Negative Statistical Correlation Research Articles

Cloud-Based Blockchain for Secure Data Sharing and Collaboration

Abstract: This study seeks to delve into the interrelation between user training and data security events in light of cloud-based blockchain technology improvement in terms of data security in collaborative contexts. A total of five firms was taken to collect data from a quantitative study, focusing more on variables that surrounded user training levels as well as data security events. This reflects that there exists a strong statistical negative correlation of frequency of security incidents and user training. Hence it has been established that the increase in the extent of training has considerably reduced vulnerabilities. Moreover, it was observed that there exists a positive relation between user participation and training. This means that to safe-guard data shared procedures, successful training activities can play an essential role. Such findings may be practically useful for firms who wish to take maximum advantage of their data security strategy.

Salivary IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 Are Key Biomarkers of Periodontitis Severity.

To explore severity and progression biomarkers, we examined the clinical relevance of multiple cytokines and mediators involved in the inflammatory response in periodontitis. A cohort of 68 patients was enrolled in the study and periodontal status assessed by the current classification of periodontal diseases. Immune mediators present in saliva, of both patients and healthy controls, were quantified using a Legendplex-13 panel. Clinic parameters were significantly higher in PD patients compared with HC, with a strong significant association with the disease severity (stage) (p < 0.001), but not with progression (grade). The panel of immune mediators evidenced elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-1β as disease established (p < 0.01). IL-1β/IL-1RA ratio was increased in PD patients, being associated with disease stage. An anti-inflammatory response was spotted by higher IL-10. Lower levels of IL-23 and IP-10 were associated with disease severity. No significant statistical differences were found by grade classification. Moreover, salivary IL-1β and IL-6 exhibited significant positive correlations with several clinical measurements (PI, BOP, PPD, CAL), while IP-10 showed a statistical negative correlation with BOP, PPD, and CAL. These insights highlight the complexity of the periodontitis inflammatory network and the potential of cytokines as biomarkers for refined diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Does migraine affect central auditory processing abilities?

ObjectiveMigraine is a neurological disease associated with an altered cortical excitability level. Several studies have investigated the relationship between migraine and central auditory processing (CAP), with deficits in CAP being common among migraine patients. However, studies on the factors affecting these CAP changes observed in migraine patients are still few and controversial. This study aims to investigate CAP changes in migraine patients with Duration Pattern Test (DPT) and Frequency Pattern Test (FPT), which have not been used in previous studies. MethodsSixty subjects were divided into two groups and one migraine subgroup: control group, twenty normal healthy subjects, fourty subjects diagnosed with migraine. They were evaluated using the CAP test including DPT and FPT. To identify the variables and possible effects of the variables, a questionnaire describing the characteristics of migraine features was administered to participants with migraine. ResultsNo significant difference was found the between the control and study group in CAP tests scores. No significant correlation was found between migraine characteristics and CAP tests scores. Males had significantly higher FPT scores in both ears than females (p<0.05). Significant statistical negative correlation was found between age and FPT scores for both ears and left DPT scores (p<0.05). ConclusionAlthough migraine patients generally showed lower CAP ability than the control group, no significant difference was observed between them. This was also valid for subgroups of migraine. However, as age increased in the migraine group, a significant decrease in CAP performance was observed. It was observed that male migraine patients had better CAP ability, especially FPT scores. Migraine may affect performance in CAP depending on gender and age factors.

Evaluation of Salivary Immunoglobulin A Level and Its Correlation with Severity of Early Childhood Caries: An Original Research.

