41 research outputs found

    Uticaj etarskih ulja timijana, cimeta i karanfilića na porast micelije Colletotrichum acutatum

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    Effects of the volatile phase of thyme, cinnamon and clove essential oils on Colletotrichum acutatum were investigated. Mycelial disc was placed in the center of the Petri dish (V=66 ml) containing PDA. Different volumes of either non- or ethanol-diluted essential oils were placed on the inner side of the dish cover to obtain final concentrations of 153, 107, 76, 46, 15, 14, 12, 11, 7.6, 3.82, 1.53, 0.153 and 0.0153 ÎŒl/L of air. The dishes were sealed with Parafilm and incubated in up-side-down position. After 7 days of incubation, mycelial growth was recorded by measuring the colony diameter. If no mycelial growth was recorded, the disc was transferred to a new PDA plate in order to evaluate whether the activity was either fungistatic or fungicidal. Mean growth values were obtained and then converted to inhibition percentage of mycelial growth compared with the control treatment. All the tested essential oils inhibited mycelial growth of C. acutatum in the dose dependent manner. Mycelial growth was totally inhibited by thyme oil in the concentration of 76 ÎŒl/L of air. The same results were obtained by cinnamon and clove oil in the concentration of 107 ÎŒl/L of air. Thyme and cinnamon oil had fungicidal effect in concentrations of 107 and 153 ÎŒl/L respectively. The results obtained provide evidence on the antifungal in vitro effect of the tested essential oils as potential means for the control of C. acutatum.Proučavan je efekat isparljive faze etarskih ulja timijana, cimeta i karanfilića na prouzrokovača antraknoze jagode Colletotrichum acutatum u uslovima in vitro. Fragmenti micelije gljive, prečnika 1 cm, zasejani su na KDA podlogu u petri-kutije (V = 66 ml). Različite koncentracije etarskih ulja (153, 107, 76, 46, 15, 14, 12, 11, 7,6, 3,82, 1,53, 0,153 i 0,0153 ÎŒl/l vazduha) dobijene su nanoĆĄenjem određene količine ulja, koncentrovanih ili razblaĆŸenih u etanolu, na srediĆĄnji deo unutraĆĄnje strane poklopca. Petri-kutije su zatvorene parafilmom i postavljene u obrnuti poloĆŸaj, a porast micelije je meren posle 7 dana inkubacije. U kulturama u kojima nije doĆĄlo do porasta micelije fungicidno ili fungitoksično dejstvo određeno je prebacivanjem fragmenata na KDA podloge bez prisustva ulja. Efekat etarskih ulja predstavljen je procentom inhibicije porasta micelije, poređenjem sa kontrolom. Proučavana etarska ulja timijana, cimeta i karanfilića su svojom gasovitom fazom inhibirala porast micelije C. acutatum. Stepen inhibicije zavisio je od primenjene koncentracije. Etarsko ulje timijana je potpuno inhibiralo porast micelije pri koncentraciji 76 ÎŒl/l vazduha, a cimeta i karanfilića pri koncentraciji 107 ÎŒl/l vazduha. Fungicidno dejstvo ispoljilo je etarsko ulje timijana u koncentraciji 107 ÎŒl/l vazduha i cimeta u koncentraciji 153 ÎŒl/l vazduha. Rezultati istraĆŸivanja in vitro pokazali su antifungalno dejstvo testiranih etarskih ulja, ĆĄto govori o potencijalu koriơćenja etarskih ulja u kontroli C. acutatum

    Understanding the Benefits, Challenges, and the Role of Pet Ownership in the Daily Lives of Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Case Study

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    Human–animal interactions may positively impact the health and well-being of older adults. Considering about one third of community-dwelling older adults report owning a pet, better understanding the benefits, challenges, and the role of pet ownership may help support the relationships between older adults and their pets. This case study aims to better understand the role of pet ownership in the daily lives of older adults and explore the benefits and the challenges of owning a pet for this population. Interviews were conducted with Violet, a 77-year-old dog owner and her healthcare provider. Qualitative data were analyzed by two evaluators and validated by the participants. Both participants agree that the benefits outweigh the challenges for both the older adult and her pet. The benefits and challenges were the following: Violet, taking care of her dog (Jack), (1) could provide Violet with a sense of safety and positively influence her mood; (2) may introduce a slight fall risk; (3) includes financial costs to consider. Ensuring Jack’s well-being is important for Violet and her dog benefits from Violet’s continual presence and care. The findings suggest that improving the fit between characteristics of the owner and their pet may support the meaningful role of pet ownership within the context of aging-in-place

