Effectiveness of therapeutic nursing intervention on psychophysiological wellbeing among elderly residing in old age home Madurai

BACKGROUND: Ageing is a natural process. The older adult’s population is currently the fastest growing segment of the nation. As people age they tend to suffer from problems associated with physical, physiological, emotional and social aspects. These aspects determine the wellbeing of an aged person. Wellbeing is a multifaceted experience which consists of various interdependent factors. Since, the rates of institutionalization of elderly is increasing, it is essential to address the issues and problems faced by the elderly and take remedial measures to improve their wellbeing. Geriatric nurses can play a crucial role in enhancing psychophysiological wellbeing of the elderly in old age home through exercises and counseling. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to assess the therapeutic nursing intervention on psychophysiological wellbeing among elderly residing in old age home. METHODOLOGY: Quasi experimental non equivalent pretest posttest control group design was used for the study. The study was conducted in selected four old age homes in Madurai. A total of 140 elderly were selected using simple random sampling technique, out of which 70 were in the experimental group and control group each. Tools used were structured interview schedule on physiological problems, general health questionnaire-12 and psychophysiological wellbeing assessment tool. The Therapeutic Nursing Intervention which includes exercise and geriatric counseling (life review and need based counseling) were administered over 4 days in a week for 4 consecutive weeks. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: The therapeutic nursing intervention was effective in improving physiological wellbeing of the elderly residing in old age home (pre test post test comparison t = 22.01, P < 0.001) post test comparison t = 9.32, P < 0.001), psychological wellbeing (pre test post test comparison t = 46.58, P < 0.001, post test comparison t = 17.19, P < 0.001). The problems reported by the elderly were, physiological problems such as arthralgia, back pain, dyspnoea, insomnia, anorexia, fatigue and psychological problems like feeling of loneliness, sadness, problems with adjustment, lack of love and affection. There was a significant positive relationship found between physiological wellbeing and psychological wellbeing (r = 0.49). CONCLUSION: The problems of the aged vary from society to society, study findings concluded that, therapeutic nursing intervention such as exercise and counseling are effective intervention to improve psychophysiological wellbeing among the elderly in old age home. There is a real need for nurses to provide physical, mental and social support to treat the health problems and to heighten their spirit

Molecular studies in children with fragile X syndrome

Background: Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common single gene cause of Learning (intellectual) Disability (LD). FMR1 gene mutation is the commonest cause for this syndrome. The present study aims to analyze the incidence of the syndrome in Kerala population.Methods: Study was conducted among 86 children belonging to different places of Kerala. Children were selected on the basis of IQ scores and typical features of FXS. Blood samples were taken and routine karyotype was performed. PCR analyses were also conducted.Results: Majority of the children showed typical features of FXS. Out of 86 samples, six showed chromosomal aberrations were excluded. PCR analyses in 55 samples, screened 35 samples with FMR1 mutation, in which 26 samples having pre- mutation and 9 samples with full mutation.Conclusions: Through this genetic study, differential diagnosis of LD children with FXS, LD children with constitutional chromosome abnormalities, and LD children without any apparent genetic abnormalities could be established

P2DM-RGCD: PPDM Centric Classification Rule Generation Scheme

In present day applications the approach of data mining and associated privacy preservation plays a significant role for ensuring optimal mining function. The approach of privacy preserving data mining (PPDM) emphasizes on ensuring security of private information of the participants. On the contrary majority of present mining applications employ the vertically partitioned data for mining utilities. In such scenario when the overall rule is divided among participants, some of the parties remain with fewer rules sets and thus the classification accuracy achieved by them always remain questionable. On the other hand, the consideration of private information associated with any part will violate the approach of PPDM. Therefore, in order to eliminate such situations and to provide a facility of rule regeneration in this paper, a highly robust and efficient rule regeneration scheme has been proposed ensures optimal classification accuracy without using any critical user information for rule generation. The proposed system developed a rule generation function called cumulative dot product (P2DM-RGCD) rule regeneration scheme. The developed algorithm generates two possible optimal rule generation and update functions based on cumulative updates and dot product. The proposed system has exhibited optimal response in terms of higher classification accuracy, minimum information loss and optimal training efficiency

Intermittent Cold-Induced Hippocampal Oxidative Stress is Associated with Changes in the Plasma Lipid Composition and is Modifiable by Vitamins C and E in Old Rats