Early childhood caries (ECC) remains one of the most prevalent diseases mutilating the primary dentition. It is a multifactorial disease that severely affects the quality of life of affected children. One of the risk indicators reported in the literature is the presence of viable mutans streptococci (MS) and protective factors such as salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA). Hence, it is important to identify such risks and protective factors associated with ECC using simple yet reliable methods supported by advanced technology and a fully automated platform to improve the results. A retrospective analysis was done on 40 children who were divided into two groups: group I (experimental) and group II (control). Group I comprised 30 healthy children who were further divided into three subgroups of 10 children each. Group IA with decayed, missing, filled teeth/decayed, extracted, filled teeth (dmft/deft) = 1-2, group IB with dmft/deft = 3-4, group IC with dmft/deft ≥5, and group II, comprising 10 healthy children having no caries by using World Health Organization (WHO) 2013 Oral Health Survey criteria. Unstimulated saliva was collected by drooling saliva into a sterile container. The samples were transported to the central research laboratory for SIgA by the immunoturbidimetry method by a fully automated Abbott Architect c system. The data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis. On comparison of SIgA in between varying severities of dental caries and caries-free children between age-group of 3 and 6 years, it was found to be below the grand median 0.20 mg/mL for subgroups IA and control group II. A significant negative statistical correlation (r = -0.948) was present between the SIgA and varying severities of ECC and the control group. The low dmft/deft group was found to be relatively closer to the caries-free groups as their mean dmft was 1.50, standard deviation (SD) ± 0.53. A slight change in dmft/deft score and SIgA could be used as a potential biomarker for assessing the severity of ECC in children between age-group of 3 and 6 years. Sharma V, Bagchi A, Dutta B, et al. Evaluation of Salivary Immunoglobulin A Level and Its Correlation with Severity of Early Childhood Caries: An Original Research. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(3):316-320.

The measurement of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and interleukin-6 levels in pregnancies with threatened preterm labor

Background: Preterm birth has a significant impact on neonatal health and the healthcare system as it increases neonatal morbidities and mortality rates. Interleukin-6 is one of the pro-inflammatory cytokines that can trigger the production of chemokines and uterine activation proteins, consequently causing uterine contraction and subsequent cervical change. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α plays a pivotal role in the hypoxic adaptive response of tissues. It has been suggested that hypoxia has a vital role in the initiating and/or strengthening of uterine contractions, proposing that hypoxia-inducible factor-1α could be involved in this process. Aim: Investigate whether serum concentrations of interleukin-6 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α would differ between women with threatened preterm labor who deliver prematurely and those who continue their pregnancy till term. Patients and Methods: The case-control study was extended over 12 months, including women in their 28th to 35th weeks of gestation and with a single viable fetus. The women were divided into three groups: women with threatened preterm labor who delivered prematurely (27 women), women with threatened preterm labor who continued their pregnancy till term (23 women), and women with matching gestational age and uncomplicated pregnancies (the controls = 40 women). The serum levels of interleukin-6 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α were measured by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The mean values of interleukin-6 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α were significantly different between the study groups (p-value &lt;0.001 by one-way ANOVA), where women with threatened preterm labor who delivered prematurely had higher serum values of interleukin-6 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (124.5 and 102.4, respectively) than the women with threatened preterm labor who continued their pregnancy till term (71.0 and 55.2, respectively), and than the women in the control group (55.3 and 50.0, respectively). There was a significant negative statistical correlation between the values of interleukin-6 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and the timing of delivery (R = -0.786 and -0.644, respectively, p-value &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: Both interleukin-6 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α serum concentrations can help differentiate pregnant women who are genuinely in preterm labor from those who have preterm contractions but are not at risk of imminent delivery.

Quantifying Spatio-temporal dynamics of land surface temperature for the rapidly growing city of Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia using multidated Landsat data

