The present study was performed to evaluate the level of some risk factors (biochemical and immunological) in hypothyroid Iraqi patients considering the different thyroid functional states (hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism).The study includes 82 patients clinically diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Three study groups have been investigated: (47 clinical hypothyroid patients, 12 subclinical hypothyroid patients 23 healthy individuals) of different ages. This study, show that the proportion of females (83.3 %), (87.2%) in subclinical and clinical hypothyroidisim respectively higher than the proportion of males (16.7%),(12.8%) in subclinical and clinical hypothyrodism respectively of the total patients.The majority of subclinical hypothyroidism patients were found to be obese (61.7%) followed by normal weight class (21.3%).While in the case of clinical hypothyroidism the majority of patients are from the class of normal weight (66.7%) followed by over weight class (33.3%). The statistical study showed no significant differences in the TSH level between the weight categories among each of the studied groups, but the weight between 25-29.9 kg/m2 showed a highly significant increase and a significant increase in the level of TSH in the clinical and subclinical cases in comparison to its level in the healthy group. No significant differences were found in the level of HDL cholesterol (Good cholesterol) and triglyceride among the patient,s groups in comparison with its level of the control LDL cholesterol (Bad cholesterol) level increased in the subclinical and the clinical hypothyroid patients in comparison with its level in the healthy group, statistical analysis showed no significant differences in LDL–C. level between the subclinical and healthy groups. In contrast, there is a significant difference in LDL–C. level between clinical and healthy groups.The same relationships were noticed in the total chol. level and atherogenic agent.(nonsignificant increase in the subclinical hypothyroid patients and a significant increase in the clinical cases in comparison with its level in the healthy persons). No significant differences were found in the level of IL12 and IL-33 between the studied groups. Serum IL-33 level was lower in subclinical hypothyroid patients in comparison to its level in the other groups. In conclusion, as long as cholesterol and TSH continue high, the patients become more susceptible to coronary heart disease as proved through calculating atherogenic agent in each group. According to the positive relationship between thyroid hormones and IL-12, the latter may act as immunomodulating agents. The decrease of IL-33 in subclinical hypothyroid group suggests humeral immunological failure which may need more studies and evaluating for the other related cytokines.
A novel demountable shear connector for precast steel-concrete composite bridges is presented. The connector uses high-strength steel bolts, which are fastened to the top flange of the steel beam with the aid of a special locking nut configuration that prevents bolts from slipping within their holes. Moreover, the connector promotes accelerated construction and overcomes the typical construction tolerance issues of precast structures. Most importantly, the connector allows bridge disassembly. Therefore, it can address different bridge deterioration scenarios with minimum disturbance to traffic flow including the following: (1) precast deck panels can be rapidly uplifted and replaced; (2) connectors can be rapidly removed and replaced; and (
... Show MoreSoil improvement has developed as a realistic solution for enhancing soil properties so that structures can be constructed to meet project engineering requirements due to the limited availability of construction land in urban centers. The jet grouting method for soil improvement is a novel geotechnical alternative for problematic soils for which conventional foundation designs cannot provide acceptable and lasting solutions. The paper's methodology was based on constructing pile models using a low-pressure injection laboratory setup built and made locally to simulate the operation of field equipment. The setup design was based on previous research that systematically conducted unconfined compression testing (U.C.Ts.). Th
... Show MoreDyes are extensively water-soluble and toxic chemicals. The disposing of wastewater rich with such chemicals has severely impacted surface water quality (rivers and lakes). In the current study, an anionic dye, methyl orange, were extracted from wastewater fluids using bulk liquid membranes supplemented with an anionic carrier (Aliquat 336 (QCI)). Parameters including solvent type (carbon tetrachloride and chloroform), membrane stirring speed (100-250 rpm), mixing speed of both phases (50-100 rpm), The feed pH (2-12) and implemented temperature (35-60 °C) were thoroughly analyzed to determine the effect of such variables on extraction effectiveness. Furthermore, the effect of methyl orange (10-50 ppm) in the feed stage and NaOH (0
... Show MoreThe current paper examines the Arab EFL teacher view on the application of AI-based chatbots as a method of aiding writing instruction. It explores pedagogy, didactic difficulties and ethics. The overall aim is to clarify the perception that teachers have of AI chatbots as a useful tool in the writing process and to find out to what degree these perceptions are reflected in instructional decision-making and classroom behaviors. A quantitative study was conducted using a structured questionnaire that was given to forty Arab EFL teachers, using a sequential explanatory mixed-method design. To elaborate and contextualize the survey results, qualitative enquiry was implemented through semi-structured interviews with twelve teachers. Fin
... Show MoreIntroduction and Aim: Cancers are a complex group of genetic illnesses that develop through multistep, mutagenic processes which can invade or spread throughout the body. Recent advances in cancer treatment involve oncolytic viruses to infect and destroy cancer cells. The Newcastle disease virus (NDV), an oncolytic virus has shown to have anti-cancer effects either directly by lysing cancer cells or indirectly by activating the immune system. The green fluorescent protein (GFP) has been widely used in studying the anti-tumor activity of oncolytic viruses. This study aimed to study the anticancer effect of a recombinant rNDV-GFP clone on NCI-H727 lung carcinoma cell line in vitro. Materials and Methods: The GFP gene was inserted t
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