Significant Positive Correlation Research Articles

The Effects of Physiotherapists' Attitudes Towards Complementary And Alternative Medicine on Their Perspectives To Chronic Low Back Pain

Objective: This study aims to investigate how the perspectives of physiotherapists on complementary and alternative medicine practices influence their strategies for chronic low back pain. Material-Method: The study included 162 physiotherapists. Participants' attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine were assessed using Complementary, Alternative, and Traditional Medicine Attitude Scale. Physiotherapists' attitudes and beliefs related to chronic low back pain were evaluated using Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale. Results: Positive significant correlations were observed between Complementary, Alternative, and Traditional Medicine Attitude Scale-Total Score and Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale Factor 1 (r=0.204, p=0.009) and Factor 2 (r=0.174, p=0.027).Significant correlation was found between Complementary, Alternative, and Traditional Medicine Attitude Scale-Philosophical congruence with complementary and alternative medicine subscore and Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale Factor 1 (r=0.319, p=0.000) and Factor 2 (r=0.286, p=0.000).Complementary, Alternative, and Traditional Medicine Attitude Scale-Holistic balance subscore showed significant correlation with Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale Factor 1 (r=0.222, p=0.005) and Factor 2 (r=0.155, p=0.049). Conclusion: Physiotherapists with more positive attitude towards complementary and alternative medicine practices tend to lean towards biomedical approach to chronic low back pain. Increasing physiotherapists' knowledge about complementary and alternative medicine practices and evidence-based interventions may influence their approaches to chronic low back pain.

Unveiling resilience: coelomic fluid bacteria’s impact on plant metabolism and abiotic stress tolerance

ABSTRACT Earthworms’ coelomic fluid (CF) has been discovered to possess properties that promote plant development. In particular, the earthworm’s coelomic fluid-associated bacteria (CFB) are the primary factor influencing the plants’ response. To investigate this, we used bacteria isolated from the CF and selected based on different plant growth-promoting traits, in a mesocosm ecosystem that includes plants. This experiment aimed to assess their impact on the metabolism of plants growing under abiotic stress environments (alkaline soil and nitrogen (N), phosphate (P), and potassium (K) deficit) and compare the lipid profiles of plants under the various treatments. We used seven different bacterial species isolated from the CF of Aporrectodea molleri and as a plant model Zea mays L. For the metabolomic analysis method, we used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry lipidomic. After observing the metabolomic profiles, we found that a few molecular pathways are involved in how plants react to bacterial biostimulants. The bacterial isolates belonging to Pantoea vagans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus paramycoides, and Bacillus thuringiensis have led to a significant increase in synthesizing several metabolites belonging to various chemical categories. Contrary to predictions, abiotic stress did not cause a drop in the composition and concentration of lipids in plants treated with the CFB, demonstrating the rigidity of the protective mechanisms. The statistical analysis based on the Pearson method revealed a positive significant correlation between plant growth parameters (length of the aerial part, surface of the leaves, and biomass) and some metabolites belonging to fatty acids, carboxylic acids, benzene derivatives, and alkanes. Moreover, the standard metabolic components of all treatments in much higher concentrations during bacterial treatments than the control treatment suggests that the bacteria have stimulated the overexpression of these metabolic components. According to these results, we could assume that plants treated with CFB exhibit an adaptability of abiotic stress defense mechanisms, which may be attributed to the upregulation of genes involved in lipid biosynthesis pathways.

Teachers’ Academic Behaviors on Students’ Academic Achievement

Teacher's behavior plays a vital role in academic achievement. A teacher's behavior can affect student's capacity to learn as well as others students' learning environment. Teachers are the role models for their students and their behavior meaningfully influence students’ personal and academic life. Keeping in view the significant influence of teachers on the students’ academic achievement, the study aimed to investigate the influence of teachers’ behavior on students’ academic achievement at affiliated campuses. This article explores the correlation between teachers' actions, methods, attitudes, and behaviors in the academic setting and how they impact students' academic performance and achievement. It delves into the importance of teacher-student interactions, instructional strategies, feedback mechanisms, and classroom management techniques in shaping students' learning outcomes. This research article discusses the Influence of Teachers’ Behavior on Students Academic Achievement of Higher Level. The respondents were the teachers and students were associated to the campuses affiliated to Tribhuvan University. From the 15 public colleges, 60 teachers and 600 students from five departments were selected as a sample. Two questionnaires were developed and validated through pilot testing and administered to the sample for the collection of data. The researcher personally visited the respondents, thus 100% data were collected. The collected data were tabulated and analyzed by using chi-square and Pearson's product moment coefficient of correlation (r). The major conclusions of the study were that teachers felt proud to be teachers; they adjusted themselves with the prevailing situation and circumstances, and they used different motivational techniques for teaching. Students were found to be satisfied with the positive behavior of their teachers. The relationship between the teachers' behavior and corresponding academic achievement (marks) revealed a highly positive significant correlation.

