyped for interleukin-6 polymorphism and genotyping was performed by conventional polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. No significant differences in phosphate levels were observed in patients and control with different interleukin-6 genotypes. Control had non-significant differences in calcium levels, while patients with GG and CG genotypes displayed significant e
... Show MoreBackground: Pre-eclampsia is culmination of a multi-step process that related in part to elevated oxidative stress and associated with hyperurecimia.
Patients and methods: Thirty normotensive and hundred pre-eclamptic pregnant women attending to Al-Basra hospital of pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology were participated in this study. The patients were randomized into six groups. They were treated with methyldopa alone, methyldopa plus vitamin C, methyldopa plus vitamin E, methyldopa plus vitamin C and E, and methyldopa plus allopurinol. The oxidative stress (MDA), renal function parameters, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were evaluated before treatment and 14 day after initiation of therapy.
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A series of polymers containing1,2,4-triazole and tetrazole groups in their main chains were synthesized through several steps. Poly(acryloyl hydrazide) was first prepared and then subjected to a hydrazide reaction with phenyl isothiocyanate to give a 1,2,4-triazole ring (2). This polymer was introduced into a reaction with chloro acetylchloride to yield polymer (3), which was refluxed with sodium azide to give polymer (4). Polymer (5) was synthesized by the reaction of polymer (4) with acrylonitrile in the presence of NH4Cl as a catalyst. Finally, polymer (6) was synthesized by the electrochemical polymerization of polymer (5) using 316L stainless steel as an anti-corrosion coating. Polymer-coated and uncoat
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