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: The bond strength of root canal sealers to dentin and gutta-percha seems to be an important property for maintaining the stability of root canal filling, which potentially influences both leakage and root strength. The objective of this, in vitro, study was to evaluate the shear bond strength of three different endodontic sealers (Gutta-Flow, AH Plus, Apexit Plus) to dentin, in the presence and absence of the smear layer and gutta percha. Material and Methods: After slicing off the occlusal 2mm of 60 extracted human maxillary premolar teeth, the exposed dentin served as the tested surfaces; the teeth were fixed with cold cure acrylic, and were divided into two groups according to the smear layer presence, group A without smear
... Show MoreRecently, environmental noise has arisen from various sources, such as those from exhaust mufflers of combustion engines found in cars, trucks, or power generators, which produce significant noise during their operation. Controlling the radiated noise from these mufflers is a major factor in improving acoustic comfort and minimizing the impact on the surrounding communities. Numerous research has been presented for this reason by modification of the internal structure of the exhaust muffler. The main objective of this work is to reduce the noise level emitted from exhaust mufflers. This can be achieved by adjusting structure parameters to attenuate the surrounding environment's radiated noise. Analysis of pressure-wave propagation h
... Show MoreThe influence of fear on the dynamics of harvested prey-predator model with intra-specific competition is suggested and studied, where the fear effect from the predation causes decreases of growth rate of prey. We suppose that the predator attacks the prey under the Holling type IV functional response. he existence of the solution is investigated and the bounded-ness of the solution is studied too. In addition, the dynamical behavior of the system is established locally and globally. Furthermore, the persistence conditions are investigated. Finally, numerical analysis of the system is carried out.
In this study, geopolymer mortar was designed in various experimental combinations employing 1% micro steel fibers and was subjected to different temperatures, according to the prior works of other researchers. The geopolymer mortar was developed using a variety of sustainable material proportions (fly ash and slag) to examine the influence of fibers on its strength. The fly ash weight percentage was 50%, 60%, and 70% by slag weight to study its effect on the geopolymer mortar's properties. The optimal ratio produced the most significant results when mixed at a 50:50 ratio of fly ash and slag with 1% micro steel fibers at curing temperature 240oC for 4 hours through two days. The compressive strength of the geopolymer mortar increas
... Show MoreTolerance and its impact on building society
Abstract
The current study aims to identify the predictability of burnout in perceived self-competence among mothers of students with disabilities in the Sultanate of Oman. The study sample consists of (484) respondents who were mothers of students with disabilities. The researcher developed a burnout Scale which consists of (19) items and a perceived self-competence Scale which consists of (20) items. A correlation descriptive design was used. The results showed that the level of burnout was low (Mean= 2.30), while the level of burnout was high (Mean= 3.87). Regarding the correlation coefficient, the results showed that there was a significant negative correlation between burnout and perceived self-competence. A
... Show MoreThe aim of the study is to prepare a measure of the role of academic coaches in handball skill performance from the point of view of the researchers. The researchers used the descriptive approach in the research procedures as it is an appropriate approach in achieving the research objectives. The next question is: To what extent will the players benefit from the academic coach in developing their skill performance? This is the measure of the role of academic coaches. From 16 items, the research community included players (Al-Karkh Club - Al-Hashd Sports Club) and the number of players was (Al-Karkh 14 - Al-Hashd 14). The research sample was intentional and represented (the research community 100% The researchers concluded that measuring the
... Show MoreThe world's renewable energy sources have taken on great importance, for its cleanness and its environmental effects as well as being a renewable source, Increased demand for fossil energy sources is also causing global warming and climate change. Iraq is an appropriate area for renewable energy This study shows that renewable alternative energy has not been used sufficiently enough at present. But this energy can play an important role in the future of renewable energy in Iraq. This research aims to study the renewable energy in Iraq (solar energy) and it is appropriate to develop this alternative energy for crude oil, which is characterized by the use of the most appropriate and less economical and more environmentally friendly. Solar
... Show MoreTwo new ligands Na2[ H3B (BDIA)].0.05H2O (L1)(BDIA = 1-Boranyl-2,3-
Dihydro-1H-Indol-3-yl)]Acetic Acid and Na3[H2B(BDIA)2].0.3H2O.0.3CH3Ph (L2)
were synthesized by reaction of NaBH4 with indole -3- acetic acid (IAA) . The
coordination properties of ligands were studied with Co(II) , Ni(II) , Cu(II) and
Pt(IV) ions. Characterization and structural aspects of the prepared compounds were
elucidated by 1HNMR, FTIR electronic spectra, magnetic susceptibility, elemental
and metal analysis, thermal analysis (TG & DTG) and conductivity measurements.
The obtained data for metal complexes suggested square planar geometry for
copper complexes, octahedral geometry for nickel and platinium complexes and
tetrahedral geom