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopic Analysis of Heavy Metals in Cancerous Breast Tissues Among Women in Jos, Nigeria

Breast cancer is prevalent in northern Nigerian women most especially Jos, Plateau State owing to anthropogenic activities such as solid earth mineral mining. In this study, Atomic Absorption Spectrometry was used to determine the levels of eight heavy metals (Cd, As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Ni and Zn) in cancerous and non-cancerous breast tissues of Jos Nigerian Women. The concentration of heavy metals ranged from 1.08 to 29.34 mg/kg, 0.29 to 10.76 mg/kg, 0.35 to 51.93 mg/kg, 5.15 to 62.93 mg/kg, 11.64 to 51.10 mg/kg, 0.42 to 83.16 mg/kg, 2.08 to 43.07 mg/kg and 1.67 to 71.53 mg/kg for Cd, As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Ni and Zn respectively. Using MATLAB R2016a, significant differences (t<sub>v</sub> = 0.0041 – 0.0317) existed between the levels of all the heavy metals in cancerous and non-cancerous breast tissues except Fe. At 0.01 level of significance, positive significant correlation existed between Pb and Fe, Pb and Cu, Pb and Fe, Ni and Fe, Cr and Pb, as well as Ni and Cr (r = 0.583 – 0.998) in cancerous breast tissues. Using ANOVA, significant differences also occurred in the levels of these heavy metals in cancerous breast tissues (p = 1.910510×10<sup>-26</sup>). The relatively high levels of the cancer-induced heavy metals (Cd, As, Cr and Pb) compared with control indicated contamination or exposure to heavy metals which could be the major cause of cancer in these female subjects.

#1699 The role of interleukin 12 cytokine family in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease physiopathology

Abstract Background and Aims Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is an inherited, complex disease, characterized by cysts formation and phenotypic changes. ADPKD physiopathology is under research, the role of proinflammatory chemokines responsible for perpetuating the cycle of chronic inflammation leading to kidney damage being intensively studied. We aimed to explore the individualized contribution of IL-12 interleukin family members in ADPKD physiopathology. Method We developed a prospective, case control study, in Carol Davila Clinical Hospital of Nephrology, including a group of 66 ADPKD subjects (56.1 years old, men:women 35:32), and a group of 40 healthy subjects, similar as sex, mean age. ADPKD diagnosis was based on familial history, clinical exam and CT or MRI scan. We excluded from the study subjects that presented cysts in other organs except the kidney, with eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 mp, with history of hematuria, cysts infection, urinary tract infection, renal lithiasis, with unstable blood pressure in the last 6 months. Laboratory tests: serum levels of monomers IL-12 p40 and IL-20 p35 and heterodimers IL-12 p70, IL-23, IL 35, assessed by ELISA method. Statistical analysis. All the results were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 2015 and were presented as average value ± standard deviation. p < 0.05 was considered with statistical significance. Results In ADPKD patients, we detected altered production of IL-12 cytokine, with low production of IL-12 p35 and IL-35, respectively high production of IL-12 p70, IL-23 and IL-12 p40 versus control. IL-12 p35 and IL-35 had statistically significant lower levels in ADPKD patients with eGFR<90 ml/min/1.73 mp, when compared with ADPKD patients with eGFR>90 ml/min/1.73 mp (Table 1). IL-12 p70, IL-23 and IL-12 p40 had statistically significant higher levels in ADPKD patients with eGFR<90 ml/min/1.73 mp, when compared with ADPKD patients with eGFR>90 ml/min/1.73 mp (Table 1). IL-12p70, IL-23 and IL-12 p40 had a negative significant correlation with eGFR, while IL-12p35 and IL-35 had a positive significant correlation with eGFR. Though, IL-12p35 and IL-35 serum levels correlated negatively with IL-12p70, IL-23 and IL-12 p40 serum levels in ADPKD patients. Conclusion The results of the present study suggest that ADPKD is a cellular source of IL-12 family, cytokines produced by antigenic stimulation. IL-12 family programming is abnormal in ADPKD patients. We detected synergic and divergent action of IL-12 cytokine family members, relevant for ADPKD physiopathology.

