Significant Positive Correlation Research Articles

Filtration Behaviour of Ostrea edulis: Diurnal Rhythmicity Influenced by Light Cycles, Body Size and Water Temperature

AbstractDespite the existing studies on oyster physiology, it is a concern that, by ignoring the diurnal rhythmicity of feeding activities, the current knowledge on oyster filtration might be unrepresentative of their real filtration capacity. In the present study, the diurnal and nocturnal fluctuations of Ostrea edulis clearance rate were investigated for the first time under laboratory conditions, also considering the combined effects of water temperature and oyster size. A positive correlation was found between the mean clearance rate (CRm) and body size for both length and wet weight, with an average of 0.5 L h−1 and 0.1 L h−1 of water filtered by large and small adult oysters respectively during the 24-h experiment. A positive significant correlation between mean clearance rate and water temperature was found only for large oysters, suggesting further studies utilising temperature ranges closer to O. edulis thermal optimum are required to clarify the influence of temperature on oyster filtration activities across different size classes. The results of this study also showed a discontinuous ingestion of food by O. edulis throughout 24-h intervals, with higher values of clearance rate observed during hours of darkness at most temperatures for both size classes. This suggests photoperiod may have a potential influence on O. edulis filtration. Providing a better understanding of O. edulis filtration behaviour, these findings have implications for ecological restoration, aquaculture, and comparative studies on oyster bioenergetics and physiology, with direct applications to the development of predictive models and the assessment of ecosystem services provided by O. edulis habitat.

Physiotherapists knowledge, attitudes, and practices about therapeutic interventions for cognitive and motor impairments in adult patients with traumatic brain injury

Abstract Background and aim Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects brain functions, often leading to a range of cognitive and motor impairments, necessitating effective rehabilitation. It is expedient for physiotherapists to have adequate knowledge, an appropriate attitude, and practice towards managing cognitive and motor impairments in adults with TBI. This study assessed physiotherapists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices of cognitive and motor impairments in adult patients with TBI. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 75 physiotherapists recruited from 8 hospitals in South-West Nigeria via purposive sampling. A self-developed questionnaire administered via Google Forms® was used to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of physiotherapists towards cognitive and motor impairments in adult patients with TBI. Descriptive statistics of mean, median, range, percentages, and frequency distribution tables were used in summarizing the KAP, while the association/correlation between KAP scores and selected demographic/profession-related characteristics was also investigated using inferential statistics of the Man-Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis, and Spearman ranked correlation. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results The mean age of the participants was 28.73 ± 7.093 years, predominantly female (53.3%), with a bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy (78.7%), and specializing in neuro-physiotherapy. Most respondents demonstrated knowledge of cognitive 45 (60%) and motor 42 (56%) impairments in adult TBI patients. There was a (rho = 0.259) positive significant correlation (p = 0.025) between the age of the physiotherapist and their knowledge of the management of cognitive and motor impairment in adult patients with TBI. Conclusion Many physiotherapists in South-West Nigeria demonstrate good knowledge of TBI, with this knowledge increasing with age. This study underscores the importance of continuous educational training for physiotherapists, a consequence of which should be better rehabilitation and functional outcomes for people with TBI.

The role of CREB and MAPK signaling pathways in ATLL patients.

HTLV-1 is a worldwide distribution retrovirus with 10-20 million infected individuals. ATLL is an Adult T-cell leukaemia lymphoma caused by aggressive T-cell proliferation that is infected by HTLV-1 and is associated with an inferior prognosis. The exact molecular pathogenesis has yet to be fully understood. CREB, a transcription factor, acts as a molecular switch that controls the expression of numerous genes in response to various extracellular signals. Its activation is primarily mediated through phosphorylation by multiple kinases, including MAPKs. MAPKs, a family of serine/threonine kinases, serve as crucial mediators of intracellular signaling cascades. This study investigated, 38 HTLV-I-infected individuals, including 18 HTLV-1 asymptomatic carriers(ACs) and 20 ATLL subjects. mRNA was extracted and converted to cDNA from Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and then the expression of TAX, HBZ, CREB, and MAPK was analyzed by TaqMan qPCR. The genomic HTLV-1 Proviral loads were examined among the study group. The data analysis showed a significant difference in the mean of CREB expression amongst study groups (ATLL and carriers,(p = 0.002). There is no statistical difference between the MAPK gene expression (p = 0.35). HBZ, TAX, and HTLV-1 proviral load wereesignificantly higher in ATLL subjectscompared to ACs (p = 0.002, 0.000, and 0.000), respectively. Moreover, our results, demonstrated a direct positive correlation among HBZ, CREB, and TAX gene expression in ATLL patients (p = 0.001), whilst betweenthe ACs, TAX gene expression had a positive significant correlation with HBZ and HTLV-1 proviral load (p = 0.007 and p = 0.004, respectively). The present study demonstrated that CREB gene expression was higher in the ATLL group than ACs, while there was no difference for MAPK. Therefore, this pathway may not strongly involve inthe activation of CREB. The CREB may be a prognostic factor for the development of HTLV-I-associated diseases and can be used as a monitoring marker for the efficiency of the therapeutic regime and prognosis.

