Sarcoidosis : expression of cell regulatory markers and the influence of patient phenotype on bronchoalveolar lavage cell differential counts

Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disease that can affect almost any organ, but the respiratory system is affected in more than 90% of the cases. To elicit an immune response, an antigen(s) is processed by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), e.g. alveolar macrophages (AMs), and is presented in association with HLAmolecules to specific T cells, using their T cell receptor (TCR). In sarcoidosis, this interaction between the innate and adaptive immune system leads to an exaggerated immune response and formation of non-caseating granulomas in affected organs. The causative antigen remains elusive. To generate the sarcoid inflammatory process, the genetic background as well as exposure for antigens, endogenous or exogenous, is it of importance. Clinically, sarcoidosis patients can be divided into two major groups, i.e. patients with Löfgren’s syndrome (LS) or with non-Löfgren’s syndrome (non-LS). LS is a clinically distinct and well-defined phenotype that is characterized by an acute onset and is associated with specific HLA molecules, i.e. HLA-DRB1*03. In most of the LS patients, the disease resolves within two years. On the other hand, non-LS patients constitute a heterogeneous group and are prone to develop a chronic disease course. Collecting cells from the deep lung compartment via bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) enabled many researchers to explore immunological mechanisms in the alveolar space. In a healthy individual, BAL fluid (BALF) are mainly macrophages, some lymphocytes, and fewer neutrophils, and eosinophils; basophils and mast cells are rare. BALF from sarcoidosis patients contains an increased number of all these cell types, especially lymphocytes. The first two studies (I, II) aimed to shed some light on the expression of cell regulatory markers in LS and non-LS patients. Macrophages are classically subdivided into two major subtypes, i.e. M1 – known as proinflammatory macrophages – and M2 – known as remodeling macrophages. We found in the first study (I) reduced gene expression of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2: M1 associated marker) – mainly in LS patients – and increased expression of CCL18 (M2 associated marker) in AM of sarcoidosis patients. This finding could indicate a shift toward M2-like macrophages in sarcoidosis. The reduced TLR2 expression in LS patients might allow for a more effective immune response leading to resolution of granulomas. The CCL18 chemokine is known to act as T cell chemoattractant and can also induce collagen production in fibroblasts. Hence, the increased expression of CCL18 in AM of patients might attract T cells to the lung in the early stages of the disease and exhibit a profibrotic role in more advanced disease. The second study (II) explored the expression of specific transcription factors/nuclear receptors known to have regulatory roles in inflammatory diseases, i.e. the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs): PPARα, PPARβ/δ and PPARγ. Compared to LS patients, PPARα expression was downregulated in BALF and blood CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in non-LS patients. Thus, CCL18 and PPARα could be used as biomarkers and might help in identifying patients at increased risk of developing more advanced lung disease. The third study (III) aimed to explore the influence of patient phenotypes on BALF cell differential counts. We found that genetic variants associated with risk of LS and clustered in the extended MHC region were associated with the quantitative levels of BALF macrophages, lymphocytes, and neutrophils. Genetic variants associated with non-LS and located in the MHC II region associated with the quantitative levels of BALF macrophages only. In addition, these genetic variants exhibit regulatory effects on other genes in the lung, blood, T cells, B cells, macrophages and neutrophils. The fourth study (IV) aimed to utilize data from a BALF registry of pulmonary sarcoidosis patients (LS and non-LS) to identify BALF cells that could predict disease severity (defined as advanced chest radiographs, reduced pulmonary function, or necessity for treatment) and/or chronicity (non-resolving course after two years). Compared with LS-resolving patients, LS-chronic patients exhibited higher BALF lymphocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils. Additionally, in newly diagnosed LS patients, increased BALF neutrophils and basophils were more likely to associate with more severe disease; and increased BALF lymphocytes count was more likely to associate with a chronic disease course. In non-LS patients, increased BALF mast cells associated with a more severe and a chronic (nonresolving) disease, and increased BALF lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils associated with a more severe disease. In summary, searching for biomarkers, we identified two possible markers for severe and/or chronic disease, i.e. PPARα and CCL18. In study III and IV, we showed that genetic variants associated with LS and non-LS can influence BALF cell counts and that increased BALF neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, basophils and notably mast cells have prognostic implication in newly diagnosed sarcoidosis patients

