High Significant Negative Correlation Research Articles

Computer-assisted evaluation of small airway disease in CT scans of Iran-Iraq war victims of chemical warfare by a locally developed software: comparison between different quantitative methods

ObjectiveDiagnosis of small airway disease on computed tomography (CT) scans is challenging in patients with a history of chemical warfare exposure. We developed a software package based on different methodologies to identify and quantify small airway disease in CT images. The primary aim was to identify the best automatic methodology for detecting small airway disease in CT scans of Iran-Iraq War victims of chemical warfare.MethodsThis retrospective case–control study enrolled 46 patients with a history of chemical warfare exposure and 27 controls with inspiratory/expiratory (I/E) CT scans and spirometry tests. Image data were automatically segmented, and inspiratory images were registered into the expiratory images' frame using the locally developed software. Parametric response mapping (PRM) and air trapping index (ATI) mapping were performed on the CT images. Conventional QCT methods, including expiratory/inspiratory mean lung attenuation (E/I MLA) ratio, normal density E/I (ND E/I) MLA ratio, attenuation volume Index (AVI), %low attenuation areas (LAA) < -856 in exhale scans, and %LAA < -950 in inhale scans were also computed. QCT measurements were correlated with spirometry results and compared across the two study groups.ResultsThe correlation analysis showed a significant negative relationship between three air trapping (AT) measurements (PRM, ATI, and %LAAExp < -856) and spirometry parameters (Fev1, Fvc, Fev1/Fvc, and MMEF). Moreover, %LAAExp < -856 had the highest significant negative correlation with Fev1/Fvc (r = -0.643, P-value < 0.001). Three AT measurements demonstrated a significant difference between the study groups. The E/I ratio was also significantly different between the two groups (P-value < 0.001). Binary logistic regression models showed PRMFsad, %LAAExp < -856, and ATI as significant and strong predictors of the study outcome. Optimal cut-points for PRMFsad = 19%, %LAAExp < -856 = 23%, and ATI = 27% were identified to classify the participants into two groups with high accuracy.ConclusionQCT methods, including PRM, ATI, and %LAAExp < -856 can greatly advance the identification and quantification of SAD in chemical warfare victims. The results should be verified in well-designed prospective studies involving a large population.

Rheumatological and Immunological Manifestations among a Cohort of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Egyptian Patients

Abstract Background The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a lentivirus (a subgroup of retrovirus) that is able to persist in the form of integrated proviruses in a predominantly CD4 T cell reservoir causing HIV infection and over time acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Objective Detection of frequency and pattern of rheumatological and immunological disorders in HIV infected Egyptian patients. Patients and Methods This study was observational cross sectional study conducted in tertiary hospital of infectious diseases in Giza, Egypt outpatient clinics and inpatient departments. It included one hundred human immune deficiency virus infected Egyptian patients diagnosed according to national AIDS program criteria having an immunological or a musculoskeletal disorder with age of ≥ 18 years. Results Results from our study which revealed a highly significant correlation between both CD4 count, HIV-PCR level and the incidence of oral ulcers. There was only a significant value between HIV-PCR level and the presence of myositis or thromboembolic manifestations. Within our 100 HIV positive patients the mean levels of ESR, CRP and SGOT levels were elevated. There was a weak inverse correlation between the CD4-positive lymphocyte count and ESR. There was a highly significant negative correlation between CD4 count and HIV infection duration ESR, CRP, urea, creatinine, blood urea level, SGOT, SGPT. Also, significant negative correlation between CD4 count and uric acid level. Moreover, there were a highly significant positive correlation between the HIVPCR level and ESR, CRP, serum creatinine level, SGOT and SGPT. There was a high significant negative correlation between the HIV-PCR level and hemoglobin level, platelets count and CD4 count. There was a significant negative correlation between HIV-PCR level and absolute lymphocyte count. Conclusion Rheumatologic manifestations are commonly occurring in HIV positive patients. Raynaud’s phenomenon, oral ulcers, and hepatosplenomegaly are significantly more prevalent in patients under non-HAART. ESR and CRP are significantly higher in patients not receiving HAART. Viral load is significantly higher in patients with non-specific antiviral treatment, while CD4 count is significantly lower in the same patient cohort. There is a significant relation between incidence of oral ulcers with lower CD4 count and higher viral load.

