High Significant Negative Correlation Research Articles

Population dynamics of insect pests on short duration pigeon pea in relation to weather parameters

Population dynamics of insect pests on short duration pigeon pea was studied in relation with weather parameters during kharif 2016 and 2017. Spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata (F.) and blister beetle, Mylabris pustulata Thunberg were observed to be major pests in Delhi environment during both the years while, low incidence of other pests viz., gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) andpod bug, Clavigralla gibbosa Spinola were also recorded. Spotted pod borer population peaked during 41st standard meteorological week. Blister beetle incidence commenced during 36 th standard meteorological week and peaked during 37th standard meteorological week. Maximum temperature of 1-lag week was found to have non-significant positive correlation with gram pod borer (r= 0.64) and spotted pod borer (r = 0.52) larval population. The built-up of pod bug population had highest significant negative correlation with minimum temperature (r=-0.82) of current week and also with relative humidity (r = -0.93) of current week.

Effect of Tourism Activities on Coral Communities at the Gulf of Suez, Red Sea

Although the rapidly expanding tourism industry is considered an extremely important economic activity, it caused increasing pressure on coral reefs of Egypt. Damage occurs from both direct and indirect impacts of tourism activities on coral communities. The Gulf of Suez has increasing of resorts from 8 at 2000 to 31 at 2014. This affected the coral communities along the area of study leads to a decrease in coral areas from 960 m2 at 2000 to 750 m2 at 2014, number of coral species from 21 species at 2000 to only 14 species at 2014, percentage cover of life coral from 46.4% at 2000 to 10.6% at 2014; on contrary, dead coral increased from 23.8% to 47.9% at the same period. This accompanied with an increase in the percentage of the algal cover from 8.6% at 2000 to 19.4% at 2014. The statistical analysis revealed a high correlation between the increased tourism activities and the coral status variables measured during the study. The data obtained showed high significant positive and negative correlation between the different variables that determined according to the effect of the different variables on each other and the relation between them. The simple linear regression statistical analyses showed a significant effect of tourism activities on the coral status, the analyses indicated that each increase in number of resorts by one resort leads to significant decrease in total coral area at the site by 0.9%, the analysis also showed that 80% of that decrease referred to the effect of tourism activities and 20% referred to other reasons. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) divided the recoded coral species into three categories, the first is soft corals which recorded significant increase in percentage cover from 2000 to 2014, the second is three species that recorded insignificant difference during the period of study, while the third category include most of the recorded species and they showed significant decrease in their percentage cover along time of study. The data obtained illustrated that all the investigated coral parameters are affected by the increasing tourism activities.

Aspirin Resistance in Acute Ischemic Non-cardioembolic Stroke: Frequency and Clinical Study

Platelet activation in cerebrovascular diseases is associated with recurrent stroke and death. Aspirin is an effective antiplatelet agent, exhibiting its action by irreversibly inhibiting platelet cyclooxygenase-1 enzyme, thus preventing the production of thromboxane A2 (TXA2). Objectives: The study is designed to find the frequency of aspirin resistance (AR) among acute ischemic non-cardioembolic stroke patients, and to assess the clinical picture of those patients. Mehtods: This study included 80 patients39 males and 41 females (mean age: 63 years 11.8 SD), they were diagnosed clinically and via brain imaging within 24 hours following stroke onset. They were given non coated, same preparation of aspirin 150 mg/day regularly and under observation, Low molecular weight heparin 40 mg per day. The patients were followed up clinically and via GCS, NIHSS and APACHEII scales. Assessment of aspirin resistance was done one week after regular aspirin intake through: bleeding time, coagulation time and assessment of thromboxaneA2 level in serum using ELIZA. The patients were classified into two groups aspirin resistant (AR) and aspirin sensitive (AS) and the data were compared in both. Results: AR patients represented 33.75% of our sample. History of TIAs and stroke was more prevalent among them. In AR patients: the followings were also more frequent: more affection of consciousness, power, sensation, language, coordination, vertigo, vomiting, large size of cerebral infarcts, temporal and parietal infarcts. There were high significant negative correlation between GCS and TXA2level and between the later and changes in bleeding time in the first day and 7 days following stroke onset. On the other hand there were high positive correlation between TXA2 level and NIHSS score and infarct size. Coclusion: AR was frequent among ischemic non-cardioembolic stroke and they were associated with history of TIAs and previous strokes, and presented with more severe clinical presentation and larger size of cerebral infarcts, So early identification of AR prevents its fruitless use.