Multiple Sclerosis Classification Using Deep Learning Techniques

The diagnosis of Multiple sclerosis with different types is a big challenge for the doctor and takes more time in real life. We develop two deep learning techniques in order to classify the MS type. The MS has four types: MS-axial, control-axial, MS-sagittal, and control-sagittal. After that, we apply many preprocessing steps to the dataset in order to make it suitable to feed to the classification process like convert the target class label to numeric. We used four evaluation metrics to compare deep learning models: VGG19 and VGG16: recall, f1-score, accuracy, and precision. The results showed that the VGG19 gave better results compared with the VGG19 model in terms of four evaluation metrics of accuracy = 98.6%. The results indicated that we can rely on VGG19 in the classification process for many MS types

Literary Machine Translation: Towards a Post-editing Tool

نظرًا للتطور الملحوظ الذي حدث في الترجمة الآلية في السنوات الأخيرة، أصبح الناس في جميع أنحاء العالم يعتمدون على هذه الترجمة؛ لأنها توفر نتيجة أسرع من الترجمة البشرية وتتطلب جهداً أقل. لكن برغم وجود هاتين الميزتين، إلا أنه لا يزال هناك اختلاف في الرأي حول ما إذا كانت مخرجات الترجمة الآلية قد وصلت إلى كفاءة الترجمة البشرية. تم إثارة هذه الدراسة من خلال طرح السؤال التالي "هل يؤدي التحرير اللاحق إلى تحسين مخرجات الترجمة الآلية؟" للإجابة على هذا السؤال قدمت الدراسة نهجاً نظريًا لأساليب التحرير اللاحق، فضلًا عن سرد أمثلة عملية.تم أخذ البيانات من رواية "فرانكشتاين في بغداد"، واعتمدت الدراسة على تطبيق ترجمة جوجل لترجمة المقاطع المختارة من الرواية، وطلب من مترجم محترف في مجال الترجمة الأدبية القيام بمهمة اجراء التحرير اللاحق على مخرجات ترجمة جوجل ثم قام الباحث بتحليل أوجه الاختلاف بين الترجمة الآلية والتحرير اللاحق من الناحية النحوية والدلالية. اظهرت نتائج البحث أن إجراء التحرير اللاحق على النص الأدبي عزز من كفاءة ترجمة جوجل، خاصة من الناحية الدلالية حيث كانت نسبة التحرير اللاحق على المعاني (78%) أكثر بكثير مما على النحو (22%).Given the remark able development that took place in machine translation (MT) in recent years, people all over the world tended to rely on MT since it provides a faster result than human translation (HT) and saves effort. Even with these merits, there is still a difference of opinion on whether MT output has reached human equivalence. This study was provoked by the following question "Does post-editing (PE) improve MT output?" The study attempts to answer the question by providing a theoretical approach to PE methods, with practical examples. Data was taken from the Arabicnovelفرانكشتاين في بغداد,Frankenstein in Baghdad and the application of Google Translate (GT) was chosen for the automatic translation of the data. A professional translator with experience in literary translation was asked to do the task of PE Google output. Then an analysis of the grammatical and semantic differences - that have been found between GT and the PE version- was introduced. The research findings showed that conducting PE enhanced the efficiency of GT output, especially on the semantic level where the percentage of PE on the meanings (85%) was much more than on grammar (15%)

Limiting key drilling parameters to control mud losses in Basra\u27s oil fields, Iraq

Wells in Basra\u27s oil fields are highly susceptible to lost circulation problems when drilling through the Dammam, Hartha, and Shuaiba formations. Drilling engineers are challenged to select the optimum value for key drilling parameters such as ECD, Yp, MW, WOB, ROP, and RPM to mitigate mud losses in these formations. Many of these drilling parameters are inter-related and the overall impact of changing key parameters require extensive drilling experience and study. A multi-regression analysis was performed on mud loss event data for more than 300 wells drilled in Basra\u27s oil fields. From this analysis, a model was developed to predict the total mud losses. Mud loss was found to be significantly affected by MW, ECD, and ROP. Models for ECD and ROP were also developed from the multi-regression analysis. In the same vein, proactive approaches are made prior entering the Dammam, Hartha, and Shuiaba formations to prevent or mitigate the occurrence of the lost circulation. Key drilling parameters are estimated to use during drilling through these formations. In case preventive measures didn\u27t work, corrective actions are determined for each type of the mud losses to provide effective remedies, minimize NPT, and reduce cost. This dissertation will contribute toward a better understanding of how the different factors could affect the lost circulation which is believed to have a significant impact on the mitigation mud losses. Therefore, optimized preventive and corrective solutions will be designed for combating lost circulation --Abstract, page iv

A comprehensive study of lost circulation with application in the South Rumaila field, Iraq