Marker density and statistical model designs to increase accuracy of genomic selection for wool traits in Angora rabbits.

The Angora rabbit, a well-known breed for fiber production, has been undergoing traditional breeding programs relying mainly on phenotypes. Genomic selection (GS) uses genomic information and promises to accelerate genetic gain. Practically, to implement GS in Angora rabbit breeding, it is necessary to evaluate different marker densities and GS models to develop suitable strategies for an optimized breeding pipeline. Considering a lack in microarray, low-coverage sequencing combined with genotype imputation was used to boost the number of SNPs across the rabbit genome. Here, in a population of 629 Angora rabbits, a total of 18,577,154 high-quality SNPs were imputed (imputation accuracy above 98%) based on low-coverage sequencing of 3.84X genomic coverage, and wool traits and body weight were measured at 70, 140 and 210 days of age. From the original markers, 0.5K, 1K, 3K, 5K, 10K, 50K, 100K, 500K, 1M and 2M were randomly selected and evaluated, resulting in 50K markers as the baseline for the heritability estimation and genomic prediction. Comparing to the GS performance of single-trait models, the prediction accuracy of nearly all traits could be improved by multi-trait models, which might because multiple-trait models used information from genetically correlated traits. Furthermore, we observed high significant negative correlation between the increased prediction accuracy from single-trait to multiple-trait models and estimated heritability. The results indicated that low-heritability traits could borrow more information from correlated traits and hence achieve higher prediction accuracy. The research first reported heritability estimation in rabbits by using genome-wide markers, and provided 50K as an optimal marker density for further microarray design, genetic evaluation and genomic selection in Angora rabbits. We expect that the work could provide strategies for GS in early selection, and optimize breeding programs in rabbits.

Determination of adropin, body mass index and other biochemical parameters in Iraqi type II diabetic patients

Evidence suggests a hormone peptide named adropin, is involved in lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and obesity. However, its role in pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is still unclear in humans. Therefore, we investigated whether adropin levels are altered in T2DM patients, and evaluated its association with diabetes- related parameters. Samples which collected from 180 subjects were divided into case group [n = 90] and control groups [n = 90]. The mean age was [43.17 ±11.13] years. Men (n=81) and femanl (n=99) were participated in case-control study. Serum adropin levels were determined by ELISA. The mean serum adropin level was significantly higher [P&lt;0.01] in the control group compared to case group [6.9±1.3 vs. 5.8±1.2] respectively. The result shown there was a significant difference [P-value&lt;0.001] between body mass index and adropin. adropin with high significant negative correlation [P-value&lt;0.001] between adropin and body mass index, fasting blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin, insulin, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance also a significant negative correlation was found between the adropin and low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, very low-density lipoprotein and no significant with cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein.

Evaluation of gene expression of PLEKHS1, AADAC, and CDKN3 as novel genomic markers in gastric carcinoma.

Gastric cancer (GC) is considered lethal aggressive cancer. In Egypt, GC has a low incidence but unfortunately, it is mostly diagnosed at an advanced stage with a poor prognosis. Assessment of novel markers that can be used in the early detection of GC is an urgent need. The present study was performed to assess the association of the Pleckstrin homology domain-containing S1 (PLEKHS1)، arylacetamide deacetylase (AADAC, and Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 3 (CDKN3) genes with GC and to correlate their gene expression levels with tumor stage, grade, and other clinicopathological features. The current work was performed on forty gastric tissue samples; twenty in Group 1 with GC tissues at different stages, and grades and twenty in Group 2 (control group) with non-tumorous tissue. PLEKHS1, AADAC, and CDKN3 gene expression were assessed by RT-qPCR. AADAC, CDKN3 genes were significantly (p<0.001) upregulated, while PLEKHS1 gene was significantly (p<0.001) downregulated in the GC group than the control group. AADAC gene expression exhibited a high significant (p<0.001) positive correlation with the tumor grades and the tumor stages. A high significant negative correlation between AADAC, and CDKN3 gene expression (r = -.760, p<0.001) was found. The three studied parameters showed high significant sensitivity and specificity in the prediction of the presence of GC. PLEKHS1, AADAC, and CDKN3 gene expressions were suggested to be used as diagnostic and predictive biomarkers of GC, additionally, AADAC may be used as a prognostic marker in these patients for further future confirming studies.

