Proposal for Arabic Mathematical Alphabetic Symbols

This is a proposal to encode a set of characters used to write Arabic mathematical notation in the international character encoding standard Unicode. This set of characters was published in Unicode Standard version 6.1 in January 2012

Correlation between Leptin Encoding Gene and Some Haematological and Biochemical Parameters in Awassi Sheep

The present study was scanned 104 of different genotypic Iraqi Awassi sheep to determine the relation of genetic polymorphism for leptin gene with several biochemical and haematological features. The results of this study were revealed that most of blood characters were homologous for the genotypes AA, AB, AH, AM, AR, and AS except for RBCs and WBCs count since there were significant differences (P< 0.05) between them, and the following genotypes AH and AB were surpassed on the two genotypes AM and AB concerning the number of RBCs, and the two genotypes AB and AH were surpassed on the genotype AM concerning the number of WBCs. Most of biochemical characters were nonhomologous except for the concentration of urea, since significant differences (P< 0.05) among the genotypes were observed with respect to glucose, protein, cholesterol, and triglycerides. The AH genotype was surpassed the two genotypes AB and AR concerning the glucose ratio. The AB genotype was surpassed the two genotypes AM and AS, the two genotypes AA and AH were surpassed the AB genotype concerning cholesterol ratio, and the AB genotype was surpassed the AH genotype concerning the level of triglyceride. In conclusion, the leptin gene diagnostic tool could be used for selection process to enhance the production levels in Awassi sheep through eliminating the animals that were correlated with the genotypes of some undesired characters in early breeding times. Keywords; leptin, gene, Awassi, parameter, blood, biochemistr

Molecular characterization of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficient variants in Baghdad city - Iraq

Background: Although G6PD deficiency is the most common genetically determined blood disorder among Iraqis, its molecular basis has only recently been studied among the Kurds in North Iraq, while studies focusing on Arabs in other parts of Iraq are still absent. Methods: A total of 1810 apparently healthy adult male blood donors were randomly recruited from the national blood transfusion center in Baghdad. They were classified into G6PD deficient and non-deficient individuals based on the results of methemoglobin reduction test (MHRT), with confirmation of deficiency by subsequent enzyme assays. DNA from deficient individuals was studied using a polymerase chain reaction-Restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) for four deficient molecular variants, namely G6PD Mediterranean (563 C®T), Chatham (1003 G®A), A- (202 G®A) and Aures (143 T®C). A subset of those with the Mediterranean variant, were further investigated for the 1311 (C®T) silent mutation. Results: G6PD deficiency was detected in 109 of the 1810 screened male individuals (6.0%). Among 101 G6PD deficient males molecularly studied, the Mediterranean mutation was detected in 75 cases (74.3%), G6PD Chatham in 5 cases (5.0%), G6PD A- in two cases (2.0%), and G6PD Aures in none. The 1311 silent mutation was detected in 48 out of the 51 G6PD deficient males with the Mediterranean variant studied (94.1%). Conclusions: Three polymorphic variants namely: the Mediterranean, Chatham and A-, constituted more than 80% of G6PD deficient variants among males in Baghdad. Iraq. This observation is to some extent comparable to othe

Hepatitis C virus genotypes among multiply transfused hemoglobinopathy patients from Northern Iraq

Background and Aim: Owing to the scarcity of data on hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in Iraq and due to their epidemiological as well as therapy implications, this study was initiated aiming at determining these genotypes in Northern Iraq. Materials and Methods: A total of 70 HCV antibody positive multi transfused patients with hemoglobinopathies, who had detectable HCV ribonucleic acid, were recruited for genotyping using genotype-specific nested polymerase chain reaction. Results: The most frequent genotype detected was genotype 4 (52.9%) followed by 3a (17.1%), 1b (12.9%) and 1a (1.4%), while mixed genotypes (4 with either 3a or 1b) were detected in 7.1%. Conclusion: The predominance of genotype 4 is similar to other studies from surrounding Eastern Mediterranean Arab countries and to the only earlier study from central Iraq, however the significant high proportion of 3a and scarcity of 1a, are in contrast to the latter study and may be explainable by the differing population interactions in this part of Iraq. This study complements previous studies from Eastern Mediterranean region and demonstrates relative heterogeneity of HCV genotype distribution within Iraq and should trigger further studies in other parts of the country

Hemoglobin F modulation in sickle cell disease: Experience in a single center in Iraqi Kurdistan

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) constitutes an important health problem in the Eastern Mediterranean countries including Iraq. Previous studies from northern Iraq had focused on various aspects of these hemoglobinopathies, but none focused on response of these patients to hemoglobin F modulating agents. Patients and Methods: In this prospective study, a total of 106 patients with SCD were enrolled. They were aged 5–56 years (median 19.2 years) with a male to female ratio of 2.1:1.0. The patients were initiated on hydroxycarbamide and evaluated clinically and hematologically for response prior to therapy, at 2 and 6 months post-therapy, and at last follow-up. Results: Out of the 106 patients enrolled, 100 (94%) patients had a significant response. The responders showed a significant increase in their total hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and fetal hemoglobin (HbF), reduction in their blood requirement, and vaso-occlusive crises. The therapy was quite well tolerated and there were very limited number of side effects. After a median follow-up of 4 years and 7 months (range 1–9 years), those responders at 6 months continued to do so, with 72% remaining transfusion free at their last follow-up. Conclusion: The remarkable response to hydroxycarbamide in the enrolled patients is consistent with other studies worldwide, and thereby hydroxycarbamide offers itself as a cost-effective first-line management option in SCD patients in developing countries