    High frequency of the R75Q CFTR variation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

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    AbstractWe performed the complete screening of the CFTR gene in a group of 31 patients with COPD in order to investigate the impact of mutations and polymorphisms in the CFTR gene. The cumulative frequency of CFTR mutations (17.74%) was significantly higher than in our general population (P<0.0001). The R75Q was significantly overrepresented in COPD patients (8.06%; P=0.002). In all patients carrying the R75Q chronic bronchitis was a dominant symptom of COPD, and all were homozygous for the V470 allele. These findings suggest that R75Q mutation could be characteristic CFTR variant for COPD patients

    Participation sociale et solidaritĂ©s intergĂ©nĂ©rationnelles : une synthĂšse des connaissances sur la contribution des aĂźnĂ©s autochtones au mieux-ĂȘtre des personnes et des communautĂ©s

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    Les services publics actuels montrent des effets limitĂ©s dans leur rĂ©ponse aux besoins et aux enjeux complexes de mieux-ĂȘtre vĂ©cus par les peuples autochtones. Afin d’utiliser des approches holistiques misant sur les forces des individus et des communautĂ©s, l’implication des aĂźnĂ©s autochtones peut contribuer Ă  rĂ©pondre Ă  ces besoins, Ă  surmonter leurs enjeux vĂ©cus et Ă  dĂ©velopper le mieux-ĂȘtre. L’objectif de cette synthĂšse des connaissances visait Ă  mieux comprendre les caractĂ©ristiques de la participation sociale des aĂźnĂ©s autochtones et des solidaritĂ©s intergĂ©nĂ©rationnelles ainsi que leurs influences sur les diffĂ©rentes dimensions du mieux-ĂȘtre des personnes et des communautĂ©s. Un comitĂ© consultatif composĂ© d’utilisateurs de connaissances a Ă©tĂ© impliquĂ© tout au long de la recherche. En plus de la recherche dans les bases de donnĂ©es, 17 entrevues individuelles avec des aĂźnĂ©s autochtones et six cafĂ©-rencontres ont Ă©tĂ© rĂ©alisĂ©s dans des communautĂ©s de huit nations (AbĂ©naquis, Anishnabek, Atikamekw, Huronne-Wendat, Innue, Mohawk, Inuite, Crie) notamment pour l’identification de documents. Pour la recherche d’écrits scientifiques, quatorze banques de donnĂ©es ont Ă©tĂ© utilisĂ©es Ă  partir de 58 mots-clĂ©s. Deux Ă©tudiantes de recherche supervisĂ©es par la chercheure principale ont vĂ©rifiĂ© l’admissibilitĂ© de chacun des documents. Sur les 143 documents rencontrant les critĂšres d’inclusion, 73 proviennent des Ă©crits scientifiques. La plupart des articles scientifiques recensĂ©s ont utilisĂ© une mĂ©thodologie qualitative (n=60). Six revues systĂ©matiques ou recensions d’écrits ont Ă©tĂ© incluses. Parmi les autres Ă©crits scientifiques, Ă  l’exception d’un article ayant utilisĂ© un devis prĂ©-expĂ©rimental pour Ă©valuer l’efficacitĂ© d’une intervention, tous avaient utilisĂ© un devis transversal. Les documents de la littĂ©rature grise sont des rapports gouvernementaux ou d’organismes ainsi que des livres, des courts mĂ©trages, des entrevues audios et des jeux vidĂ©os produits par des communautĂ©s autochtones ou des organismes autochtones ou oeuvrant avec les peuples autochtones. Une grille d’analyse bĂątie Ă  partir de la Classification internationale du fonctionnement, de l’incapacitĂ© et du handicap de l’Organisation mondiale de la santĂ© a Ă©tĂ© dĂ©veloppĂ©e pour codifier les documents. Enfin, plusieurs stratĂ©gies de mobilisation des connaissances rejoignant les diffĂ©rents profils d’utilisateurs sont utilisĂ©es (p. ex., articles scientifiques et non scientifiques, prĂ©sentations dans des colloques et congrĂšs ainsi que dans des activitĂ©s auprĂšs d’un public non scientifique, boĂźte Ă  outils). Bien que les contextes de contribution des aĂźnĂ©s au