E-SELECTIN AS A BIOMARKER IN FEMALE PATIENTS WITH Β-THALASSEMIA IN AL- NAJAF PROVENCE, IRAQ
E-selectin, as identified (CD62E), is expressed on endothelial cells after stimulation with inflammation cytokines. β-Thalassemia diseases (βT) and early diagnosis are of utmost significance in the entire world population. This study was performed in the Thalassemia Center of the Al-Zahraa Educational Hospital in Al-Najaf Province, Iraq, on sixty-nine with β-thalassemia (54 βT major and 15 βT Intermedia) aged 8-40 years who transfused blood. Compared to 20 healthy volunteers as a control group. In both βT patients and healthy groups were assessed serum E-selectin levels. It was investigated the relationship with RBC, Hb, PCV, WBC, PLT, BMI, splenic status, iron, and ferritin levels. The results revealed a significant (P<0.05) decreased values of HB, RBC, P.C.V, and BMI. In contrast, values of WBC, PLT, Iron, and Ferritin were significantly increased in βT patients as compared to the healthy control groups. A significant (P<0.05) increase in serum E- Selectin level in βT patients (20.55±0.47) ng/ml to compare with the healthy group (9.16±0.50) ng/ml. Furthermore, it was a significant decrease in groups of βT major (19.87±0.42) ng/ml more than in βT intermedia (23±1.42) ng/ml. E-Selectin revealed a significant increase (P<0.05) in progress age and associated with splenectomies and underweight groups compared to splenectomies and the normal weight groups, respectively. Also, E-Selectin levels significantly positively correlated with WBC, PLT value, iron, and Ferritin levels. However, it was no significant with RBC, PCV, Hb. As a conclusion from this study, E- Selectin is an important biomarker in β-thalassemia patients can be identified as the complications associated with iron overload, inflammatory process, and endothelial dysfunction in βT disease.
Read ArticleGEOSPATIAL IDENTIFICATION OF BUILT-UP STRUCTURES ALONG THE DISCERNED KAZAURE–KARAUKARAU–KUSHAKA–ILESHA SCHIST BELT
Background: The desire to create a database of research documents providing information about the tracts of gold deposits across the local geological province provides the impetus for a study of the kind being considered here. Geospatial identification of built-up structures within Phase I Development along the Kazaure-Karaukarau-Kushaka-Ilesha Schist Belt, trending through Minna town and its outlying districts, constitutes the veritable reference material desired in this regard. Methods: This study began by segmenting the area of study for ground-based and remotely sensed attribute mapping, using the key reference map from a previous study as the area-of-study guide. A handheld Garmin GPSmap78® global positioning system unit and a standard smartphone with a built-in camera were the key equipment used for the fieldwork. Polygonal-format georeferenced coordinate information was collected at conveniently detached buildings, beginning with the cluster of residential homes at the Staff Quarters, for the ground-based survey. Result: Nine of the ten built-up structure clusters on the path of the Belt in Phase I Development were mapped for this study, as well as six neighborhoods in the Minna built-up area beyond Phase I. The nine clusters occupy almost 40% of the circa 2 km2 areal extent of the Phase I Development. The belt's trend and structures were north-northeast. Discussion: The nine cluster structures in Phase I and the six neighborhoods of Minna identified in this study have been determined to align with the path of the belt. Conclusion: Having now determined that the trace of the belt exits the Campus at the northern sector of the Gidan Kwano village and trends in a long arc beyond the town, this study becomes the desired reference material to be archived and consulted for information relating to gold exploitation in the Minna Area geological province.
Read ArticleMISUSE AND ABUSE OF DRUGS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY AMONG PHARMACY PROFESSIONALS IN SAUDI ARABIA
Prescription and non-prescription medication misuse or abuse is a global problem that has a negative impact on all human life aspects, including health, social, economic, and security status. According to the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime reports, over 5% of adult people used drugs at least once in the year 2015, and 29.5 million of them were suffered from the consequences of inappropriate use of drugs. Information on the knowledge and perception among pharmacists regarding the misuse and abuse medications in Saudi Arabia are limited, and therefore, a study was conducted among pharmacy staff to assess their knowledge and awareness on drug misuse and abuse. A cross-sectional study was carried out in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Pharmacy professionals with more than three months of experience were included in the study. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain the participant's responses. A Chi-square test was used to evaluate the association of sociodemographic factors with the participant's responses. Ninety pharmacy professionals were responded. Overall, 69 (76.7%) participants agreed that misuse and abuse are two different terms. In addition, the study showed different responses for patients who suspected to be medication abusers. In conclusion, this study provides an initial picture of pharmacy staffs' knowledge and opinion regarding the misuse and abuse of medicines in Saudi Arabia. Participants' reactions toward such behaviors were different and not consistent. Therefore, there should be a clear policy to define the role of the pharmacy staff toward the misuse and abuse of medication in Saudi Arabia.
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