Antioxidant and Phytochemical analysis of selected lichen species from Mizoram, India

Lichens are an important source of biologically active substances, primarily phenols, which are well known for their antioxidant properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluated phytochemical constituents (flavonoids and phenols), and the antioxidant activity of the methanol extract of the selected lichens species viz. Usnea baileyi, Hypotrachyna cirrhata and Lobaria pulmonaria collected from Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary, Mizoram, India. The total phenolic content and total flavonoid of the various extracts varied from 31.11 to 67.84 mg of Gallic acid equivalent per gram dry weight (GAE/g DW) and from 27.43 to 37.06 mg of Quercetin equivalent per gram dry weight (QE/g DW) respectively. DPPH free radical scavenging activity of the methanol extract of tested samples showed a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 value ranges from 133.6 µg/ml in L. pulmonaria to 243.9 µg/ml in U. baileyi. A comparison between lichens extract and positive control (BHT) showed a strong antioxidant capacity (IC50=10.81 μg/ml) of positive control than the lichens methanolic extract. A high negative and significant negative correlation (P&lt;0.05) was observed between total phenol content and antioxidant activity IC50 of DPPH assay. Moreover, a positively high significant correlation was also obtained between total flavonoid and phenol content (P&lt;0.01). The present study showed that bioactive compounds present in the lichen thallus may be used as good sources of natural antioxidants and a potential candidate for curing several ailments.

Efficacy of microwave irradiation in enhancing the shelf life of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

This study aimed to investigate the effect of microwave irradiation on quality attributes of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) during the storage period of four months. In this experiment, the groundnut seeds of Devi variety (ICGV-91114) were exposed to power density levels (3 and 5 W/g) and treatment time (60 and 90 s) maintaining the initial moisture content (IMC) at 5 ± 0.1 and 7 ± 0.1% db in packaging materials of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP). With the increase in power level and exposure time, the moisture content and germination percentage were found to decrease. Groundnut kernels at IMC 5% showed lower infestation and samples treated with 3 W/g for 90 s showed a higher percentage of oil yield. The samples treated with 3 W/g for 60–90 s and 5 W/g for 60 s exposure time, stored in PP retained both seed and grain qualities at the end of 4 months. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was carried out to define the most appropriate descriptors of quality attributes of the microwave treated groundnut samples during the storage period. The highest significant negative correlation was found between moisture content and oil yield (r = −0.815) as well as between germination capacity and free fatty acid content (r = −0.815) whereas infestation percentage was positively correlated with the moisture content (r = 0.719) of microwave treated groundnut samples during the four months of storage study.

Association of Serum Levels of Cystatin C and Cognition in a Cohort of Egyptian Elderly Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and dementia are common morbidities of elders. Serum cystatin C has been suggested to be an ideal marker for kidney function. The current study aimed to detect the serum levels of cystatin C in CKD patients and to correlate these levels to cognitive performance. The study involved 90 subjects aged 65 years and more, divided into two groups: Group 1: 60 patients with CKD, and Group 2: 30 control participants. Exclusion criteria included cardiac failure, hepatic failure, thyroid diseases, dialysis for more than one month, polycystic kidney disease, organ transplantation, and immunosuppressive therapy within the past six months. All participants had routine laboratory workup, serum cystatin C using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits, and cognitive assessment using mini-mental state examination (MMSE). Serum cystatin level was significantly high in CKD patients while MMSE scores were significantly lower in CKD patients. A high significant negative correlation was found between serum cystatin C levels and both degree of cognitive impairment and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Also, a significant positive correlation was found between the degree of cognitive impairment and GFR levels. Serum cystatin levels are significantly associated with cognitive impairment in CKD patients, and this correlation becomes more evident with the worsening of CKD stages. That may help in better understanding of the pathogenesis of dementia in CKD patients with the emergence of therapeutic options depending on these data.

