Detection of bovine coronavirus by RT-PCR in a field study

In the present study we used RT-PCR assay for detecting of BCoV, targeting a 730 bp fragment of the nucleocapsid (N) gene of BCoV with published primers that could amplify all BCoV strains. We evaluated presence of BCoV in diarrheic and nondiarrheic samples. 108 faecal samples from diarrheic calves and 80 faecal samples from nondiarrheic calves collected. In 13 of 108 diarrheic samples both ELISA and RT-PCR detected BCoV. In 4 of 80 samples second group (non diarrheic) BCoV was detected by RT-PCR only not capture ELISA. This report is the first detection of BCoV in Iran. The results suggest that RT-PCR is more sensitive than ELISA method to detect BCoV, especially in subclinical cases. Because these animals shed a low amount of virus in faeces we need to apply sensitive techniques, such as RT-PCR, nested PCR and real time RT-PCR

A theory of planned behavior-enhanced intervention to promote health literacy and self-care behaviors of type 2 diabetic patients

Abstract Background: Improved health literacy and awareness could help type 2 diabetic patients to control the disease complications. Objective: The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of theory-based educational intervention on health literacy and self-care behaviors of type 2 diabetic patients in Tonekabon city. Methods: This randomized controlled trial study was conducted at health care centers in Tonekabon city, Iran, from April 5, 2017, to October 22, 2018. Using multistage random sampling, 166 patients with type 2 diabetes divided into two groups: theory-based intervention (n = 83) and custom education (n = 83). The data collection tools consisted of demographic information, Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) measures, health literacy for Iranian adults (HELIA) and summary of diabetes self-care activities (SDSCA). The five 45-minute group training sessions based on the baseline assessment and model constructs along with the targeted pamphlet and m-health strategy were designed for the experimental group. Data were analyzed using chi-square, independent and paired t-test and Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results: After controlling for pre-test effect, there was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of mean scores of attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavior control and intention in post-test (P < 0.001). Also, after controlling for the pre-test effect, the results showed a significant difference in the self-care domain in the post-test (P < 0.001). Finally, after controlling for the pre-test variable effect, covariance analysis reflects significant difference in total health literacy score and its dimension at posttest (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Applying TPB based education is suggested to maintain and improve self-care behaviors and health literacy in type 2 diabetic patients and other chronic diseases. Keywords: Attitude; Behavior change; Diabetes; Health literacy; Self-care behavior

Effectiveness of Theory-Based Intervention on Knowledge Level, Psychological Constructs, Metabolic Index and Physical Activity Status in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Application of the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) Model

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the educational intervention based on the health action process approach (HAPA) model on the level of knowledge, metabolic indicators, psychological constructs and physical activity status in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients in 2022–2023. Material and methods: The present study was a randomized controlled trial and 100 T2D patients were equally assigned to experimental and control groups using multistage random sampling. The educational program included six online sessions, targeted pamphlets, educational audio files and reminder messages. Data were collected before and 3 months after intervention with demographic items, awareness scale, constructs of HAPA model, IPAQ-s, HbA1c and fasting blood glucose (FBG). Data were entered to SPSS 25.0 and analyzed with chi-square, ANOVA and ANCOVA. Results: After controlling the effect of the pre-test variable, the mean of the HAPA model constructs and mean of physical activity improved significantly in posttest. In addition, educational intervention explained 30.2%, 57.8%, 33.2%, 64.4%, 76.3%, 25.3%, 24.6%, 36.1% and 36.9% of the variance of health awareness, risk perception, outcome expectancy, action self-efficacy, maintenance self-efficacy, action plan, coping plan, behavioral intention and physical activity, respectively. In addition, the mean of FBG and HbA1c in the experimental group improved significantly after the intervention by controlling the pre-test effect (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: Providing theory-based educational interventions through the web and mobile can increasingly promote the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral interventions and facilitate the process of behavior change in T2D