#2294 Muscle ultrasound as a tool for morphofunctional assessment in patients with chronic kidney disease

Abstract Background and Aims The measurement of the rectus femoris of the quadriceps by ultrasound is used as a measure correlated with muscle mass, strength and functionality, being able to determine diameters and muscle area. Aims To assess the usefulness of ultrasound parameters of muscle mass and correlate it with age, gender, dynamometry, exercise, biochemistry and body composition by BIVA Method We evaluated 78 patients with ACKD stages 3,4,5(87.2%) and peritoneal dialysis (22.8%) with ultrasound with an echography device (Echographe Sonosite) measuring: transverse(A) and longitudinal(B) axes, ratio B/A and circumference and muscle area of the rectus femoris of the quadriceps according the usual technique. Likewise, we evaluate Hand-grip strength (HOGS), calf circumference and body-composition by BIA. Results We evaluated 78 patients with CKD: age 71.54 ± 11.76 years, 59% men and 48.7% DM. Dynapenia/presarcopenia =20.8% with lower muscle-ultrasound parameters, with significant direct correlation p0.01 with A, B, C and muscle mass area transverse diameter (A) = 0.99 ± 0.43, B (longitudinal diameter) = 2.63 ± 0.77, muscle circumference (C) = 6.33 ± 1.83, muscular area = 2.23 ± 1,23.(healthy-population A = 1.31 ± 1.2 cm, B = 3.21 ± 3.4 cm), ratio B/A = 2.97 ± 0.94. Right HGS = 27.22 ± 8.26 kg. Having exercised shows better sig parameters: A1.08 ± 0.45 vs 0.84 ± 0.35 p < 0.01, area 2.50 ± 1.27 vs 1.80 ± 1.02 p0.01 (B and C not sig) as well as age ≤75 vs >75 sig. better in all eco-muscular parameters. We found significant differences between men and women in all parameters as well as dynamometry, perimeter-calf and muscle mass by BIA, not in albumin, Hb or CRP. Overall normal vs low hand-grip-strength (HGS) showed better not significant echo-muscle values. CKD vs PD showed higher values in CKD but not significant. Global significant direct correlations of muscle area p < 0.01) with: HGS r0.324, calf-perimeter r0.30, MM r0.40, Phase-Angle r0.35, Cell mass (BCM) r0.39, and intracellular water (AIC) r0.38. Inverse sig p < 0.01 with B/A ratio. Conclusions