Foot Progression Angle in Relation to Spatiotemporal Parameters of Gait in Children with Cerebral Palsy

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the difference in the foot progression angle and measure spatiotemporal parameters of gait of children with diplegic cerebral palsy and to examine the relation among foot progression angle of right and left lower limb and spatiotemporal parameters of gait. DESIGN: Cross-sectional and Correlation study. SUBJECTS: Sixty children with spastic diplegia, aged 5 to 8 years. The participants were categorized into 3 age groups of equivalent number: group A (5 to 6 years), group B (6 to 7 years), as well as group C (7 to 8 years). METHODS: Foot progression angle and spatiotemporal parameters of the gait for both feet were evaluated utilizing a dynamic footprint. RESULTS: a moderate negative significant correlation was noted among left FPA and right step length, and right stride length. There was moderate positive significant correlation among left FPA and cadence . A weak non-significant correlation was observed among right and left FPA and gait parameters among three groups. CONCLUSION: foot progression angle assessment and spatiotemporal measurements and the correlation among them can give objective and quantitative data that could be utilized in rehabilitation and clinical evaluations to identify functional deficiencies.

From Block to Shred: Understanding the Factors Influencing Shreddability of Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella cheese (MC) is widely used for pizza applications, and it is generally shredded either in conversion plants or in pizzerias. The shreddability of MC is influenced by a variety of factors and it is critical to understand how different Mozzarella cheese types and storage conditions (temperature and age) affect this property. Three batches each of 3 types of MC (low-moisture Mozzarella (LMM), low-moisture part-skim Mozzarella (LMPS), and reduced fat Mozzarella (RFM)) representing 3 different fat levels were procured directly from a commercial manufacturer and stored at 2 different temperatures (1.67 and 4.44°C) and evaluated for shreddability at 2- and 3-weeks storage. Shreddability parameters such as stiction (peak force) and work of grating were significantly affected (P <0.05) by fat content and storage time, while the weight of the shred obtained after each cycle was significantly affected (P <0.05) by fat content and storage temperature. Along with shreddability, other tests such as texture profile analysis (TPA), wire cutting, stretchability, and dynamic shear rheology (DSR) were performed to understand their relationship with shreddability. Textural parameters were significantly affected (P <0.05) by fat content and storage time while wire-cutting parameters were significantly affected by fat content, storage time, and temperature. Stretchability and dynamic shear rheology parameters were significantly affected by fat content followed by storage time and temperature. Further shreddability parameters such as stiction and work of shear had a positive significant correlation while the weight of shreds had a negative significant correlation with unmelt (TPA) and melt parameters (stretchability and DSR). Overall, fat content had the greatest effect on shreddability followed by storage time and temperature. Considering the high correlation of shreddability with other textural parameters, textural parameters can be used to predict shreddability of MC.

