Many international studies indicated that the polymorphisms of some genes disturbed the folate homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism and increased the vulnerability to Down syndrome (DS). We aimed to measure the serum levels of folate and Hcy in DS children and compare the levels with age and sex-matched apparently normal healthy children. We also aimed to study the A80G polymorphism of the gene reduced folate carrier (RFC1) in the DS children as a risk factor. Forty children with DS (24 were boys, and 16 were girls) with the age range between 5-13 years, and 26 normal healthy children (16 boys and ten girls) were included in this study. The results show that the highest genotype in the control group was AG (53.85%) followed by AA and GG (30.77% and 15.38%) respectively. The genotype percentages in children with DS were (50, 35,and 15) for AG,AA, and GG respectively. There was no statistically significant Down syndrome risk RAC-1A80G polymorphic genotype and DS in the Iraqi children sample (A/A Vs. G/G, OR= 1.13,95%C =0.48-2.68 ) (A/A Vs. A/G, OR= 1.2, 95%C = 0.66-2.26 )(G/G vs. A/G, OR=1.08, 95%C = 0.48-2.43 ) respectively. Significant decrease in the concentrations of Hcy and folate in the serum of DS children 5.54 ± 0.94 and 6.99 ± 1.16, then in the control group 7.14 ± 1.46, 7.86 ± 1.78, respectively. We did not detect a significant difference between male and female DS subjects. There was no correlation between the Hcy concentration and folate level of the DS group. The results showed that the frequency of RFC1 alleles and A80G genotypes (GG Vs AA, AAVs AG, GG Vs AG) had no risk with down syndrome in a sample of Iraqi children. Thus, we need further studies with a large sample of children in comparison with mothers of DS birth
Systemic lupus Erythematosus is an autoimmune disease of unknown aetiology affecting multiple organ system. Reactive nitrogen and oxygen species are claimed to play a role in this disease. However, the potential of Nitrosative/Oxidative Stress to elicit an autoimmune, response remain till now largely unexplored in humans. This study was done to investigate the status and contribution of nitrosative/oxidative stress in Iraqi patients for systemic lupus erythematosus. Blood samples from 19 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and 19 age-and sex- matched apparently healthy controls were evaluated for serum levels of nitrosative/oxidative stress markers including nitric oxide, peroxynitrite and malondialdehyde. Nitric oxide levels were
... Show MoreTumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) antagonists’ therapy are expensive and has a non-responsive rate between 30% to 40% in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Genetic variation plays a vital role in the responsiveness to this type of therapy.The aim of this study is to investigate if the presence of genetic polymorphism in the TNF-α gene promoter region at locations -376 G/A (rs1800750), -806 C/T (rs4248158), and -1031 T/C (rs1799964) affects rheumatoid arthritis patient's tendency to be a non-responder to etanercept.
