OJS University of Karbala
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Evaluation of Interleukin-17A and Interleukin- 34 in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcer
No full textBackground: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are chronic complications of diabetes, characterized by poor wound healing, persistent inflammation, and increased risk of infection or amputation. Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine produced mainly by T helper 17 (Th17) cells. It helps fight bacteria and fungi, while Interleukin-34 (IL-34) modulates monocytes and macrophages through binding to the CSF-1 receptor. Both cytokines are associated with chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic value of IL-17A and IL-34 in DFU patients.
Methods: A case-control study included 50 diabetic foot ulcer patients and 50 healthy people as a control group. Blood samples were collected for laboratory tests and to evaluate IL-17A and IL-34 serum levels in patients and controls using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test.
Results: Serum IL-17A and IL-34 levels were significantly higher in DFU patients compared to controls (P = 0.000 and 0.044, respectively). IL-34 showed better diagnostic performance with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.743, sensitivity of 0.78, and specificity of 0.64 (P = 0.000). IL-17A demonstrated an AUC of 0.638, with lower sensitivity (0.32) and higher specificity (0.96) (P = 0.017).
Conclusions: Both IL-17A and IL-34 levels were elevated in DFU patients. However, IL-34 demonstrated higher sensitivity and overall diagnostic accuracy, suggesting it may serve as a more reliable biomarker for early detection and diagnosis of diabetic foot ulcers.
Keywords: Diabetic foot ulcer, IL-17A, IL-34, ELIS
Evaluation of Celiac Disease Activity in Karbala City based on Serological and Pathological Characteristics
No full textBackground: Gluten-enteropathy or celiac disease (CD) is a well-known autoimmune gastroenteropathy. The disease incidence is globally like an iceberg, with many cases believed to be undiscovered in the community. The discovery and monitoring of the activity of the disease is still a dilemma worldwide. Soluble Interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) is a mediator involved in the inflammatory process, including CD. This study aimed to assess the level of sIL-2R in association with duodenal histopathological changes in CD, together with other serological parameters in comparison with healthy individuals.
Methods: A forty-five patients (34 females and 11 males, with a female: male ratio is about 3:1 and 45 healthy persons as a control group were included in this cross-sectional study. The ELISA technique was used to evaluate the serum level of sIL-2R, anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) IgA, and anti-deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP) IgG. The duodenal histological changes were evaluated dependent to the Marsh grading system (MARSH). Statistical analysis using the SPSS system has been applied.
Results: The patients with CD had high levels of serum anti-tTG, DGP, and sIL-2R with significant differences in comparison with the control group (P< 0.05). Marsh grades showed of highly significant difference in correlation with the immunological markers.
Conclusions: Celiac disease can be monitored by immunological and pathological methods. The sIL-2R antibody is a good tool to assess CD activity and patient compliance.
Keywords: Gluten, Enteropathy, Celiac disease, sIL-2R, Marsh grading system
Association of Interleukin-32 with Progress of Coronary Artery Disease: A Case-Control Study
No full textBackground: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a chronic inflammatory disease usually caused by atherosclerosis. Interleukin-32 (IL-32) is a recently identified inflammatory cytokine associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in inflammatory conditions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of IL-32 in patients with CAD and its relationship with their disease progression.
Methods: The present study was a case-control study that included a control group of 50 healthy individuals and 50 CAD patients. Serum was drawn from all participants for the detection of IL32 serum level by the Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.
Results: Regarding the IL32 level, there were statistical differences (P =0.004) between the groups under study. In patients, compared to controls, there were increases in the IL-32 serum level. Additionally, patients with CAD showed a non-significant relationship regarding biomarkers, except erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (p=0.002 and 0.000, respectively), which elevated in CAD patients compared to the healthy control group.
Conclusions: The result of this study has shown an elevation in IL32 serum levels in patients with CAD compared to healthy individuals. Therefore, this interleukin may be related to the progression of the disease.