Intensive Care Unit Nurses' Uncertainty and Patient Safety Culture

Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses face many uncertain situations that may affect their patient care decisions and jeopardize patients’ safety.Aim: This study aimed to explore the relationship between uncertainty and patient safety culture among intensive care unit nurses at Tanta Main University Hospital.Study subject: included (155) nurses worked in intensive care units at Tanta University Main Hospital. Two tools were used Tool (I): Nurses’ Uncertainty Questionnaire. Tool (II): Patient Safety Culture Questionnaire.Results: 74.2% of participant ICU nurses’ experienced high levels of uncertainty. Above half (56.1% and 56.1%) of them always experienced being uncomfortable and confused& loss of control when facing uncertain situations in ICUs. 84.5% and 76.8% of them always used team work; and learn from past experience to deal with uncertainty. 47.1% of them evaluated patient safety in their ICUs as acceptable and bad. There was a high statistical negative correlation between the levels of patient safety culture and experiencing uncertainty by ICU nurses at p= 0.000.Conclusions: ICU nurses experienced high level of uncertainty; they rely on experience and teamwork rather than evidence-based practices to manage clinical uncertainty. High statistical significant negative correlation was found between patient safety culture and experiencing uncertainty by ICU nurses.

Forensic and clinical significance of serum amylase, lipase and gamma glutamyl transferase as predictors of outcome in head injured patients

Head trauma is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Combined head lesions consist of more than one form of lesions. Biochemical markers of brain injury are used in determining the extent of brain injury and predicting its outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the forensic and clinical significance of serum amylase, lipase and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) as predictors of the outcome in head injured patients. Patients and methodsSixty head injured patients were enrolled and subjected to personal history taking, general and local physical examination. Glasgow coma scale (GCS), head computed tomography scan and pelvi-abdominal ultrasound were performed. Two blood samples (each 3 mL) were drawn at the time of admission and after 24 h for measuring serum amylase, lipase and GGT levels using special kits. ResultsMost cases of head trauma occurred accidentally during daytime, in the street as a result of falls and road traffic accidents (RTA). Significant increase of serum amylase, lipase and GGT levels on re-evaluation after 24 h from admission were demonstrated in combined head lesions. There was a high significant negative correlation between GCS and these enzymes both on admission and 24 h after admission. Serum levels of measured enzymes were significantly higher in non-survivors as compared to survivors. ConclusionSerum amylase, lipase and GGT are good predictors of the outcome in head injured patients. This could be useful for forensic experts to deduce that the poor outcome of the victims was primarily related to the effects of head trauma and its sequences.

Evaluation of Melon (Cucumis Melo. L) Genotypes Aiming Effective Selection of Parents for Breeding Directed at High Yield under Drought Stress Condition

Abstract This study examined 36 accessions of melon grown originally in dry and warm zones managed in the gene bank in the Institute of Seed and Plant Improvement, Karaj. To characterize and compare results of the field experiment statistical procedures, hierarchical cluster analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and multiple linear regressions were applied. The results indicated a high degree of variability for single plant yield, fruit weight, fruit length, and cavity diameter. In addition, the variables of fruit size displayed a high differentiating power. Positive and negative correlation coefficients were identified among the studied traits as well. The highest significant positive correlation was found between the plant yield and fruit weight (0.88). Also, the highest significant negative correlation was observed between relative water content and canopy temperature (−0.58). Melon accessions were classified into three main clusters, indicating that the characterized melon collection has a high potential for particular breeding goals. The usefulness of the identified correlations among traits is valuable for the potential use in breeding projects directed for fruit size and yielding in dry condition. Multiple linear regressions were done and R2 (Coefficient of determination) and RMSE (Root Mean Squared Error) were 0.97 and 229, respectively.

