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.
This paper investigates the issue of surface-type effects on traffic noise in Baghdad. Since the raw materials for both flexible and rigid paving are available from local sources, the decision on selecting the type of paving which depends on the budget of the project and the road's importance and function. Knowing that for high traffic volumes and a high percentage of heavy vehicles, rigid pavement is more suitable compared to flexible pavement. In Baghdad, some highways consist of flexible pavement and others of combined pavement (flexible segments and rigid segments), so the study of the effect of surface type on traffic noise becomes an important matter. This study selected three highways: one with flexible pavement and two with combined
... Show MoreThe estimation of the amounts of Surface runoff resulting from rainfall in the water basins is of great importance in water resources management. The study area (Bahr Al-Najaf) is located on the western edge of the plateau and the southwestern part of the city center of Najaf, with an area of 2729.4 (km2). The soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) with ArcGIS software was used to simulate the runoff coming from the three main valleys (Kharr (A and B)), Shoaib Al-Rahimawi, and Maleh), that contribute the flow to the study area. The results of the model showed that the SWAT software was successfully simulating the flow conditions based on the coefficient of determination (R2), the Nash coefficient (NS
... Show MoreFive species of Trogoderma Berthold are reported from Iraq. These are: I inclus,n LeCont. T.
granarium Everts, T. variable Ballion. I. bactrianum Zantiev and T. irroraturn Reitter. A key
to the species is presented, with redeseriptions and illustrations of all species.
In this research, two drugs were bonded through amide and ester attachment, using lactic acid as aspacer binder, produced di pro drug such as Procain and Ciprofloxacin. Since Procain has ailocail anesthetic action and Ciprofloxacin as antibacterial drug was reacted with lactic acid produced ester compound (1), then the carboxylic acid of lactic acid could reacted with free Procain oil produced amide attachment, the controlled drug release in different pH values at 37C˚was studied to improve their characteristic and to minimize the side effect of the drug could be used in broad spectrum activity as atherapeutic material.This mutual prodrug was used with another biological active drug instead of single action. The prepared prodrug was charac
... Show MoreObjective: to assess the Nursing College students' health-protective behaviors (HPBs) and their
association with some sociodemograghic characteristics.
Methodology: A sample of 100 Students (males and females) was selected through a systematic
random sample that were at the third and fourth year of Nursing College in Baghdad University for the
period of April 1st through April 30th 2007. Data were collected through the use of a self-report
instrument that used for Americans as HPBs assessment that contains 23 items. Reliability and validity
of the tool were determined through a pilot study. A descriptive statistical approach (frequencies and
percentages) and inferential statistical approach (chi-square) were used for
Econazole nitrate (EN) is considered as the most effective agent for the treatment of all forms of
dermatomycosis caused by dermatophytes. This study was carried out to formulate a stable
Econazole nitrate solution for a topical use through preparation of different formulas and selected
the most suitable one. The results indicated that the use of propylene glycol and ethanol as a vehicle
for EN which is very slightly soluble in water gave amore stable formula as EN topical solution,
with a shelf life of about 3.15 years .The data also indicated that the light accelerated the
degradation of EN, while the type of container (glass or plastic) had no effect on the rate of drug.
The overall results of this study suggest t
The plant Abrus precatorius, which belong to Leguminosae (Fabaceae) family and known as Crab’s eyes, Rosary pea with characteristic red and black seeds. It was used in folk medicine in India, China and East Asian countries for treatment of various diseases.
The plant was extracted by '' general method of extraction'' (Harborne, 1973) using 80% aqueous ethanol as a solvent of extraction by soxhlet apparatus. Preliminary qualitative phytochemical screening were performed on the crude ethanolic extract and revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids ,terpenoids and phytosterols in Iraqi Abrus pr
... Show MoreThe present paper deals with prepared of ternary Se80-xTe20Gex system alloys and thin films. The XRD analysis improved that the amorphous structure of alloys and thin films for ternary Se80-xTe20Gex (at x=10and 20at.%Ge) which prepared by thermal evaporation techniques with thickness 250 nm. The optical energy gap measurements show that the optical energy gap decreases with increasing of (Ge) content from (1.7 to 1.47 eV)
It is found that the optical constants, such as refractive
index ,extinction coefficient, real and imaginary dielectric
constant are non systematic with increasing of Ge contents
and annealing temperatures
In this work, porous Silicon structures are formed with photochemical etching process of n-type Silicon(111) wafers of resistivity (0.02.cm) in hydrofluoric acid (HF) of concentration (39%wt) under light source of tungeston halogen lamp of (100 Watt) power. Samples were anodized in a solution of 39%HF and ethanol at 1:1 for 15 minutes. The samples were realized on n-type Si substrates Porous Silicon layers of 100m thickness and 30% of porousity. Frequency dependence of conductivity for Al/PSi/Si/Al sandwich form was studied. A frequency range of 102-106Hz was used allowing an accurate determination of the impedance components. Their electronic transport parameters were determined using complex impedance measurements. These measu
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