Estrogen blood profile of chickens in the studied period of the ovulatory cycle

The aim: to study the dynamics of the concentrations of estradiol, estriol and estrone, their ratios in the studied period of the ovulatory cycle and the connection with the size of egg yolk.Materials and methods. The material for the study was chickens of the Pushkin breed, in the amount of 36 birds. at 36 weeks of age. The chickens were kept in individual cages. Light mode — 14C:10T. Watering — nipple, temperature in the poultry house and feeding - in accordance with the standards adopted by the Central Collective Use Center of the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Growing Animals "Genetic collection of rare and endangered breeds of chickens". Over the course of 7 days, eggs from 96 chickens of 30 weeks of age were assessed by the weight of the egg, yolk, white, shell - using electronic scales Mertech M-ER 122ACF(JR) with an accuracy of 0,01 g. Eggs were counted and assessed individually: From each hen, at least 3 consecutively laid eggs were examined the next day after collection. Based on the data obtained from assessing chickens based on the quality characteristics of eggs and productivity, 36 birds with egg yolk weights M-0,5σ, M±0,45σ, M+0,5σ were selected. Blood from the studied chickens was taken in the morning and during the day on an empty stomach to simultaneously determine the concentrations of estradiol, estriol and estrone 2 hours before laying eggs and within 4 hours after laying, with an interval of 1 hour. In order to obtain serial blood samples from chickens for Dynamic studies of estrogens included the installation of peripheral venous (intravenous) catheters. The concentration of estrogen in the blood plasma of chickens was determined by ELISA.Results. The concentrations of individual estrogenic hormones change during the 6 hours of the studied period of the ovulatory cycle, periodically increasing and decreasing, while the fluctuations coincide only in two periods after the egg is laid: after 1—2 hours — a rise and 2—3 hours — a decline. Of the six studied periods of the ovulatory cycle of chickens, the time period of practical interest is 2—1 hours before egg laying, when the ratio of estradiol:estrone was 7,4:1, estriol:estrone — 7,9:1 and estradiol:estriol — 1:1. During this period, a positive significant correlation was revealed between the estradiol:estrone ratio and the yolk mass of chicken eggs — +0,55 (p &lt;0,05). Also, in the established period, the highest concentration of estradiol (1,52±0,12 nmol/l), estrone (0,29±0,04 nmol/l) was simultaneously observed compared to other periods, and the lowest concentration of estriol (1,67± 0,16 nmol/l). A positive correlation was determined between estradiol and estrone — +0,68 (p &lt;0,05) and estradiol and estriol — +0,71 (p &lt;0,05).Conclusion. In the period 2—1 hours before laying eggs, the effect on the body of chickens of estrogenic hormones in the ratio estradiol: estrone 7,4:1, estriol:estrone – 7,9:1 and estradiol:estriol — 1:1 leads to inactivation of synthetic systems, providing intensive formation of ovogenic substances by the liver (vitellogenin, lipoproteins), and the transfer of vitellogenic material into developing follicles.

Effectiveness of learning human anatomy using three-dimensional augmented reality application

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that augments reality with two- or three-dimensional computer-generated imagery (CGI), objects, or information, and allows users to interact efficiently. The aim of this study was to measure the effectiveness of Augmented Reality (AR) application in teaching Human Body anatomy and determine the attention and confidence level which contributes to learning motivation among sports school students before and after using a particular AR application online, hybrid and face to face teaching. This pre-post experimental study conducted among 32 sports school students in Bukit Jalil Sports School who registered for human anatomy subject. A written test was conducted on the topic of human body anatomy after teaching using the traditional method. Then the same group of pupils learned human body anatomy using Augmented Reality application. A post-test was conducted to evaluate the understanding and achievement. The pair sample t-test was used to determine the effectiveness between both methods. The subjects also answered a five scale Likert questionnaire to determine the attention, confidence and motivation level in learning through AR application. The paired sample t-test showed significant differences between pre- and post-test, with t(31) = −7.44, p = 0.00 (p &lt; 0.05). This showed that learning through the Augmented Reality application is much easier and more efficient compared to the traditional method using textbooks, pictures, and diagrams. The descriptive analysis showed the mean score of attention (4.31), confidence (3.98) and motivation (4.13) are high. Results demonstrated positive significant correlation between the mean score of attention (r = 0.75), and confidence (r = 0.73) toward motivation (r = 0.84) (p &lt; 0.001). These findings showed high levels of attention, self-confidence, and motivation among sports school students while learning using augmented reality compared to learning through the traditional method. In conclusion this study proved that AR application can increase motivation in the learning process and enhance academic performance in Human Anatomy and also other subjects.

Melatonin levels in the follicular fluids and its correlation with ICSI Outcomes

Background: Melatonin is a hormone mainly synthesized and secreted from the pineal gland. The daily rhythm of circulatory melatonin is released in very low concentrations during the day and high levels at night. Melatonin has many functions beside regulation of circadian rhythm including immune system and autonomic cardiovascular regulation but the main melatonin function is antioxidant action and detoxification of free radicals. Patients and method: This cross sectional study was conducted during the period starting from November 2018 to May 2019. Eighty infertile female aged range 18–46 years were enrolled in the present study, the patients were undergoing controlled ovarian induction for IVF /ICSI treatment. All patents were divided into 3 groups according to age, FSH, E2, AMH and ovarian respond to controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocols. The follicular fluid melatonin measured at oocyte retrieval day using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: There was significant difference in follicular fluid melatonin level between the three studied groups (p=0.031). There was also a positive significant correlation between follicular fluid melatonin with MII oocytes (r=0.343; p= 0.024), grade I embryo (r=0.375; p= 0.003) and AMH (r = 0.279; p= 0.027), on the other hand there was a negative significant correlation between follicular fluid melatonin and serum FSH (r = - 0.331; p= 0.016). There was also no significant difference of follicular fluid melatonin levels between pregnant and non-pregnant females (p=0.083). Conclusion: Melatonin levels in follicular fluid improve the oocytes and embryo qualities but have no effect in positive pregnancy rate.