mieux-ĂȘtre des communautĂ©s varient entre les nations et les communautĂ©s autochtones, cette synthĂšse des connaissances montre que dans l’ensemble, la participation sociale des aĂźnĂ©s autochtones ainsi que les solidaritĂ©s intergĂ©nĂ©rationnelles se rĂ©alisent dans les domaines de la vie sociale, communautaire et civique, par l’implication dans des emplois ou du bĂ©nĂ©volat ainsi que par la rĂ©alisation d’activitĂ©s traditionnelles. La contribution des aĂźnĂ©s autochtones se manifeste Ă  travers leurs relations et interactions par diffĂ©rentes formes de communication. En effet, les aĂźnĂ©s contribuent au mieux-ĂȘtre individuel et collectif entre autres par leur participation en tant que confĂ©renciers et Ă©crivains, par leur implication dans les Ă©coles et des comitĂ©s ainsi que par la transmission des savoirs et savoir-faire traditionnels (p. ex., pĂȘche, chasse, artisanat, danse, utilisation de plantes mĂ©dicinales). Ils contribuent Ă  la transmission des connaissances et des valeurs traditionnelles par des enregistrements vidĂ©os, la sensibilisation dans les milieux de travail et les Ă©coles avec les allochtones, des tĂ©moignages ainsi que la transmission de contes et lĂ©gendes. Enfin, ils organisent et participent aux cĂ©rĂ©monies, aux journĂ©es culturelles, Ă  l’enseignement spirituel et Ă  des manifestations. Les aĂźnĂ©s autochtones contribuent sur le plan familial et participent aux instances locales, rĂ©gionales, provinciales et nationales. Les principaux bĂ©nĂ©fices de la contribution des aĂźnĂ©s autochtones concernent le maintien des relations interpersonnelles, familiales et conjugales, le soutien formel et informel ainsi que la santĂ© physique et mentale. Plus spĂ©cifiquement, les bĂ©nĂ©fices rĂ©pertoriĂ©s concernent la cohĂ©sion sociale, la rĂ©ciprocitĂ©, le fait de bĂ©nĂ©ficier de conseils ainsi que la promotion de la santĂ© et la prĂ©vention des maladies. Les aĂźnĂ©s autochtones contribuent Ă  influencer le dĂ©veloppement de la rĂ©silience, des forces, de l’autonomie et de la persĂ©vĂ©rance, ainsi qu’à l’enseignement de la langue, des valeurs, des rĂšgles de vie et de savoir-faire traditionnels. Enfin, la participation sociale des aĂźnĂ©s autochtones contribue au dĂ©veloppement de produits notamment didactiques (p. ex., DVD d’artisanat), culturels (p. ex., courts mĂ©trages) et spirituels (p. ex., tente de sudation) ainsi qu’aux services, aux systĂšmes et aux politiques (p. ex., revendication territoriales et dĂ©fense des droits, crĂ©ation d’un rĂ©seau tĂ©lĂ©visĂ©). Certaines contributions des aĂźnĂ©s ressortent davantage dans la littĂ©rature grise que dans les Ă©crits scientifiques, alors que d’autres n’apparaissent que dans la littĂ©rature grise. Par exemple, en santĂ© et services sociaux, la co-animation de thĂ©rapies et la contribution des aĂźnĂ©s aux grossesses et aux accouchements ainsi qu’à la prĂ©vention des abus sexuels ne ressortent que dans la littĂ©rature grise. Sur les plans juridique et politique, leur contribution au dĂ©veloppement des programmes de rĂ©insertion en emploi pour les prisonniers, Ă  des associations de dĂ©fense des droits ainsi que leur apport en tant qu’expert pour les ministĂšres ou lors de crises sont d’autres exemples uniquement mentionnĂ©s dans la littĂ©rature grise. Leur contribution Ă  l’approche philosophique des programmes d’enseignement ne ressort pas non plus dans les Ă©crits scientifiques. Sur les plans environnemental et communautaire, leur implication dans des instances visant la dĂ©limitation des aires protĂ©gĂ©es et l’amĂ©nagement des espaces ruraux, le dĂ©veloppement de politiques de sĂ©curitĂ© sociale et de protection civile ainsi que la sensibilisation du public aux rĂ©alitĂ©s autochtones ne ressortent que dans la littĂ©rature