ASSOCIATION OF ANTI-CYCLIC CITRULLINATED PEPTIDE ANTIBODY IN A SAMPLE OF ADULT PATIENTS WITH PSORIASIS AND PSORIATIC ARTHROPATHY

Objective: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory arthropathy commonly associated with psoriasis, a large number of patients with PsA that has persistent inflammation may develop progressive joint damage and disability and have reduced life expectancy. This study aims to determine the associations of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies in adult patients with psoriasis and PsA.Methods: A case–control study was conducted at Baghdad teaching hospital, Units of Rheumatology and Dermatology, during the period from December 2016 to April 2017 including three groups; 40 patients with psoriasis, 40 patients with PsA fulfilling the CASPAR classification criteria, and 40 healthy control persons.Results: Two patients with psoriasis (5%) and 10 patients with PsA (25%) were seropositive for anti-CCP antibodies (ACPA). Healthy controls were negative for anti-CCPA. Regarding ACPA positivity, a significant difference was found between those three studied groups (p<0.001) and there was a significant difference between positive and negative ACPA in PsA patients regarding disease activity score (p=0.044).Conclusion: Positive ACPA were found more significant with PsA than in patients with psoriasis as well as associated with higher disease activity

The Fracture Toughness of Heat Cured Acrylic- Natural Rubber/Silicone Rubber Blend Reinforced with Pomegranate Peels Powder

يمثل تطوير راتنج PMMA في تصنيع قاعدة الأسنان باستخدام طريقة التقوية عاملًا مهمًا في السنوات الأخيرة، لذلك يتعامل هذا العمل مع تطوير المقاومة الميكانيكية لقاعدة أسنان PMMA عن طريق تصنيع عينات تتكون من مزيج البوليمر كمادة اساس ومدعومة بجزيئات نانوية طبيعية من قشر الرمان (PPP). تتكون هذه المجموعات من نوعين من مزيج البوليمرات (  2%:PMMAمطاط السيليكونSR  أو المطاط الطبيعي(NR ، كل واحدة منها تستخدم كمواد اساس ، تم تعزيزها بواسطة مسحوق طبيعي من قشور الرمان (PPP) بحجم النانومتر ،بنسب وزنية محددة (0.0 ، 0.1 ، 0.3 ، 0.5 و 0.7٪ وزناً). تم التحقق من بعض الخواص الميكانيكية (مقاومة الانحناء، أقصى إجهاد القص، مقاومة الصدمة، متانة الكسر والصلابة) ومن معطيات الـ FTIR)، وأظهرت النتائج تحسنًا ملحوظًا في جميع الخواص الميكانيكية التي درست في هذا العمل لكلتا المجموعتين من المتراكبات مقارنة بمواد الاساسSR)  (PMMA: 2% أو (PMMA: 2% NR) أظهرت المتراكبات الحياتية المكونة من (PMMA: 2%NR): X% PPP) أعلى القيم لهذه الخصائص وهي 144MPa, 12MPa, 10KJ/m² and 5.74MPa.m½على التوالي، بالمقارنة مع العينات المتراكبة المكونة من (PMMA: 2%SR): X% PPP). بناءً على هذه النتائج، يمكن أن نلخص إلى أن إضافة 2٪ من المطاط الطبيعي مع حبيبات القشور النانوية إلى مادة بولي ميثيل ميثاكريليت هي واحدة من الاساليب الناجعة لتحسين متانة الكسر لقواعد أطقم الأسنان.The development of PMMA resin in denture base fabrication by using the strengthen method represent important factor in the last years, so this study aims to development the mechanical strengthens of PMMA denture base by manufacturing samples based on two types of polymers blends are (poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin: 2% (silicone rubber (SR)) and (PMMA resin:  2% natural rubber (NR)),  each one of them used as a matrix material,  reinforced by natural nanoparticles of pomegranate peel (PPP), with selected weight fractions ratios (0.0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 & 0.7% wt.). Some mechanical properties and analytical of (FTIR) were investigated. The results showed an appreciably improvement in the values of flexural strength, max. Shear stress, impact strength and fracture toughness for both groups of hybrids nanocomposites specimens comparing with matrix materials of (PMMA: 2%SR) and (PMMA: 2%NR). Hybrid nanocomposites specimens that based on polymer blend (PMMA: 2%NR) as matrix material  reinforced with PPP nanoparticle ,  showed the highest values in these properties  (144MPa, 12MPa, 10KJ/m² and 5.74MPa.m½) respectively, as compared with specimens of hybrid nanocomposites  (PMMA: 2%SR): X% PPP) . On the basis of these results, it can be conclusion that the addition of 2% natural rubber with pomegranate peels powder nanoparticles to the poly methyl methacrylate material is one of the hopeful materials in use to improve the fracture strength for the complete or partial dentures base

