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.
Abstract
The research Compared two methods for estimating fourparametersof the compound exponential Weibull - Poisson distribution which are the maximum likelihood method and the Downhill Simplex algorithm. Depending on two data cases, the first one assumed the original data (Non-polluting), while the second one assumeddata contamination. Simulation experimentswere conducted for different sample sizes and initial values of parameters and under different levels of contamination. Downhill Simplex algorithm was found to be the best method for in the estimation of the parameters, the probability function and the reliability function of the compound distribution in cases of natural and contaminateddata.
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Abstract
The current research aims at identifying any of the dimensions of organizational learning abilities that are more influential in the knowledge capital of the university and the extent to which they can be applied effectively at Wasit University. The current research dealt with organizational learning abilities as an explanatory variable in four dimensions (Experimentation and openness, sharing and transfer of knowledge, dialogue, interaction with the external environment ), and knowledge capital as a transient variable, with four dimensions (human capital, structural capital, client capital, operational capital). The problem of research is the following questio
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The paper exposes a discourse taxonomy of language clichéd units in English and Russian, and presents some definitions of what is a cliché as being a semioticform of perceiving language and discourse. Also, it deals with language clichés as being units of structure reflecting a scheme of stereotypical situations of dialogue, whether among individuals of one culture, or in relation to cross-cultural communication. The paper proposes a taxonomy of units in language clichés in English and Russian by tackling clichés of daily use, such as professional, cultural, artistic, and scientific clichés.
Аннотация
... Show MoreThis study falls within the core of the deliberative theory, as this research seeks to highlight the concept of dialogical imputation that is present in all the discourses received by the recipient, and that this is not limited to dialogues, and that is why it is called (deliberative imperative). This is in agreement with the deliberative and functional approach that sees literary discourse as a dialogical and fulfilling necessity, due to its attachment to artistic connotations and submerged meanings in the saying. The allotted obligation and its impact on determining the purposes: The specific implication represented an important axis of pragmatic research, and a major concern in the work of discourse analysis. Because of its great importa
... Show MoreAbstract The present work included morphological, anatomical, and palynological characters for the new species Acaalypha australis L. specimens, which belong to the family Euphorbiaceae. The species recorded in the study for the first time in Iraq. The plants of this species are annual herbs with green, striated or sub – polygonal stem, and branched near bases, Leaves are simple spirally alternate and lanceolate in shape. Flowers are unisexual, arranged in the axial of distinct leafy and cordate bracts, female flower arranged at the bracts bases and each flower with trileafed perianth and superior ovary with trilobed stylar stigma which has dense and coiled stigmatic hairs. Male flowers are arranged as a mixed verticellate inflorescence a
... Show MoreUltrasound is a mechanical energy which can generate altering zones of compression and rarefaction along its path in the tissues. Ultrasound imaging can provide a real time screening for blood and multiple organs to aiding the diagnostic and treatment. However, ultrasound has the potential to deposit energy in the blood and tissues causing bio effects which is depending on ultrasound characteristics that including frequency and the amount of intensity. These bio effects include either a stable cavitation presented non thermal effects or inertial cavitation of harmful effect on the tissues. The non-thermal cavitation can add features in diagnostic imaging and treatment more than the inertial cavitation. Ultrasound Contrast agents are a micro
... Show MoreTennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie is peopled with powerless and defenseless characters. These characters are hypersensitive and in a constant search for protection. They are highly pressurized by life and its bitter reality. Adding to that they are haunted by their fear from the future. They are escapist who try their best to hide behind a protective shield. Their tireless search for security is never smothering. Their only possible defensive mechanism is to flee from their immediate hostile and aggressive surrounding. To achieve this aim, each character has improvised a method that suits him / her best. For example, one of the characters (Tom) sought refuge in alcohol and late night shows. While the other (Amanda) chose to re-live th
... Show MoreThis study was carried out to investigate the preparation of thermosetting polymeric blend consisting of three adhesive types, namely: epoxy, polyvinyl formal (PVF) and unsaturated polyester. Both of epoxy and PVF were used as a matrix-binder at fixed weight. Whilst unsaturated polyester was used at different weights and added to the matrix so as to produce prepared epoxy-PVF-unsaturated polyester blend. Several experiments were performed at different operating conditions, mixing speed and time at room temperature to identify the most favorable operating conditions. The optimum mixing speed and mixing time for the prepared blend were 500rpm and 5 minutes respectively.
Solid wastes-synthetic sack fib
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