High Significant Positive Correlation Research Articles

Potential relationship between self-efficacy beliefs and proficiency in grammar among tertiary EFL learners

A multitude of studies on self-efficacy beliefs have been undertaken to date, especially in language learning. However, little evidence is given on looking into the relationship between self-efficacy and English grammar. To this end, the present study goes about identifying to what extent the correlation between learners’ self-efficacy and their achievements in the grammar test is. Drawing on the correlational design, an English grammar test was administered to the learners to know the learners’ acquaintance with the English grammar. Meanwhile, a self-efficacy questionnaire was performed by the researcher to the learners to figure out to what extent their efficaciousness is. A Pearson-product moment correlation was performed to analyze the relationship between such variables. The result demonstrates that there is a high positive significant correlation between learners’ self-efficacy and their attainments in the grammar test, displayed by r Correlation = +1. This finding brings a recent insight in the field of language learning.

Role of Some Cancer Stem Cell Markers in Hepatitis C Virus Associated Liver Disease

Background: Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus is one of major risk factors in the development of the hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) particularly with biomarkers (CD133, CD90 and CK19) show higher ability for self-renewal, differentiation and also tumorigenesis. Objectives: to evaluate the role of CD133, CD90 and CK19 in detection and prognosis of HCC on top of HCV infection. Methodology: This study enrolled 75 participants; 30 HCC patients secondary to HCV infection, 15 HCV patients before receiving the antiviral drug treatment, 15 HCV patients who completed the course of antiviral therapy for 3 months and 15 age and sex-matched apparently healthy volunteers. HCV was detected and quantitated by Quantitative RealTime PCR and the expression level of CD133, CD90 and CK19 on PBMC was determined by Quantitative Real-Time reverse transcription PCR. Results: this study showed high significant increase in mean expression values of CD133, CD90 & CK19 was in patients with HCC than other studied groups. Also, they were highly significantly increased in HCV patients before than those after receiving treatment and their expression showed high significant positive correlation with HCV load. Conclusion: There were higher expressions of CSC biomarkers (CD133, CD90 and Ck19) in patients with HCC in comparison with those with hepatitis C infection. Their expressions had good diagnostic and prognostic values for HCC.

Teleconnections between Monthly Rainfall Variability and Large-Scale Climate Indices in Southwestern Colombia

Given that the analysis of past monthly rainfall variability is highly relevant for the adequate management of water resources, the relationship between the climate-oceanographic indices, and the variability of monthly rainfall in Southwestern Colombia at different time scales was chosen as the research topic. It should also be noted that little-to-no research has been carried out on this topic before. For the purpose of conducting this research, we identified homogeneous rainfall regions while using Non-Linear Principal Component Analysis (NLPCA) and Self-Organizing Maps (SOM). The rainfall variability modes were obtained from the NLPCA, while their teleconnection in relation to the climate indices was obtained from Pearson’s Correlations and Wavelet Transform. The regionalization process clarified that Nariño has two regions: the Andean Region (AR) and the Pacific Region (PR). The NLPCA showed two modes for the AR, and one for the PR, with an explained variance of 75% and 48%, respectively. The correlation analyses between the first nonlinear components of AR and PR regarding climate indices showed AR high significant positive correlations with Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) index and negative correlations with El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) indices. PR showed positive ones with Niño1 + 2, and Niño3, and negative correlations with Niño3.4 and Niño4, although their synchronous relationships were not statistically significant. The Wavelet Coherence analysis showed that the variability of the AR rainfall was influenced principally by the Niño3.4 index on the 3–7-year inter-annual scale, while PR rainfall were influenced by the Niño3 index on the 1.5–3-year inter-annual scale. The El Niño (EN) events lead to a decrease and increase in the monthly rainfall on AR and PR, respectively, while, in the La Niña (LN) events, the opposite occurred. These results that are not documented in previous studies are useful for the forecasting of monthly rainfall and the planning of water resources in the area of study.