Anthropometric Indices of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients in Mauritius.

Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most prevalent sleep-related breathing disorder, affecting a significant number of individuals globally.It is associated with poor quality of life and an increased risk of all-cause mortality. It is estimated that most of the patients suffering from OSA are obese. Anthropometric indices can help guide doctors towardthe diagnosis. Objectives This study aimed to establish specific anthropometric thresholds associated with OSA risk, allowing clinicians to identify individuals more likely to have OSA and who may need further evaluation, such as polysomnography. This targeted screening approach would enable better resource allocation to those at higher risk, potentially enhancing the efficiency of OSA diagnosis and management. Methods We conducted a descriptive study using data from the sole private sleep clinic in Mauritius. We analyzed case files of consecutive patients diagnosed with OSA over a 3.5-year period from January 2015 to June 2018. Results The study population comprised 170 patients (79.4% males) diagnosed with OSA by a polygraphy test.The mean age of OSA diagnosis in men and women was 51.7 ± 14.0 years and 53.8 ± 12.5 years, respectively.The mean neck circumference (NC) for males and females was 41.9 ± 3.9 cm and 38.2 ± 3.9 cm, while the mean waist circumference (WC) was 105.6 ± 12.2 cm for men and 103.4 ± 14.5 cm for women. The body mass index (BMI) was 29.1± 5.0 kg/m2 and 31.4± 6.8 kg/m2 for males and females, respectively. The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) averaged to 42.1 ± 19.7 events/hour for men and 33.3 ± 16.4 events/hour for women.In male patients, we found a positive significant correlation (p<0.001) between AHI and the following parameters: BMI (r=0.443), WC(r=0.337), WC-to-height ratio (WHr) (r=0.378), NC(r =0.274), and neck-to-height ratio (NHr) (r =0.321).In women, we observed a positive significant correlation between apnea severity and the following: BMI (r=0.396, p=0.029), WC (r=0.462, p=0.005), and WHr (r=0.494, p=0.003).No significant relationships were observed between AHI and the following parameters in women: NC (r=0.317, p=0.064) and NHr (r=0.311, p=0.069). A total of 83.5% of patients had a Mallampati score of 3-4. Conclusion This study represents a pioneering effort on the island. While further research is necessary to establish exact anthropometric cutoff values, the findings offer crucial insights for physicians to identify high-risk individuals. With just a scale, measuring tape, and calculator, healthcare professionals can detect important health markers that extend beyond diagnosing OSA. These simple measurements not only help in predicting OSA but also provide a broader view of an individual's overall health, identifying risks that go beyond sleep issues. This research sets an important foundation for future OSA studies within the Mauritian population.

Impact of implementing virtual journal club on developing competencies for critical appraisal among post-graduate nursing students

BackgroundVirtual journal clubs (VJCs) are innovative technologies with the potential to foster collaboration, facilitate multilingual communication, improve cultural competencies, and expand global professional networks. This allowed participants to be exposed to critical appraisal of the articles. However, its long-term impact on competency development has been debated. This study aimed to investigate the impact of implementing VJCs on developing competencies for critical appraisal among postgraduate nursing students.MethodsA quasi-experimental (pretest/posttest one-group) research design was used with a convenience sample of 40 participants from the community health nursing department, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt who agreed to participate. The participants received an online self-administered knowledge and attitude data collection tool through Google Forms. However, critical appraisal skills were evaluated by an observational checklist with a rubric through synchronized mode. Eleven VJC sessions were conducted for each participant. Descriptive analysis served as the primary method for analyzing participants’ responses. Students’ t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to measure differences between the pretest and post-test. The study also used a correlation test to assess the relationship of variables.ResultsThe findings indicated a highly statistically significant difference among the participants regarding knowledge, critical appraisal skills, and attitudes toward VJC before, immediately, and six months after VJC session implementation. In addition, a positive significant correlation with a highly statistically significant difference between the participants’ total knowledge score levels, total practice score levels, and total attitude score levels in the immediate post and after six months of VJC session implementation (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe findings indicate this intervention has the potential to enhance critical appraisal competencies among postgraduate students. Therefore, VJCs should be included regularly to enhance critical appraisal competencies in academic settings for continued professional development.