This study primarily investigated the effects of intermittent cold exposure (ICE) on oxidative stress (OS) in the hippocampus(HC) and plasma lipid profile of old male rats. Secondly, it evaluated structural changes in the hippocampus region of the rat’s brain. Thirdly, it attempted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the combined supplement of vitamins C and E in alleviating cold stress in terms of these biochemical parameters. Thirty male rats aged 24 months were divided into groups of five each: control (CON), cold-exposed at 10 °C (C10), cold-exposed at 5 °C (C5), supplemented control (CON+S), and supplemented cold-exposed at either 5 °C (C5+S) or 10 °C (C10+S). The rats were on a daily supplement of vitamin C and vitamin E. Cold exposure lasted 2 h/day for 4 weeks. Rats showed increased levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the HC at 10 °C with further increase at 5 °C. Cold also induced neuronal loss in the hippocampus with concomitant elevations in total cholesterol (TCH), triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL-C) levels, and a depletion in high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C). A notable feature was the hyperglycaemic effects of ICE and depleted levels of vitamins C and E in the hippocampus and plasma while supplementation increased their levels. More importantly, a positive correlation was observed between plasmatic LDL-C, TCH and TG and hippocampal TBARS and H2O2 levels. Further, intensity of cold emerged as a significant factor impacting the responses to vitamin C and E supplementation. These results suggest that cold-induced changes in the plasma lipid profile correlate with OS in the hippocampus, and that vitamin C and E together are effective in protecting from metabolic and possible cognitive consequences in the old under cold exposures

Expert opinion on the clinical use and benefits of liposomal iron in the treatment of anemia in Indian settings

Background: Several studies have reported the effectiveness and safety of liposomal iron in increasing hemoglobin levels and correcting anemia. However, there was a dearth of information regarding the prescription pattern of physicians regarding its use and advantages in the actual practice. The present survey-based study aims at gathering clinicians' perspectives regarding the clinical use and benefits of liposomal iron in the treatment of anemia in Indian settings. Methods: This cross-sectional study used a 19-item questionnaire to gather insights from specialists across different Indian settings regarding their perspectives on anemia and liposomal iron. Results: Out of 124 participants, 77% opined that liposomal iron was highly bioavailable, achieves much higher plasma iron concentration, and bypasses the extremely restrictive, normal intestinal barriers. Oral liposomal iron was preferred by 77% of clinicians for the rapid increase in hemoglobin level and 99% of clinicians reported improved patient compliance with liposomal iron therapy for anemia. According to 50% of clinicians, oral liposomal iron was effective in non-hemodialysis dependent chronic kidney diseases and 87% of clinicians reported that patients without CKD needed oral liposomal iron. Half of the respondents reported a significant increase in Hb with liposomal iron in both dialysis and non-dialysis patients. Conclusions: The survey participants reported that liposomal iron treatment for anemia was beneficial in treating both CKD and non-CKD patients. The survey findings have corroborated the advantages of liposomal iron for treating anemia such as increased bioavailability, rapid and effective increase in Hb level, better patient compliance and tolerability, decreased side effects, cost-effectiveness, and flexible dosing

Expert opinion on the clinical use of calcium and vitamin D supplements in osteoporosis in Indian settings

Background: Several clinical studies demonstrated that calcium intake decreases the risk of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures. However, understanding the prescription practice of calcium supplements employed in Indian contexts may help in improving patient management and developing evidence-based recommendations for optimizing the treatment. So, this study aimed to gather clinicians’ perspective regarding the use of calcium and vitamin D supplements for the management of osteoporosis in Indian settings. Methods: The current survey involved 17 questions pertaining to current feedback, clinical observations, and clinical experience of specialists on osteoporosis management and the use of calcium and vitamin D supplements. Results: According to 30%, 26%, 25%, and 19% of the experts, higher dietary sodium (salt) intake was generally associated with negative calcium balance and bone mineral loss, increased risk of fracture, decreased calcium excretion in the urine and decreased dietary calcium absorption. Calcium and vitamin D were recommended by 78% of the respondents for the management of osteoporosis. Approximately 72% of the respondents stated calcium aspartate anhydrous as the preferred calcium supplement to manage osteoporosis. Around 49% of the respondents reported a reduced risk of bone fractures among those who consume more calcium than the average amount. Further 48%, 30%, and 25% of the respondents indicated that calcium aspartate anhydrous have better absorption, better bioavailability, and better gastrointestinal tolerability. Conclusions: According to the expert’s opinion, both calcium and vitamin D administration in conjunction with maintaining a balanced sodium intake were recommended for managing osteoporosis.