The Role of Renal Resistive Index in Assessment of Functional Renal Impairment in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

Background and study aim: Renal dysfunction often develops in patients with liver cirrhosis. Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) represents the end-stage of reduction in renal perfusion. Duplex Doppler ultrasonography of the kidneys is a non-invasive method to assess blood flow and arterial vascular resistance as a parameter for vasoconstriction. This study aimed to assess the role of renal resistive index as a non-invasive marker for early detection of functional renal impairment in patients with liver cirrhosis. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted on 20 patients with liver cirrhosis without ascites vs. Session [CurrentTestPartID] patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites and 20 healthy subjects as control group. Patients and control were subjected to complete blood picture, liver and kidney functions, serum electrolytes, twenty four hours urinary sodium, abdominal ultrasonography and duplex Doppler evaluation of the renal arteries with calculation of mean renal RI. Results: Highly significant difference between cirrhotic patients with ascites and cirrhotic patients without ascites and controls regarding mean renal resistive index for both kidneys (P<0.001). At Cutoff point of renal RI 0.71, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy to predict HRS were 100%, 80% and 82% respectively with AUC= 0.997. A statistical high significant positive correlation between RI and serum creatinine, child class, MELD score and MELD-Na (r=0. 0.818, r= 0. 0.539, r= 0.739 r= 0.807 respectively and P<0.001). A statistical high significant negative correlation between RI and serum sodium, Session [UserIDID] hours urinary sodium, and platelets (r= -0.778, r= 0. -0.688, r= -0.422 respectively and P<0.001). Conclusion: Renal duplex Doppler ultrasound is useful as a non-invasive method for the evaluation of the renal hemodynamic changes in cirrhotic patients and can predict HRS.

SUSCEPTIBILITY OF CERTAIN TOMATO CULTIVARS TO INFESTATION WITH TUTA ABSOLUTA (MEYRICK) (LEPIDOPTERA:GELECHIIDAE) IN RELATION TO LEAFLET TRICHOMES

The tomato leaf miner; Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is one of the most important pests of tomato all over the world. Choosing of tomato cultivar plays an important role in controlling this insect pest. The susceptibility of some tomato cultivars to infestation with this pest in relation to leaflet trichomes was studied. Five tomato cultivars; Alissa F1, Super strain B, G.S 12 F1, E603 F1(Logain) and Indos were planted in both early summer and summer plantations. Results indicated that the most susceptible cultivars to the infestation were Alissa F1 and Super strain B while Logain cultivars was the least susceptible one. Two trichome types were detected in all tomato cultivars leaflet; one of them is glandular and the other is non glandular. Glandular trichomes length and density showed high significant negative correlation with T. absoluta infestation and length of normal trichomes showed significant negative correlation. So it is suggested that density of glandular trichomes might plays an important role in tomato cultivars susceptibilities.

Morpho-physiological diversity in the collection of sour cherry (Prunus cerasus) cultivars of the Fruit Genebank in Naoussa, Greece using multivariate analysis

The phenotypic characterization of sour cherry cultivars provides important information on their attributes, which is of paramount importance for their breeding and germplasm management. This study examined the Hellenic Sour Cherry Genebank, which consists of 27 sour cherry cultivars, located in the Institute of Pomology Fruit Genebank, Naoussa, Greece. The data analyzed in this study were obtained after a ten-year consecutive monitoring of 38 morpho-physiological descriptors of phenology, plant morphology, yield and fruit quality. For the statistical analysis were applied hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). According to the analysis, the descriptors demonstrated a high degree of variability, especially, yield, ratio of titratable acidity and soluble solids, number of flower buds, and pit weight. Moreover, the variables fruit equatorial diameter, fruit width, fruit weight, fruit size, fruit shape and lamella shape characters exhibited high discriminating power. Significant positive and negative correlations were detected as well among the studied quantitative traits. The highest significant positive correlation was found between the fruit equatorial diameter and the fruit width (0.974). Whereas, the highest significant negative correlation was found between the ratio of pit volume to fruit volume and the fruit weight (−0.737). An unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis was performed using the Euclidean distance and the Ward's agglomeration method. The sour cherry cultivars were classified into three main clusters, suggesting that the characterized sour cherry collection has a high potential for specific breeding goals. We discuss the usefulness of the identified correlations among the traits, for potential breeding projects regarding fruit size and quality.