Lipoprotein(a) as a predictive marker of coronary artery calcification (CAC). The results from the STAR-Lp(a) cohort study.

Abstract Background Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] concentration is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including atherosclerosis. Purpose The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the elevated Lp(a) levels, and the risk of developing atherosclerosis assessed using coronary artery calcium (CAC) score. Methods The analysis was conducted among 553 primary prevention patients (65.7% women, the average age was 65.8±10.1 years) from the outpatient specialist care who underwent coronary computed tomographic angiography (CTA). This group accounted for 22.3% of all patients (n=2475) included in the registry. Lp(a) levels were assessed in three groups: &amp;lt;30 mg/dL (&amp;lt;75 nmol/l) (normal level), 30-50 mg/dL (75-125 nmol/l) (moderate cardiovascular risk) and &amp;gt;50 (&amp;gt;125 nmol/l) (high cardiovascular risk). Patients were divided into groups: with normal CAC score (CAC=0), with CAC 1-100 (presence of atherosclerotic), and those with CAC&amp;gt;100 (advanced atherosclerosis). Statistical analysis was performed using STATISTICA 13.1. Quantitative variables were known by providing descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation [SD]). The chi-square test was used to assess the relationship between quantitative variables and Mann-Whitney and Kruskal Wallis in the case of qualitative variables. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to measure correlation. To determine the effect of factors on the probability of occurrence CAC=0 a multivariate logistic regression model was built. P&amp;lt;0.05 was judged as significant. Results Positive significant correlation between CAC score and age was revealed (r=0.266, p&amp;lt;0.001). An analogous relationship was observed regarding to glucose level (r=-0.123, p=0.012). This was not observed for Lp(a). However, we showed a significant relationship between the level of Lp(a) and CAC score (r=0.113, p=0.009) (Fig. 1). Lp(a) levels increased with the CAC score increase. For every 10 mg/dL (25 nmol/l) of Lp(a), CAC score increases by 15.7±0.57 (p=0.006). The mean CAC among patients with normal Lp(a) level was 203.1 (±412.6) and respectively 206.6 (±460.1) in those with moderate cardiovascular risk and 335.6 (±784.9) for people with high risk (p=0.183). In the regression model the factors determining the absence of atherosclerosis (CAC=0; "power of zero") included female gender (OR = 4.05; 95CI: 2.48-6.59), age under 65 (OR = 0.31; 95CI: 0.07-1.34 for aged 40-65), and Lp(A)≤50 mg/dl (≤125 nmol/l) (OR=2.26; 95CI: 1.12-4.61). People with hypertension had a significantly lower odds of CAC=0 (OR=0.58; 95CI: 0.38-0.89). Conclusions The study showed a significant linear relationship between increased Lp(a) levels, and the progression of atherosclerosis expressed by the CAC score. Results confirm some existing recommendations that if an elevated Lp(a) level is found in a patient for primary prevention, a CT scan of the coronary arteries with assessment of the CAC score should be considered for more appropriate risk stratification.

Prognostic Significance of Angiogenesis in invasive ductal carcinoma

Background: Angiogenesis is essential for tumor growth and metastasis. Axillary lymphnode status has been the most important prognostic factor in operable breast carcinoma, but it does not fully account for the varied disease outcome. More accurate prognostic indicators would help in selection of patients at high risk for disease recurrence and death who are candidates for systemic adjuvant therapy. Microvessel density in invasive ductal carcinoma (measures of tumor angiogenesis) is associated with metastasis and thus may be a prognostic indicator. Objective: To correlate intratumoral and peritumoral angiogenic microvessel density with lymphnode metastasis in invasive ductal carcinoma. Material and Methods: It is a cross sectional observational study, carried out at the department of Pathology, BSMMU from January 2016 to December 2017. A total 48 mastectomy samples with axillary nodes from histologically confirmed invasive ductal carcinoma were included in this study. Weidner method was used for calculating micro vessels density. Sections examined to evaluate the density of angiogenic vessels by immuohistological stain with vWF expression in invasive breast cancer. Correlation between angiogenic vessels density with or without lymphnode metastasis was taken. Results: In this study angiogenic vessel count is more in the intratumoral area than peritumoural area. There was a positive significant correlation between lymphnode metastasis with micro vessel density in both peritumoral and intratumoral areas in Weidner method in vWF stain. J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll 2023; 15(1): 59-65