Urban heat island (UHI) refers to the occurrence of very high temperature in urban areas as compared to the surrounding rural areas. Land surface temperature (LST) is a key parameter in urban environmental analysis and varies with different land use/covers. The present study aims to explore the spatiotemporal dynamics of land surface temperature of Bahir Dar City and its surroundings using multidated Landsat 5 TM and Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS data of 1984, 1994, 2009, and 2019. The thermal infrared data has been corrected and converted to top of the atmospheric radiance and later to temperature in °C from Kelvin scale Using ArcMap software. The time series data pertaining to 1984, 1994, 2009, and 2019, showed a gradual increase in maximum LST and its expanse. Out of the total area of 213.55 km2, low (‹17 °C) to medium (‹23 °C) LSTprevailed in 65.88% (140.7 km2) of the area, whereas high (›29 °C) LST existed in 34.12% (72.85 km2). Though the low, medium, and high LST classes increased through 1984, 1994, 2009, and 2019, and medium and high-temperature classes became dominant in the expanse. The temporal variation of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), as an indicator of urban heat intensity, showed the highest NDVI of 0.68 in 1994 and the lowest NDVI value of 0.54 in 2019. LST has a negative statistical correlation with NDVI with a coefficient of determination R2 = 0.99, 0.99, 0,94 & 0.98 for 1984, 1994, 2009, and 2019, respectively. NDVI and NDBI have very strong correlation with LST (R2>94%), which is quite different from previous studies in other study areas.

Assessing Established Residential Compounds between Regulation and Reality Utilizing Space Syntax Theories

Planners and architects should be able to incorporate digital technologies and data utilization to fulfil their professional duty of speculating how people will interact and transact with urban configurations. Analysing spatial patterns and their association with social behaviour contributes to harnessing the impact of connectivity on economic, social, environmental, and land value growth. This research presents a mathematical relationship between three variables; as a result, by the transitive property, the connectivity value of every individual street in the urban spatial layout should indicate the location of the urban block according to their sizes and be related in the same manner. The research aims to investigate the following question: is there a positive of negative statistical coefficient correlation between residential plot sizes and connectivity/integration values presented by Depth Map X in two urban villages in Sulaimanya city? The first section’s findings support the transitive property discussed in the research; furthermore, the second section shows an imbalance in the quantity of residential plots of different sizes on each street, causing the effectiveness of the exploitation of urban land in the case studies to decrease, which disagrees with the standards outlined by the Iraqi Roads and Buildings Regulation and the theories of space syntax. This study contributes to the future design of similar projects in the region by emphasizing the need for the authorities to compel building enterprises to adhere to these standards.

Mechanistic insights into changes in endogenous water soluble pectin and carotenoid bioaccessibility in mango beverage upon high pressure processing

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) (300/400/500 MPa for 5 min) and high pressure homogenization (HPH) (50/100 MPa for 1 pass) were applied to mango beverage to explore their effects on water soluble pectin (WSP) and bioaccessibility of total carotenoids (BAC), and the relationship between BAC and modified WSP. Compared to untreated sample, HPH at 50 and 100 MPa combined with/without HHP pronouncedly increased the WSP and galacturonic acid (GalA) concentrations in mango beverage and the molecular weight (Mw) of WSP, decreased the degree of methylesterification (DM) of WSP, and affected other structural indicators of WSP to various extent, while alone HHP slightly increased the GalA concentration in mango beverage and the Mw of WSP. These changes induced by high pressure processing were mainly due to mechanical release and solubilization of the pectin embedded in cell wall with higher Mw, shorter/fewer side chains, and lower DM. HPH had more pronounced effects on WSP than HHP due to stronger mechanical force. Compared to untreated sample, HPH at 50 MPa and HHP had no significant effect on BAC, while HPH at 100 MPa significantly increased the BAC by 32.22% and HPH (100 MPa) +HHP increased the BAC by 38.65%–76.32%. The BAC showed positive binomial correlations with GalA and WSP, and upwards binomial correlations with the Mw of WSP and viscosity of mango beverage. Moreover, a statistical negative correlation was found between the BAC and DM. Results highlighted the potential of high pressure processing to regulate the BAC by modifying WSP and affecting WSP-carotenoids interactions.

The Impact of Single-Level ACDF on Neural Foramen and Disc Height of Surgical and Adjacent Cervical Segments: A Case-Series Radiological Analysis.