grise. Enfin, certains bĂ©nĂ©fices que la contribution des aĂźnĂ©s autochtones entraĂźne sur le plan des attitudes et des comportements (gestion de la colĂšre, conscience collective, patience, dignitĂ©, capacitĂ©s d’adaptation) sont uniquement documentĂ©s dans la littĂ©rature grise. Bien que plusieurs documents aient Ă©tĂ© inclus dans cette synthĂšse des connaissances, peu d’écrits scientifiques ont utilisĂ© des dispositifs permettant de dĂ©monter l’effet de la contribution des aĂźnĂ©s autochtones au mieux-ĂȘtre des personnes et des communautĂ©s. De plus, plusieurs variables signifiantes pour les peuples autochtones notamment relatives au dĂ©veloppement d’attitudes positives pour le mieux-ĂȘtre n’ont pas Ă©tĂ© incluses dans ces recherches. Ainsi, les organismes prestataires de services, les dĂ©cideurs et les chercheurs devraient Ă©tablir des partenariats avec les communautĂ©s pour Ă©valuer des contributions des aĂźnĂ©s autochtones qui n’apparaissent que dans la littĂ©rature grise sans avoir Ă©tĂ© Ă©valuĂ©es en recherche. Pour ce faire, des opportunitĂ©s accrues en recherche partenariale doivent mesurer les variables les plus signifiantes pour les peuples autochtones en regard des diffĂ©rentes composantes du mieux-ĂȘtre. Puisque les peuples autochtones accordent autant d’importance aux processus qu’aux rĂ©sultats, les recherches futures devraient utiliser davantage des devis mixtes permettant non seulement d’évaluer les effets de la contribution des aĂźnĂ©s (volet quantitatif), mais Ă©galement d’en comprendre les processus (volet qualitatif). De plus, comme la langue et l’identitĂ© sont des enjeux importants pour lemieux-ĂȘtre, ces deux aspects devraient toujours ĂȘtre considĂ©rĂ©s dans les recherches et dans les actions concrĂštes. Par ailleurs, afin de bien comprendre l’évolution du mieux-ĂȘtre en fonction de la contribution des aĂźnĂ©s autochtones, les opportunitĂ©s de recherche doivent privilĂ©gier des devis longitudinaux. Ainsi, des approches partenariales avec les peuples autochtones soutiendraient leurs savoirs, leur crĂ©ativitĂ© et leurs forces et leur apporteraient des retombĂ©es concrĂštes puisqu’ils ont souvent participĂ© Ă  des recherches, sans avoir l’opportunitĂ© d’en bĂ©nĂ©ficier directement. Afin de miser sur le partage de pratiques exemplaires reconnues et valorisĂ©es par les peuples autochtones, les instances oeuvrant auprĂšs d’eux devraient davantage se concerter. ConsĂ©quemment, dans le dĂ©veloppement, l’implantation et la prestation de soins, de services et d’interventions pour les peuples autochtones, les organisations des secteurs publics et communautaires devraient inclure des aĂźnĂ©s ou reprĂ©sentants autochtones. Les services devraient ĂȘtre dĂ©veloppĂ©s dans une approche holistique du mieux-ĂȘtre en misant sur le dĂ©veloppement des forces plutĂŽt que de cibler des enjeux de façon dĂ©contextualisĂ©e. Ainsi, les aĂźnĂ©s et reprĂ©sentants autochtones devraient ĂȘtre impliquĂ©s dans la formation du personnel gestionnaire ou intervenant auprĂšs des individus et des groupes afin d’assurer une offre de services favorisant la compĂ©tence culturelle des intervenants et la sĂ©curitĂ© culturelle des peuples autochtones. De plus, afin d’assurer la continuitĂ© dans la transmission des savoirs ainsi que des valeurs, de la langue et de l’identitĂ© culturelle collective, les aĂźnĂ©s devraient Ă©galement travailler en collaboration avec les plus jeunes. Pour ce faire, les enjeux de communication intergĂ©nĂ©rationnelle et transculturelle mĂ©ritent une importance particuliĂšre. Enfin, il s’avĂšre essentiel d’assurer la pĂ©rennitĂ© d’actions ayant montrĂ© des effets positifs au plan du mieux-ĂȘtre et qui actuellement, faute de ressources financiĂšres, ne sont pas poursuivies