Biogenic and risk elements in wild boar testes and relation to spermatozoa motility

Environmental pollution results in serious health hazards to animals, reflected in biogenic and risk element concentrations in animal tissues. The objective of this study was to examinate concentration of selected elements in testes, and epididymal spermatozoa motility of wild boars. Wild boars were hunted in region Žuhračka - Levice, Slovak Republic. Testes were removed postmortem, spermatozoa were collected from cauda epididymis and assessed by CASA system. Elements concentrations were measured by ICP and by CV-AAS. Spermatozoa motility was 44.29% and progressive motility 18.47%. Concentration of elements in testes was in following order: K > Na > Mg > Ca > Fe > Zn > Al > Cu > Se > Mn > As > Cr > Pb > Mo > Sr > Ni > Ba > Cd > Li > Hg. The most notable correlations indicate association between Se and total spermatozoa motility, as well as with progressive motility, furthermore between As and velocity curved line and beat cross frequency. A high positive significant correlation was found between mercury and beat cross frequency. The data may serve as a fine control indicator to detect potentially toxic elements accumulated from polluted environment that can affect reproduction of wild animals.

HOXA9 and CD163 potentiate pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression

BackgroundThe role of HOXA9 requires investigations in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) as HOXA9 inhibitors are being developed. HOXA9 might attract CD163 expressed tumor associated macrophages (TAM) and could affect PDAC prognosis. This work aims to study the expression and relevance of HOXA9 and CD163 in PDAC progression.Materials and methodsSelected 98 PDAC and 98 adjacent non tumor tissues as a control group were immunostained with HOXA9 and CD163 antibodies.ResultsPDAC displayed highly significant higher HOXA9 staining intensity, percent and H score values than control group. HOXA9 staining of PDAC cases showed significant associations with poor prognostic indicators including larger tumor size, higher grade and advanced stage. PDAC showed highly significant differences regarding CD163 macrophage-specific staining intensity, percent and H score values than control group. CD163 showed significant higher expressions with larger tumor size, higher histological grade and advanced stage group. HOXA9 staining in PDAC showed highly significant direct correlations with CD163 positive macrophages. Follow up of PDAC cases revealed that high median H score of HOXA9 and CD163 were significantly associated with worse overall survival. CD163 was an independent prognostic marker of worse survival.ConclusionsIn conclusion, HOXA9 could potentiate PDAC progression by stimulating CD163 expressed TAM attraction in tumors. HOXA9 and CD163 could participate in PDAC therapy. HOXA9 and CD163 could be predictors of worse prognosis and shorter survival in PDAC.

Взаимосвязь уровня неконьюгированного билирубина и спирометрических показателей у подростков с бронхиальной астмой

Either a high-to-normal or slightly elevated total bilirubin level may have external respiration protective effect in patients with bronchial asthma (BA). However, Authors have searched but not found any studies related to the connection between the unconjugated bilirubin level and spirometric parameters in adolescents. The purpose of this research was to study the connection between unconjugated bilirubin level and spirometric parameters in adolescents with BA. Materials and methods used: a single-center observational cross-sectional pilot study of 74 adolescents aged 10 to 17 y/o with BA was conducted. All participants had undergone measurements of anthropometric and spirometric parameters, hematological parameters, both total and unconjugated bilirubin level. Results: elevated total bilirubin (17.1 mmol/l and higher) occurred in 40.5% (30) being the highest in homozygous carriers of UGT1A1 gene polymorphisms with an increased number of TA repeats, the differences were statistically insignificant. The unconjugated bilirubin level and such spirometric indicators as z-ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity of the lungs (FVC) and z-criterion of the mean forced expiratory flow during the 25-75% of FVC (MEF25-75) had statistically significant direct correlation (R=0,42, p&lt;0,001, R=0,37, p=0,001, respectively). Patients with obstructive lung ventilation disorders at the time of examination (zFEV1/FVC less than -1.645) had lower levels of both total and unconjugated bilirubin, the differences were statistically significant (p=0.002 and p=0.004, respectively). Conclusion: statistically significant correlations between unconjugated bilirubin level and such spirometric parameters as zFEV1/FVC and zMEF25-75 as well as unconjugated bilirubin low level identification in patients with spirometric indicators of bronchial obstruction suggest a protective effect of unconjugated bilirubin on the development of bronchial obstruction in adolescents with BA.