Background: ACDF has become one of the established procedures for the surgical treatment of symptomatic cervical spondylosis, showing excellent clinical results and effective improvements in neural functions and neck pain relief. The main purpose of ACDF is neural decompression, and it is considered by some authors as an indirect result of the intervertebral distraction and cage insertion and the consequent restoration of the disc space and foramen height. Methods: Radiological data from 28 patients who underwent single-level ACDF were retrospectively collected and evaluated. For neural foramen evaluation, antero-posterior (A-P) and cranio-caudal (C-C) diameters were manually calculated; for intervertebral disc height the anterior, centrum and posterior measurement were calculated. All measurements were performed at surgical and adjacent (above and below) segments. NRS, NDI and also the mJOA and Nurick scale were collected for clinical examination and complete evaluation of patients’ postoperative outcome. Results: The intervertebral disc height in all its measurements, in addition to the height (C-C diameter) of the foramen (both right and left) increase at the surgical segment when comparing pre and postop results (p < 0.001, and p = 0.033 and p = 0.001). NRS and NDI radiculopathy scores showed improved results from pre- to post-op evaluation (p < 0.001), and a negative statistical correlation with the improved disc height at the surgical level. Conclusions: The restoration of posterior disc height through cage insertion appears to be effective in increasing foraminal height in patients with symptomatic preoperative cervical foraminal stenosis.

Red Cell Distribution Width and Elongation Index in a Cohort of Patients With Juvenile Acute Myocardial Infarction.

In a cohort of patients with juvenile myocardial infarction, we considered the red cell distribution width (RDW), hematocrit, hemoglobin, and elongation index values at the initial phase and at 3 and 12 months from the acute event. In the initial phase, only the elongation index values turn out reduced if compared with those of the control group, and that only turn out to discriminate the infarcted ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) from non-STEMI. Dividing the patients according to the traditional risk factors and the extent of coronary heart disease, there are no significant variations in the analyzed parameters. No major changes are observed after 12 months from the acute event. Both to 3 and to 12 months from the infarct episode, the negative statistical correlation between RDW and the value of elongation index remains. These data make us reflect on the role of the degree of anisocytosis of red blood cell expressed by the RDW on the determinism of erythrocyte deformability, which plays its role in the microcirculation district and that is essential in the transfer of tissue oxygen.

Ibuprofen intake after apicoectomy-Quantitative indicator for postoperative pain.

Apicoectomy is one of the procedures that are most frequently performed by specialists in oral surgery. This paper presents an analysis of Ibuprofen consumption after apicoectomy and factors such as patient's age, sex and type of resected tooth. Ibuprofen intake is treated as a quantitative indicator of pain sensation. The presented data cover 89 operations with 98 resected teeth. All those apicoectomies were performed by one and the same specialist in oral surgery and all patients were scheduled for a control examination on the day following the intervention. The reported Ibuprofen intake was recorded and analyzed afterwards. The mean number of consumed Ibuprofen 400 mg tablets, necessary to eliminate the pain was 1.71 (SD±1.33). Gender was not established as responsible for statistically significant differences. Poor negative statistical correlation was established between age and number of consumed tablets. Older patients used a smaller amount of analgesics. The intake after resection of mandibular molars was statistically significantly higher versus that of the other teeth groups. Eighteen of the patients did not consume any analgesic tablets, constituting 18.3% of the whole group. Two patients needed 5 tablets which was the greatest reported intake. Apicoectomy leads to low Ibuprofen intake. The sex is not a statistically significant factor for Ibuprofen use. Poor negative correlation is observed between age and the amount of administered analgesics. This consumption is increased at resection of mandibular molars compared to that for other teeth groups. Almost one fifth of the patients did not need analgesics during the first postoperative day. Key words:Apicoectomy, postoperative pain, Ibuprofen, oral surgery.

