Tuberculosis (TB) still remains an important medical problem due to high levels of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A series of innate immune mechanisms that create a cytokine network control the pathogenesis of tuberculosis and this response has the capacity to modify the host genomic DNA structure through epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation which could constantly alter the local gene expression pattern that can modulate the metabolism of the tissues and the immune-response. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is an important pro-inflammatory cytokine regulator of the innate immune response to TB. This study aims to determine DNA methylation patterns of INF-γ gene promoter and measure serum IFN- γ level in newly diagnosed TB patient
... Show MoreMycobacterium tuberculosis is the cause of the major world health issue, tuberculosis (TB). The cytokine, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) has been implicated in protection against TB in the early stages of the disease. TNF-α is an effective cytokine in the killing of intracellular M. tuberculosis. This study inducted to investigate whether there is any relationship between levels of TNF-α in sera of TB patients and their recovery, and is there any difference in the level of this cytokine in sera of female and male TB patients. This study included 29 patients with pulmonary TB (18 female and 11 male), their ages ranging from 37 to 59 years. All of them received first line TB therapy. They were consulted at Pasture Center during Septem
... Show MoreThe current study was conducted to find out the effect of zinc (Zn) on the liver tissue of adult male white mouse, Mus musculus at concentrations (50 and 100 mg/kg/day) and for (30) days.(30) mice were used, divided into three groups of (10) mice, represented by control group, group of (50) mg/kg/day and (100) mg/kg/day. Histopathological changes appeared in the liver of male mice treated with zinc in concentration (50 and 100 mg/kg/day) for 30 days, including deformation and damage to Glisson's capsule, epithelial separation of capsule, in addition to cellular changes represented by hypertrophy of hepatocytes, as seen a swelling necrosis, hypertrophy of nuclei, thickening and degeneration in some hepatocytes, as well as the observed scatte
... Show MoreABSTRACT Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is rare infiltrative pulmonary disease characterized by intra-alveoli deposition of microliths. We present a familial case of an adult female with complaint of progressive shortness of breath on exertion. Chest radiograph showed innumerable tiny dense nodules, diffusely involving both lungs mainly the lower zones. High-resolution CT scan illustrated widespread intra-alveolar microliths, diffuse ground-glass attenuation areas and septal thickening predominantly in the basal regions. Chest radiograph is all that is needed for the diagnosis of this case but CT scan was done to demonstrate the extent and severity of this disease
Objective: To review and see the pattern of histopathological diagnoses of one year appendectomy specimens.
Methodology: This retrospective study was carried in Sulaimani Teaching Hospital over the period of one year (from 1st
of January to 31st of December 2009). All pathological reports were reviewed retrospectively for patient’s age, sex,
histopathological diagnosis and operative findings (if present). Histopathological diagnoses then were classified into
either positive or negative for acute inflammation. Any associated findings or any surgical specimen removed with the
appendix was recorded. The obtained data were analyzed by using the statistical package social sciences (SPSS) version
19; with Chi square to test
Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive airflow limitation that is preventable but not curable. It is associated with persistent symptoms that cause a considerable burden on individual productivity at work, and daily activities, and reduced quality of life, also burdening the healthcare system and society. Objectives: The study aims to measure the burden of COPD on patients in terms of daily activities and work productivity. It also seeks to investigate some inflammatory biomarkers' levels and their correlation with selected outcomes. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study on 120 stable COPD patients who were diagnosed and treated according to the GOLD guidelines at Kirkuk General Hospital's
... Show MoreTetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most prevalent cyanotic congenital heart disease, for which surgical correction remains the definitive treatment. Balloon dilatation of the pulmonary artery provides recognised immediate palliative benefits in selected TOF patients. Nonetheless, optimal patient selection and midterm outcomes remain subjects of ongoing debate. This study aimed to assess midterm results following pulmonary valvoplasty at 6 months period in children with TOF focusing on defining factors that affect response to palliative therapy