الاستمالات الإقناعية في الإعلانات التجارية لدى المؤثرين على شبكات التواصل الاجتماعي ودورها في تسويق المنتجات لدى الشباب الجامعي الأردني

Persuasions Grooming' in Commercial Advertisements Among the Influencers on Social Media and Their Role in Marketing Products Among the University Jordanian Youth The study aimed to identify the habits and patterns of university Jordanian youth’s exposure to advertisements presented by Social Media Influencers and their confidence in them and the persuasion techniques they contain. This study is classified as descriptive-analytical research, which relied on the survey methodology, where the sample of the study consisted of (393) items from the study community, represented by the students of Yarmouk University and Jadara University in the northern part of Jordan, who use social networks and follow the advertisements of influencers on them. To achieve the study's objectives, the researchers relied on the questionnaire as a data collection tool. The study found that the degree of university Jordanian youth’s follow-up to Social Media Influencers and their follow-up to commercial advertisements presented by them was (Medium), it also showed that the degree of university Jordanian youth’s confidence in commercial advertisements presented by influencers was also (Medium). The study showed that psychological persuasion ranked first as the most prominent persuasion that works to attract university youth to the advertisements presented by Social Media Influencers. The study also found that the most prominent factor that drives university Jordanian youth to pay attention to commercial advertisements presented by influencers is the influencer himself, followed by the way the advertisements are presented. It revealed a significant direct correlation between the extent to which university youth trust commercial advertisements submitted by Social Media Influencers and the extent to which they respond to advertisements submitted by them in terms of purchasing the product or not.

THE RELATIONSHIP OF COVID-19 FEAR WITH PREOPERATIVE ANXIETY AND POSTOPERATIVE ANALGESIC REQUIREMENT IN TOTAL HIP AND KNEE ARTHROPLASTY PATIENTS

It was conducted to determine the relationship between fear of Covid-19 and preoperative anxiety and postoperative analgesic requirement in total hip and knee arthroplasty patients. This descriptive study was conducted with 331 patients scheduled for arthroplasty who were hospitalized in the orthopedic clinic of a hospital in eastern Turkey between March 2022-2023. Fear of covid-19, state anxiety inventory, and visual analogue pain scale were used. The mean age of the patients was 61.9±14.4 years, 52.0% had undergone total knee arthroplasty, and there was no relationship between Covid-19 fear score and state anxiety score. A positive significant correlation was found between opioid requirement and Covid-19 fear score on the first and second days after surgery. A weak positive correlation was found between non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) requirement and Covid-19 fear score on the zero, first and second days after surgery. A weak negative correlation was found between paracetamol use and Covid-19 fear score on the first and second days. It was determined that the Covid-19 fear experienced by the patients before surgery was not associated with preoperative anxiety and increased the use of analgesics such as NSAIDs and opioids after surgery.

Analysis on Family Business and Succession Planning in Hotel and Hospitality Sector in Uganda: A Case of White Horse Inn Kabale

Purpose: The study was set to examine the relationship between family business and succession planning in hotel and hospitality sector in Uganda, focusing on White Horse Inn Kabale as a case study. The study explored the strategies employed by leaders in family businesses for effective succession planning. Materials and Methods: The study used a mixed research design with quantitative and qualitative approaches to obtain in-depth information about family business and succession planning strategies in Uganda. Out of 150, a sample size of 108 (including 93 quantitative and 15 qualitative) was selected from different staff of White Horse Inn Kabale as the established family enterprise selected for the study (Krejcie &amp; Morgan, 1970). The tools used for data collection were questionnaires, an interview guide, and documentary checklist. Data was collected from the managerial and non-managerial staff of the White Horse Inn Kabale. Findings: The Pearson correlation coefficient r=.618, P&lt;0.05 indicates that there is a positive significant correlation coefficient between family business and succession planning. The model summary findings presents that Family Business, β=.618, t=7.666, p&lt;.005. This meant that a unit change in family business would lead to an increase in succession planning in White Horse Inn Kabale. The study findings reveals that the relationship between Family Business and Succession Planning was statistically significant, F=58.775, P&lt;0.05. This means that succession planning in a family business is a crucial process that ensures the long-term sustainability and success of the company. The results from regression model summary explain that family business caused a variation of 38.2% in succession planning. This indicates that succession planning in a family business is a crucial process that ensures the long-term sustainability and success. This therefore means that other factors not studied in this research contribute 61.8% of the succession planning. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that family business should formally document succession plans as an integral component of the business strategy, irrespective of the intentions regarding succession. Furthermore, fostering open and adaptable communication that promotes participatory decision-making is strongly recommended. A clear process for identifying essential competencies, along with a competency catalog, should be established to provide a solid foundation for business owners to evaluate potential successors, pinpoint competency deficiencies, and devise suitable plans for their development.