Drawbacks Treatment Associated with use of Conventional Corrosion Inhibitors Especially in Combustion of Vanadium-Contaminated Liquid Fuels using Nickel Compounds

A new process where used for the treatment of drawbacks resulting from using conventional corrosion inhibitors in thermal equipment (such as Boilers, Diesels and Turbine engines) that burning vanadium-contaminated fuels. Nickelous compounds were used in this work as a base material for the manufacture of these corrosive inhibitors. Nickel hydroxide salt was used in this new work as a suspension in an aqueous solution or an organic solvent with respect to the treated fuel. The results show that this salt is a good choice used as anticorrosion agent in high temperatures equipment that use burning fuels contaminated with Vanadium.  The new anticorrosion agent must contain (8 - 10) % by weight of Nickel metal and(Ni:V) active weight ratio is (2.25: 1). Keywords: Drawbacks treatment, Vanadium-contaminated, inhibitor, high temperature corrosion, molten electrolyte

Development of Surface Roughness and Mechanical Properties of PMMA Nanocomposites by Blending with Polymeric Materials

This work aims to a development of mechanical properties of PMMA that is utilized in denture material, by using two types of polymers; blends (PMMA:2%NR) and (PMMA:2%SR) as a matrix materials strengthen with natural nanoparticles from the pomegranate peel powder (PPP) that were added at different weight fractions (0.0, 0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5% and 0.7%). Two groups of bio nanocomposites specimens were prepared, using (Hand Lay-Up) method. Experimental tests were carried out on surface roughness, hardness and wear rate as well as analyzing of FTIR test. The minimum values of surface roughness and wear rate were reached 1.51 nm and 0.317×10-8 g/cm respectively for polymer blend nanocomposite ((PMMA:2%NR): 0.7% PPP). Whereas, the maximum value of Shore D hardness reached 90 for the same sample of nanocomposites. According to these results, it can be a concluded that the addition of Nano pomegranate powder and natural rubber can develop the mechanical properties of PMMA material used in medical applications

New Technique for Enhancing the Anodes Performance of Cathodic Protection Deep Well Systems

A special round-grain construction was suggested   for use as a grout material surrounding the anode case of deep well groundbed in an impressed current cathodic protection systems. The experimental results show that the proposed grout material is relatively uncrushable to protect the anode groundbed from collapsing of the wells to undermine, having a good electrical conductivity (low resistivity) which increase the active size of anode, provide a lower electrical resistance to surrounding earth and reduce anode consumption resulting from current discharge. The proposed round-grain shape includes a mixture of different percentage weights of Carbon black powder, Portland cement, Graphite and Surfactant material by mixing (1.8) kg of grout powder with (1) liter of water (mixing ratio 1.8:1) which may be pumped between the groundbed steel casing and soil bore well for a substantial distance up from minimal of the well and in the vicinity of the casing and ultimately to the land surface. Keywords:  Cathodic Protection(CP), Grout material, Deep well groundbed, Impressed curren

Public Procurement Crisis of Iraq and its Impact on Construction Projects

  The public procurement crisis in Iraq plays a fundamental role in the delay in the implementation of construction projects at different stages of project bidding (pre, during, and after). The procurement system of any country plays an important role in economic growth and revival. The paper aims to use the fuzzy logic inference model to predict the impact of the public procurement crisis (relative importance index and Likert scale) was carried out at the beginning to determine the most important parameters that affect construction projects, the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) to set up, and finally, the fuzzy decision maker's (FDM) verification of the parameter for comparison with reality. Sixty-five construction projects in Iraq have been selected, and the most crucial crisis variables were used for calculating the weights and their importance, using the fuzzy logic inference model to verify the crisis parameters and the extent of their impact in preparation for predicting the mathematical model of public procurement parameters. After the algorithm had been completed, it was noted that the fast, messy genetic algorithm produced a little difference between training and testing (0.012% and 0.0057%), which is more reliable for predicting mean results from models. The paper’s major conclusion is that 18 crisis factors in public procurement through different stages affect construction projects in Iraq.

