BACKGROUND: CRC is one of the most common cancers in the world. K-ras is proto-oncogene with GTPase activity that is lost when the gene is mutated. Analysis of K-ras mutational status is very important for CRC treatment, being the most important predictors of resistance to targeted therapy. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the frequency and spectrum of K-ras mutation among Iraqi patients with sporadic CRC. PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study enrolled 35 cases with sporadic CRC; their clinicopathological parameters were analyzed. The FFPE blocks were used for DNA extraction; PCR amplification of K-ras gene and hybridization of allele-specific oligoprobes were performed. The assay covers 29 mutations in the K-ras gene (codons 12, 13, 59, 60, 61, 117 and 146). RESULTS: The majority of cases have left colonic tumours (57%), without LN involvement (57.1%), of non-mucinous adenocarcinoma histology (85.7%), grade II (82.9%) and stage III (37.1%) tumours. Fourteen mutations were detected in 13 (37%) patients with K-ras mutations; 10 (71.4%) mutations were in codon 12 while 4(28.6%) were in codon 13. The most frequent mutation was the G>T transversions [9 (64.4%)] and the most frequent mutation type was GGT>TGT (GLY>CYS) at codon 12. CONCLUSION: The incidence of K-ras mutations lies in the middle of the reported figures worldwide; the majority of mutations occurred at codon 12 followed by codon 13; predominantly of G>T transversion and Gly12Cys type that has a poorer prognosis.
Interleukins (IL-2 and IL-4) are increased in asthmatics and were reported to induce resistance to steroid therapy in some patients who fail to get benefit from glucocorticoids when used in full dose and for long period of time. In this context, the present study was conducted on Iraqi patients to provide additional laboratory mean, beside the clinical diagnosis, for the decision whether the asthma is steroid sensitive or resistant by monitoring the level of immunoglobulins, complement proteins and interleukins among asthmatic patients (steroid sensitive or resistant) and the possible contribution of other factors like age, sex and environments in the development of steroid resistance. A total number of 55 asthmatics and 28 normal subjec
... Show MoreFood fortification has an important and necessary role in compensating for the shortage of nutritional micronutrients, especially in developing and least developed countries. So, 12 samples of flour available in the local market, whether imported or locally produced flour, were obtained during 2019. The amount of base metal of the necessary iron element in the flour models studied which are available in local markets, measured by spot testing and was compared with the values that should be added according to the specification Iraqi standard. Results revealed the qualitative evaluation of iron in locally produced flour does not conform to the Iraqi standard and is almost free of any reinforcement. While the percentage of imp
... Show MoreRecurrent respiratory tract infections are responsible for about 85% of all diseases in childhood, and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to evaluate the main causes underlying recurrent respiratory tract infections in 176 pediatric patients aged 2 month to 4 year and weight from 4 to11 kg referred to the child center hospital and Al-sader hospital prospective study.All parents were given information sheet which then analyzed and the percentage of incidence of causes were recorded, we found that higher % related to many causes; mostly related to the parent like poor family education, mother carelessness, incomplete vaccination, other related to empirical diagnosis, and short course of t
... Show MoreThis study was aimed to investigate the association between thyroid disorder and Helicobacter pylori infection in 122 patients (100 females and 22 males )and for comparison, 60 healthy individuals (31females and 29 males),who had no thyroid disorder, were also included in the study. Blood samples were collected from both patients and the healthier individuals. Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay (ELFA) technique through using Vitek Immuno Diagnostic Assay System (VIDAS) was applied to measure levels of the thyroid hormones (tri-iodothyronine T3, tetra-iodothyroxine T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). From the results obtained, patients were classified into three groups: 40 were
... Show MoreABSTRACTBackground Subclinical hypothyroidism is mild thyroid hormone deficiency, defined by elevation of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone concentration despite a normal free T3, free T4 level, can be distinguished by clinical and circumstantial observations from other conditions that cause this constellation of laboratory findings. The aim is to find the prevalence, anthropologic, and metabolic changes associate subclinical hypothyroidism(SH) in adult patients presented to obesity research and therapy unit (ORTU Objective: To find the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) in adult obese patients presented to obesity research and therapy unit (ORTU) in AL-Kindy College of medicine and to describe the anthropologic and metabolic
... Show MoreBackground: During Ramadan, Muslims fast throughout daylight hours. There is a direct link between fasting and increasing incidence of infections. Antibiotic usage for treatment of infections should be based on accurate diagnosis, with the correct dose and dosing regimen for the shortest period to avoid bacterial resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the practices of physicians in prescribing suitable antibiotics for fasting patients and the compliance of the patients in using such antibiotics at regular intervals. Materials and methods: An observational study was carried out during the middle 10 days of Ramadan 2014 in two pharmacies at Baghdad. A total of 34 prescriptions (Rx) for adults who suffered from infections were examined. For
... Show MoreBackground: The use of the cone beam computed tomography for analysing the position of the greater palatine foramen in relation to various anatomical landmarks is crucial in dentistry. The aims of the current study, firstly is to determine the greater palatine foramen position in relation to various anatomical landmarks by using cone beam computed tomography and secondly is to make a comparison of the measurements according to side, gender, and age. Materials and methods: This prospective study included 60 Iraqi patients (28males and 32 females) who selected according to availability of Inclusion criteria, which include age range (21 - 60 years), with no dentofacial deformities or pathological lesion at the maxilla. All patients had inform
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