Significant Positive Correlation Research Articles

Risk assessment of veterinary treatments in bee brood and adult honey bees

Amitraz and tau-fluvalinate are veterinary treatments administered for the control of Varroa destructor in honey bee colonies. These treatments can generate harmful residues for bees. This field study addresses the issue under two scenarios: 1) administration according to the posology and 2) placing contaminated wax containing the treatments. Tau-fluvalinate (Apistan®) residues were detected in larval stages from 25.34 to 84.72 ng g−1 in scenario 1 and from 29.63 to 173.97 ng g−1 in scenario 2. In addition, it was detected in bee bread in scenario 2 from 55.72 to 573.79 ng g−1. In scenario 1, DMPF + DMF (amitraz metabolites) were found from 37.09 to 171.58 ng g−1 (Amicel®) and from 36.74 to 42.64 ng g−1 (Apivar®) in bee bread. In honey, DMPF + DMF ranged from 19.96 to 145.30 ng g−1 (Amicel®) and from 32.20 to 78.43 ng g−1 from (Apivar®). With these treatments, a significant reduction in the population of Varroa mites (mean ± s.d.) was observed between 95.15 ± 2.56% and 98.29 ± 1.97%. There were significant positive correlations between Amicel®, the population of adult bees and the population of brood during evaluation 2 showing a higher effectiveness. According to both RQ (Risk Quotient) and SRA (Standard Risk Approach) values for adult bees and larvae, there is no risk when considering exposure by contact or by ingestion of bee bread or honey. In scenario 2, there is no risk for most of the larval stages, except in two bee hives treated with tau-fluvalinate, where the SRA values were 1.73 and 1.29%, indicating a moderate risk due to acute oral exposure.

Dynamics of nitrogen mineralization and fine root decomposition in sub-tropical Shorea robusta Gaertner f. forests of Central Himalaya, India

This study aimed to examine the effects of spatial and temporal variability in edaphic, and climatic attributeson soil net nitrogen mineralization rate, and to understand the pattern of fine root decomposition of dominant and co-dominant tree species, and its influence on the nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. Study was carried out at four different sites in sub-tropical forest ecosystems of Shorea robusta, in foothills of Central Himalayan region, India. Co-dominant tree species at four sites were Mallotus philippensis (site A), Glochidion velutinum (site B), Holarrhena pubescens (site C), and Tectona grandis (site D). Buried bag technique was used for nitrogen mineralization, while fine root decomposition was determined using fine root mesh bags. Seasonal variation, soil depth, soil characteristics, and site variability, all significantly (p < 0.05) affected nitrogen mineralization rates. Fine root decomposition was significantly affected by nutrient concentration of fine roots. Total mineral nitrogen was maximum at site D (16.24 ± 0.96 μg g−1 soil), while minimum at site C (10.10 ± 0.84 μg g−1 soil). Maximum nitrogen mineralization (13.18 ± 0.18 μg g−1 month−1) was recorded during summer season at site D, while the minimum nitrogen mineralization (3.20 ± 0.46 μg g−1 month−1) was recorded during rainy season at site C. Inorganic-N and net nitrogen mineralization was relatively higher in 0–20 cm soil layer than 20–40 cm and 40–60 cm soil layer. The fine roots showed 70.61–74.82 % weight loss on completion of 365 days of decomposition process. Maximum fine root decomposition was observed in the G. velutinum, and minimum in T. grandis. A significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) was observed between root nitrogen and carbon content, and decomposition rates per month. This study concluded that the spatial and temporal variability in soil nitrogen mineralization rates and fine root decomposition optimises nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems, which can contribute to the development of sustainable forest management practices.

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Aqueous Humor Reveals Biochemical Disparities in the Eyes of High Myopic Patients.