#2899 Role of the Th17.1 cells in IgA nephropathy

Abstract Background and Aims T helper (Th) cells play a crucial role in glomerulonephritis, including IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Recently identified Th17.1 cells, which are elevated in sarcoidosis, lupus, and Takayasu arteritis, express chemokine receptors CCR6 and CXCR3. These receptors are implicated in inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis in glomerulonephritis models. Notably, Th17.1 cells express MDR-1 (multidrug resistance protein) and the drug efflux protein p-glycoprotein, associated with corticosteroid resistance. However, the exact role of Th17.1 cells in IgAN remains unclear. Intriguingly, Th17.1 cells produce INF-γ and IL-17, cytokines implicated in IgAN pathogenesis. Method In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we examined circulating Th17.1 cells in 18 confirmed IgAN patients. Antibodies such as anti-CXCR3-FITC and anti-CCR6-PCy7 (Biolegend, U.S.A.) were used to stain Th subpopulations. We also used combinations of the following antibodies: anti-CD45-FITC, anti-CD4-PE, anti-CD8-ECD, anti-CD3-PCy5, anti-CD56-PCy5, anti-CD3-PCy7, anti-CD19-ECD, anti-CD127-FITC, anti-CD25-PCy5, and anti-CD4-PCy7 (Coulter Immunotech, France) to evaluate T, B, NK, and Treg cells. Multicolor flow cytometry was performed using a Navios cytometer, and data were analyzed using Kaluza software (Beckman Coulter, U.S.A.). Th effector subpopulations of CD4+ lymphocytes were identified based on chemokine receptor expression: Th17.1 (CXCR3+CCR6+). Th17.1 cells were quantified as a percentage of CD4+ lymphocytes. Th1, Th2, and Treg cells were also evaluated. We explored correlations between Th17.1 cell counts, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, mL/min/1.73 m²), and proteinuria (24-hour collection). Among the patients, 5 were classified as refractory (progressive eGFR decline > 5 mL/min/1.73 m² and 24-hour proteinuria > 1g despite steroid and immunosuppressant therapy). Results The study included 18 patients. The mean (95% CI) Th17.1 cell count was 20% (16-23), and the 24-hour proteinuria was 2.1g (1.4-2.7). A significant direct correlation was observed between Th17.1 cells and proteinuria (g/L, adjusted for 24 hours) (r = 0.50, P = 0.03). Refractory patients exhibited higher Th17.1 levels compared to others (25% [95% CI: 17-33] vs. 18% [95% CI: 14-21], P = 0.02) (Fig. 1). Patients with proteinuria < 0.5g/24 h had lower Th17.1 cell counts compared to those with higher proteinuria (16% [95% CI: 12-20] vs. 21% [95% CI: 17-25], P = 0.06. No correlation was found between eGFR, proteinuria, and Th1, Th2, Th17, or Treg cells. Conclusion These findings suggest that Th17.1 cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of IgAN and could potentially indicate the response to steroids or immunosuppressants in treatment. While the direct involvement of Th17.1 cells in kidney tissue remains unexplored, further investigation is warranted due to its therapeutic and prognostic implications.

The association of serum uric acid level with metabolic risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes and their relation to eGFR status

BackgroundThe importance of uric acid has been increasingly appreciated because of its association with the development of diabetes mellitus and related diseases, and with the increasing incidence of diabetes, studying the impact of hyperuricemia in patients with diabetes type 2 is necessary. So we aimed to measure serum uric acid (SUA) levels in patients with diabetes type 2 and to assess the relation between the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the SUA in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).Subjects and methodsThis study is a cross-sectional conducted on 142 adult patients who attended the Outpatients Diabetes Clinic and Endocrinology Center in the Department of Internal Medicine, Assiut University Hospitals, in the period from the 1st of November 2021 up to October 2022. We measured serum uric acid level, serum creatinine, cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, and eGFR.ResultsOverall, 142 patients were enrolled in the study; all patients had type 2 diabetes. The mean age of the participants was 61.08 ± 9.73 years. Based on SUA level, 46 (32.4%) patients had normal SUA and 96 (67.6%) patients had high SUA. Sixty-nine (48.6%) patients had normal eGFR and 73 (51.4%) patients had reduced eGFR. We found that serum uric acid had a positive significant correlation with the number of metabolic syndrome criteria, cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, and triglycerides. Meanwhile, it had a negative significant correlation with eGFR and high-density lipoproteins.ConclusionSerum uric acid was strongly associated with metabolic syndrome components and reduced eGFR in patients with T2DM.

Evaluation of metacognition, difficulties in emotion regulation and addiction severity levels of individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder

ABSTRACT Aim This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between metacognition, difficulties in emotion regulation, and level of addiction severity in individuals with substance use disorder. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out with 121 participants at the Alcohol and Drug Addicts Treatment and Research Center between February and June 2023. The data were collected using the Metacognition Questionnaire-30 (MTQ-30), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Brief Form (DERS-16), and Addiction Profile Index (API). Results All the participants were male and polysubstance users; the age of the onset of substance use was 16.43 ± 5.95; they had been receiving treatment for addiction for an average of 1.79 ± 2.16 years. There was a strong positive significant correlation between the mean total MTQ-30 score and the mean total DERS-16 and API scores (r = .704, p < .001; r = .776, p < .001) and a moderate positive significant correlation between the mean total DERS-16 score and the mean total API score (r = .628, p < .001). It was determined that metacognition had an effect at a rate of 60.3% and difficulty in emotion regulation had an effect at a rate of 39.5% on the addiction severity of individuals. Conclusion Addiction severity was found to increase as the levels of metacognitive impairment and difficulty in emotion regulation increased.