Long-term effects of two organic amendments on bacterial communities of calcareous mediterranean soils degraded by mining

The application of organic amendments to improve the chemical and biological properties of degraded soils from calcareous quarries is necessary to accelerate restoration processes. The aim of this study is to assess the success of different restoration treatments in the long-term using two organic amendments (sewage sludge from urban waste water (SS) and compost from domestic solid waste (CW)). The chemical properties and bacterial communities of restored soils were compared with unamended soils (NA) and surrounding natural soils (NS) from a limestone quarry in a semi-arid ecosystem. After 10 years of the addition of organic amendments, the abundance of soil bacteria, diversity, and taxonomic composition at the phylum and genus level in each soil type was analysed by rRNA 16 S amplification (PCR), sequencing using Illumina, and comparison with the SILVA database using QIIME2 software. The relationships between soil bacterial taxa and chemical soil properties (pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total organic carbon (TOC), and total nitrogen content (TN)) were also studied, as well as the interrelations between soil bacterial taxa at the genus level or the next upper taxonomic level identified. The organic amendments changed the chemical properties of the restored soils, influencing the microbial communities of the restored soils. CW treatment was the organic amendment that most resembled NS, favouring in the long-term a greater diversity and proliferation of bacteria. Several bacterial communities, more abundant in NA and CW soils, were strongly correlated with each other (Craurococcus, Phaselicystis, Crossiella, etc.), forming a bacterial co-occurrence pattern (Co-occurrence pattern 1). Those bacteria showed high significant positive correlations with TOC, TN, and EC and negative correlations with the soil pH. In contrast, NA soils presented other groups of bacterial communities (Co-occurrence pattern 2) represented by Sphingomonas, Rubellimicrobium, Noviherbaspirillum, Psychroglaciecola and Caenimonas, which showed high significant positive correlations with soil pH and negative correlations with TOC, TN, and EC. The distance-based redundancy analysis indicated that SS soils remained in an intermediate stage of chemical and biological quality between NS and NA soils. Our results demonstrate that soil chemical properties and soil bacterial communities significantly changed with organic amendments in calcareous Mediterranean soils degraded by mining.

Functional Properties and Acceptability of Ice Soy Milk Fortified with Papaya or Kiwiالخصائص الوظیفیة ودرجه التقبل لمثلج لبن فول الصویا المدعم بالکیوى او الباباظ

Lactose-free products are still not suitable for people who suffer from food allergy. Therefore, the present investigation was carried out to enhance the functional properties of ice soy milk fortified with different percentage of fresh kiwi (FK) and papaya (FP) at (5%, 10% and 15%) as well as a powder (KP and PP) at 0.5%, 1% and 1.5%. Fortifications led to an increment of the total flavonoids content to 40% with FP and 69% with FK, total phenols (20% and 35%) and tannins (36% and 60%) in FK and FP ice soy milk compared to control, respectively. Using citric acid before drying led to a loss of total phenols, flavonoids and tannins content by only 13%, 16% and 27%, respectively. Carotenoids were found to be at the highest level in ice soy milk with 15%FP in comparison to PP1.5% and FK15%. On the other hand, incorporation of kiwi or papaya powder causes decrements in overrun value. Ice soy milks were considered microbiologically safe. A high positive significant correlations were observed between ice soy milk bioactive components and DPPH, TP(r=0.638,P<0.01), tannins(r=0.673,P<0.01) and TF(r=0.727,P<0.01), as well as it had a negative significant correlation with NEB(r=-0.823,P<0.01) and yellow flavonoid(r=-0.829,P<0.01). The ‘b’ value was increment with increased percentage of fresh fruits and had a significant strong correlation with carotenoids(r=0.943,P<0.01), TP(r=0.871,P<0.01) and tannin(r=0.818,P<0.01). Ice soy milk produced with FK 15% as well as FP 10% could be used as a healthy acceptable frozen product especially people who suffer from lactose intolerance and food allergy syndromes.