Myopia accounts for a significant proportion of visual lesions worldwide and has the potential to progress toward pathological myopia. This study aims to reveal the difference in protein content in aqueous humor between high myopic and nonhigh myopic patients, as well as better understand the dysregulation of proteins in myopic eyes. Aqueous humor was collected for liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer (LC/MS) analysis from 30 individual eyes that underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Results showed that a total of 190 differentially expressed proteins were identified, which revealed their involvement in cell metabolism, immune and inflammatory response, and system and anatomical structure. Further analysis focused on 15 intensively interacted hub proteins, encompassing functions related to complement cascades, lipoprotein metabolism, and fibrin biological function. Subsequent validations demonstrated elevated levels of APOE (apolipoprotein E), C3 (complement 3), and AHSG (α-2-HS-glycoprotein) in the high myopia group (31 eyes of cataracts and 45 eyes of high myopia with cataracts). AHSG had a significant positive correlation with axial length in high myopic patients, with good efficacy in distinguishing between myopic and nonmyopic groups. AHSG may be a potential indicator of the pathological severity and participator in the pathological progress of high myopia. This study depicted differential expression characteristics of aqueous humor in patients with high myopia and provided optional information for further experimental research on exploring the molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for high myopia. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD047584.

The Effect Of Leadership Qualities On Organizational Commitment Among Bureaucrats; Emotional Intelligence As A Moderator

Organizational commitment occupies a paramount position within the realm of organizational progress. The current study intended to analyze the effect of leadership qualities of bureaucrats on the organizational commitment by analyzing the moderating effect of emotional intelligence. A cross-sectional design based on survey method was induced into the study. Data were collected adopting convenience sampling from bureaucrats (n=302) serving in different administrative sectors of Pakistan. The measured instruments were three questionnaires of The Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS), Leadership Qualities Questionnaire and Organizational Commitment Questionnaire. SPSS version 27 by applying Hayes Process Macro Model was used to analyze the data. The ultimate findings of Pearson Product Moment revealed that there is a positive significant correlation between leadership qualities, organizational commitment and emotional intelligence. The Hayes Process Macro Model unraveled the moderated effect of emotional intelligence that strengthens the congruent bond between leadership qualities and organizational commitment. By prioritizing emotional intelligence alongside leadership skills, they can foster a culture of commitment and engagement among bureaucrats.

Quality and comprehensiveness of YouTube videos on back pain during pregnancy.

Back pain during pregnancy is a common issue that impacts the quality of life for many women. YouTube has become an increasingly popular source of health information. Pregnant women often turn to YouTube for advice on managing back pain, but the quality of available videos is highly variable. This study aimed to assess the quality and comprehensiveness of YouTube videos related to back pain during pregnancy. A YouTube search was conducted using the keyword "back pain in pregnancy",and the first 100 resulting videos were included in the study. After a thorough review and exclusion of ineligible videos, the final sample consisted of 71 videos. Various parameters such as the number of views, likes, viewer interaction, video age, uploaded source (healthcare or nonhealthcare), and video length were evaluated for all videos. Regarding the source of the videos, 44 (61.9%) were created by healthcare professionals, while 27 (38%) were created by nonprofessionals. Videos created by healthcare professionals had significantly higher scores in terms of DISCERN score, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) score, and Global Quality Scale (GQS) (P < 0.001). Our findings indicate a statistically significant and strong positive correlation among the three scoring systems (P < 0.001). Videos created by healthcare professionals were generally of higher quality, but many videos were still rated as low-moderate quality. The majority of videos focused on self-care strategies, with fewer discussing other treatment options. Our findings highlight the need for improved quality and comprehensiveness of YouTube videos on back pain during pregnancy.

Spatial coupling coordination and interactive response between green finance and green total factor productivity: geographical analysis based on Chinese provinces, 2010-2020.