Динамика развития управляющих функций у детей 5–6 лет в условиях Севера России

The age of 5–6 years is an important stage in the development of the child’s executive functions. It is traditionally considered a sensitive period, which is complicated by the transition from the pre-school to the primary school educational system. A child’s future academic success depends on the degree of development of executive functions (EF). Identifying specific EF components that are closely related to school readiness can help devise optimal educational approaches to pre-schoolers. Early diagnosis of certain signs of control function immaturity can help correct them in order to develop all the components of voluntary attention. The purpose of this paper is to assess the development of executive functions in children aged 5–6 years. Materials and methods. The longitudinal study was conducted between 2020 and 2022 and involved 15 children (9 boys and 6 girls) aged 5 to 6 years without a history of neurological and mental diseases, attending the same preschool (in the city of Arkhangelsk) that conforms to modern educational standards. The testing was carried out at the beginning and at the end of each academic year. Results. Having compared the parameters under study in children aged 5–6 years, we found uneven development of the EF components. Progressive changes at this age concern the functions of selective regulation, control, and following certain programmes of activities. The integral indicator of the total EF deficit follows a noticeable downward trend. This can also be evidenced by significant direct correlations between the EF components and academic success.

Knowledge, Awareness, and Attitude of Physicians Toward Child Abuse: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Child abuse refers to any type of mistreatment of a child, perpetrated by a parent, caregiver, or another individual in a custodial capacity, which may lead to instances of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Physicians play a crucial role in identifying and managing this phenomenon in the healthcare setting, as the number of unreported cases increases globally. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted between 2022 and 2023 among physicians practicing in Saudi Arabia to assess their knowledge, awareness, and attitude toward child abuse. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26 (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). A total of 153 physicians were involved in this study, in which 65 participants (42.5%) indicated poor awareness of child abuse, while 79 participants (51.6%) indicated moderate knowledge of child abuse. Additionally, lack of knowledge was the most common barrier to reporting child abuse in 87 participants (56.9%). A positive significant correlation was identified between awareness and knowledge and between knowledge and attitude. Also, it was found that a higher attitude score was more associated with being male, having less experience, practicing in the emergency medicine department, and working in a governmental hospital. These results highlight the significance of implementing specialized training programs and workshops focused on identifying and reporting child abuse, as well as providing guidelines for recognizing signs of abuse and taking appropriate intervention measures.

Partner betrayal trauma and trust: Understanding the impact on attachment style and self-esteem

Dismissal of an individual's emotional experience by their significant others can have a massive impact on the psychological well-being of the individual. Betrayal trauma discusses the prevalent social phenomenon and its short- as well as long-term impacts on an individual. This study focused on betrayal trauma in romantic relationships. It aimed to find its relation with an individual's self-esteem and attachment styles, with trust as a mediating variable. The tools used in the study- were the partner betrayal trauma trust scale, adult attachment scale and self-esteem scale, each of which was a self-report measurement scale circulated among young adults in the Indian population. The study consisted of 140 participants (n = 140) with a mean age of 21.7 and a standard deviation (SD) of 2.05. The participants included 85% female, 16% male, 3% of the participants identified as genderfluid, and 2% of the participants preferred not to mention their gender. The results from the study show that betrayal trauma in romantic relationships is related to an individual's attachment style and self-esteem. A positive significant correlation was found between betrayal trauma, self-esteem and attachment style, which reveals the impact of betrayal trauma on the psychological well-being of an individual. These findings may aid mental health practitioners in helping young adults resolve their relationship crises and enhance their lifestyles in India.

Assessment of the surface water quality and primary health risk in urban wastewater and its receiving river Kathajodi, Cuttack of eastern India.