    Importance of Indigenous elders’ contributions to individual and community wellness: results from a scoping review on social participation and intergenerational solidarity

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    Objective: Wellness is a challenge for Indigenous peoples, partly because Western services do not adopt a holistic approach. By devaluing traditional knowledge, Indigenous values and beliefs, these services lower Indigenous power and affect cultural identities. Indigenous elders participate in intergenerational solidarity by transmitting knowledge, values, and culture in a holistic approach. Despite widespread acceptance of the importance of Indigenous elders’ contributions to wellness, a rigorous synthesis of knowledge has never been done. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how Indigenous elders’ social participation contributes to individual and community wellness. Method: A scoping review was conducted with Indigenous elders and stakeholders in QuĂ©bec (Canada). Sixteen databases were searched with 57 keywords. Data from the documents retrieved were analyzed, organized, and synthesized based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Synthesis: A total of 144 documents were examined, comprising 74 scientific papers and 70 sources from the gray literature. Indigenous elders contributed to wellness mainly through relationships and interactions with other community members and non-Indigenous people (72.2%); intergenerational oral and written communications (70.1%); community, social and civic life (45.8%); volunteering and jobs (35.4%); and family life (29.9%). Elders transmit traditional knowledge, strengthen social cohesion, and help to develop positive attitudes such as reciprocity. Their actions favour disease prevention and health promotion, as including traditional approaches increases the acceptability of health and social services. Conclusion: This scoping review highlights the need for longitudinal studies with mixed-method designs involving Indigenous communities at all stages of the research to deepen understanding of the contributions of Indigenous elders to individual and community wellness. © 2020, The Author(s)

    Distribution of EGFR SNPs -191C/A and 181946G/A in patients with lung cancer depending on smoking status in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina

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    To analyze the frequencies of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of EGFR gene, -191C/A and 181946G/A, among lung cancer patients from the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Hercegovina, as well as to assess the association of SNP genotypes with the cancer type and other demographic characteristics of patients, particularly with the smoking status.Publishe

    Mobile Videoconferencing for Occupational Therapists’ Assessments of Patients’ Home Environments Prior to Hospital Discharge: Mixed Methods Feasibility and Comparative Study

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    Background: Occupational therapists who work in hospitals need to assess patients’ home environment in preparation for hospital discharge in order to provide recommendations (eg, technical aids) to support their independence and safety. Home visits increase performance in everyday activities and decrease the risk of falls; however, in some countries, home visits are rarely made prior to hospital discharge due to the cost and time involved. In most cases, occupational therapists rely on an interview with the patient or a caregiver to assess the home. The use of videoconferencing to assess patients’ home environments could be an innovative solution to allow better and more appropriate recommendations. Objective: The aim of this study was (1) to explore the added value of using mobile videoconferencing compared with standard procedure only and (2) to document the clinical feasibility of using mobile videoconferencing to assess patients’ home environments. Methods: Occupational therapists assessed home environments using, first, the standard procedure (interview), and then, videoconferencing (with the help of a family caregiver located in patients’ homes, using an electronic tablet). We used a concurrent mixed methods design. The occupational therapist's responsiveness to telehealth, time spent on assessment, patient’s occupational performance and satisfaction, and major events influencing the variables were collected as quantitative data. The perceptions of occupational therapists and family caregivers regarding the added value of using this method and the nature of changes made to recommendations as a result of the videoconference (if any) were collected as qualitative data, using questionnaires and semistructured interviews. Results: Eight triads (6 occupational therapists, 8 patients, and 8 caregivers) participated. The use of mobile videoconferencing generally led occupational therapists to modify the initial intervention plan (produced after the standard interview). Occupational therapists and caregivers perceived benefits in using mobile videoconferencing (eg, the ability to provide real-time comments or feedback), and they also perceived disadvantages (eg, videoconferencing requires additional time and greater availability of caregivers). Some occupational therapists believed that mobile videoconferencing added value to assessments, while others did not. Conclusions: The use of mobile videoconferencing in the context of hospital discharge planning has raised questions of clinical feasibility. Although mobile videoconferencing provides multiple benefits to hospital discharge, including more appropriate occupational therapist recommendations, time constraints made it more difficult to perceive the added value. However, with smartphone use, interdisciplinary team involvement, and patient participation in the videoconference visit, mobile videoconferencing can become an asset to hospital discharge planning