Based on the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2010 to 2020, this study uses the coupling coordination degree model (CCDM), spatial autocorrelation analysis, and the panel vector autoregression (PVAR) model to quantitatively examine the dynamic coordination and interactive response of green finance (GF) and green total factor productivity (GTFP). The results show that the coupling coordination degree (CCD) between GF and GTFP during the study period shows an overall increasing trend and significant regional differentiation and remains at the medium level, indicating large room for improvement. The CCDs of provinces fluctuate between the low and high types. The distribution gradually shifts from a "high in the south and low in the north" pattern to a "high in the east and low in the west" configuration. The spatial difference of coupling development continues to expand and presents a significant spatial positive correlation. In addition, GF and GTFP in China exhibit significant self-reinforcing characteristics, but the reinforcing effect gradually decreases. There is only a unidirectional interaction relationship between GF and GTFP, which is GF actively fosters the advancement of GTFP, while the influence of GTFP on GF appears less pronounced. This research provides comprehensive insights into the dynamic interaction between GF and GTFP.

Evaluation of fetal kidney length as a marker for fetal biometry.

The precise determination of gestational age is essential for effectively managing and prognosis of all pregnancies. Through careful biometry, timely interventions can be implemented, leading to positive outcomes for both the mother and fetus. In routine fetal biometry, parameters such as biparietal diameter (BPD), femur length (FL), head circumference (HC), and abdominal circumference (AC) have been traditionally used. This study aims to evaluate the usefulness of fetal kidney length (FKL) as a marker for fetal biometry. This prospective, observational, and cross-sectional study was conducted in the Radiodiagnosis and Obstetrics and Gynaecology departments, including a diverse group of pregnant women from various socio-economic backgrounds, with adherence to ethical standards. Women with singleton pregnancies between 22 and 40weeks of gestation who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were examined through ultrasound. The data collected were subsequently analyzed. In the current study, 280 participants with an average age of 26.71 ± 3.6years were included. The agreement between the mean fetal kidney length and standard biometry parameters was almost perfect, with a strength of agreement exceeding 0.99. A strong and statistically significant positive correlation existed between fetal kidney length and the estimated gestational period calculated using DLMP/standard biometric measurements. Fetal kidney length is a reliable indicator of gestational age and can supplement standard biometric measurements to provide a more precise estimation of gestational age, especially in the later stages when obtaining such standard measurements may be challenging.

Intimate Partner Violence And Its Profound Effects On Maternal Well-Being And Mother-Child Interaction Within The Hazara Community

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a widespread social issue that has significant effects on women's health and wellbeing around the globe. This study examines the complex dynamics of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Pakistan and its effect on maternity and mother-child interaction. Utilizing a wide range of variables, including cultural influences, demographics, and the complex effects of intimate partner violence. Quantitative research study explores the intricate connections between intimate partner violence, maternity, and mother child interaction. The methodological approach involves data collection from various institutes of Quetta. A sample of 170 participants was selected through convenience sampling. Utilizing self-report questionnaire, demographic characteristics, the revised conflict Tactics Scale (RCTS), and the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) are employed for analysis. Statistical analysis reveals significant correlation between PBQ and negotiation, physical assault, injury, Sexual Coercion and RCTS, which indicate problems bonding in intimate relationships, are linked to an increase in bargaining, physical assault, sexual coercion, injury, and overall relationship conflict. This association shows a possible link between decreased partner bonding and increased levels of conflict within partnerships. The RCTS shows a significant positive correlation between physical assault, sexual coercion, and injury, suggesting that higher levels of these issues may lead to higher levels of relationship conflict.

Radix Bupleuri aqueous extract attenuates MK801-induced schizophrenia-like symptoms in mice: Participation of intestinal flora