Relationship between sedation, delirium, and post-traumatic stress disorder among mechanically ventilated patients

Background: Delirium is a significant medical condition that is common among patients in intensive care units. Beyond the increased risk of mortality, patients who experience an episode of delirium often go on to develop long-term psychiatric disturbance, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Aim: To investigate the relationship between sedation, delirium and post-traumatic stress disorder among mechanically ventilated patients. Design: A descriptive correlational research design was utilized in this study. Setting: The study was carried out at different intensive care units at Cairo university hospitals with different specialties. Sample: A purposive sample of 110 patients was included in the study over a period of three months. Tools: Four tools were used; Patient’s Demographic and Medical Data Sheet, Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS), The Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Results: About (74.5%) of the studied sample had PTSD. There was negative statistical significant correlation between sedation and post-traumatic stress disorder. There was positive statistical significant correlation between delirium and post-traumatic stress disorder. There was no statistical significant correlation between delirium and sedation. Conclusion: This study provides a complex picture of the relationship between delirium, sedation and PTSD.

Three-Year Follow-Up of Posterior Corneal Elevation in Thin Corneas After Small Incision Lenticule Extraction.

PurposeTo evaluate the changes in posterior corneal elevation in thin corneas after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE).MethodsIn this prospective study, 97 eyes of 97 patients undergoing SMILE were recruited. Eyes were categorized into the following groups based on the preoperative minimum central corneal thickness (CCT): group A (37 eyes, 480–499 μm), group B (30 eyes, 500–529 μm), and group C (30 eyes, 530–560 μm). The posterior corneal surface was measured with a Pentacam over a 3-year follow-up period. Changes in the posterior corneal elevation at the central point (PCE), thinnest point (PTE), and predetermined area were measured.ResultsNo iatrogenic keratectasia was observed during the follow-up period. The mean changes in PCE, PTE, and the inferior area in group A were 1.14 ± 3.40 μm, −0.11 ± 3.20 μm, and −0.26 ± 1.23 μm, respectively (P ≥ 0.125). Although statistically significant change in the central-4 mm area was noted, the value was quite small (0.98 ± 1.67 μm) and was not higher than that in the other two groups (P = 0.003). For all three groups, the elevation remained stable or showed a backward change in the central annulus, while there was a small forward displacement in the 6-mm optical zone. In group A, changes in elevation values yielded negative statistical correlations with residual bed thickness and CCT (P ≤ 0.006) (except for the inferior area, the 4-mm and 6-mm optical zone).ConclusionsWith a strict preoperative assessment, SMILE achieved good safety and efficacy in correcting myopia in thin corneas and enabled a stable posterior corneal surface over a 3-year follow-up period.SynopsisCareful preoperative assessment and suitable surgical design should be taken to ensure posterior corneal stability after SMILE in thin corneas.

The Effect of an Educational Program on Fatigue Level Among Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Background: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that affect all aspects of the patients’ life causing multiple progressive symptoms; most common fatigue which leads to dependency of patients on their family for carrying out their daily routine activities. Aim: The present study aims at evaluating the effect of an educational program on fatigue level among multiple sclerosis patients. Design: A quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest was used. Setting: the study was conducted in multiple sclerosis outpatient clinic in El-Kasr El-Eini University Hospital. Sample: A convenient sample of (250) multiple sclerosis patients. Tools: Two tools were used: first tool was Structured MS patient dietary knowledge questionnaire, second tool was The Arabic Version of Modified Fatigue Impact Scale. Results: Showed a highly statistical negative correlation between dietary knowledge and cognitive, psychosocial fatigue among MS patients in pre, post and 3 months after implementation of the program. Conclusions: The results of this study indicated that MS patients' dietary knowledge improved after application of the educational program as well as there was a decline in MS patients' fatigue level with statically significance differences between pre, post and 3 months after application of the program. Recommendation: Dissemination of dietary knowledge program among other multiple sclerosis patients. Keywords: Multiple sclerosis patients, dietary knowledge, fatigue