Studies on genetic variability components and character association of french bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) for growth, yield and quality attributes under the Gangetic alluvial plains of West Bengal

Twelve genotypes of bush type french bean were evaluated to study the genetic variability, correlation and path analysis for twenty- three yield and yield contributing parameters. Significant differences were observed among all the genotypes. Both GCV and PCV corresponded closely for all the characters which indicate low environmental influence. Higher phenotypic and genotypic co-efficient of variability were observed for leaf fresh weight, leaf dry weight, pod weight, ascorbic acid, total chlorophyll, reducing sugar, total sugar and pod protein. Characters like primary branches/plant (no.), leaf fresh weight (g), leaf dry weight (g), flowers/Inflorescence (no.), pod set/Inflorescence (no.), pods/plant (no.), pod girth (cm), pod weight (g), ascorbic acid (mg/100g), total chlorophyll (mg/100g), reducing sugar (%), total sugar (%), pod protein (mg/100g) and green pod yield/plant (g) exhibited high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent over mean indicating the presence of additive gene action and thus selection based on phenotypic performance may prove useful. Pod weight and pods/plant exhibited high positive significant correlation with green pod yield/plant as well as high positive direct effect on green pod yield/plant. Hence, these traits can be directly considered for yield improvement programme in french bean.

Anthropometric Study of Nose Parameters in Iraqi Arabic and Kurdish Subjects (Possible Personal Identification Tool)

Background and Purpose: The human nose has been reported to differ in its anatomy and morphologybetween different racial and ethnic groups. Nasal anthropometric features when studied can provide usefulinformation for reconstruction or esthetic surgical procedures and personal identification for forensicpurposes. Method: A total of 311 subjects with age (19-23) years were divided according to gender, race(Arabic or Kurdish), and residence regions in Iraq (north, middle and south). Different nose parameterswere measured for the subjects using digital Vernier caliper. Results: Comparing races, the nose heightand nose length were significant between Arab and Kurds, nasal index showed (60, 60.6) for Arabic vs.Kurdish, respectively. Sexual dimorphism was significant in all the parameters obtained. The fine nose wasthe commonest among all subjects. Parameters analysis revealed high positive significant correlation amongvarious parameters except the nasal index that showed negative correlation with nasal height and length.Conclusions: Nasal morphometric parameters were unique for each person and have variations betweendifferent race (Arabic and Kurdish), gender variation and the correlation among various parameters beenrecorded for Iraqi people. These morphometric evaluations are the key for standardization among Iraqis, andin comparison with different countries, this have great values in anatomical, surgical (aesthetic) and forensicaspects regarding personal identification.

Pengaruh Waktu Paparan Zat Pengatur Tumbuh Terhadap Tingkat Abnormalitas Klon Kelapa Sawit

Salah satu komponen yang sering terdapat dalam media kultur jaringan tanaman adalah Zat Pengatur Tumbuh (ZPT), yang diperlukan untuk merangsang pertumbuhan kultur tanaman. Pemberian ZPT yang berlebihan dapat memberikan dampak abnormalitas pada tanaman klon hasil kultur jaringan. Diperlukan kajian untuk mengetahui pengaruh waktu paparan ZPT terhadap tingkat abnormalitas klon secara komprehensif. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh total waktu paparan ZPT serta waktu paparan beberapa media dengan kandungan ZPT yang berbeda terhadap tingkat abnormalitas tanaman klon kelapa sawit di lapangan. Empat galur tanaman hasil kultur jaringan (klon) kelapa sawit yakni P, Q, R, dan S yang berumur 4 tahun digunakan untuk penelusuran waktu inkubasi kultur di laboratorium dan pengamatan tingkat abnormalitas di lapangan. Hubungan antara peubah dianalisis menggunakan analisis korelasi dan analisis regresi linier berganda serta analisis regresi linier sederhana. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa total waktu paparan kultur pada media yang mengandung ZPT berpengaruh secara nyata pada tingkat abnormalitas klon di lapangan. Semakin lama waktu paparan (lebih dari 171 hari), semakin tinggi tingkat abnormalitas klon. Dari ketiga jenis media kultur yang mengandung ZPT, media yang mengandung 2,4-D dan 2,4,5-TCPP memiliki pengaruh yang signifikan dan hubungan positif yang sangat erat terhadap kejadian abnormalitas klon dibandingkan media yang mengandung 2,4-D dan BAP. Lama waktu paparan dengan NAA tidak berpengaruh nyata terhadap tingkat abnormalitas klon di lapangan. Sebaliknya, total waktu inkubasi media kultur yang tidak mengandung ZPT tidak mempengaruhi tingkat abnormalitas klon di lapangan dan hubungannya negatif. Model linier dapat digunakan untuk memperkirakan tingkat abnormalitas klon yang dihasilkan berdasarkan waktu paparan ZPT pada proses in vitro.