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a psychotic mental disorder characterized by cognitive, behavioral, and social impairments. However, current pharmacological treatment regimens are subpar in terms of effectiveness. This study aimed to investigate the function of Radix Bupleuri aqueous extract in SCZ in mouse models. The SCZ mouse model was established by MK-801 injection and feeding of Radix Bupleuri aqueous extract or combined antibiotics. Radix Bupleuri aqueous extract significantly improved the aberrant behaviors and neuronal damage in SCZ mice, upregulated SYP and PSD-95 expression and BDNF levels in hippocampal homogenates, down-regulated DA and 5-HT levels, and suppressed microglial activation in SCZ mice. Moreover, Radix Bupleuri aqueous extract improved the integrity of the intestinal tract barrier. The 16 S rRNA sequencing of feces showed that Radix Bupleuri extract modulated the composition of gut flora. Lactobacillus abundance was decreased in SCZ mice and reversed by Radix Bupleuri aqueous extract administration which exhibited a significant negative correlation with IL-6, IL-1β, DA, and 5-HT, and a significant positive correlation with BDNF levels in hippocampal tissues. The abundance of Parabacteroides and Alloprevotella was increased in SCZ mice. It was reversed by Radix Bupleuri aqueous extract administration, which exhibited a positive correlation with IL-6, IL-1β, and 5-HT and a negative correlation with BDNF. In conclusion, Radix Bupleuri aqueous extract attenuates the inflammatory response in hippocampal tissues and modulates neurotransmitter levels, exerting its neuroprotective effect in SCZ. Meanwhile, the alteration of intestinal flora may be involved in this process, which is expected to be an underlying therapeutic option in treating SCZ.

Changes and correlation analysis of volatile flavor compounds, amino acids, and soluble sugars in durian during different drying processes

Durian contains rich flavor components that undergo complex changes during drying. In this study, durian was subjected to integrated freeze-drying (IFD), conventional freeze-drying (CFD), and hot air drying (AD). Compared with the fresh samples, those dried by IFD, CFD, and AD lost 11, 9, and 7 original volatile compounds, respectively, and generated 7, 6, and 8 new volatile compounds, respectively, and showed a rapid and then slow decreasing trend in the total content during drying. However, the types of amino acids and soluble sugars remained unchanged during each of the drying methods. Furthermore, volatile compounds showed a significant negative correlation with the majority of amino acids and a significant positive correlation with soluble sugars. The IFD samples had the highest content of volatile compounds, amino acids, and soluble sugars. Therefore, IFD is recommended as a preferable drying method for durian.

The greenhouse gas emissions from meat sheep production contribute double of household consumption in a Eurasian meadow steppe

With the rapid development of the economy, household activities have emerged as an important source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, making them a crucial focal point for research in the pursuit of sustainable development and carbon emission reduction. Hulunber, as a typical steppe region in eastern Eurasia, is representative of studying the GHG emissions from household ranches, which are the basic production units in this region. In this paper, based on survey data of 2018 and 2019, we quantified and assessed GHG emissions from household ranches by combining life cycle assessment (LCA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) approaches, with LCA to define household ranches system boundary and SEM to determine the key driving factors of emissions. The results showed that GHG emissions of meat sheep live weight was 23.54 kg CO2-eq/kg. The major contributor to household GHG emissions was enteric methane (55.23 %), followed by coal use (20.80 %) and manure management systems (9.16 %), and other contributing factors (14.81 %). The SEM results indicated that the GHG emissions from household ranches were derived primarily by economic level, while the economic level was significantly affected by income. This study also found a significant positive and linear correlation between household GHG emissions and the number of meat sheep (R2 = 0.89, P < 0.001). The GHG emissions from meat sheep production (67.52 %) were double times greater than household livelihood consumption (32.48 %). These findings emphasized the importance of reducing emissions from meat sheep production and adjusting the energy mix of household livelihood, contributing to the establishment of a low-carbon household livelihood operation.

Key factors capturing the willingness to use automated vehicles for travel in China.

With the continuous advancement of technology, automated vehicle technology is progressively maturing. It is crucial to comprehend the factors influencing individuals' intention to utilize automated vehicles. This study examined user willingness to adopt automated vehicles. By incorporating age and educational background as random parameters, an ordered Probit model with random parameters was constructed to analyze the influential factors affecting respondents' adoption of automated vehicles. We devised and conducted an online questionnaire survey, yielding 2105 valid questionnaires. The findings reveal significant positive correlations between positive social trust, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, low levels of perceived risk, and the acceptance of automated vehicles. Additionally, our study identifies extraversion and openness as strong mediators in shaping individuals' intentions to use automated vehicles. Furthermore, prior experience with assisted driving negatively impacts people's inclination toward embracing automated vehicles. Our research also provides insights for promoting the adoption of automated vehicles: favorable media coverage and a reasonable division of responsibilities can enhance individuals' intentions to adopt this technology.