Mineral Uptake, Total Polyphenols and Total Flavonoids of Barley as Affected by Tillage Practices under Semi-Arid Conditions

Aims: Conservation agriculture has been recommended as an option to mitigate climate change impact when practicing conventional, to ensure sustainability and food security This study examined the effect of conventional tillage (CT) and no tillage (NT) on mineral elements uptake, total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of barley.&#x0D; Study Design: Split-plot design was applied for this study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted in ESAK station (Boulifa, kef, North West Tunisia) during 2016/2017 cultivation year.&#x0D; Methodology: Mineral elements uptake, total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of barley were studied as affected by conventional tillage (CT) and no tillage (NT) for tillering and grain filling stages.&#x0D; Results: The results showed that tillage practices (T) had no significant effect on mineral uptake, total phenolic content and total flavonoids content under rainfed conditions. The stage (S) had showed significant effects on P, Ca and Na amounts for both tillage practices when it had no effect on K amount. The interaction T x S had no significant effect on mineral elements concentrations and TFC. However, this interaction had affected TPC significantly. Phosphorous (P) showed high significant positive correlations with Ca and Na. In addition, P presented high significant negative correlations with TPC and TFC. For partial correlation based on Tillage practices, similar correlations values were noted. Considering the partial correlation based on plant stages, no significant correlations had been noted.&#x0D; Conclusion: This work enlarges our knowledge on barley mineral elements uptake, TPC and TFC as influenced by tillage practices aiding decision makers in increasing no tillage adoption in Tunisia under rainfed conditions.

Correlation of Triglyceride with Coronary Artery Disease Severity in Pre-Diabetic Chronic Stable Angina Patients

Background: Individuals with prediabetes have multiple disturbances in lipoprotein metabolism resulting from multiple combinations of insulin deficiency, insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. Dyslipidemia is the commonest complication of prediabetes and diabetes, and it predispose to premature atherosclerosis causing cardiovascular complication. The aim of this study was to assess correlation of triglyceride (TG) with coronary artery disease (CAD) severity in pre-diabetic chronic stable angina patients.&#x0D; Methods: Our cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 100 pre-diabetic patients (HbA1c 5.7% to 6.4%) with different levels of TG and stable CAD, referred to Tanta university hospitals. Each patient had been subjected to adequate history taking, complete clinical examination and laboratory investigations and electrocardiogram with transthoracic echocardiography. SYNTAX score was calculated.&#x0D; Results: There were significant positive correlations between TG and LDL, ratio and TLC respectively while there was a significant negative correlation between TG and HDL. There was significant positive correlation between SYNTAX and LDL, ratio and urea respectively while there was high significant negative correlation between TG and HDL. TG level was significantly higher in male than female (p= 0.028). There was no significant difference in SYNTAX regarding gender. For the multivariate analysis, only LDL was a significant independent predictor for CAD.&#x0D; Conclusions: There was a positive correlation between the TG and the severity of coronary lesions in pre-diabetic stable angina pectoris patients.

