Background: Dyslipidemia is defined as an abnormally high level of various lipids in the blood. It is considered a major risk for atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Genetic susceptibility can have a significant influence on the development and progression of dyslipidemia. ApoB-100 R3500Q mutation and ApoE variants are among those genetic risks for dyslipidemia. This study aims to assess the possible contribution of ApoB and ApoE variants on lipid profile among a group of early-onset ischemic heart disease (IHD) patients in comparison to a group of controls. Methods: Forty patients with dyslipidemia and early-onset IHD without chronic conditions likely to cause derangement of lipid levels were recruited to this case-control study along with 20 disease-free controls. Basic demographic and clinical features along with lipid profile changes of the recruited individuals were analyzed and correlated with ApoB R3500Q mutation and ApoE variants in both groups. Results: The majority (80%) of participants were males. Hypertension showed a significant association with abnormal lipid profile among the patients, unlike family history of dyslipidemia, IHD or stroke, smoking status, and parental consanguinity, where no significant association was observed. ApoB R3500Q mutation was detected in a heterozygous state in one IHD patient only. ApoE variants were reported as follows: e3/e3 in 81.7% of recruited individuals while 10% have e3/e4 variant and 8.3% have e2/e3 variant. None of these variants showed a significant correlation with most clinical and lipid profile abnormalities. A noticeable proportion (25-30%) of the controls had marginally increased TC and TG levels respectively, while 60% of the controls had borderline high VLDL levels, which warrants further evaluation. Conclusions: The studied ApoB and ApoE variations do not seem to be the major contributing factors for dyslipidemia and IHD among the recruited individuals. The unhealthy lifestyle or other genetic causes are possible culprits in the absence of chronic medical conditions, which requires the application of certain preventive/therapeutic measures for the community.
Onchocerciasis is an infection with cutaneous, ocular and systemic manifestations caused by the filarial nematode Onchocerca volvulus, which is transmitted by the bite of various species of the anthropophilic blood-sucking Simulium vectors (black flies). Onchocerciasis is endemic to the savannahs and rainforests of subequatorial Africa and in some countries of the Arabian Peninsula, notably Yemen and Oman, and in Central America, and the Amazon basin of South America. Onchocercomas, which can be defined as subcutaneous fibrous nodules containing adult worms, are among the variable clinical manifestations of this infestation; they are either superficial or deep and usually located over bony prominences. In this paper we report a case of an o
... Show MoreTexture synthesis using genetic algorithms is one way; proposed in the previous research, to synthesis texture in a fast and easy way. In genetic texture synthesis algorithms ,the chromosome consist of random blocks selected manually by the user .However ,this method of selection is highly dependent on the experience of user .Hence, wrong selection of blocks will greatly affect the synthesized texture result. In this paper a new method is suggested for selecting the blocks automatically without the participation of user .The results show that this method of selection eliminates some blending caused from the previous manual method of selection.
Despite extensive investigation as biocompatible drug carriers, gelatin nanoparticles (GNPs) have not been thoroughly assessed for carrying chemically distinct cationic molecules such as acriflavine (ACF) and triethylenetetramine (TETA). In this study, we hypothesize that GNPs can effectively encapsulate ACF and TETA, forming stable delivery systems with distinct antibacterial and cytotoxic activities. ACF encapsulated in gelatin was prepared adapting desolvation technique. The procedure involved stirring of an aqueous solution of gelatin and ACF at room temperature, the pH was titrated to eight using NaOH followed by addition of ethanol. The resulting nanopart
Background/Objectives: optimization of the therapeutic efficacy of antidiabetic agents is still a great challenge in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and attention is becoming more and more focused on the use of adjunctive agents that help target the drug action beyond the classic glycemic target. This study examined the effect of co-administration of an Artemisia herba-alba Asso (Asteraceae) aqueous extract on the glucose-lowering effect of dapagliflozin, a sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. Methods: qualitative phytochemical screening and total phenolic and total flavonoid content were used to characterize the aqueous preparation. Male Wistar albino rats were divided into eight groups (10 rats ea
... Show MoreObjective: The aim of the present study is to assess the practices of nurses towards standard precautions at Azady
Teaching Hospital in the City of Kirkuk.
Methodology: A descriptive study, which uses the assessment approach and it was conducted on nurses from January
18th, 2009 to September 30th, 2009, using non-probability sampling a purposive sample of (37) subject (male and
female nurses) who worked at surgical wards in Azady Teaching Hospital in Kirkuk city was selected. Two study
instruments were utilized for proper data collection [questionnaire and observational checklist]; a questionnaire was
developed for the purpose of the study. It was comprised of two parts which included the nurses' demographic
characte
This work aimed to design and testing of a computer program – based eyeQ improvement, photographic memory enhancement, and speed reading to match the reading speed 150 – 250 word per minute (WPM) with the mind ability of processing and eye snap shooting 5000WPM . The package designed based on Visual Basic 6. The efficiency of the designed program was tested on a 10 persons with different levels of education and ages and the results show an increase in their reading speed of approximately 25% in the first month of training with noticeable enhancement in the memory as well as an increase in the ability to read for longer time without feeling nerves or boring, a nonlinear continuously increase in reading speed is assured after the first mo
... Show MoreA dust storm in Iraq is a climatic phenomenon common in arid and semi-arid regions . The frequency of the occurrence has increased drastically in the last decade and it is increasing continuously .Baghdad city like the rest of Iraq is suffering from the significant increase in dust storms . In this research , the study of the phenomenon of dust storms for all types (Suspended dust , rising dust , dust storm) , and its relationship with some climate variables (Temperature , rainfall ,wind speed) .The statement of the impact of climate change on this phenomenon to Baghdad station for the period (1981 – 2012) . Time series has been addressing the phenomenon of storms and cli
... Show MoreAbstract
Value Added Tax (VAT) is one of the most important types of indirect taxes because of its advantages in achieving financial, economic and financial objectives. The introduction of VAT is part of the reform of the structure of the Lebanese public tax system aimed at reducing the fiscal deficit and resulting inflation, which still lacks a general consumption tax. There is also an urgent need to increase treasury revenues , Because of its broad tax base, as it imposes on the consumption of locally produced and imported goods, in addition to the role played by this tax in support of the local product &nbs
... Show MoreAfamin, which is a human plasma glycoprotein, a putative multifunctional transporter of hydrophobic molecules and a marker for metabolic syndrome. Afamin concentration have been proposed to have a significant role as a predictor of metabolic disorders. Since NAFLD is associated with metabolic risk factors, e.g., dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and visceral obesity, it is considered as the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. The objective of this study is to determine Afamin levels in hypothyroid patients with and without fatty liver disease and compare the results with controls. Also to study the relationship of Afamin level with the Anthropometric and Clinical Features (Age, Gender, BMI and Duration of Hypothyroidism) , Serum
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