Transcriptome analysis reveals the potential mechanism of altering viability, yield, and isoquinoline alkaloids in Coptis chinensis through Cunninghamia lanceolata understory cultivation

The dried rhizomes of Coptis chinensis hold significance in Chinese medicine. Monocropping C. chinensis under the shade of a manmade scaffold, the primary planting mode, poses a threat to the ecological balance. In recent years, the practice of C. chinensis–Cunninghamia lanceolata understory cultivation has gained prevalence in southwest China. However, there is no evidence to suggest that understory cultivation enhances the viability, yield, or isoquinoline alkaloid content of C. chinensis. This study examined the physiological properties, yield indicators, and isoquinoline alkaloid content to investigate variations in C. chinensis in response to understory cultivation. Transcriptome analysis was conducted to elucidate potential mechanisms driving these alterations. The results indicate that understory cultivation significantly enhances the viability, yield, and levels of epiberberine, palmatine, and berberine in C. chinensis while reducing coptisine content. Transcriptomic analyses identified 2062 upregulated and 1853 downregulated genes in the understory cultivation system. Pathways such as “phenylpropanoid biosynthesis,” “zeatin biosynthesis,” “photosynthesis,” “tyrosine metabolism,” “isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis,” and “starch and sucrose metabolism” exhibited significant enrichment of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). DEGs involved in these pathways were thoroughly analyzed. INV, BGL-2, BGL-4, SPS-2, AMY-3, Psb B, Psb R, Psb S, Psa D, Psa E, Psa H, Psa O, Pet C, Pet H, deta, and b exhibited significant positive correlations with plant fresh weight, aboveground fresh weight, and underground fresh weight. 6-OMT-2 and COMT1-3 displayed significant positive correlations with coptisine content, but negative correlations with epiberberine, palmatine, and berberine content. ZOG-1, ZOG-3, TAT, PPO, POD-13 and UGT 73C5-1 showed noteworthy positive correlations with berberine content. Conversely, MIFH, POD-4, POD-5, and POD-8 displayed significant positive correlations with epiberberine, palmatine, and berberine content. POD-5, and POD-7 were significantly negatively correlated with coptisine content. Furthermore, gene expression levels determined by qRT–PCR aligned with the transcriptomic sequencing results, confirming the reliability of the transcriptomic findings. The results of this study contribute evidence elucidating potential mechanisms through which C. chinensis responds to understory cultivation.Graphical

Human Exposure to Ambient Atmospheric Microplastics in a Megacity: Spatiotemporal Variation and Associated Microorganism-Related Health Risk.

Microplastics are found in various human tissues and are considered harmful, raising concerns about human exposure to microplastics in the environment. Existing research has analyzed indoor and occupational scenarios, but long-term monitoring of ambient atmospheric microplastics (AMPs), especially in highly polluted urban regions, needs to be further investigated. This study estimated human environmental exposure to AMPs by considering inhalation, dust ingestion, and dermal exposure in three urban functional zones within a megacity. The annual exposure quantity was 7.37 × 104 items for children and 1.06 × 105 items for adults, comparable with the human microplastic consumption from food and water. Significant spatiotemporal differences were observed in the characteristics of AMPs that humans were exposed to, with wind speed and rainfall frequency mainly driving these changes. The annual human AMP exposure quantity in urban green land spaces, which were recognized as relatively low polluted zones, was comparable with that in public service zones and residential zones. Notably, significant positive correlations between the AMP characteristics and the pathogenicity of the airborne bacterial community were discovered. AMP size and immune-mediated disease risks brought by atmospheric microbes showed the most significant relationship, where Sphingomonas might act as the potential key mediator.