Methotrexate Effect on Obestatin, Progranulin and Kidney Function in RA Iraqi Males Patients

Methotrxate (MTX) has become the standard of care and first-line therapy for patients who have RA and consider as a gold standard of treatment for RA. The role of MTX in the treatment of RA has now been well established. The use of MTX treatment of RA inhibits proliferation of the lymphocytes, reduces signs and symptoms this disease, reduces progression damage of the joints and improves quality of life outcome. Progranulin (PGRN) acts a role in autoimmune inflammatory, has important function in several processes including immune response. Present study has conducted to find the effect of MTX drugs as a therapeutic target for RA patients because of its ability to bind with tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR), with progranulin, obestatin and with other kidney parameter. A serum of 65 Iraqi males patients suffering from RA was newly diagnosis without taking (MTX) drugs (G1), and the same patients in G1 after 2 months treatment with MTX drugs in Low-dose (G2), and (35) meals healthy control groups (G3). Results showed significant increased levels in progranulin , obestatin and uric acid in newly diagnosis of RA and there was significant positive (+ve) and negative (-ve) correlation between progranulin and (creatinine, uric acid) respectively in G1 and there was a high significant positive (+ve) and negative (-ve) correlation between progranulin and (uric acid, creatinine) respectively.

Study of sensory processing deficits in autism spectrum disorder symptom triad: an Egyptian sample

BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. In DSM-IV, the diagnostic criteria of autism consisted of three domains: impairment in social interaction, communication deficits, and stereotypic behavior, while in DSM-5 they were condensed into two domains: social communication deficits and restricted patterns of behavior to which sensory processing deficits (SPD) were added, manifested by hypo- or hyper-reactivity to sensory stimuli or uncommon interests in sensory aspects of the surrounding environment. The purpose of this study is to determine the relation between SPD and the symptom triad in ASD namely social interaction, communication deficits, and stereotypic behavior. To our knowledge, this issue was not studied before in Egyptian literature.ResultsThere was a significant negative correlation between SPD (assessed by short sensory profile: SSP) and symptom triad in ASD. As regards social interaction, the ADI-R (A), there was significant negative correlation with the SSP total scores and all subscales except for low energy/weak and visual/auditory sensitivity, whereas under-responsive/seeks sensation held the highest negative correlation (p ˂ 0.008). As regards communication deficits, the ADI-R (B), there was significant negative correlation with the SSP total scores and the auditory filtering held the highest negative correlation (p ˂ 0.008), and as regards stereotypic behavior, the ADI-R (C), there was significant negative correlation with the SSP total scores and all subscales except for low energy/weak and visual/auditory sensitivity whereas taste/smell sensitivity and auditory filtering held the highest negative correlation (p ˂ 0.001). There was a high significant negative correlation between the severity of autistic symptoms (assessed by CARS) and the SSP total scores, and for all subscales (p ˂ 0.001) except for low energy/weak, the correlation was significant (not highly significant) (p ˂ 0.05). Finally, there was high percentage of parental consanguinity among the participants (80%).ConclusionsSPD negatively affected the ASD symptom triad which highlights the importance of sensory integration therapy (SIT) as a major core of ASD treatment alongside the other treatment modalities. Early ASD screening is mandatory in families with parental consanguinity.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND THE MANIFESTATION OF EXPLOSIVE POWER OF LOWER LIMBS IN BASKETBALL PLAYERS

Vertical jump is seen as the main motor skill in basketball, on which the final result largely depends. The research was conducted with the aim of identifying the connection between morphological characteristics and the manifestation of tests for assessing the explosive power of lower limbs of adolescent basketball players (14.99±0.82 years of age). The assessment of the explosive power of lower limbs was done using the tensiometer Quattro Jump - Kistler Portable performance analysis system 2019, Type 9290DD Switzerland, and standardized tests countermovement jump and squat jump were applied. The system of predictor variables included the factor of longitudinal skeletal dimensions, transverse skeletal dimensions, body volume and weight factor, and subcutaneous adipose tissue factor. All anthropometric measures were strictly taken in accordance with IBP standards. The results of the regression analysis indicated that the system of predictor variables had a statistically significant effect on the manifestation of explosive power of lower limbs in the variable countermovement jump (P=0.05) and squat jump (P=0.01). High values of the coefficients of determination in both cases explain from 92% to 97% of the total variation. The predictor variable Wrist diameter (Beta = -0.78) had the highest significant negative correlation in the countermovement jump test, while the following predictor variables also had the highest significant negative correlation with the squat jump criterion: Chest circumference (Beta=-1.07), Body weight (Beta=-060) and Thigh circumference (Beta=-0.39). Furthermore, negative correlations of variables for the assessment of transverse skeletal dimensions in young basketball players and negative linear correlation of variables for the assessment of subcutaneous adipose tissue in both criteria were observed. The authors recommend dividing athletes by positions they play in, in order to obtain more accurate information about the negative correlation between morphological characteristics and vertical jump tests.

