It was aimed to understand the interleukin-4 (IL-4) role in etio-pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Two approaches were adopted. In the first one, a quantitative expression of IL4 gene was assessed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and such findings were correlated with some demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters, which included gender, duration of disease, disease activity score (DAS-28), rheumatoid factors (RFs), C-reactive protein (CRP) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (ACCP) antibodies. In the second approach, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of IL4 gene (rs2243250) was inspected by DNA sequencing using specific primers. Fifty-one Iraqi RA patients (22 males and 29 females) were enrolled in the study. They were under therapy, which was a single weekly subcutaneous dose of 25 mg of etanercept (Enbrel) for a period of 3-5 years. The results of gene expression (2-??Ct) revealed an increased expression of IL4 mRNA (Mean ± SEM: 8.247 ± 2.442), especially female patients compared to male patients (11.545 ± 3.928 vs. 3.537 ± 1.530; p = 0.03). The expression was also subjected to variations that were related to clinical and laboratory findings. With respect to IL4 gene SNP, allele and genotype frequencies showed no significant differences between RA patients and controls. In addition, the SNP genotypes had no effect on IL4 gene expression. In conclusion, an up-regulation of IL4 gene expression was observed in RA patients, and it was more pronounced in female than male patients by approximately four folds, while no association between the IL4 SNP alleles or genotypes and RA was observed.
It is shown that pure and 3% boron doped a-Si0.1Ge0.9:H and a-Si0.1Ge0.9:N thin films
could be prepared by flash evaporation processes. The hydrogenation and nitrogenation
are very successful in situ after depositing the films. The FT-IR analysis gave all the
known absorbing bonds of hydrogen and nitrogen with Si and Ge.
Our data showed a considerable effect of annealing temperature on the structural and
optical properties of the prepared films. The optical energy gap (Eopt.) of a-Si0.1Ge0.9
samples showed to have significant increase with annealing temperature (Ta) also the
refractive index and the real part of dielectric constant increases with Ta, however the
extinction coefficient and imaginary part of dielect
The purpose of this paper is to identifying some of the physical, kinetic and electrical capabilities of the working muscles of patients with simple hemiplegic cerebral palsy, preparation of special exercises (rehabilitation and water) accompanied by symmetrical electrical stimulation in the rehabilitation of working muscles for patients with simple hemiplegic cerebral palsy, and identifying the effect of exercises, especially (rehabilitation and water), accompanied by symmetrical electrical stimulation, on some physical, kinetic and electrical capabilities in rehabilitating working muscles for patients with simple hemiplegic cerebral palsy. The researcher used the experimental approach with a one-group design with two pre and post-tests du
... Show MoreThe aim of this research is to analyze the content of the science textbook for 7th grade Iraqi schools in the light of the educational concepts of sustainable development, the science textbook (1st edition), for the academic year 2017-2018. To this end, the researchers prepared list of issues in the light of the educational concepts of sustainable development, consisted of (13) issues, branched to (51) subissues, presented to a group of arbitrators and specialists in science curriculum and methods of teaching. The researchers analyzed the content of the 7th grade science textbook, in the light of the list that is built, the idea has been adopted as a unit of analysis. One of the most important findings is attention to neglected sub-issues o
... Show MoreSomerset Maugham is known mainly as a novelist . This paper presents Maugham the dramatist . Many critics have found him a promising dramatist . He has written 30 plays , then he turns his back upon the theater and writes his autobiographical and most successful novel Of Human Bondage ( 1915) .
Maugham's writing is clear , precise , and simple . He is described as a realist who is keenly aware of human nature , its concentration and frustration . His only tragedy A Man of Honour is a play in 4 acts . This paper concentrates mainly on this play to show Maugham as a dramatist and to show his concept of " honour " .
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... Show MoreAbstract* Backgrounds The retention of the maxillary complete denture may be influenced by adequate recording in the patient’s mouth, marking, and carving of the post-dam on the maxillary cast. Failure to do so may lead to loss of retention. Successful denture construction with patient’s comfort could be achieved by effective methods of recording, marking, and carving of the post-dam. The aim of the study was to assess Iraqi dentists in their knowledge and application of the post-dam in maxillary complete dentures. Methods Questionnaires were distributed randomly through online Google Forms and 118 Iraqi dentists with different academic degree participated in the study. A multinomial logistic regression model was also used to ass
... Show MoreIn education, a virtual learning environment (VLE) is a platform used in teaching and learning to give access to educational online content. This can be via computers or mobile technology. This study aims to identify the relationship between VLE and Iraqi EFL Academic Students` Achievement. The study design is a descriptive correlational one, the instruments are used as an achievement test, and the Distance Education Learning Environments Survey (DELES) was distributed by email addresses to develop settings for investigating how virtual environments affect students' achievement in online courses. The sample of the study was selected in a randomized method in this study to examine the relationship between the (100) students enrolled in the
... Show MoreObjectives: The study aim was to explore the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of Iraqi physicians regarding generic and locally manufactured medicines. Methods: A total of 124 physicians were involved in this cross -sectional study. The convenience sample was collected from five public hospitals in Baghdad. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed and collected in-person. Fisher's Exact Test was used to measure the association between physician years of experience, gender and categorical (perception and knowledge) variables. Results: Most respondent answers regarding the knowledge of generic medicines were incorrect. Only up to one-third of the participants knew that generic medicines are therapeutically eq
... Show MoreMultiple drilling problems are being faced continuously while drilling wells in the southern Iraqi oil fields. Many of which are handled poorly and inefficiently which yields longer non-productive time due to the lack of knowledge about the source of these problems. This study aims to investigate the Basra oil fields formations from Faris to Mishrif, diagnose the potential problems, and present the optimum treatment for each problem.
Gathering of field data and previous studies on the subject, in addition to the field experience of drilling supervisors were all the information bases of this study. Southern Iraqi oil fields were studied and analyzed care
Background. To identify the most common retention protocols practiced by Iraqi orthodontists using a specially designed e-survey. Furthermore, this study aimed to assess the effect of sociodemographic factors on the participant’s choice. Methods. Two hundred and twenty-five questionnaires with 23 multiple choice questions were sent to members of the Iraqi Orthodontic Society. The questionnaire was organized into four sections representing information about sociodemographic status of the orthodontists, factors affecting the selection of the retention system, commonly used retainers in the upper arch and lower arch, and duration of the retention system. The chi-square test was used to test the significant association between differe
... Show MoreAbstract
The research’s goal lies in demonstrating the impact of the Federal Financial Supervision Endowment through the process of auditing the performance of the entities subject to its audit as to improve the performance of these entities, especially if the performance audit method is one of the newly applied methods that are compatible with the standards issued by the International Organization of Financial Supervision and Accounting Institutions which is the method of auditing performance according to the performance evaluation guide for programs and policies issued by the Federal Office of Financial Supervision.
T
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