Toxoplasmosis in females from Al-Anbar, Iraq

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a common zoonotic disease affecting one-third of the world population with potentially serious health implications. Aim of the study: To find the prevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection among females in Al-Anbar, Iraq.  Methodology: Over an eight-month period from (1st November 2021 to 30th June 2022), 200 females visiting private veterinary clinics in Al-Anbar (92 owned cats) participated in this prospective study. Age and residency were recorded. Blood samples were collected from all females and subjected first to the Toxoplasma Latex Agglutination test (TLAT). Samples of cat feces were collected from 57 (62%) pet and 35 (38%) stray cats and subjected first to direct microscopy looking for Toxoplasma oocysts. Blood and fecal samples were then tested by nested polymerase chain reaction (n-PCR) and real-time PCR. Results were then statistically analyzed. Results: Rates of human toxoplasmosis were (n=48, 24%), (n=60, 30%), and (n=77, 38.5%) with TLAT, n-PCR, and RT-PCR tests respectively. Likewise, rates of cat toxoplasmosis were (n=7, 7.6%), (n=55, 60%), and (n=80, 87.0%) with TLAT, n-PCR, and RT-PCR tests respectively.  Results of the latex test revealed that females >40 had a high rate of infection (45.8%) compared with those aged 31-40 years (33.8%) and those aged 21-30 years (13.0%) (P≤0.01). City resident females had a lower infection rate compared to village residents (29.7% vs. 55.4%). Conclusions: Toxoplasmosis was more prevalent in females >40 from rural areas but wasn’t related to contact with cats. Real-time PCR provided a better diagnostic yield. 

Toxoplasmosis in females from Al-Anbar, Iraq

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a common zoonotic disease affecting one-third of the world population with potentially serious health implications. Aim of the study: To find the prevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection among females in Al-Anbar, Iraq.  Methodology: Over an eight-month period from (1st November 2021 to 30th June 2022), 200 females visiting private veterinary clinics in Al-Anbar (92 owned cats) participated in this prospective study. Age and residency were recorded. Blood samples were collected from all females and subjected first to the Toxoplasma Latex Agglutination test (TLAT). Samples of cat feces were collected from 57 (62%) pet and 35 (38%) stray cats and subjected first to direct microscopy looking for Toxoplasma oocysts. Blood and fecal samples were then tested by nested polymerase chain reaction (n-PCR) and real-time PCR. Results were then statistically analyzed. Results: Rates of human toxoplasmosis were (n=48, 24%), (n=60, 30%), and (n=77, 38.5%) with TLAT, n-PCR, and RT-PCR tests respectively. Likewise, rates of cat toxoplasmosis were (n=7, 7.6%), (n=55, 60%), and (n=80, 87.0%) with TLAT, n-PCR, and RT-PCR tests respectively.  Results of the latex test revealed that females >40 had a high rate of infection (45.8%) compared with those aged 31-40 years (33.8%) and those aged 21-30 years (13.0%) (P≤0.01). City resident females had a lower infection rate compared to village residents (29.7% vs. 55.4%). Conclusions: Toxoplasmosis was more prevalent in females >40 from rural areas but wasn’t related to contact with cats. Real-time PCR provided a better diagnostic yield. 

Distribution of petroleum hydrocarbons in surface sediments from selected locations in Kuala Selangor River, Malaysia

A study has been conducted at selected locations along the Kuala Selangor River, Malaysia on seven surface sediment samples to determine the level of hydrocarbon pollution in the sediments. The homogenized sediments were extracted using soxhlet, fractionated and analyzed by using GCMS. PAHs were detected and were found in the range of 563–1,037 ng/g (dryweight). Ratio MP/P was used to determine the anthropogenic PAHs sources where seven stations were found to be polluted by petrogenic sources. Furthermore, MP/P ratios for sediment samples had values ranging from 1.752 to 18.6, while L/H ratios for the same samples ranged from 0.2978 to 1.393. There were 26 compounds of PAHs detected in the samples. Further analysis and more data is needed in order to identify the sources of oil pollution in seven sediment samples with unidentified oil sources