The Effectiveness Of Non Invasive Hemodynamic Parameters In Detection Of Spinal Anesthesia Induced Hypotension During Cesarean Section

ABSTRACT Introduction: Hypotension is the most frequent consequence of spinal anesthesia in cesarean section. It results in harmful effects on mother and newborn. Aim: This study aim was to evaluate the correlation of positional changes in hemodynamic (heart rate and blood pressure) measured before spinal anesthesia in anticipation of occurrence of hypotension throughout cesarean delivery. Methods: 100 ASA grade I parturient were selected for this prospective observational study. Preoperative sociodemographic data, parity, and hemodynamic parameters were recorded including changes in systolic, diastolic, mean arterial blood pressure, and heart rate after positional shift from supine to lateral and sitting positions. Intraoperative, occurrence of hypotension was noted. Results: With hypotension as the dependent variable, the age, parity, heart rate at supine position, and changes in (heart rate, systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure) from supine to lateral position, and from supine to sitting position had high statistical significant negative correlation with blood pressure as P value <.05. Multivariate logistic analysis to assess predictors of hypotension concluded that changes in hemodynamic variable from supine to lateral position only significant predictor were (∆ heart rate, ∆ diastolic and ∆ mean blood pressure), and changes in hemodynamic variable from supine to sitting position only significant predictor were (∆heart rate and ∆ diastolic blood pressure). Discussion: Elevated sympathetic activity before neuraxial anesthesia was associated with higher risk for post-spinal hypotension. The great variability in hemodynamic after positional change indicates higher sympathetic activity to blood vessels. The high rise in the autonomic activity, the higher the risk for post-spinal hypotension Conclusion: Age, parity, and positional changes in hemodynamic were correlated with blood pressure reading after spinal anesthesia during cesarean delivery.

DEVELOPMENT OF SCLEROTINIA IN NARROWLEAF (Lupinus angusti-folius L.) AND WHITE (Lupinus albus L.) LUPIN SINGLE AND MIXED CROPS UNDER DIFFERENT WEATHER CONDITIONS IN BRYANSK REGION