Menopausal symptoms and health-promoting lifestyle behaviors among women in Tanta, Egypt: An analytic cross-sectional study

Background: Although menopause is a normal physiologic stage of women’s life, a considerable proportion of them are likely to experience various symptoms during this period. Menopausal symptoms could adversely affect the physical, mental, and social well-being of menopausal women. Objectives: To study the relationship between health promoting life style behaviors and menopausal symptoms among Egyptian women. Participants and Methods: Two hundred menopausal women were recruited randomly from all attendees presented to outpatients’ clinics of Tanta University Hospital. For all participants, socio-demographic, medical profile, Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile-II (HPLP-II) and Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), were assessed through self-administered questionnaire or personal interview. Results: The average of total Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II score was moderate among the studied menopausal women (120.38±16.63), with the highest scores of its subscales were for “Spiritual” domain followed by “Interpersonal Relations” and the lowest scores were for “Physical Activity” and “Health-responsibility” subscales. A significant negative statistical correlation was found between health-promoting lifestyle behaviors scores (total and subscales), and menopausal symptoms. Factors (as age, educational level, income, marital status, and occupation), had significant statistical association with health-promoting behaviors. Conclusion and recommendations: Health promoting behavior correlated negatively with menopausal symptoms in the participating women. Health education programs about health-promoting lifestyle behaviors could reduce women’s menopausal symptoms and improving their quality of life.

Relationship between nutritional status and pressure-ulcer development among critically ill patients

Background Pressure ulcers represent a major health problem, particularly in critically ill patients whose nutritional status is negatively affected by illness. Therefore, careful assessment and monitoring of critically ill patients are important nursing considerations. Aim To assess the relationship between nutritional status and occurrence of pressure ulcers among adult critically ill patients. Research design A descriptive correlational research design was utilized in this study. Research questions 1–What is the nutritional status of adult critically ill patients at Cairo University Hospitals? 2–Is there a relationship between nutritional status and pressure-ulcer development among adult critically ill patients at Cairo University Hospitals? Setting Different ICUs affiliated to Cairo University Hospitals. Sample A purposive sample consisting of 90 patients was included. Tools of data collection Demographic and medical data sheet, Braden scale, and Derby nutritional score. Results Nearly two-thirds of the studied sample was not at risk of nutritional deficiency in different assessment times in percentages of 58.2, 55.6, 62.2, 66.6, and 61.1%, respectively. As well, nearly half of the patients were not at risk of developing pressure ulcers in different assessment times in percentages of 46.7, 46.7, and 56.3%, respectively. Pressure-ulcer development did not differ significantly in relation to sex and;Deg;BM;Deg;I (χ 2=1.875, P≤0.759, χ 2=5.639, P≤0.688). A negative significant statistical correlation was found between nutritional status and the risk of developing pressure ulcer (r=−0.761, P≤0.000). Conclusion Nutritional status was negatively associated with pressure-ulcer development. Age, immobility, and sensory perceptual alteration represented significant determinants of patients’ readiness for developing pressure ulcers. Recommendations Regular and careful assessment of critically ill patients’ nutritional status, frequent skin assessment for prevention, early detection of pressure ulcers, availability of written guidelines, and booklets about early detection and management of pressure ulcers.

Do difficulties in emotion regulation impact self-esteem and adult attachment? – the role of trauma