Kathajodi, the principal southern distributary of the Mahanadi River, is the vital source of irrigation and domestic water use for densely populated Cuttack city which receives anthropogenic wastes abundantly. This study assesses the contamination level and primary health status of urban wastewater, and its receiving river Kathajodi based on the physicochemical quality indices employing inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy and aligning with guidelines from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and WHO. The high WQI, HPI, and HEI in the catchment area (KJ2, KJ3, and KJ4) indicate poor water quality due to the influx of domestic waste through the primary drainage system and effluents of healthcare units. A high BOD (4.33-19.66mg L-1) in the catchment indicates high organic matter, animal waste, bacteriological contamination, and low DO, resulting in deterioration of water quality. CR values beyond limits (1.00E - 06 to 1.00E - 04) in three locations of catchment due to higher Cd, Pb, and As indicate significant carcinogenic risk, while high Mn, Cu, and Al content is responsible for several non-carcinogenic ailments and arsenic-induced physiological disorders. The elevated heavy metals Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn, in Kathajodi, could be due to heavy coal combustion, vehicle exhaust, and industrial waste. On the other hand, Cu, Fe, K, and Al could be from agricultural practices, weathered rocks, and crustal materials. Positive significant (p ≤ 0.05) Pearson correlations between physicochemical parameters indicate their common anthropogenic origin and similar chemical characteristics. A strong correlation of PCA between elements and physiological parameters indicates their role in water quality deterioration. Assessing the surface water quality and heavy metal contents from this study will offer critical data to policymakers for monitoring and managing public health concerns.

Correlation between Stenotrophomonas maltophilia incidence and systemic antibiotic use: A 10-year retrospective, observational study in Hungary.

Extensive use of carbapenems may lead to selection pressure for Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (SM) in hospital environments. The aim of our study was to assess the possible association between systemic antibiotic use and the incidence of SM. A retrospective, observational study was carried out in a tertiary-care hospital in Hungary, between January 1st 2010 and December 31st 2019. Incidence-density for SM and SM resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT) was standardized for 1000 patient-days, while systemic antibiotic use was expressed as defined daily doses (DDDs) per 100 patient-days. Mean incidence density for SM infections was 0.42/1000 patient-days; 11.08% were were resistant to SXT, the mean incidence density for SXT-resistant SM was 0.047/1000 patient-days. Consumption rate for colistin, glycopeptides and carbapenems increased by 258.82, 278.94 and 372.72% from 2010 to 2019, respectively. Strong and significant positive correlations were observed with the consumption of carbapenems (r: 0.8759; P < 0.001 and r: 0.8968; P < 0.001), SXT (r: 0.7552; P = 0.011 and r: 0.7004; P=0.024), and glycopeptides (r: 0.7542; P = 0.012 and r: 0.8138; P < 0.001) with SM and SXT-resistant SM incidence-density/1000 patient-days, respectively. Implementation of institutional carbapenem-sparing strategies are critical in preserving these life-saving drugs, and may affect the microbial spectrum of infections in clinical settings.

Factors Related to Maternal-fetal Attachment in Pregnant Mothers: An Analytical Cross-sectional Study

Aim:: The study investigated the relationship between Determining the Factors Related to Maternal-Fetal Attachment in Pregnant Mothers with Maternal-Fetal Attachment. Background:: Demographic policies in Iran emphasize population, fertility, and maternal health. Maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) is a term used to describe conditions that help the mother cope with the physiological changes during pregnancy. MFA contributes significantly to the future health of mother and child. Thus, it is essential to identify the nature of maternal-fetal attachment during pregnancy, when women need to prepare for and adapt to childbirth. The present study was conducted to determine the factors related to maternal-fetal attachment in pregnant mothers of Arak City. Objectives:: The study investigated the relationship between obstetric-demographic factors, emotional intelligence, marital satisfaction, and domestic violence with maternal-fetal attachment. Methods:: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 177 pregnant mothers with a gestational age of 37-40 who were referred to health centers in Arak, Iran, for pregnancy care in 2022. Five questionnaires, including an obstetric-demographic questionnaire, Cranley's Standard Mother-Fetal Attachment Scale, Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test, ENRICH marital satisfaction scale, and HITS domestic violence questionnaire, were used to measure the factors related to maternal-fetal attachment. Data were analyzed using SPSS21 software and descriptive and analytical statistics, including frequency distribution, Pearson correlation, t-test, Chi-square, Analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Multiple Logistic Regression model. Results:: The mean of age women and age of husbands was 29.07± 5.88 years and 32.93± 5.28 years, respectively. The mean maternal-fetal attachment score was 88.12± 15.76. The mean of the emotional intelligence, the marital satisfaction and, the domestic violence was 4.71± 2.81, 121.88± 17.30, 37.86± 7.25, 6.54± 3.35, respectively. The interval between the current and the previous pregnancy had a range of 1-7 years and a mean of 4.71± 2.8 years. : There was a positive significant correlation between the maternal-fetal attachment score and the interval between the current and the previous pregnancy (r=0.22, p=0.02), : There was a positive significant correlation between the maternal-fetal attachment score and the emotional intelligence (r=0.31, p=0.001) the marital satisfaction (r=0.25, P=0.001). There was a negative significant correlation between the maternal-fetal attachment score and the domestic violence (r=-0.26, p=0.001 Conclusion:: Identifying attachment-related factors helps the health staff carry out the necessary training and preventive measures to increase maternal-fetal attachment, especially in high-risk parents who need more care.