Detailed Characterization of the Lung-Gut Microbiome Axis Reveals the Link between PD-L1 and the Microbiome in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients.

Next-generation sequencing technologies have started a new era of respiratory tract research in recent years. Alterations in the respiratory microbiome between healthy and malignant conditions have been revealed. However, the composition of the microbiome varies among studies, even in similar medical conditions. Also, there is a lack of complete knowledge about lung-gut microbiome interactions in lung cancer patients. The aim of this study was to explore the lung-gut axis in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and the associations between lung-gut axis microbiota and clinical parameters (CRP, NLR, LPS, CD8, and PD-L1). Lung tissue and fecal samples were used for bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing. The results revealed, for the first time, that the bacterial richness in lung tumor tissue gradually decreased with an increase in the level of PD-L1 expression (p < 0.05). An analysis of β-diversity indicated a significant positive correlation between the genera Romboutsia and Alistipes in both the lung tumor biopsies and stool samples from NSCLC patients (p < 0.05). Survival analysis showed that NSCLC patients with higher bacterial richness in their stool samples had prolonged overall survival (HR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.025-4.17, p = 0.0426).

Milk Production, Quality Parameters, and Bacterial Colony Counts of Raw Milk from Murrah Buffaloes Reared in Mixed Crop-Livestock Systems

This research aimed to assess the quantity and quality of raw Murrah buffalo milk in a mixed crop-livestock farming system in North Sumatra, Indonesia. The study was conducted at the Sumber Ternak Abadi livestock farm in Pagar Merbau District, North Sumatra, Indonesia, established in 2012 within an oil palm plantation. The study observed 40 lactating Murrah buffaloes. Variables included milk production and quality metrics such as total plate count in colony-forming units per ml, water content percentage, total solids, fat content, and pH. Results demonstrated a milk yield standardized to 305 days ranging from 1,200.78±490.25 to 1,505.71±589.73 kg/head/lactation. The total plate count was 2.1 x 105 ± 0.32 CFU/ml, total solids were 16.87% (w/w), fat was 5.7% (v/v), and pH was 6.73. The results confirmed that the raw Murrah buffalo milk from the observed farm meets the Indonesian National Standard for milk quality. A significant positive correlation was found between water content and total bacterial colony count (r = 0.82, p &lt; 0.01), suggesting that higher water content in milk correlates with increased bacterial colonies.

Suppliers Sourcing Strategy and Sustainable Procurement Performance Among Kenya Tea Development Agency Factories in Region 5, Kenya

Companies involved in a supply chain must coordinate their operations through adoption of inbound logistics strategies so as to enhance business performance. KTDA factories have adopted inbound logistics strategies with the aim of turning around their performance as well as reduce operational costs leading to sustainable procurement performance. However, despite this KTDA tea factories still experience wide variations in earnings. The drop in earnings and high variation in tea bonuses among factories has been blamed on operational cost at the factory. This points out that although inbound logistics have been adopted, they have not resulted in sustainable procurement performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between suppliers sourcing strategy and sustainable procurement performance. The study adopted correlation research design. The target population of the study was 188 staff drawn from the 16 KTDA managed Region 5 factories. A census method was used to collect data from the production managers, ICT managers, procurement Managers, leaf base managers, factory unit managers and directors using a structured questionnaire. The findings revealed that suppliers sourcing strategies had a positive significant correlation with sustainable procurement performance (r = 0.545, p &lt; 0.05). The study recommends that KTDA sourcing strategies need to aligned to organizational sustainability goal, develop procedures and policies on material handling with sustainability goal. The results of this study may advice on policy formulation in relation to sourcing strategies and sustainable procurement performance. Other researchers may benefit from the literature on inbound logistics and sustainable procurement performance since the current study provided a basis for further studies

The Relation of Big Five Personality Traits on Academic Performance, Well-Being and Home Study Satisfaction in Corona Times.