Keywords: Coronary Artery Disease, IL32, ELIS
Distinct Biological and Epidemiological Features of Old World and New World Arenaviruses
No full textDear Sir,
The Arenaviridae family comprises a diverse group of enveloped, bisegmented, negative-sense RNA viruses that establish persistent infections in rodent hosts and occasionally transmit zoonotically to humans [1-2]. Arenavirus infections range from mild febrile illness to severe hemorrhagic fever with high mortality. Based on geographic distribution, genetic relationships, and antigenic properties, arenaviruses are classified into Old World (OW) and New World (NW) groups. Although recent genomic studies have refined taxonomic placement within the Bunyavirales order [1, 3–5], the OW/NW distinction remains epidemiologically and clinically relevant
Association of Galectin-3, Lipid Profile, Creatine Kinase-MB in Heart Failure Patients with Preserved Ejection Fraction and Reduced Ejection Fraction
No full textBackground: Heart failure (HF) is a progressive condition frequently associated with hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obesity, contributing to myocardial stress and remodeling. The interaction among galectin-3, lipid profile, and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) plays a pivotal role in assessing both preserved and reduced ejection fraction (EF). These biomarkers are essential for diagnosis, prognosis, and risk stratification in HF. Measurement of galectin-3, lipid profile, and CK-MB levels may enhance the predictive capacity for HF.
Methods: A case-control study included a total of 90 individuals aged 45–70 years who were involved: 60 HF patients (30 with preserved ejection fraction and 30 with reduced ejection fraction) and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Five milliliters of venous blood were collected from each participant to measure galectin-3, lipid profile, and CK-MB. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS for Windows 10 (IBM SPSS 26.0, Chicago, IL, USA).
Results: Galectin-3 levels were significantly higher in HF patients (p < 0.001): preserved EF (2201 ± 261), reduced EF (1329 ± 183), and controls (574 ± 120). The lipid profile showed significant increases (p < 0.01) in total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), with a notable decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p < 0.01). CK-MB levels showed no significant difference (p = 0.724). These findings suggest galectin-3 may be a more reliable HF biomarker than CK-MB.
Conclusions: Galectin-3 is markedly elevated in HF. Dyslipidemia contributes to HF progression. CK-MB lacks diagnostic significance in this context
Clinical Distribution and Resistance Profile of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Iso-lated from Patients in Al-Diwaniyah Province
No full textBackground: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a highly opportunistic pathogen known for its resistance to multiple antibiotics, posing significant challenges in clinical settings, particularly in nosocomial infections. Its resistance patterns will vary geographically, necessitating localized studies to guide effective treatment strategies. The study aimed to identify the distribution and resistance profile of P. aeruginosa in Al-Diwaniyah Province, Iraq.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in two hospitals from November 2024 to May 2025. Clinical specimens (burn exudate, wound swabs, and urine) were collected and analyzed using culture, biochemical tests, and the VITEK-2 system. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed via disk diffusion and MIC determination. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.
Results: From 240 patients included in this study, there were only 43 isolates of P. aeruginosa. The high infection rates occurred in males (62.8%) aged 17–32 years. Burn isolates exhibited the highest resistance, with 72.4% extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains, while urinary tract infections (UTIs) were predominantly multidrug-resistant (MDR; 66.7%). Carbapenem resistance was alarmingly high (imipenem: 93.1% in burns and meropenem: 86.2%). UTIs were strongly associated with prior antibiotic use (100%), whereas burn and wound infections often occurred without antibiotic exposure (62% and 60%, respectively).
Conclusions: P. aeruginosa in Al-Diwaniyah Province shows significant resistance, particularly in burns and among young adults. The findings underscore the need for stringent infection control measures, antibiotic stewardship, and alternative therapies to combat rising resistance. Future research should explore novel treatments like phage therapy to improve patient outcomes
The Relationship between Cadmium and Tyrosine Hydroxylase Activity in Patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
No full textBackground: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disease characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Dopamine deficiency is considered one of the key neurochemical underpinnings of ADHD. Tyrosine Hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting enzyme in the production of dopamine and other catecholamines. It has been increasingly studied for its potential role in ADHD. Future insights into TH regulation and its modulation may offer novel therapeutic strategies for affected children and adolescents. This study aimed to assess TH activity in individuals with ADHD and explore its relationship with cadmium (Cd) levels, comparing findings with those of healthy controls.
Methods: The current study was designed as a case-control study, involving 90 healthy control subjects and ADHD patients, aged between 4 and 18 years. The patients were categorized into two groups: the first group included 60 patients with ADHD, and the second group represented the control group, which comprised 30 volunteers without any ADHD. The TH activity was measured using the ELISA technique. Additionally, the concentration of selected cadmium was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS).