Introduction Experiencing trauma in childhood, adolescence or adulthood has severe negative impact on several areas of individuals' lives. Concerning their psychological health, consequences often arise in terms of emotional deficits, self-esteem and attachment [1]. Strategies of emotional regulation (ER) are extremely important in the individual’s development and have implications in their self-concept and self-esteem [2]. The literature suggests that a better ER is directly associated with better self-esteem [3]. Some studies also show an association between attachment and the level of self-esteem [4]. Better attachment in adults is associated with high and stable levels of self-esteem [5]. The objective of this research is to study the impact of ER, self-esteem and attachment in Portuguese adults (above 18 years old) who have experienced trauma. This study contributes to scientific innovation in this field, considering that we found results never obtained in a Portuguese sample. Materials and Methods This study comprised 137 Portuguese individuals’ (69.3% women and 30.7% men) with ages between 18 and 70 years (M = 39.49, SD = 12.49), of which 74 (54.0%) experienced trauma in the last three years. This study was carried out by filling out online questionnaires and the link to the study was disclosed by e-mail and in social networks. The participants responded to a sociodemographic questionnaire, a checklist of some types of trauma experienced in the last three years, the Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scale (DERS) [6], the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) [7], and the Adult Attachment Scale (AAS-R) [8]. The study was conducted in accordance with all the ethical principles. Results The results showed a significant negative correlation between the DERS and the total score of the RSES (r = −0.509, p < .001) as well as between the DERS Strategies subscale and the RSES (r = −0.541, p < .001). There was a significant statistical negative correlation between the DERS Awareness and the AAS-R (r = −0.232, p = .006), and a significant statistical positive correlation between the total score of the DERS (r = 0.557, p < .001), the DERS Non-Acceptance (r = 0.500, p < .001) the DERS Strategies (r = 0.516, p < .001) and the AAS-R Anxiety. The results also showed significant statistical differences between individuals who experienced trauma in the Anxiety dimension of the AAS-R [F(1,136) = 8.91, p = .003]. Those who experienced trauma showed higher anxiety (M = 2.19, SD = 0.75). Discussion and conclusions The results showed that if difficulties of emotional regulation and limited access to emotional regulation strategies decreases, self-esteem increases, which corroborates the literature [3]. Concerning the adult attachment, we found that if anxiety increases, difficulties of emotional regulation also increase, as well as lack of acceptance of emotional responses and limited access to emotional regulation strategies. Some studies reveal that attachment styles influence the strategies to express and regulate emotions [9]. All these findings have an impact on clinical and social levels, as they guide therapists to work in these specific areas with individuals who have suffered some form of trauma. Thus, our results help to develop psychological intervention programs to prevent psychopathology. Further studies should focus on the results of preventive and interventive efficacy of therapies implemented in society that focus on emotion regulation, self-esteem, and adult attachment in traumatised individuals.

Negative correlation between PANSS negative subscale score and obesity in a chronic group of patients with schizophrenia, an observational study

Background. Schizophrenia, as a chronic mental disorder with lifelong evolution is associated with low functionality and a high degree of disability. Obesity is an overlapping risk factor that is present in almost half of the patients worldwide and is responsible for increasing the overall mortality by itself or by predisposing to extensive morbidity. Its pathophysiology describes many mechanisms, the central position being occupied by the appetite regulation throughout the lipids and glucose metabolism. It is important to analyze whether the trends of correlation pairs of obesity in schizophrenia in Romanian patients are similar to those described in literature and if they are depicted in smaller groups of patients. Methods. This study paper is an observational cross-sectional study taking into account 110 inpatients with schizophrenia. The study included 110 inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia admitted in ”Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia” Psychiatry Hospital. They were divided into two groups by applying the criterium of BMI with a cut-off point set at 25 and were applied PANSS and GAFs altogether with a structured basic anamnestic interview. Results. The mean age of the patients was 39.15 years in the study group (SG) and 40.95 years in the control group (CG), the sex ratio was similar between the two groups. Regarding previous treatment, 59.3% normal weight patients were priorly medicated and 38.1% of those with BMI&gt;25 received prior treatment. Both groups had a similar mean value of the positive and the general psychopathology subscales, the SG registered a slightly higher mean score on the negative subscale as well as on the total PANSS score. The mean value of Global Assessment of Functioning score was higher for the normal weight group. Discussion. Our findings point out that only PANSS negative subscale score has a negative statistical correlation (p=.005) with obesity in the chronic schizophrenic group we selected. No other statistically significant correlations between sex, age, place of living, education, employment and professional statuses, previous treatment, current antipsychotic medication and obesity were made possible due to reasons such as study design choice or the large number of obese patients related to the entire sample. Conclusion. There is an important number of schizophrenia patients that are overweight or obese. We found no major differences between the two groups on the topic of demographics or clinical variables, resulting in the conclusion that schizophrenia carries an important morbidity load, so that obesity can indiscriminately impact these patients.