Clinical and psychoemotional characteristics of patients with medication overuse headache

The available data indicate the important role of personality profile, psychoemotional disorders and psychosocial aspects in the development and maintenance of medication overuse headache (MOH). It is therefore important to identify predictors for the development and factors that influence the course and prognosis of treatment for this disorder.Objective: to analyze the clinical and psychological profile of patients and to identify predictors of the course of MOH in order to develop a prognostic model.Material and methods. We performed a comparative analysis of the characteristics of 117 patients with MOH (group 1) and 23 patients with chronic migraine (CM) without MOH (group 2) using clinical data and questionnaire data to determine the neuropsychological profile (PCS, Spielberger-Khanin Anxiety Scale, PHQ-9, BIS-11, TAS-26, SAGE test, Leeds Dependence Questionnaire – LDQ) at the time of admission to hospital and 9 months after the start of treatment.Results. The study showed that 100% of patients with CM and MOH had various psychoemotional disorders. At the same time, the pre-therapy baseline indicators for the level of personal anxiety, pain catastrophizing scales, impulsive behavior, alexithymia and LDQ parameters were significantly higher in the group of patients with CM and MOH than in the group with CM without excessive analgesic use. Using multiple linear regression, it was found that an increase in the severity of depression by 1 point is significantly associated with an increase in the number of days with headache (HA) by 0.33 days per month. In addition, a significant direct correlation was found between the degree of addiction according to LDQ and the extent of pain catastrophizing and situational anxiety, as well as the level of cognitive functions (according to the SAGE questionnaire) in an inverse relationship. At the same time, the frequency of analgesics use per day in the group of patients with CM and MOH is significantly related to the level of pain catastrophizing, depression and personal anxiety.Conclusion. The results obtained confirm the biobehavioral concept of MOH development. Effective therapy of the primary form of HA (in our study – CM) is significantly associated with a decrease in the severity of anxiety, depression, catastrophizing and the frequency of taking analgesics. Personality traits, especially the tendency to impulsive behavior, remain unchanged against the background of chronic HA treatment. The presented results emphasize the need for complex treatment of patients with CM and MOH.

Pulmonary Congestion and Anemia in Hemodialysis: The Potential Link to Inflammation

Pulmonary congestion (PC) is common in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We explored the association of anemia and pulmonary congestion in HD patients. A prospective pilot observational study included 18 patients on maintenance HD. Individual B-lines scores (BLS; 8-sites method) were obtained by lung ultrasound, before and after the first two consecutive HD sessions of the week (HD1-HD2), with different inter-dialytic intervals (68 vs. 44 h). Bioimpedance spectroscopy body composition (BIS) was performed before each HD session. Hemoglobin (Hb) levels, in addition to circulating markers of chronic inflammation (soluble urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor [suPAR], soluble Suppression of Tumorigenicity 2 [sST2]) were obtained. Mean (±SD) BLS values were quite elevated at all time points: Pre-HD1 (16 ± 5.53), post-HD1 (15.3 ± 6.63), pre-HD2 (16.3 ± 5.26) and post-HD2 (13.6 ± 5.83), respectively. No direct significant correlation was found between inflammation markers levels and BLS. However, mean levels (±SD, ng/mL) of suPAR pre-HD1 (7.88 ± 3.07) and pre-HD2 (7.78 ± 3.02) remained significantly above the normal range (&lt;4 ng/mL), and sST2 levels reached 2-fold the upper normal value in most patients (27.4 ± 17.8). Pulmonary congestion reflected by BLS was negatively correlated to Hb levels pre-HD1 (R² = 0.439, p = 0.003), and pre-HD2 (R² = 0.301, p = 0.018). In addition, Hb levels were negatively correlated to global volume status estimated by BIS (R² = 0.351, p = 0.009). Hemoglobin levels were negatively correlated to pulmonary congestion and to the global volume status evaluated by BIS. Chronic inflammation markers were increased in HD patients, suggesting a complex volume- and non-volume-dependent pathophysiology of pulmonary congestion in HD patients.