Association of quantitative and qualitative characters of sugarcane under water logging conditions

Study on association of quantitative and qualitative characters of sugarcane under water logging conditions comprises 14 diverse released cultivar and advance lines along with four water logging tolerance checks. Field evaluation was carried out in Randomize Block Design for thirteen different morphological and quality parameters. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among all the genotypes for the characters studied. Correlation coefficient studies indicated that number of tillers and sucrose percent (at genotypic level) and germination percentage was significant and positively correlated with cane yield. A high significant positive correlation with number of millable canes and commercial cane sugar yield was also observed. No significant association of cane yield with any of the quality characters was found. Path analysis revealed that commercial cane sugar percent, juice purity, juice brix, single cane weight and number of millable canes had high positive direct effect while sucrose percent revealed to have high negative direct effect on cane yield. Results from the analysis indicated that selection programme for high yielding water logging tolerant clones would be effective if it was based on number of millable canes, single cane weight, purity percent and commercial cane sugar percent.

Relationship between Metacognitive Awareness and Reflective Learning of Medical Students at the Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University

Aim: To examine the relationship between reflective thinking and metacognitive awareness to help medical students to be independent learners who can control their learning and improve their professional performance.&#x0D; Study Design: It is a cross-sectional correlational study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of the Study: This study was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine-Suez Canal University in August 2018.&#x0D; Methodology: This is a cross-sectional correlational study; the study population included the undergraduate medical students in all study years at the Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University. The sample was 264 randomly selected students by using a cluster sampling technique. The instruments that were used for data collection were the Metacognitive Awareness Inventory (MAI) to measure students’ metacognitive awareness levels, Reflection-in-Learning Scale (RLS) to measure the students’ reflective learning levels.&#x0D; Results: The descriptive statistics of both MAI and RLS total scores of students in the six study years revealed that students have mean total MAI total scores = 178 ± 26 and have mean total RLS total scores = 60 ± 13.&#x0D; The Spearman's correlation between the metacognitive awareness and the reflective learning skills of medical students revealed that there was a statistically significant high positive correlation between the metacognitive awareness and the reflection in the learning of FOM-SCU students (p= 0.699, p-value&lt;0.0001).&#x0D; Multiple regression analysis revealed that the weighted combination of the predictor variables explained approximately 50% of the variance of reflection in learning.&#x0D; Conclusion: It is concluded from this study that the students at the Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University have fair to good metacognitive awareness and partial to ample reflective abilities. There is a significantly high positive relationship between metacognitive awareness and the reflective learning skills of medical students.

Genetic variability studies involving drought tolerance related traits in maize (&lt;em&gt;Zea mays &lt;/em&gt;L.) in breds

Thirty maize in breds were evaluated for twelve traits and the experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. Analysis of variance showed significant difference for all the characters. Higher estimates of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation were registered for anthesis-silking interval followed by cob height. All the characters showed marked differences between GCV and PCV estimates indicating that substantial variation for these characters was contributed by environmental components. The heritability estimates were found to be very high for plant height, 100 seed weight, cob length, days to tasseling, cob diameter, days to silking, grain yield hectare-1and kernel rows cob-1. High genetic advance was recorded for plant height. Grain yield per hectare exhibited high significant positive correlation with cob diameter, cob height, 100 seed weight, number of kernels row-1, plant height and kernels cob-1. The significant positive correlation of these traits indicates the importance of these traits in selection for yield. This study gave an insight into the variability pattern of the inbred lines which will be helpful in their further utilization.