Eighty RA patients on etanercept (ETN) for at least six months were recruited from the Rheumatology Unit at Baghdad Teaching Hospital. Based on The European League Against Rheumatism response (EULAR) criteria, patient
... Show MoreInflammation of the tonsils could be described as acute tonsillitis, mainly due to infection. Recurrent tonsillitis could be defined as 3-7 episodes during the first 3 years of age. Vitamin D, which is a neuro-hormone with pleiotropic biological activities may modulate the immune response by alleviation, and stimulation of Th1 and Th2 cell proliferation, respectively, that influence the stimulation, synthesis, and secretion of both pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines. In this study we aimed to shed light on the levels of vitamin D in children with different episodes of tonsillitis in association with levels of interleukins (TNFα, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10). Blood samples were collected from 48 participants in 3 groups: control, acute tonsilliti
... Show MoreIlliteracy has spread in the last years, although it was eliminated in the 1980s. The return of illiteracy brings ignorance, illness, backwardness and regression among nations. It has taken many types, mainly alphabetical, scientific and computer illiteracy. Hence, the increasing nature of illiteracy has attracted the attention of governments and societies alike. This may touch the reality of societies starting with their youth unless those, who are in charge, will find workable solutions for the existing problems. The results of the study revealed that there is a real disaster awaiting the next generation after years of stray, and ignorance of the people in charge who are too engaged in getting their privileges to care about this proble
... Show MoreMalnutrition, anemia, and micronutrient deficits may be associated with Enterobius vermicularis infection. Hence, the subject has recently received a lot of attention. The goal of this study was to analyse the nutritional, hematological and micronutrient status of children infected with E. vermicularis. This research was carried out in Baghdad from October 2021 to the end of March 2022. The study comprised 100 children of both sexes, ranging in age from 3-16 years. All individuals nutritional status was assessed using the weight-for-age Z score and the height-for-age Z score. As well as cellophane tape samples and blood samples were collected from all individuals. The cellophane tape samples were examined under microscope f
... Show MoreThe present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between critical thinking, epistemological beliefs, and learning strategies with the academic performance of high school first-grade male and female students in Yazd. For this purpose, from among all first-grade students, as many as 250 students (130 females and 120 males) were selected by using multistage cluster sampling. The data needed were then collected through using California Critical Thinking Skills Test, Schommer's Epistemological Beliefs Questionnaire, Biggs’ Revised Two Factor Study Process Questionnaire. The findings indicated that there is a positive significant relationship between critical thinking and academic performance and achievement. Moreover, four fa
... Show MoreFive serological methods for detection of Brucella were compaired in this study, Four of the methods are commonely used in the detections:- 1-Rose-Bengal: as primary screening test which depends on detecting antibodies in the blood serum. 2-IFAT: which detects IgG and IgM antibodies in the serum. 3-ELISA test: which detects IgG antibodies in the serum. 4-2ME test: which detects IgG antibodies The fifth methods. It was developed by a reasercher in one of the health centers in Baghdad. It was given the name of spot Immune Assay (SIA). Results declares that among (100) samples of patients blood, 76, 49, 49, 37, and 28. samples were positive to Rose Bengal, ELISA, SIA, 2ME and IFAT tests, respectively. When efficiency, sensitivity and specific
... Show MoreExperimental study has been conducted for laminar natural convection heat transfer of air flow through a rectangular enclosure fitted with vertical partition. The partition was oriented parallel to the two vertical isothermal walls with different temperatures, while all the other surfaces of the enclosure were insulated. In this study a test rig has been designed and constructed to allow studying the effect of Rayleigh number, aperture height ratio, partition thickness, the position of aperture according to the side walls and according to the height, the position of the partition according to the hot wall, and partition inclination. The experiments were carried out with air as the working fluid for Rayleigh number range (5*107 – 1.3*10
... Show MoreIn this paper, thermal performance of a zig-zig solar air heater (ZZSAH) with and without using steel wire mesh on the absorber plate of the collector is experimentally investigated. The experimental work includes four inclination angles of the collector 20o, 30o, 45o, and 60o and four air mass flow rates of 0.03, 0.04, 0.06, and 0.08 kg/s under varieties of operating conditions of a geographic location of Baghdad. New correlation equations of Nusselt number are obtained from experimental results for both types of collectors where the effect of varying of the inclination angle of collector taken into consideration in the experiment. The correlations show good agreement wi
... Show MoreBackground: Diabetes mellitus (DM) could be regarded as a set of chronic metabolic disorders which have a common aspect of hyperglycemia. The resistance in the peripheral actions of insulin or impaired insulin secretion could be the reason hepcidin which is a peptide hormone derived from liver, in systemic iron homeostasis is an essential regulator, and its lopsided production participates in the pathogenesis of iron disorders in spectrum. Osteoporosis often accompanies many diseases like ß-thalassemia, hemochromatosis, sickle liver diseases, cell disease and hemosiderosis featured by iron overload, evidences suggest that Iron overload and iron deficiency are suggested by evidences that they affect bone in a negative way, acting
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