Soil Pollution Assessment from Industrial Area of Erbil City

Present study assessed soil pollution by heavy metals and spent oil in three industrial&#x0D; areas of Erbil City. Soil pH ranged from 7.53±0.017 to 8.25±0.012 and EC was ranged&#x0D; between 103±0.882 and 465±9.955. Soils textures were loamy sand for south industry,&#x0D; sandy for oil selling area and north industry while loamy for control soil. The ranges of&#x0D; Pb, Zn and Ni were between 1.26±0.069 and 17.472±0.058; 1.439±0.006 and&#x0D; 3.078±0.003, and 0.399±0.061 and 0.982±0.048 ppm, respectively. The concentrations&#x0D; of Cd and Cr were below the detection limit and Cu levels varied from 10.307±0.334&#x0D; to 0.063±0.003 ppm, whereas Cu was not detected in some sites. The highest oil&#x0D; residue was obtained in site 6. Oil and grease content for the groundwater samples in&#x0D; the studied sites were zero. Pearson’s correlation showed a significant positive&#x0D; correlation between Ni and moisture content and Ni and bulk density, beside to a&#x0D; moderate correlation between Pb and Zn. A high significant negative correlation was&#x0D; detected between bulk density and oil content. The lateral distribution of the heavy&#x0D; metals and oil residues showed higher average concentrations at the point of impact&#x0D; than 20 meters away. Relative Pollution Potential gave positive values for the metals&#x0D; and oil contents in all sites.

Fear Avoidance Behavior, Not Walking Endurance, Predicts the Community Reintegration of Community-Dwelling Stroke Survivors

ObjectiveTo examine the contribution of walking endurance, subjective balance confidence, and fear avoidance behavior to community reintegration among community-dwelling stroke survivors. DesignCross-sectional study. SettingUniversity-based rehabilitation center. ParticipantsPatients with chronic stroke (N=57) aged ≥50 years. InterventionsNone. Main Outcome MeasureThe Chinese version of the Community Integration Measure (CIM). ResultsOur correlation analyses revealed that fear avoidance behavior as measured by the Chinese version of the Survey of Activities and Fear of Falling in the Elderly (SAFE) scores had the highest significant negative correlation with CIM scores among all the variables tested. Our regression analyses also revealed that walking endurance and subjective balance confidence were not significant predictors of CIM scores. Based on scores on the number of falls in the previous 6 months, Chinese version of the Geriatric Depression Scale scores, distance covered in the 6-minute walk test, and Chinese versions of the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale scores and SAFE scores, our final regression model predicted 49.7% of the variance in the Chinese version of the CIM scores. ConclusionsThe levels of walking endurance and subjective balance confidence are not significant predictors of community reintegration of community-dwelling stroke survivors but the fear avoidance behavior. Future studies addressing fear avoidance behavior is clearly warranted for stroke rehabilitation.

IS IMPLEMENTATION OF WHO SURGICAL SAFETY CHECKLIST (2009) WILL REDUCE THE RATE OF MAJOR POST OPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS AT ZAGAZIG UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL? (AN INTERVENTION STUDY)

