The objective of this study is to determine levels of some pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-12 and SIL-2R) in pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and also to determine incidence of spontaneous abortion during first trimester in pregnant women with PCOS compared with non-PCOS pregnant women. This Study was performed on (93) women, consisted of: 1- (63) pregnant women during the first trimester, which included:A- (33)PCOS pregnant women and subdivided into the following groups: (20) successful pregnant PCOS, (7) blighted Ovum PCOS and (6) missed abortion PCOS. B- (30) non-PCOS pregnant women, which included: (27) successful pregnant control and (3) non-PCOS pregnant women were withdrawn from this study because of their abortion in first trimester. 2- (30) non-pregnant subjects, which subdivided into the following groups: (18) non-pregnant PCOS and (12) non-pregnant control. Serum luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone hormone levels and serum pro-inflammatory cytokines [IL-12 and sIL-2R] levels were measured in all subjects. It is found that the incidence of spontaneous abortion {missed(18.2%) and blighted ovum(21.2%)} in first trimester of pregnancy for 33 women which was (39.4%) and it is 3.9 fold higher than incidence of spontaneous abortion {missed(3.3%) and blighted ovum (6.7%)} for 30 non-PCOS pregnant women which was (10%). The LH levels were increasing significantly (P<0.05) in testosterone levels were increasing significantly (P<0.05) in all four PCOS groups when compared with two control groups (pregnant and non-pregnant). The IL-12 levels were elevated in all four PCOS groups when compared with two control groups. The sIL-2R levels were increasing significantly (P<0.05) in spontaneous abortion PCOS group and in non-pregnant PCOS group when compared with pregnant control group. In conclusion rise of some proinflammatory cytokines (IL-12 and sIL-2R) levels in pregnant women with PCOS during the first trimester may be attributed to an endocrine abnormalities and related directly to high levels of testosterone. The rising pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-12 and sIL-2R) levels of non-pregnant PCOS may be attributed to interactions between the neuroendocrine and immune systems.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) has many environmental benefits and it is considered to be a practical alternative to traditional energy generation. The electrical conversion efficiency of such systems is inherently limited due to the relatively high thermal resistance of the PV components. An approach for intensifying electrical and thermal production of air-type photovoltaic thermal (PVT) systems via applying a combination of fins and surface zigzags was proposed in this paper. This research study aims to apply three performance enhancers: case B, including internal fins; case C, back surface zigzags; and case D, combinations of fins and surface zigzags; whereas the baseline smooth duct rep
This article presents the results of an experimental investigation of using carbon fiber–reinforced polymer sheets to enhance the behavior of reinforced concrete deep beams with large web openings in shear spans. A set of 18 specimens were fabricated and tested up to a failure to evaluate the structural performance in terms of cracking, deformation, and load-carrying capacity. All tested specimens were with 1500-mm length, 500-mm cross-sectional deep, and 150-mm wide. Parameters that studied were opening size, opening location, and the strengthening factor. Two deep beams were implemented as control specimens without opening and without strengthening. Eight deep beams were fabricated with openings but without strengthening, while
... Show MoreThis research investigates the pre- and post-cracking resistance of steel fiber-reinforced concrete specimens with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars subjected to flexural loading. The purpose is to modify the ductility and cracking resistance of GFRP-reinforced beams, which are prone to early cracking and excessive deflections instigated by the low modulus of elasticity of GFRP. Six self-compacting concrete specimens (1500×240×200 mm), incorporating steel fibers of two lengths (25 mm and 40 mm) with varying distribution depths, were tested to assess their structural performance. The results indicate significant enhancements in cracking resistance, stiffness, energy absorption, ductility, and flexural strength. Tested beam
... Show MoreObjective(s): This study aims to assess health related quality of life among Iraqi patients with chronic viral hepatitis
B and C also to find out the relationship between health related quality of life and patients demographic
characteristic and to design a new measurement scale for assessing QoL among viral hepatitis B and C patients
which can be suitable to be adopted for Iraqi patients
Methodology: A descriptive quantitative study is carried out at Gastroenterology and Hepatology Teaching
Hospital from February, 1st, 2011 to August 30th 2011, Anon probability (purposive sample) of (100) chronic viral
hepatitis B and C persons , who were clients of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Teaching Hospital / outpatient
clin
The taxonomy of Ficus L., 1753 species is confusing because of the intense morphological variability and the ambiguity of the taxa. This study handled 36 macro-morphological characteristics to clarify the taxonomic identity of the taxa. The study revealed that Ficus is represented in the Egyptian gardens with forty-one taxa; 33 species, 4 subspecies and 4 varieties, and classified into five subgenera: Ficus Corner, 1960; Terega Raf., 1838; Sycomorus Raf., 1838; Synoecia (Miq.) Miq., 1867, and Spherosuke Raf.,1838; out of them seven were misidentified. Amongst, four new Ficus taxa were recently introduced to Egypt namely: F. lingua subsp. lingua Warb. ex De Wild. & T. Durand, 1901; F. pumila L., 1753; F. rumphii Blume, 1825, and F. su
... Show MoreDouble-layer micro-perforated panels (MPPs) have been studied extensively as sound absorption systems to increase the absorption performance of single-layer MPPs. However, existing proposed models indicate that there is still room for improvement regarding the frequency bands of absorption for the double-layer MPP. This study presents a double-layer MPP formed with two single MPPs with inhomogeneous perforation backed by multiple cavities of varying depths. The theoretical formulation is developed using the electrical equivalent circuit method to calculate the absorption coefficient under a normal incident sound. The simulation results show that the proposed model can produce absorption coefficient with wider absorption bandwidth compared w
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