White rot caused by ascomycetous fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.)de Bary. is a widely spread disease of many cultivated and wild plants. In the Non Chernozem zone of Russia the epiphytotic development of white rot in white and narrowleaf lupin crops began in 2008 and is related to climate change towards warming. The article presents the first report on dependence between weather conditions in the Non Chernozem zone and white rot infection of white and narrowleaf lupines in single and mixed crops. High significant correlation coefficients have been obtained between air moisture and pods’ white rot infection of the narrowleaf lupin in June (r = 0.95, р = 0.001), and of the white lupin in June and July (r = 0.90, р = 0.006; r = 0.81, р = 0.026, respectively). High significant negative correlation coefficients between narrowleaf and white lupin yields in single and mixed crops and Sclerotinia infection of pods have been revealed (r = -0.92, р = 0.003 and r = -1.00, р = 0.002, respectively; r = -0.97, р = 0.000 and r = -0.88, р = 0.122, respectively). The lupin species differed in susceptibility to the pathogen. This work aimed to evaluate the white rot development and harmfulness in white and narrowleaf lupin crops depending on weather of the vegetation season and crop type under the conditions of Bryansk region. The narrowleaf lupin var. Belozernyi 110 and the white lupin var. Dega were cultivated in single crops and in mixed crops with spring wheat var. Iren in 2008-2012, 2014, and 2016 in the North-East of Bryansk region (an experimental field of All-Russian Lupin Scientific Research Institute). Climatic data were received from the meteorological station on the territory of the institute. Lupin plants were infected with white rot mycelium by the wet chamber method. Plants infection was evaluated during the vegetation period (stem and bud formation, flowering and pods’ formation stages). The yield of each plot was weighted after the total threshing (a combine-harvester Sampo-500, Sampo Rosenlew, Finland). Intensive pathogen development on the tested lupin species in single and mixed crops was in rainy and warm June-August, at 66.2-80.3 % air moisture. Under rainy, warm and windy conditions white rot spread among plants in lupin crops both by ascospores and by mycelium particles. The first lesion focuses appeared on stems in low field sites and in dense crops. Depressive disease development occurred at air moisture from 54.1 to 60.3 %. White lupin plants were more susceptible to the disease, probably due to the morphological peculiarities of this species. Under favorable conditions for the disease, the incidence of pod infection averaged 15.3-34.8 % in white lupin single crops and 8.4-34.7 % in narrowleaf lupin single crops. Herewith seed yield losses made 14.3-39.2 % and 3.0-34.7 %, respectively. Under dry conditions of 2010, the white lupin infection incidence was 0.3 % in mixed crops with no infection of the narrowleaf lupin observed. The infection of the narrowleaf and white lupins in their single crops made 0.1 and 1.3 %, respectively. The white rot was more harmful for lupin crops upon a combination of sufficient or excessive moisture and optimal temperature in the second part of vegetation. During this period, the pods were formed on the main and lateral stems, and the plant foliation was maximum too. The latter creates favorable conditions for the pathogen inside the crops. Pod infection in lupines decreased significantly in mixed lupin-and-cereal crops, 1.4-1.6-fold for the white lupin, and 1.3-2.3-fold for the narrowleaf lupin. Obviously, the lupin-and-cereal mixed crops create the conditions which are less favorable for the pathogen development and spread, therefore decrease infection of lupin plants and pods.

Device associated infections among neonates in neonatal intensive care units: a single unit survey study in Cairo, Egypt

Background: Device Associated Infection (DAI) namely Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) and Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infection (CLABSI) is one of the challenges for both neonatal nurses and doctors. Aims of the study were 1) Assess the rate of DAI occurrence among neonates, 2) explore the relationship between DAI rates and certain risk factors such as nurse patient ratio, hand hygiene practice, gestational age (GA), weight, and length of hospital stay among neonates.Methods: Descriptive correlational survey research design. Sample: All neonates admitted in twelve months-duration were included (total number 1090 neonates). Nurses and doctors were observed for compliance to adequate hand hygiene technique. Tools: 1) Center for Disease Control (CDC) criteria to calculate DAI rates, 2) Hand hygiene five points checklist 3) Review of neonates charts to collect data as weight, GA 4) Ballard score and 5) nurse/patient ratio.Results: 24 neonates developed DAI, high significant negative correlations between DAI and infants’ weight, GA, nurse/patient ratio and overall compliance to hand hygiene techniques were reported (p-value ≤0.05). Length of hospital stay, inadequate hand hygiene technique had strong positive correlations with DAI rate (p-value ≤0.05).Conclusions: Factors that could affect DAI were infant’s weight, GA, length of hospital stay, inadequate hand hygiene technique and nurse/patient ratio. Recommendations: implementation of infection control programs to raise nurses as well as physicians’ compliance to adequate hand hygiene technique and increase number of nurses in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) per shift.

Factors associated with quality of life among mothers of children with cerebral palsy

To identify the factors pertaining to the quality of life (QOL) among the mothers of patients with cerebral palsy. In this cross-sectional study, 203 mothers of children with cerebral palsy were selected using convenience sampling. The World Health Organization's Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF), the Beck Depression Inventory, the Caregiver Difficulties Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, and a demographic information questionnaire were administered to these caregivers. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was used to detect the factors associated with QOL. Moderate to high significant negative correlations were observed between all WHOQOL-BREF domains and the other measures. The demographic/clinical variables were controlled, and hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was run. The results indicated that depression, the burden of care, fatigue, and the type of cerebral palsy could significantly predict QOL in these mothers. Furthermore, QOL was lower in the mothers of children with tetraplegia than those of children with other types of disabilities (P < .05). QOL of mothers of children with cerebral palsy is negatively impacted by various factors such as burden of care, fatigue, and psychological symptoms. Thus, a holistic approach, including training (carrying, positioning, feeding, and how to manage the self-care of children) and psychological interventions, is required to improve QOL among this population.

