Chitinase-3-like 1 protein (YKL-40) is a glycoprotein primarily produced in the arthritic joint and plays a crucial role in inflammatory processes. The aim of the study is to establish the role of YKL-40 as a biomarker for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to proinflammatory biomarkers and disease activity. The study included 58 patients and 18 control. Diseases activity score (DAS-28) and clinical disease activity index (CDAI) were measured. Serum level of YKL-40, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1B (IL-1β), erythrocyte sedimentation (ESR), rheumatoid factor (RF), C-reactive protein (CRP), and anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) were assessed. The results showed that the median serum YKL-40 level which was 5.42 ng/ml, the TNF-a level which was 123.6 ng/ml, and the IL-1B level which was 204.365 pg/dl were significantly higher in patients compared to control 3.28 (1.58–4.99) ng/ml, 56.47 (9.38–77.01) ng/ml and 67.887 (15.493–122.689)pg/dl respectively. There was no correlation between serum YKL-40 and disease activity, while there were significant associations observed with TNF-α (r=0.5,p =0.0001) and IL-1β (r=0.41, p=0.001). YKL-40 indicating good levels of RA prediction at 2.47 ng/ml, sensitivity 87.9%, specificity 58.6%, accuracy 78.1%, PPV 80.9%, and NPV 70.8%. In conclusion, a higher level of serum YKL-40 is found in RA patients. The findings from our study suggest a strong association between YKL-40 and the proinflammatory biomarkers. As a result, these biomarkers together might play a role in RA pathogenesis, and YKL-40 may be used as a potential diagnostic biomarker for RA.
Background: Different diagnostic definition and criteria have been recommended by different expert groups for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, however, it’s prevalence in the same population could differ depending on the definition used yielding different results. In Iraq, there is a lack of research comparing these different diagnostic definitions. Objective: To find out the most suitable metabolic syndrome definition to be used for Iraqi people. Methods: 320 participants were recruited for this study, 53.4% men and 46.6% women, aged between 25-85 years, visiting Baghdad Teaching Hospital, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome according to different definitions were compared and the agreement was assessed by the Kappa st
... Show MoreOBJECTIVE: Synthetic vertebral body replacement has been widely used recently to treat different spinal conditions affecting the anterior column. They arrange from trauma, infections, and even tumor conditions. In this study, we assess the functional outcome of this modality in different spinal conditions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-six cases operated from October 2010 to December 2017. Twelve patients had spinal type A3 fractures, 11 cases with spinal tuberculosis (TB), and 13 cases with spinal tumors. They were followed clinically for a mean period of 2.4 years. RESULTS: All the cases were approached anteriorly. Seven cases had a post-operative infection. No neurological worsening reported. We had dramatic neurologic
... Show MoreThe research aimed at designing teaching program using jigsaw in learning spiking in volleyball as well as identifying the effect of these exercises on learning spring in volleyball. The researchers used the experimental method on (25) students as experimental group and (27) students as controlling group and (15) students as pilot study group. The researchers conducted spiking tests then the data was collected and treated using proper statistical operations to conclude that the strategy have a positive effect in experimental group. Finally, the researchers recommended using the strategy in making similar studies on other subjects and skills.
Chaotic features of nuclear energy spectrum in 68Ge nucleus are investigated by nuclear shell model. The energies are calculated through doing shell model calculations employing the OXBASH computer code with effective interaction of F5PVH. The 68Ge nucleus is supposed to have an inert core of 56Ni with 12 nucleons (4 protons and 8 neutrons) move in the f5p-model space ( and ). The nuclear level density of considered classes of states is seen to have a Gaussian form, which is in accord with the prediction of other theoretical studies. The statistical fluctuations of the energy spectrum (the level spacing P(s) and the Dyson-Mehta (or statistics) are well described by the Gaussian orthogonal ens
... Show MorePurpose: The main objective of this paper is, to determine the optimal no. of technicians’ men in a workshop crew of an Industrial System. Theoretical framework: The purpose of applying these tools is to explore their ability to reduce costs and improvements that can be obtained in the process of providing services to the end customer. Design/methodology/approach: The literature structure review was built from analyzing 12 of scientific papers and books, from web sciences and the Elsevier database. The papers were analyzed from descriptive, methodologic, and citation characteristics. Finding: By applying the equation model of the paper, the optimal no. of technician men in the crew of the workshop can be determined when
... Show MoreThe research dealt with the issue of strategic information systems and its impact on the global marketing channel. As the research aims to know the strategic information systems used in the cement company. Which support the senior management in supporting decisions taken in the process of global orientation and moving to foreign markets by choosing the marketing channel that will suit the company. Product and competition with it. With other companies' products. The problem of the study focused on how to move to global markets, and any marketing channel that can be followed to move the cement product globally, what are the strategic information systems used in the company and how will it contribute to supporting senior management dec
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