Alterations of Vitamin D in Chronic Renal Failure Patients and Its Relation with Calcium and Phosphorus Levels..

Endocrine system of vitamin D is central to regulate bone and calcium homeostasis so, alterations lead to disturbances in mineral metabolism. There was increasing risk of death among patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) when there were low in vitamin D and calcium levels. In this study, we evaluated vitamin D in patients with chronic renal failure also, estimated the potential link between vitamin D, serum calcium and phosphorus levels, in order to know if the deficiency of vitamin D can be used as predisposing risk factors and morbidity indicator among hemodialysis patients. Sixy five chronic renal failure patients and 25 healthy volunteers as a control group were included in our study. Patients with deficiency of vitamin D had a low level of calcium and high levels of both phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase. In chronic renal failure, there were low significant in vitamin D and calcium levels; while the phosphorous and alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly high when compared with control group. There were significant a high negative correlation amonge levels of serum phosphorus, vitamin D and calcium in chronic renal failure patients. On the other hand there was a high significant positive correlation between serum calcium and vitamin D levels

The impact of tree barriers on the dispersal of lead in the soil at highway roadsides.

Tree windbreaks are common features in high-traffic roadsides that mitigate air pollution, winds, and noise. The impact of tree barriers on the dispersal of lead in the soil was studied at highway roadsides located near Holon city, Israel. A discontinuous line of trees parallel to the highway separated the highway from agricultural fields. The line includes alternating trees and openings; thus, it was divided into two groups: one consists of the areas hidden by trees (windbreaks) and the other includes the open areas exposed to the road (gaps). At each of the windbreaks and gaps, soil samples were collected from the upper 0-5 cm depth at various distances from the road: 6, 11, 27, 40, 60 m. Lead concentration and soil properties associated with lead adsorption (organic matter, texture, calcium carbonate) were determined for all soil samples. At both the windbreak and gap areas, the averages and the medians of lead content declined nonlinearly with increasing distance from the highway. At 6 m distance, the average lead content in the windbreak areas was higher than that in the gaps (176 and 157 mg kg-1, respectively). At the area between 17 and 40 m distance, an opposite trend was seen. High significant positive correlations were found between lead and calcium carbonate and organic matter contents at both the windbreaks and the gaps. Yet, organic matter content less than 2% did not correlate with lead.

Genetic Diversity Analysis in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L) Genotypes Grown in Northwestern Algeria using Microsatellite Markers (SSR)

The present study aimed to characterize a subset of 10 selected chickpea accessions (Cicer arietinum L.) using SSR. The result indicated a presence of a total of 59 alleles. The genetic diversity at the 15 microsatellites loci was varied from 0, 32 for TA22 to 0.78 for TA72 and TA117 with an average of 0.66. Polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.27 to 0.74. This study also detected a high significant (P less than 0.01) positive correlation between alleles per locus, gene diversity (H) and polymorphism information content (PIC). In the dendrogram and on the PCoA bi-plots, chickpea genotypes were adjoined according to their geographic origin, type of chickpea (Kabuli/ Desi). Nevertheless, the distribution of the different grouping through the factorial correspondence analysis (AFC) is due to the genetic variability.

Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

Genetic variability in a crop population is important for successful plant breeding. Eight cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) genotypes namely Green Long, Simran, Bhaktapur Local, Saihni-2, Ninja-179, Garima, Farmer’s variety and wild genotype were evaluated at Lamahi Municipality, Dang district of Nepal to estimate the magnitude of their genetic variability and heritability. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes for growth and yield traits. The estimates of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were highest for weight of fruit whereas traits namely fruit length, fruit diameter and days to maturity had medium value for both GCV and PCV. Broad sense heritability estimates ranged from 0.74 for fruit diameter to 0.98 for days to germination. Fruit yield showed high significant positive correlation with fruit diameter (r= 0.649) and negative significant correlation (r= -0.538) with days to flowering. Traits namely weight per fruit, days of germination, no. of flower and days to flowering can be used effectively in selection process of crop improvement program as they had high GCV, PCV and heritability along with high genetic advance as percentage of mean.

Long non-coding RNA steroid receptor activator in polycystic ovary syndrome: possible association with metabolic syndrome

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic and endocrine disorder which affects women of reproductive age with a prevalence of 8-18% and implies various severe consequences to female health, including alarming rates of infertility, which accounts for approximately 75% of anovulatory infertility. Long non-coding RNA steroid receptor activator (lncRNA-SRA) affects multiple biological processes. However, it is not known whether lncRNA-SRA is associated with PCOS and the possible accompanied metabolic syndrome (MetS). Material and Methods: The expression levels of lncRNA-SRA were measured by real-time quantitative-PCR in PCOS patients (n=30 women), and in control group (n=20 women), patients with metabolic syndrome were diagnosed, and the association between lncRNA-SRA and metabolic syndrome parameters in PCOS group and control were analyzed. Results: LncRNA-SRA expression mean level was significantly higher in the women with PCOS than that in the control group. There was a high significant positive correlation between lncRNA-SRA expression and hirsutism, BMI, waist circumference (WC), and insulin levels, also with significant positive correlation between lncRNA-SRA with HOMA/IR and testosterone in PCOS group. Conclusion: The authors found that the lncRNA-SRA expression is potentially increased with PCOS and it has positive correlation with hirsutism, obesity, testosterone, and insulin resistance in PCOS. LncRNA-SRA is significantly increased in MetS subgroup of PCOS, thereby suggesting that elevated lncRNA-SRA might be an important mediator not only associated to hormonal and clinical parameters but also associates metabolic syndrome in PCOS and may be a mediator in the pathogenesis of both syndromes.

Characterization and risk assessment of total suspended particles (TSP) and fine particles (PM2.5) in a rural transformational e-waste recycling region of Southern China.

In 2016, total suspended particles (TSP) and fine particles (PM2.5) were collected near four e-waste recycling parks in a region of Southern China. TSP and PM2.5 levels and composition around these industrial activities were determined and the potential risks for human health due to the exposure to toxic elements contained on fine particles (PM2.5) were evaluated. Levels of TSP and PM2.5 were lower with advanced recycling methods than with small recycling e-waste workshops operating in the sampling region. The main trace elements in particles were Cu, Pb, and Ti, the same as those detected before the transition to advanced dismantling methods in e-waste recycling. Significantly higher levels of Cu, Pb, Sn, Te, Tl and NH4+ in TSP and Cu and Te in PM2.5 were found in e-waste recycling areas than in BG site. Taking Cu as the indicative element emitted from e-waste recycling activities, significant high positive correlations between Cu and W, and Cu and Te were found. These elements are present and can be released from electrical and electronical components during e-waste recycling processes. Exposure to elements for the population living near these e-waste recycling parks means carcinogenic risks above the acceptable threshold (>10-5).

Genome-wide quantitative trait loci reveal the genetic basis of cotton fibre quality and yield-related traits in a Gossypium hirsutum recombinant inbred line population.