The response of potato crop to the spatiotemporal variability of soil compaction under centre pivot irrigation system

AbstractPrecision agriculture techniques were employed to study the impact of the spatiotemporal variations of soil compaction on the performance of potato crop during its various growth stages. The study has been conducted on a 30 ha centre pivot irrigated potato field, located in Wadi Al‐Dawasir area in Saudi Arabia. In situ soil compaction measurements were collected, in conjunction with Sentinel‐2A satellite data, and correlated spatiotemporally against potato crop growth and yield parameters. The univariate and bivariate Moran's function (Moran's I), the linear regression and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) techniques were used to analyse the data and examine the interrelationships. The spatial correlations between the measured variables revealed high clustering, producing Moran's I of 0.87, 0.79 and 0.57 for soil compaction, yield and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), respectively. Compaction‐yield relationship revealed a relatively high significant negative spatial correlation (Moran's I = 0.68). While, the spatial correlation between the average values of compaction and NDVI has negatively produced a Moran's I value of 0.45 (at 0.001 significance level), when 999 permutations were tested for all relationships. A significant positive correlation was observed between high compaction and high proportion of small size tubers, with R2 and P &gt; F values of 0.65 and .0001, respectively. In contrast, a significant negative correlation has been obtained between high compaction and high proportion of large size tubers, with R2 and P &gt; F values of 0.57 and .0001, respectively. Understanding the causes of disparity in the productivity of agricultural fields will help decision‐makers and farmers to take proactive actions towards better agricultural practices.

Polyphenolic Characterization, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Activities of Mangifera indica Cultivars from Costa Rica.

The phenolic profile of skin and flesh from Manifera indica main commercial cultivars (Keitt and Tommy Atkins) in Costa Rica was studied using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS) on enriched phenolic extracts. A total of 71 different compounds were identified, including 32 gallates and gallotannins (of different polymerization degree, from galloyl hexose monomer up to decagalloyl hexoses and undecagalloyl hexoses); seven hydroxybenzophenone (maclurin and iriflophenone) derivatives, six xanthonoids (including isomangiferin and mangiferin derivatives); 11 phenolic acids (hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives); and eight flavonoids (rhamnetin and quercetin derivatives). The findings for T. Atkins skin constitute the first report of such a high number and diversity of compounds. Also, it is the first time that the presence of gallotannin decamers and undecamers are reported in the skin and flesh of Keitt cultivar and in T. Atkins skins. In addition, total phenolic content (TPC) was measured with high values especially for fruits’ skins, with a TPC of 698.65 and 644.17 mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract, respectively, for Keitt and T. Atkins cultivars. Antioxidant potential using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhidrazyl (DPPH) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) methods were evaluated, with T. Atkins skin showing the best values for both DPPH (IC50 = 9.97 µg/mL) and ORAC (11.02 mmol TE/g extract). A significant negative correlation was found for samples between TPC and DPPH antioxidant values (r = −0.960, p < 0.05), as well as a significant positive correlation between TPC and ORAC (r = 0.910, p < 0.05) and between DPPH and ORAC antioxidant methods (r = 0.989, p < 0.05). Also, cytotoxicity was evaluated in gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS), hepatocarcinoma (HepG2), and colon adenocarcinoma (SW620), with T. Atkins skin showing the best results (IC50 = 138–175 µg/mL). Finally, for AGS and SW 620 cell lines particularly, a high significant negative correlation was found between cytotoxic activity and gallotannins (r = −0.977 and r = −0.940, respectively) while for the HepG2 cell line, the highest significant negative correlation was found with xanthonoids compounds (r = −0.921).

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.