“Drilling mud losses and problems associated with lost circulation while drilling account for a major expense in drilling oil and gas wells. By industry estimates, more than 2 billion USD is spent annually to combat and mitigate this problem (Ali et al., 2015). The South Rumaila field in Iraq is one of the largest oilfields in the world. Wells drilled in this field are highly susceptible to lost circulation problems when drilling through the Dammam, Hartha and Shuaiba formations. Lost circulation events range from seepage losses to complete loss of the borehole and are a critical issue in field development. This thesis describes a study of the lost circulation events in more 50 wells drilled in the Rumaila field. Lost circulation events were extracted from daily drilling reports. Key drilling parameters (e.g. RPM, RPM, bit type) and mud properties (e.g. density, yield point, gel strength) at the time of each event were recorded along with the lost circulation remedies attempted, and the outcome of those remedies. These data were analyzed to determine ranges for the key drilling parameters and mud properties that have the greatest chance of mitigating lost circulation in each of the three formations. Practical field information from a range of sources were reviewed and summarized to develop an integrated methodology and flowchart for handling lost circulation events in the South Rumaila Field. Best field procedures for avoiding or minimizing lost circulation events in the South Rumaila field were identified and were provided as tabled procedures, or as additional data in the appendices of this thesis. This study provides a unique compilation of information regarding traditional approaches and the latest approaches of lost circulation control. The thesis attempts to provide useful guidelines or references for both situations”--Abstract, page iii

The effectiveness of the curriculum Biography of the Prophet in the development of social intelligence skills of Al-Hussein Bin Talal University Students

This study aimed to find out how the effectiveness of the curriculum biography of the Prophet in the development of social intelligence skills of Al-Hussein Bin Talal University students and the study sample consisted of 365 students from Al-Hussein Bin Talal University for the first semester 2014_2015 students were selected in accessible manner. The researcher has designed a tool to measure the social intelligence consisted of 5 fields and 27 standard for measuring the level of  social intelligence of the students the results of the study showed the following that the curriculum biography has been achieved the goals that  related to the development of social intelligence on  average level amount  of 70%  also showed the lack of goals that relevant to methodology and mechanisms, skills and abilities which the material has been teaches where  the percentage weight was  less than 50% and the study recommended. 1. The importance of activation the teaching methods that helps in the development of creative and critical thinking. 2. Activation the role of university curricula to development the social intelligence. 3. To work seriously on the development of students' skills and abilities to have the scientific methodology and critical thinking.   Key words: Curriculum Biography of the Prophet, social intelligence skills, theory principle

MicroRNA-mediated stress response in bivalve species.

Bivalve mollusks are important aquatic organisms, which are used for biological monitoring because of their abundance, ubiquitous nature, and abilities to adapt to different environments. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs, which typically silence the expression of target genes; however, certain miRNAs directly or indirectly upregulate their target genes. They are rapidly modulated and play an essential role in shaping the response of organisms to stresses. Based on the regulatory function and rapid alteration of miRNAs, they could act as biomarkers for biotic and abiotic stress, including environmental stresses and contaminations. Moreover, mollusk, particularly hemocytes, rapidly respond to environmental changes, such as pollution, salinity changes, and desiccation, which makes them an attractive model for this purpose. Thus, bivalve mollusks could be considered a good animal model to examine a system's response to different environmental conditions and stressors. miRNAs have been reported to adjust the adaptation and physiological functions of bivalves during endogenous and environmental stressors. In this review, we aimed to discuss the potential mechanisms underlying the response of bivalves to stressors and how miRNAs orchestrate this process; however, if necessary, other organisms' response is included to explain specific processes

Administrative Empowerment Impact on Enhancing the Leadership Skills for Modern Environment of Judiciary

Administrative empowerment aims to enhance teamwork spirit and expand the scope of supervision by giving workers the necessary powers and ability to make decisions towards sustainable management and decentralization. This study aims to determine the effect of the administrative empowerment context on developing the leadership skills of the second-level leaders in the Council of Administrative Affairs for the Judiciary in the Sultanate of Oman towards a more sustainable modern environment in this sector. Analysis of variances (ANOVA) method was utilized to investigate the effect of several related factors, including delegation of authority, task forces, effective communication, and training. Results have revealed that the current level of administrative empowerment was found medium in the council. However, the level of leadership skills of the second-level leaders was found to be high, but with insignificant utilization. It was also found that there were statistically significant effects for all the dimensions of administrative empowerment on developing the leadership skills of the second-level leaders. The novel results of the impact of delegation of authority on the environment of the judiciary in Oman have several consequences in the field. It can practically change the delegation of authority in the council to enhance administrative empowerment and the skill development of second-level leaders in the judiciary sector. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2023-07-05-013 Full Text: PD