Interference of Bisphenol A on Cumulus Cells Development and Number of Retrieved Mature Oocytes in Unexpected Poor Ovarian Response Women: A Prospective Cohort Study.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between follicular fluid Bisphenol A (BPA) concentrations with alterations in the expressions of NOTCH1-3, CASPASE 3/7, HLA-G, and ICAM-1 genes and the number of retrieved mature oocytes (MII oocyte) in the cumulus cells of infertile poor ovarian response stimulates women. In this prospective cohort study, 80 infertile unexpected poor ovarian response (POR) subjects were selected on the basis of subgroup 1a of the POSEIDON classification. They were divided into two groups: group 1 consisted of 40 women, each with a higher number of metaphase II (MII) oocytes (G1, 3-4 oocytes retrieved), while group 2 comprised of 40 women, each with a lower number of MII oocytes (G2, ≤2 oocytes retrieved). The expressions of the studied genes were evaluated by quantitative-real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The concentration of BPA in follicular fluid was measured with HPLC. The expression levels of NOTCH1-3, HLA-G, and ICAM-1 genes were significantly lower in G2 than G1 (P<0.05). Meanwhile, CASPASE 3/7 expression levels were higher in unexpected POR patients in G2 compared to G1 (P<0.05). There was a significant direct correlation between the levels of NOTCH1-3, HLA-G and ICAM-1 gene expressions and there was also a significant inverse correlation (P<0.05) between the levels of CASPASE 3/7, with the number of MII oocytes and embryo development between the two groups. The concentration of BPA in the follicular fluids of G2 was higher compared to G1 (P<0.05). A higher concentration of BPA was associated with a lower number of mature oocytes and oocyte quality in these patients. Also, alterations of NOTCH1-3, CASPASE 3/7, HLA-G, and ICAM-1 transcript levels in unexpected POR women were associated with BPA concentration.

Genetic Architecture, Studies to Identify the Selection Criteria for Yield in Long Duration Rice Lines (Oryza sativa L.)

Genetic Architecture, Studies to Identify the Selection Criteria for Yield in Long Duration Rice Lines (Oryza sativa L.)

Correlation Between Prostate Volume and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: A Hospital-Based Study

Background:&amp;nbsp;Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are manifestations of storage and voiding disorders involving the urinary bladder, urethra and the prostate gland. This study aimed to correlate prostate volume and lower urinary tract symptoms.&amp;nbsp; Materials and methods:&amp;nbsp;This study was a prospective cross-sectional study carried out among 120 males aged 40 years and above who presented with LUTS for prostate ultrasonography at the Radiology department within a period of six months. Informed consent and ethical approval were obtained from participants before commencement of the study. Severity of LUTS was evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Each question was scored between 0 to 5 and the sum recorded as total IPSS score. The total score was graded as mild (0-7), moderate (8-19) or severe (20-35). Quality of life due to urinary symptoms was also evaluated and scored between 0 (delighted) and 6 (terrible). Prostate volume estimation was done by transabdominal ultrasonography using an ultrasound scanner fitted with a 3.5-MHz curvilinear transducer (Logic F6, General Electric, USA, 2017). Measurements were taken and the average values computed; volume calculation was obtained by default using the inbuilt computer algorithm in the ultrasound machine. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 24 (International Business Machines, USA, 2016), and the results presented in tables, charts, and percentages. Pearson&amp;rsquo;s correlation coefficient was used to correlate between variables with P-values &amp;lt; 0.05 considered significant.&amp;nbsp; Results:&amp;nbsp;Results showed that the cumulative mean age of the participants was 65.1&amp;thinsp;&amp;plusmn;&amp;thinsp;9.6 years with majority of the participant&amp;rsquo;s between 60 and 69 years. The most common presenting LUTS was nocturia (98.0%), followed by frequency (92.7%). Overall, the mean IPSS score was 13.2 &amp;plusmn; 4.6 while quality of life (QoL) was 4.1 &amp;plusmn; 1.2. The mean prostate volume was 69.8 &amp;plusmn; 63.5cm3, with 79.2% of the subjects having a prostate volume &amp;ge; 30cm3. Pearson correlation between prostate volume and IPSS was significant (r = 0.304, p = 0.001). Conclusion:&amp;nbsp;The study established a positive significant correlation between prostate volume and International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS). This implies that sonographic PV assessment could be useful in objective assessment of LUTS severity and should be considered in management decisions and follow-up of patients with lower urinary tracts symptoms.&amp;nbsp;