Background: Surgical care is associated with a considerable risk of complications and death that represents a substantial burden of disease worthy of attention from the public health community worldwide. A surgical checklist is an inexpensive tool that will facilitate effective communication and teamwork to prevent patient harm. Aim & Objectives: This study aims to improve the safety of surgical care to decrease morbidity and mortality associated with surgery at Zagazig University Hospital through the following objectives: 1- To assess the performance of surgical team (surgeons, anesthetists and nurses) about surgical safety before and after intervention. 2- To assess the incidence of major post-operative complications before and after intervention. 3- To assess surgical team attitude about patient safety in operating rooms (OR) before and after intervention. 4-To increase the awareness for all surgical team about surgical safety to decrease post operative complications. Subjects & Methods: an interventional study was conducted in general surgery department of Zagazig University Hospital during the Academic year 2012-2014. Comparing 157 patients before and 157 patients after intervention who are 16 years of age or older undergoing inpatient major surgical operation were consecutively enrolled in the study and all surgical teams (surgeons, anesthetists and nurses) of the selected group were included during the period of the study. The study was carried out through 3 phases. Results: Results of this study showed that there was a high statistically significant reduction in 30 days major post-operative complications after implementation of WHO surgical safety checklist, the total number of complications decreased from 50.96% to 27.39% (p = 0.0001), in-hospital mortality decreased from 3.18% to 0% (p = 0.02). There was statistical significant improvement of surgical team attitude about OR surgical safety after intervention (p<0.05), there was high statistical significant negative correlation between physician and nurse coordination and occurrence of postoperative complications(r= -0.27) (p<0.05). The checklist was considered easy to use by 94.6% of physicians, 62% of nurses. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study revealed that a relatively simple education program for implementation of WHO surgical safety checklist was associated with reduction in major post-operative complications and mortality in a hospital with a high standard of care. It is recommended to use the Surgical Safety Checklist in all operative procedures.

THU0547 Association of Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia and Endothelial Dysfunction in Psoriatic Arthritis

BackgroundCardiovascular disease is an increasingly recognized contributor to excess morbidity and mortality in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Atherosclerosis is a multifocal, immune-inflammatory disease affecting the medium and large arteries. There is...

6. Transcranial voltage and current thresholds of muscle potentials in upper and lower extremities related to head impedance and electrode montage

Previous studies show that, in contrast to constant voltage stimulation, constant current stimulation is least sensitive to electrode impedance but most sensitive to shunting effects from the scalp. This study evaluates the transcranial voltage (VMT) motor and current (CMT) motor thresholds to elicit muscle potentials (MEP) in all extremities for saggittal and coronal electrode montages. 50 Neurologically healthy patients diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis were included. 2 Needle electrodes (length 35 mm, diameter: 0.4 mm) were placed at Cz (anode) and a cautery ground plate electrode was placed over the forehead (‘ ∼ F’; cathode). Additionally 2 electrodes were inserted at C3 and C4. Saggittal and coronal stimulation was respectively mono- and biphasic. Pulse width was 100 μ s. Electrode impedances were measured for both montages. The CMT was estimated by division of VMT by impedance (IMP). MTs were obtained of the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) and anterior tibial (AT) muscles bilaterally. The relation between VMT or CMT and IMP was statistically tested using the Pearson correlation coefficient ( r ). P < 0.05 (Bonferroni corrected) was considered significant. Mean IMP CzF = 178 ± 27.5 Ω , mean IMP C 3 C 4 = 323 ± 61.4 Ω . Correlation between VMT and IMP was absent. High significant weak negative correlations were found between CMT and IMP in the CzF groups and the C3C4 groups. Despite the fact that CMTs are likely biased estimates they show a highly significant and strong dependence on the electrode impedance, which is not the case for VMTs. This might be ascribed to the current shunting through the scalp layer. The weak correlation likely reflects wide interindividual variations of other impedance influencing parameters.

Diagnostic and Screening Utility of Biochemical Markers for Osteoporosis and Osteopeniain Saudi Women

