Background: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are said to be inherited in a multifactorial fashion, i.e. genetic-environmental interaction. Maternal nutritional deficiencies had long been reported to cause NTDs, especially folate deficiency during early pregnancy. More attention had been paid to the exact mechanism by which this deficiency state causes these defects in the developing embryo. The most significant of all researches was that connecting reduced folate and increased homocysteine level in maternal serum on one hand and the risk of developing a NTD baby on the other hand. Objectives : to determine the significance of homocysteine level in Iraqi mothers who gave birth to babies with NTDs as compared to normal controls. Patients, Materials and Methods: Fifty Iraqi women having babies born with NTDS, referred to the genetic clinic in Baghdad Teaching Hospital, were included in this study (the study group) as well as 37 healthy women having normal children (the control group). This study was conducted from November, 2002 till October, 2003. Analysis of total serum homocysteine level for all women was done using a computerized HPLC system. Results : the age of women in both groups was comparable (mean+SD in the study group was 26.2+5.14 years vs. 26.3+4.57 years in the controls). Among the study group, 4 (8%) had normal tHcy level; 44 (88%) had mildly elevated level, and only 2 (4%) had moderately elevated tHcy level, while all (100%) women in the control group had their tHcy level within normal level. This difference was statistically highly significant (p<0.001). Conclusions : Women become at an increased risk of delivering a baby with NTD when having an elevated tHcy level in their sera, and that tHcy level is an important marker in maternal serum that is associated significantly with pregnancy outcome.
The amount of protein in the serum depends on the balance between the rate of its synthesis, and that of its catabolism or loss. Abnormal metabolism may result from nutritional deficiency, enzyme deficiency, abnormal secretion of hormones, or the actions of drugs and toxins. Renal cancer is the third most common malignancy of the genitourinary system, and accounts for 3% of adult malignancies globally. Total serum proteins were measured in malignant kidney tumor, benign kidney tumors, and non tumoral kidney diseases patient groups, as well as in healthy individuals. A significant decrease (p< 0.001) of total serum protein levels in patients with malignant kidney tumors when compared with those of benign tumors, non tumoral diseases, and hea
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Concrete filled steel tube (CFST) columns are being popular in civil engineering due to their superior structural characteristics. This paper investigates enhancement in axial behavior of CFST columns by adding steel fibers to plain concrete that infill steel tubes. Four specimens were prepared: two square columns (100*100 mm) and two circular columns (100 mm in diameter). All columns were 60 cm in length. Plain concrete mix and concrete reinforced with steel fibers were used to infill steel tube columns. Ultimate axial load capacity, ductility and failure mode are discussed in this study. The results showed that the ultimate axial load capacity of CFST columns reinforced with steel fibers increased by 28% and 20 % for circular and square c
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Generally, there are many problems that people run into; unemployment is one of these common diseases which usually hits the whole communities leaving crucial effects (economic, social, and psychological) that are difficult to handle them. The current study aims to identify the level of emotional disorders among Iraqi unemployed alumni for the academic years (2013-2016). To this end, the researchers have prepared a questionnaire to measure (anxiety, depression, and anger): these criteria distributed over (30) item. As for sample, it limited to (50) male and female student. The findings of study have revealed that the whole sample showed a high level of emotional disorders, and anger disorder showed higher level than the level of (depress
... Show MoreThe research includes a clinical study of Arginase and its relation with uterine fibroid. The normal value of arginase activity in female serum was found to be (0.52 ± 0.02 IU/L) in healthy group at age (35-55) years. The study also showed a highly significant increase in arginase activity (7.99 ± 0.23 IU/L) in serum of uterine fibroid patients group at (35-55years) in comparison to healthy.The results also indicated a highly significant increase in the level of progesterone, estradiol, prolactin, peroxynitrite and malondialdehyde in patients group. While a highly significant decrease in concentration of adiponectin in patients group was found in comparison to healthy.
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Background The escalating global concern over increased body weight in adolescents, coupled with the rising rates of adolescent pregnancy worldwide, presents a significant challenge to healthcare systems. We plan to identify the maternal and neonatal consequences associated with pre-pregnancy overweight in adolescent women. Methods Throughout five years, all singleton adolescent pregnant women with pre-pregnancy self-reported body mass index (BMI) of 18.5– ≤ 29.9 were involved during the first-trimester visit. Two groups were generated: overweight and appropriate-weight (BMI 25–29.9 and 18.5–24.9, respectively). Obstetric and neonatal outcomes were observed prospectively and statistically adjusted for the confounding factors.
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Background The escalating global concern over increased body weight in adolescents, coupled with the rising rates of adolescent pregnancy worldwide, presents a significant challenge to healthcare systems. We plan to identify the maternal and neonatal consequences associated with pre-pregnancy overweight in adolescent women. Methods Throughout five years, all singleton adolescent pregnant women with pre-pregnancy self-reported body mass index (BMI) of 18.5– ≤ 29.9 were involved during the first-trimester visit. Two groups were generated: overweight and appropriate-weight (BMI 25–29.9 and 18.5–24.9, respectively). Obstetric and neonatal outcomes were observed prospectively and statistically adjusted for the confounding factors.
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