العلاقة بين إنترلوكين-6 والعمر في كوفيد-19: رؤى من تحليل مقطعي في مالانج، إندونيسيا

تم تحديد إنترلوكين 6 (IL-6) باعتباره مؤشرًا لشدة ووفيات فيروس كورونا (COVID-19). على الرغم من أن معدلات الإصابة بالمرض والوفيات تزيد بشكل عام مع تقدم العمر، إلا أنه لا يزال من غير المؤكد ما إذا كان هناك ارتباط بين العمر ومستويات IL-6، مما يؤدي إلى تفاقم شدة كوفيد-19 لدى المرضى. كان الهدف من هذه الدراسة هو فحص العلاقة بين العمر ومستويات IL-6 لدى مرضى كوفيد-19. كانت الدراسة عبارة عن تحليل مقطعي للسجلات المخبرية والطبية لـ 3171 مريضًا من مرضى كوفيد-19 الذين تلقوا العلاج في عام 2021 في مستشفى سيف الأنور العام. تم تحليل البيانات باستخدام اختبار كروسكال واليس، واختبار دونيت بوست هوك، واختبار ارتباط سبيرمان. تم تقسيم المرضى إلى أربع فئات عمرية: أقل من 20 عامًا (1.29%)، و20-40 عامًا (18.10%)، و40-60 عامًا (43.74%)، و&gt;60 عامًا (36.87%). وكان متوسط مستويات IL-6 في كل مجموعة هو 39.44، 192.04، 217.27، و252.59 بيكوغرام/مل. ولوحظ وجود اختلاف كبير (قيمة p = 0.000) في مستويات IL-6 بين الفئة العمرية أقل من 20 عامًا والمجموعات الأخرى. علاوة على ذلك، تم تحديد ارتباط إيجابي كبير (قيمة p = 0.000) بين الفئة العمرية ومستويات إنترلوكين-6 لدى مرضى كوفيد-19، مما يشير إلى ارتفاع مستويات إنترلوكين-6 لدى المرضى الأكبر سنا. في الختام، كانت هناك اختلافات في مستويات إنترلوكين-6 على أساس الفئات العمرية، وكان العمر مرتبطًا بشكل إيجابي بمستويات إنترلوكين-6 لدى مرضى كوفيد-19.

Study of the Relationship Between Insulin Resistance, Iron Status Markers, and Body Weight in a Sample of Egyptian Population.

Iron plays a key role in the regulation of body iron homeostasis and is used as a clinical marker for iron deficiency (ID) and hemochromatosis. The idea that iron dysregulation may contribute to various metabolic diseases, such as obesity, insulin resistance, MetS, and T2DM, is a hot topic of discussion. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship insulin resistance, iron status markers, and body weight in a sample of Egyptian population. A case control study was conducted on 90 subjects with age ranging from 18 to 70 years old from a diabetes outpatient clinic, and they were divided to three groups: Group I, non-obese- non-diabetic as the control group; Group II, obese-non-diabetic; and Group III, obese-diabetic. In our study, there was no statistically significant difference between the three studied groups regarding the different iron parameters. Similarly, we found that neither HOMA-IR nor body weight had a significant correlation with iron status markers. On the contrary, we detected significant positive correlations between the TIBC and the fasting blood glucose, between the serum iron and the LDL, between the TSAT and the systolic blood pressure, and between the HOMA-IR and hematocrit. Our study demonstrated no direct statistical significant relationship between the different iron parameters, obesity, and insulin resistance, either in the diabetic or non-diabetic subjects. This may be due to the complex metabolic dysregulation and the small number of the sample for future investigations.