Background and aim of the work: Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a major health problem worldwide and in Saudi Arabia as it leads to bone fragility and increased liability for fragile fractures, particularly in neck of femur and vertebrae. The present study was designed to determine the value of different screening tests to find out the most sensitive serum and urinary markers of osteoporosis among Saudi women and to clarify the relationship between E2 deficiency and these markers in peri-menopause, early or postmenopausal women without hormonal replacement therapy. Material and methods: This study included 37 Saudi women aged 40 to 60 years. They were categorized into 3 groups according to their bone mineral density (BMD): Group I: 15 Normal control (T-score up to -1.5), Group II: 12 Osteopenic women ( T-score between –1.5 to –2.5)and Group III:10 Osteoporotic women ( T-score below –2.5). For all subjects, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was performed. Osteocalcin (OC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), free galactosyl hydroxylysine (Gal-Hyl), calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphorus (P) and estradiol (E2) were measured in serum, whereas, deoxypyridinoline (Dpd) and creatinine levels were measured in urine. Results: Simultaneously both osteopenic and osteoporotic groups showed significant decreases in BMD when compared to the controls. Osteocalcin, ALP and Gal-Hyl showed significant increase (p<0.0001) among the osteopenic and osteoporotic groups versus the control group. Significant decrease in E2 levels were obvious among the osteopenic (p<0.0001) and osteoporotic (p<0.0001) women when judged against the controls. Urinary Dpd was significantly increased in the osteopenic and osteoporotic groups (p<0.001). In osteoporotic group, significant negative correlations were observed between OC and BMD. Positive correlations were detected among the osteoporotic group between OC and ALP and between OC and Gal-Hyl. High significant negative correlations were confirmed between E2 and OC among both the osteopenic and the osteoporotic groups. Also, a significant negative correlation was established between E2 and Dpd in the osteoporotic group. In comparing between osteopenic and osteoporotic groups, significant decrease was recognized in BMD and significant increase was predicted regarding ALP, (p<0.05), Gal-Hyl (p<0.0001) and Dpd (p< 0.001). Conclusion: Urinary Dpd may be a simple indicator for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women; however, screening should include the measurement of serum estradiol, galactosyl hydroxylysine, alkaline phosphatase and Osteocalcin to increase the sensitivity and specificity of primary screening to identify the groups at higher risk of osteoporosis which is the keystone in prevention of disabling fragility fractures.

Influence of ripening on the ethylene and carbon dioxide production during storage of plum fruits

The fruits of 13 plum cultivars were analysed at two different stages of maturity: first when they were ready for picking according to conventional commercial criteria, and again after seven days of maturation at 20 °C in a normal oxygen atmosphere during shelf life. Firmness, soluble solids concentration (SSC), respiration rate and the production of ethylene were measured. In the period of over-ripening SSC increased, and no differences were found in relation to the cultivar. The fruits in this period were physiologically in a phase of reduced intensity of respiration, while production of ethylene increased and was associated with the earliness of the cultivar. Cultivars with a short vegetation period produce more ethylene while late-maturing cultivars have a low potential for ethylene production. Based on post-harvest changes in the tested quality factors, the late-ripening plum cultivars (cv.) ‘Jojo’, ‘Topend’, ‘President’, ‘Tophit’ and ‘Elena’ have higher storage potential. Changes in ethylene production in response to shelf life seem to play a regulatory role in fruit firmness. A high significant negative correlation was detected between levels of skin firmness and ethylene production.

Expression of CD133 in acute leukemia

There have been conflicting results regarding a correlation between CD133 expression and disease outcome. To assess CD133 expression in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and to evaluate its correlation with the different clinical and laboratory data as well as its relation to disease outcome, the present study included 60 newly diagnosed acute leukemic patients; 30 ALL patients with a male to female ratio of 1.5:1 and their ages ranged from 9 months to 48 years, and 30 AML patients with a male to female ratio of 1:1 and their ages ranged from 17 to 66 years. Flow cytometric assessment of CD133 expression was performed on blast cells. In ALL, no correlations were elicited between CD133 expression and some monoclonal antibodies, but in AML group, there was a significant positive correlation between CD133 and HLA-DR, CD3, CD7 and TDT, CD13 and CD34. In ALL group, patients with negative CD133 expression achieved complete remission more than patients with positive CD133 expression. In AML group, there was no statistically significant association found between positive CD133 expression and treatment outcome. The Kaplan-Meier curve illustrated a high significant negative correlation between CD133 expression and the overall survival of the AML patients. CD133 expression is an independent prognostic factor in acute leukemia, especially ALL patients and its expression could characterize a group of acute leukemic patients with higher resistance to standard chemotherapy and relapse. CD133 expression was highly associated with poor prognosis in acute leukemic patients.

Psoriasis and metabolic syndrome: Is peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ part of the missing link?

