The study aimed to evaluate the level of MMP‑2 in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients in comparison with that in remission status, and healthy subjects, and to find its correlation with hematologic parameters. This study included sixty newly diagnosed AML patients. Remission status was assessed after induction chemotherapy. The overall survival (OS) was determined after 6 months. The plasma MMP‑2 level was measured at diagnosis by enzyme immunoassay. Twenty‑eight healthy individuals were recruited as a control group. Plasma MMP‑2 was higher in AML patients than in healthy individuals (P = 0.005). The level of MMP‑2 was much higher in the M5 subtype than in the other subtypes (P = 0.0001). There was no statistically significant difference in the level of MMP‑2 between patients who achieved complete remission and those who did not (P = 0.113). After 6 months, no significant difference in the initial MMP‑2 levels was found between deceased and alive patients (P = 0.174). A positive correlation of MMP‑2 level was found with white blood cell (WBC) count and hemoglobin (P = 0.0001 and 0.033, respectively) while insignificant with age, platelet count, and blast counts. CONCLUSIONS: The high MMP‑2 level in AML patients suggests a possible role in the pathogenesis. However, it does not show any association with remission status or OS. The elevation was significantly associated with marrow monocytosis (M5) and correlated with a higher WBC count.
The alterations in glyoxylate reductase and hydroxy-pyruvate reductase concentrations in the sera and the genetic alterations associated with calcium oxalate kidney stones in Iraqi patients were not studied previously so this study aimed to focus on these points. This study included 80 subjects; they were 50 patients with calcium oxalate stones compared to 30 apparently healthy controls. Biochemical investigations for kidney functions (creatinine, urea, and uric acid), were performed on the sera of both groups. Also, complete blood count, random blood sugar, and blood group tests. Furthermore, urine had been collected for General Urine Examination to visualize oxalate crystals in the urine of the patient. Also, the GRHPR
... Show MoreBackground : Gallstone disease is one of a common surgical problem and one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases throughout the world but its pathogenesis remains unclear. Many theories have been put forward to explain the mechanism of stone formation. The living organism has enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems neutralizing the harmful effects of the endogenous oxygen free radicals products. Under certain conditions, the oxidative or anti-oxidative balance shifts towards the oxidative status as a result of increase in oxygen free radicals and/or impairment in antioxidant mechanism.
Objective :To evaluate the oxidative stress markers (total antioxidants capacity and malondialdeh
... Show MoreWorldwide, hundreds of millions of people have been infected with COVID-19 since December 2019; however, about 20% or less developed severe symptoms. The main aim of the current study was to assess the relationship between the severity of Covid-19 and different clinical and laboratory parameters. A total number of 466 Arabs have willingly joined this prospective cohort. Out of the total number, 297 subjects (63.7%) had negative COVID-19 tests, and thus, they were recruited as controls, while 169 subjects (36.3%) who tested positive for COVID-19 were enrolled as cases. Out of the total number of COVID-19 patients, 127 (75.15%) presented with mild symptoms, and 42 (24.85%) had severe symptoms. The age range for the partic
... Show MoreBackground: Removing dental plaque is important to maintain a good oral hygiene and prevent periodontal disease; this could not be accomplished by the use of toothbrush alone, it needs the help of interdental aids or intra-oral irrigator devices. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of using Waterpik flosser as adjunct to tooth brushing than using the dental floss with the brushing. Materials and methods: A single blind, six weeks study included 45 subjects divided into three groups of 15 subjects at each group. Group B (brushing) was instructed to use the toothbrush only, group BF (brushing & flossing) was instructed to use dental floss and tooth brushing while group BW (brushing and Waterpik flosser) was instructed to use Water
... Show MoreIn this research, the semiparametric Bayesian method is compared with the classical method to estimate reliability function of three systems : k-out of-n system, series system, and parallel system. Each system consists of three components, the first one represents the composite parametric in which failure times distributed as exponential, whereas the second and the third components are nonparametric ones in which reliability estimations depend on Kernel method using two methods to estimate bandwidth parameter h method and Kaplan-Meier method. To indicate a better method for system reliability function estimation, it has be
... Show MoreOtitis media with effusion (OME) is a common disease especially among young children (before school age) and it is one of the common causes of acquired hearing loss in childhood. Pediatric patients with OME are usually undernourished. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the serum levels of trace elements (zinc, copper, magnesium, iron) have a role in the development of OME in children. This study carried out on 55 children and subdivided them into two groups. Group 1 (patient group) consist of 30 children suffering from OME and group 2 (control group) included 25 apparently healthy children. Serum levels of zinc, copper, magnesium and iron were measured for both groups. Comparison the results between the two groups showed t
... Show MoreThe wide use of lead compounds as an engine anti-knock reflects conversely on all components of the ecosystem. This study aimed to detect the concentration of lead in various types of gasoline and gas oil that are highly consumed by vehicles. Eight fuel samples were collected from different feul stations distributed in different districts of Baghdad city. These included two gas oil (diesel) stations and three stations for each type of gasoline (leaded and unleaded). Lead was extracted by the modified chemical method, and then flame atomic absorption technique was applied to assay its concentrations. The results indicated that lead levels were within permitted limits (150 mg Lead L-1) recommended by the
... Show MoreThe natural radioactivity levels in water samples along the Tigris river (one of the major rivers of the world) within Baghdad city were investigated to determine and evaluate the radioactivity risks in the water of the river. The specific activity of the radionuclides (238U, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs) for thirty different water samples from Tigris river within Baghdad city were measured using gamma-ray spectrometer, employing a NaI(Tl) scintillation detector. The results showed that the average value of the specific activity for 238U, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs were (24.20, 16.70, 329.22, and 19.40) Bq/l, respectively. The calculated average annual effec
... Show MoreEndometrial Cancer (EC) is one of the most common malignancy of the female reproductive system. With an increasing incidence, it is important to improve the new prognosis ways for its pre-diagnosis that must be early, accurate and effective. This study aimed to search for biological (like some new interleukins) which could help in early diagnosis of EC before the hysterectomy. Currently not enough research is being done exploiting linking between the interleukins submitted in this study and EC. Epically IL-36 and IL-38, which have been recently described and are still under study in the world. This study is the first of its kind in Iraq. Fifty-five patients with EC (mainly in their first or second stage, due to early diagnosis and who ne
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