SummaryCotton is widely cultivated globally because it provides natural fibre for the textile industry and human use. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs)/genes associated with fibre quality and yield, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was developed in upland cotton. A consensus map covering the whole genome was constructed with three types of markers (8295 markers, 5197.17 centimorgans (cM)). Six fibre yield and quality traits were evaluated in 17 environments, and 983 QTLs were identified, 198 of which were stable and mainly distributed on chromosomes 4, 6, 7, 13, 21 and 25. Thirty‐seven QTL clusters were identified, in which 92.8% of paired traits with significant medium or high positive correlations had the same QTL additive effect directions, and all of the paired traits with significant medium or high negative correlations had opposite additive effect directions. In total, 1297 genes were discovered in the QTL clusters, 414 of which were expressed in two RNA‐Seq data sets. Many genes were discovered, 23 of which were promising candidates. Six important QTL clusters that included both fibre quality and yield traits were identified with opposite additive effect directions, and those on chromosome 13 (qClu‐chr13‐2) could increase fibre quality but reduce yield; this result was validated in a natural population using three markers. These data could provide information about the genetic basis of cotton fibre quality and yield and help cotton breeders to improve fibre quality and yield simultaneously.

Motor Capabilities of Lower Limb Amputated Patients and Its Relation to Body Image and Depression

Background: Lower limb amputation is a great event in the life of individual’s which having an counteractive effect on overall physical, psychological and social functioning of an individual so the study aim is to measure relation of motor capabilities of lower limb amputated patients on body image and depression level. Methods: Design: The descriptive correctional research design was utilized to achieve the aim of the study. Sample: A convenient sample of sixty four participant consisted of male and female adult amputee patients. Setting : This study was conducted in Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department at Minia University Hospital. Tools of data collection: Three scales and one tool were utilized; Bio socio-demographic characteristic and structured interview, Locomotor Capabilities Index, Amputee Body Image Scale and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scale. Results: 73.5% of the amputated patients have low locomotor capabilities while 93.7% of the study sample has a low body image and 31.2% of the study sample suffers from moderate depression after 6 month from amputation and high positive significant correlation between locomotor capabilities and body image, while that there was a high negative significant correlation between locomotor capabilities and depression level among the imputed patients. Conclusions: The recent amputee patients that are have lower limb prosthesis suffer from low locomotor capabilities and theses have negative impact on their body image and depression level. Recommendation: A well planned structured rehabilitation program should be done to the specific needs of people with limb amputation in order to be able to find out its impact on their functional abilities, body image and depression level. Keywords: Amputation, locomotors capabilities, Body image, Depression. DOI : 10.7176/JHMN/64-03 Publication date :July 31 st 2019

Poziom cytokin IL-35, TNF-α, BAFF i VEGF w surowicy w różnych chorobach reumatycznych.

ObjectivesInflammatory processes in rheumatic diseases spread via various types of immune system cells and tissues with the aid of inflammatory cytokines and growth factors and the participation of vascular endothelium. Research is still conducted to determine the role of individual factors in the pathophysiology of rheumatic diseases. The task is complicated because the multiplane network of cytokines is characterized by complex correlations manifesting as positive and negative feedback, which impedes the definitive interpretation of the role of specific cytokines. Therefore, it seems justified to perform a comparative analysis of the expression of at least several molecules in one study, which may help reveal their role in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases and have prognostic value.Material and methodsThe aim of the study involves the assessment and comparative analysis of the concentrations of interleukin 35 (IL-35), tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), B-cell-activating factor (BAFF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in peripheral blood serum in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (n = 43), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (n = 28), antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) (n = 24), and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) (n = 9). The main intention is to search for biomarkers for specific rheumatic diseases. Cytokine and growth factor levels were determined using specific ELISA kits.ResultsStatistically significant differences in VEGF and IL-35 concentrations occurred between patients with APS vs. RA and SLE vs. RA. There was a significant high positive correlation between the concentration of BAFF and TNF-α (r = 0.77, p < 0.0000) in patients with APS, as well as in patients with SLE (r = 0.55, p = 0.00).ConclusionsBAFF and TNF-α may be promising biomarkers in patients with APS and VEGF in patients with RA. Additionally, IL-35 may be a useful marker for the diagnosis of APS. Positive correlation of BAFF and TNF-α concentrations in APS and SLE potentially indicates much more similar etiopathogenesis of these diseases than it could be previously predicted.