Growing evidence points to a causative relationship between altered activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and psoriasis on the one hand, and its relationship with metabolic syndrome (MS) on the other. Could altered PPARγ levels be one of the culprits responsible for translating the metabolic state among psoriatic patients? This investigational cross-sectional study included 60 psoriatics and 60 controls. Subjects were subgrouped according to the presence or absence of MS. Biopsies were taken from all subjects for immunohistochemical staining for PPARγ and western blot technique was carried out. PPARγ immunostaining in psoriatics was significantly lower than in controls with the lowest levels documented in patients with MS (P<0.001). PPARγ immunostaining level was significantly lower in diabetics, hypertensive and insulin resistance patients (P<0.05). It also showed a significant positive correlation with high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and significant negative correlation with age, psoriasis area and severity index (PASI), body mass index, and blood glucose levels. Similar results were obtained by western blot technique. Reduced PPARγ could be added to the factors responsible for translating the metabolic state among psoriatic patients. PPARγ agonists can present an adjuvant therapeutic tool in treatment of psoriatics with MS.

Association of asymptomatic hyperuricemia and endothelial dysfunction in psoriatic arthritis

IntroductionCardiovascular disease is an increasingly recognized contributor to excess morbidity and mortality in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Traditional cardiovascular risk factors do not adequately account for the extent of cardiovascular disease in PsA. Aim of the workTo examine the prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with PsA to emphasize the potential role of serum uric acid on endothelial dysfunction, as an early predictor for atherosclerosis in PsA patients. Patients and methodsThis study included 60 PsA patients as well as 60 age and sex matched healthy controls. Assay of serum uric acid, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) was done for all patients and controls. Patients were subjected to psoriasis area severity index (PASI) and assessment of disease activity. Patients and controls underwent brachial flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) assessment by color duplex sonography to determine endothelial dysfunction as well as extracranial carotid arteries assessment by high-resolution B-mode ultrasound to measure the common carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the detection of atheromatous plaques. ResultsPsA patients have a high significant difference in CIMT, FMD of the brachial artery and mean levels of serum uric acid compared to healthy controls (p<0.001). PsA patients with hyperuricemia have a high significant difference in CIMT and FMD of the brachial artery than those with normal serum uric acid. Serum uric acid levels showed a high significant positive correlation with each of CIMT, disease duration, markers of inflammation (ESR, CRP, IL-6, sICAM-1), disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS 28) and PASI (r=0.71, 0.893, 0.956, 0.858, 0.853, 0.877, 0.907, 0.847, respectively, as p<0.001). A high significant negative correlation was found between serum uric acid levels and FMD of the brachial artery as r=−0.634, p<0.001. ConclusionPatients with PsA have a high prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis dependent on serum uric acid, suggesting that chronic systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction appear to be the link between asymptomatic hyperuricemia and atherosclerosis. Therefore, proper control of serum uric acid may play a preventive role in the development of atherosclerosis in PsA patients.

Factors Influencing Turnover Intention of Nurses in Small-medium sized Hospitals

Purpose: This study was done to examine the relationships among practice environment, nursing professionalism, career commitment, and turnover intention in nurses working in small-medium sized hospitals. Method: This study utilized a descriptive correlational design. Data were collected using structured questionnaires from 362 nurses in 7 small-medium sized hospitals and analyzed with SPSS 18.0. Result: The mean scores for practice environment, nursing professionalism, career commitment, and turnover intention were 2.29 on a 4-point scale and 3.13, 2.78, 3.51 on a 5-point scale, respectively. The practice environment showed significantly positive correlations with nursing professionalism and career commitment. Nursing professionalism showed a significantly positive correlation with career commitment. The highest significant negative correlation was between practice environment and turnover intention. Nursing professionalism and career commitment had negative correlations with turnover intention. Factors having significant influence on turnover intention included age, assigned ward, average wage, practice environment, and career commitment. These factors explained 43.0% of variance in turnover intention. Practice environment was identified as the most important variable in explaining turnover intention. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate the necessity of improving the practice environment and increasing nurses' career commitment if turnover intention in small-medium sized hospitals is to be lowered.