COMPARISON OF SOME LINEAR BODY MEASUREMENT TRAITS OF LOCAL AND COMMERCIAL CHICKEN BREEDS OF SOUTH AFRICA

Linear body measurement traits are used for the estimation of body weight in animal breeding to aid livestock farmers where the weighing scale is not available. The objective of the work was to determine the effect of breed on body weight (BW) and linear body measurement traits such as wing length (WL), keel length (KL), shank circumference (SC), chest circumference (CC) and beak length (BL) of two (Hy-line Silver Brown and Potchefstroom Koekoek) layer chicken layer breeds. A total of 100 layers with 50 for each breed were randomly selected for the study at the age of 22 weeks. Pearson’s correlation and Student T-Test were used for data analysis. Correlation was employed to examine the relationship between measured traits in each breed. Correlation findings showed that BW had a highly positive statistical significant correlation (p &lt; 0.01) with WL (r = 0.76) in Potchefstroom Koekoek breed, while BW had a negative statistical significant correlation (p &lt; 0.05) with WL (r = -0.27) in Hy-line Silver Brown chicken layer breed. Student T-Test results indicated that Potchefstroom Koekoek chicken layer breed was statistically (P&lt;0.05) heavier than Hy-line Silver Brown chicken layer breed. Potchefstroom Koekoek had longer wing length and chest circumference than Hy-line Silver Brown while Hy-line Silver Brown had longer (P&lt;0.05) keel length, shank circumference and beak length than Potchefstroom Koekoek. It is concluded that the results suggest that Potchefstroom Koekoek chicken layer breed is a weightier indigenous layer but keel length, shank circumference and beak length might require improvement. It also suggests that improvement of WL might improve BW of Potchefstroom Koekoek breed while improvement of WL might decrease BW of Hy-line Silver Brown chicken layer breed.

Role of HER2 and Claudins in Subtypes of Urothelial Carcinoma Identified Bygata3 and Cytokeratin5\6 Immunohistochemical Study

Background: Bladder cancer is globally the ninth, most common malignancy, and the thirteenth most common cause, of cancer death, associated with high morbidity and mortality, if not treated optimally. Bladder cancers can be divided into molecular subtypes, referred to luminal and basal with distinct clinical behaviors. HER2 is one of the established therapeutic targets in many cancers. Claudins are tight junction proteins, known to modulate therapy resistance in cancer cells. Aim: This study aimed to assess Claudins and HER2 status in the context of tumor molecular subtypes, identified by GATA3 and CK5/6 expression, that may help to select urothelialcarcinoma patients, most likely to respond to immunotherapy. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was done upon 50 cases of conventional urothelialcarcinoma. GATA3, CK5/6, HER2, Claudins1&4 and P53immunostaining were done and correlated with clinico-immuno-pathological parameters. Results: Bladder cancers could be assigned to main intrinsic molecular subtypes, referred to luminal, basal and double negative. Basal & double negative bladder cancers were more aggressive, when compared to luminal cancers. Positive significant statistical correlation was found between HER2, claudin1 and P53 and clinic-immuno-pathologicalparametersas tumor size, grade, TNM stage, LVI, tumor budding and aggressive molecular subtypes (P-value< 0.05). Negative significant statistical correlation was found between claudin4 and fore mentioned clinico-immuno-pathologicalparameters (P-value< 0.05). Conclusions: The molecular subtypes of bladder cancers, HER2, claudin1&4 and P53 can be used for prognostic and therapeutic stratification of bladder cancers patients, and may affect patient outcome.