As a result of the protective measures taken to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, German students experienced home study in the spring of 2020. The present study addressed the relation between coping with the home study situation and personality. The interrelations of the Big Five factors with students' well-being, study satisfaction and academic performance were examined in 287 German online participants. The results showed significant positive correlations of positive affect and conscientiousness, as well as of better academic performance and academic satisfaction. For extraversion, a positive supporting effect on the affective level emerged, although previous studies suggested negative influences of extraversion on affect in home study settings in other phases of the pandemic. Furthermore, in contrast, neuroticism showed a negative relation to study satisfaction and mood in home study. In summary, the personalities of students should be considered in order to provide protective measures and avoid negative coping effects.

Correlation between pre-operative platelets count and serum cancer antigen-125 level in epithelial ovarian carcer

Cancer antigen 125 (Ca-125) is currently used as an adjunct to ovarian cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring. Platelet (PLT) count and Ca-125 levels are both prognostic markers in ovarian cancer that are linked to inflammation and immune evasion.To determine the relationship between pre-operative platelet count and serum Ca-125 level, and their diagnostic accuracy for the prediction of stage IV epithelial ovarian cancer.The study included forty-two women with histologic diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer managed at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2020. Following informed consent, a data collection form was used to obtain socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Pretreatment levels of Cancer Antigen 125 (Ca-125) and Platelets count (PLT) were determined from blood samples. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between PLT and Ca-125, and the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the predictive accuracy of PLT count alone and PLT-Ca-125. The sample median platelet count was 308 (307) x 10/L and median Ca-125 was 286µ/ml (397). Pre-operative platelets count was significantly associated with Ca-125 (rho= 0.28 p-value = 0.03). Ca-125 had a statistically significant relationship with ovarian cancer histology (X2:19.522; p-value 0.001). PLT-Ca-125 (0.51) and PLT only (0.29) had a statistically significant positive correlation with ovarian cancer stage (p 0.001). Since it had an area under the curve (AUC) greater than 0.7, PLT-Ca-125 can be used as a predictive model to correctly stage patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. Ca-125 level (z:-2.24; p-value = 0.025) was significantly associated with thrombocytosis in ovarian cancer patients.Platelet count and Ca-125 levels do correlate in blood samples taken from ovarian cancer patients prior to treatment. Furthermore, PLT-Ca-125 levels could be used to predict advanced stage disease.

Studies on Serum T3, T4, TSH, Progesterone and Oestrogen in Cardiovascular Disease Patients

Aim: This research was done to ascertain if thyroid hormones and female sex hormones (progesterone and estrogen) play a role or are a risk factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases. Study Design: This is an observational study, specifically a case-control study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital for six months. Methodology: Blood samples were collected from 20 persons with cardiovascular disease. The sera from the study subjects were estimated for T3, T4, and TSH using the ELISA technique. The same parameters were estimated in 20 healthy individuals, and the results from both groups were analysed using SPSS version 21. Results: There were no significant differences in serum T3, T4 and TSH, Progesterone and Estradiol (p=0.236, p=0.834, p=0.412, p=0.995 and p=0.512, respectively) in cardiovascular disease patients compared with controls. There were no significant differences in serum T3, Progesterone, Estradiol and TSH (p=0.443, p=0.291, p=0.612 and p=0.550, respectively) in male cardiovascular disease patients compared to female cardiovascular disease patients. There was a significantly higher level of T4 (p=0.042) in male cardiovascular disease patients compared to female cardiovascular disease patients. A significant negative correlation of serum TSH with T4 (r=-0.759, p=0.000) in cardiovascular disease patients. There was no significant correlation of serum TSH with T3 (r=-0.131, p=0.560) in cardiovascular disease patients. There was a significant positive correlation of Serum Progesterone with Estradiol (r=0.815, p=0.000) in cardiovascular disease patients. Conclusion: T4, T3, and TSH serum levels may not be associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases in this environment. Also, serum progesterone may have a linear association with estradiol in cardiovascular disease patients.