Results: TH levels showed greater variability in ADHD patients but were not significantly different from controls. A significant negative correlation was found between TH and cadmium (r = –0.230, p = 0.029). Multiple linear regression confirmed cadmium levels and treatment type as significant predictors of TH activity.
Conclusions: Cadmium exposure had a negative influence on tyrosine hydroxylase activity in patients with ADHD, suggesting an environmental impact on dopamine synthesis
Factors Influencing Cashew Farmers’ Output in Ejigbo Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria: Factors Influencing Cashew Farmers’ Output in Ejigbo Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria
No full textThe factors influencing the cashew farmers\u27 output in Ejigbo Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria were examined in this study. A sample of 120 cashew farmers was selected from communities in the local government area using a multistage sampling procedure. Primary data were collected from respondents using a structured interview schedule. Data were analysed using descriptive (means, frequency, and percentages), and inferential (regression analysis) statistics. Results reveal that the cashew farmers were aged, with a mean age of 60.00 years; male (86.67%); married (77.50%) with a mean household size of 7 persons per household with a mean of 4.02 years of formal education. The mean cashew farm size, years of cashew farming experience, and cashew output were 4.43 hectares, 23.63 years, and 63.47 tonnes per year respectively. Farm size and cashew farming experience influenced cashew output positively. Constraints to cashew production are the unavailability of farm inputs, low prices of cashew nuts, and poor infrastructural facilities
Article Assessment of Economic Performance of Small Ruminant (Sheep and Goat) Production among Rural Households in Iwo Agricultural Zone, Osun State, Nigeria: Assessment of Economic Performance of Small Ruminant (Sheep and Goat) Production among Rural Households in Iwo Agricultural Zone, Osun State, Nigeria
No full textThe study evaluated the economic aspects of small ruminant production in rural households in Iwo Agricultural Zone, Osun State, Nigeria. The study utilised a multistage sampling technique to identify 120 participants, and primary data was collected through field surveys using a standardised interview schedule. The data analysis process utilized regression analysis, means, percentages, and frequencies. The descriptive analysis revealed that the majority of respondents were middle-aged (64.10%), married (84.17%), male (60.00%), and had an average household size of five people. Sixty-three percent of the respondents had completed one to thirteen years of formal education. The research indicates that small-scale ruminant production is the most popular livelihood activity among respondents (30.83%), with 90% earning between ₦10,000 and ₦100,000 from their secondary occupation each month, with a mean of ₦58,083.33. The small ruminant production cycle had mean years of experience, total revenue, total production cost, and gross margin of 15.20 years, ₦49,555.25, ₦109,806.32, and ₦26,524.79, respectively, with the majority (50.00%) having a medium gross margin. The study area\u27s gross margin from small ruminant production is positively influenced by years of formal education, flock size, experience in small ruminant production, and the cost of starting the flock. The study found that small-scale ruminant farming is a profitable venture in the study area, increasing household income and combating poverty and food insecurity. However, the cost of feeding negatively impacts the gross margin. Therefore, promoting small-scale ruminant farming as a viable income source for rural people in the study area is crucial
Effect of foliar spraying with Roselle extract and proline acid on the growth and yield of okra Abelmoschus esculenus L. grown under salt stress conditions : Effect of foliar spraying with Roselle extract and proline acid on the growth and yield of okra Abelmoschus esculenus L. grown under salt stress conditions
No full textThe study was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station of the College of Agriculture, University of Basrah, in the Karmat Ali area during the spring of 2023. To study the effect of foliar spraying with Roselle extract (0, 10, 20) g L-1 and with different concentrations of proline acid (0,100,200) mg L-1 and the interaction between them on the growth and specific yield of okra plants, Al-Khanisriya variety. The results showed that spraying with 10 gm L-1 of Roselle extract caused a significant increase in plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, leaf area and fresh and dry weights of the plant. Spraying with 100 mg L-1 of proline acid caused a significant increase in weight, number of branches, number of leaves, leaf area, fresh and dry weights of the plant, carotene content of the leaves, and fruit length. The interaction between the two factors showed a significant effect on most of the studied traits, as plants sprayed with 10 gm L-1 of Roselle extract and 100 mg L-1 of proline acid gave the highest values of plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, leaf area and fresh and dry weights of the plant, which reached (48.0 cm, 9.0 branches, 51.0 leaves, 76.9 dm2, 233.0 gm,45.70 g) respectively