Background: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are said to be inherited in a multifactorial fashion, i.e. genetic-environmental interaction. Maternal nutritional deficiencies had long been reported to cause NTDs, especially folate deficiency during early pregnancy. More attention had been paid to the exact mechanism by which this deficiency state causes these defects in the developing embryo. The most significant of all researches was that connecting reduced folate and increased homocysteine level in maternal serum on one hand and the risk of developing a NTD baby on the other hand. Objectives : to determine the significance of homocysteine level in Iraqi mothers who gave birth to babies with NTDs as compared to normal controls. Patients, Materials and Methods: Fifty Iraqi women having babies born with NTDS, referred to the genetic clinic in Baghdad Teaching Hospital, were included in this study (the study group) as well as 37 healthy women having normal children (the control group). This study was conducted from November, 2002 till October, 2003. Analysis of total serum homocysteine level for all women was done using a computerized HPLC system. Results : the age of women in both groups was comparable (mean+SD in the study group was 26.2+5.14 years vs. 26.3+4.57 years in the controls). Among the study group, 4 (8%) had normal tHcy level; 44 (88%) had mildly elevated level, and only 2 (4%) had moderately elevated tHcy level, while all (100%) women in the control group had their tHcy level within normal level. This difference was statistically highly significant (p<0.001). Conclusions : Women become at an increased risk of delivering a baby with NTD when having an elevated tHcy level in their sera, and that tHcy level is an important marker in maternal serum that is associated significantly with pregnancy outcome.
The central nervous system is the most important system and is very sensitive to any accidental infection during ontogenesis; it includes brain and spinal cord. The cerebellum is the second largest part of the brain after cerebrum and it’s very sensitive to the abnormal changes during the embryological development. This study was designed to investigate the effect of the maternal exposure of selected concentrations of suspension of nanoparticles on the ontogenesis of the rat cerebellum after embryos implanted in uterus. A total of 60 female pregnant rats were divided in to three groups, each contains 20 females. Group1 (G1) was treated orally with 2mg/kg /body weight (b. wt) of suspension of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). While group 2 (G
... Show MoreIn present study, the technique was used, including nuclear track detector type (CR-39), for appreciative concentrations uranium and radon in soil samples from Baghdad University Campus-AL-Jadiriyah utilizing a prolonged -term with a solid-state nuclear path sensor, a technique for charged particles has been developed., the radon concentrations, effective dose rate and uranium concentrations have measured in soil samples. Eight various venues from soil Baghdad University Campus have appointed. The results indicated variant values about uranium and radon concentrations, the average value for radon gas, effective dose rate and uranium concentrations was found to be 281.59 Bq/cm3, 7.09 mSv/y and 0.01 Bq/mm-2 respectively. All results a
... Show MoreThis study numerically intends to evaluate the effects of arc-shaped fins on the melting capability of a triplex-tube confinement system filled with phase-change materials (PCMs). In contrast to situations with no fins, where PCM exhibits relatively poor heat response, in this study, the thermal performance is modified using novel arc-shaped fins with various circular angles and orientations compared with traditional rectangular fins. Several inline and staggered layouts are also assessed to maximize the fin’s efficacy. The effect of the nearby natural convection is further investigated by adding a fin to the bottom of the heat-storage domain. Additionally, the Reynolds number and temperature of the heat-transfer fluid (HTF) are e
... Show MorePrediction of penetration rate (ROP) is important process in optimization of drilling due to its crucial role in lowering drilling operation costs. This process has complex nature due to too many interrelated factors that affected the rate of penetration, which make difficult predicting process. This paper shows a new technique of rate of penetration prediction by using artificial neural network technique. A three layers model composed of two hidden layers and output layer has built by using drilling parameters data extracted from mud logging and wire line log for Alhalfaya oil field. These drilling parameters includes mechanical (WOB, RPM), hydraulic (HIS), and travel transit time (DT). Five data set represented five formations gathered
... Show MoreBackgroundCarcinoma of the larynx represent 10% of head & neck malignancies. The treatment of advanced carcinoma of larynx may include partial or total laryngectomy, with or without laser , radiotherapy,and or chemotherapy . Carcinoma of the larynx usually affect old age , heavy smoker with possible risk of pulmonary diseases & ischemic heart disease , which add risk to the general anaesthetic complication operative & postoperative - Objectives this study was designed to assess the feasibility of total laryngectomy under local anaesthesia in medically unfit patients for general anaesthesia & to re-establish practice doing total laryngectomy under local anaesthesia in those patients.
Methods a prospective study on 12 pa
BackgroundCarcinoma of the larynx represent 10% of head & neck malignancies. The treatment of advanced carcinoma of larynx may include partial or total laryngectomy, with or without laser , radiotherapy,and or chemotherapy . Carcinoma of the larynx usually affect old age , heavy smoker with possible risk of pulmonary diseases & ischemic heart disease , which add risk to the general anaesthetic complication operative & postoperative - Objectives this study was designed to assess the feasibility of total laryngectomy under local anaesthesia in medically unfit patients for general anaesthesia & to re-establish practice doing total laryngectomy under local anaesthesia in those patients.
Methods a prospective study on 12 pa