    Taking care of a pet: a case study to better understand how this occupation influences the occupational performance and engagement of frail community-dwelling older adults

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    Introduction : Pour rĂ©pondre Ă  des besoins psycho-sociaux non comblĂ©s, il n’est pas rare que les aĂźnĂ©s demeurant dans la communautĂ© se tournent vers les animaux de compagnie. Toutefois, prendre soin d’un animal de compagnie peut parfois comporter des risques pour l’aĂźnĂ© et l’animal, surtout si les exigences liĂ©es Ă  cette occupation excĂšdent les capacitĂ©s du propriĂ©taire vieillissant. Par leurs compĂ©tences en matiĂšre d’analyse d’activitĂ©, les ergothĂ©rapeutes sont des professionnels de la santĂ© qui peuvent considĂ©rer cette occupation et l’adapter aux capacitĂ©s des aĂźnĂ©s. Objectifs et mĂ©thodologie: Cette Ă©tude de cas qualitative vise Ă  mieux comprendre comment l’interaction entre les bienfaits et les dĂ©fis de prendre soin d’un animal de compagnie influence le rendement et l’engagement dans les activitĂ©s de la vie courante du propriĂ©taire aĂźnĂ© qui en prend soin. Des entrevues ont Ă©tĂ© menĂ©es auprĂšs d’une aĂźnĂ©e vivant dans la communautĂ© avec son animal de compagnie et de son ergothĂ©rapeute du Soutien À Domicile (SAD). Deux Ă©valuateurs indĂ©pendants ont rĂ©alisĂ© une analyse thĂ©matique dĂ©ductive des verbatims. La synthĂšse des rĂ©sultats a Ă©tĂ© validĂ©e auprĂšs des participantes. RĂ©sultats : Les rĂ©sultats de l’étude confirment certains des bienfaits et dĂ©fis recensĂ©s dans la littĂ©rature. En effet, pour la participante Ă  cette Ă©tude, prendre soin d’un animal de compagnie 1) est une occupation importante; 2) lui permet de se sentir moins seule et influence positivement ses humeurs ; 3) pourrait l’exposer Ă  des risques potentiels de chutes dans certaines situations du quotidien ; 4) reprĂ©sentent des coĂ»ts financiers Ă  considĂ©rer. De plus, prendre soin de l’animal pourrait motiver la rĂ©alisation des activitĂ©s de la vie courante comme prendre soin de soi, sortir dans la communautĂ© et entrer en relation avec autrui. Enfin, la relation entre certains intervenants (moins Ă  l’aise avec les animaux) et l’animal de compagnie est apparue comme un nouvel Ă©lĂ©ment Ă  considĂ©rer. Conclusion : Cette Ă©tude de cas a permis de constater l’importance que l’occupation de prendre soin d’un animal de compagnie soit adaptĂ©e aux capacitĂ©s de son propriĂ©taire vieillissant. Ces nouvelles connaissances suggĂšrent que des recherches futures mettant en collaboration les personnes aĂźnĂ©es et des professionnels de la santĂ© permettraient d’approfondir et de nuancer l’état des connaissances actuelles. Cette recherche permettra Ă©galement de sensibiliser les dĂ©cideurs et diffĂ©rents professionnels de la santĂ© Ɠuvrant au SAD quant Ă  la place centrale que les animaux de compagnie peuvent occuper dans la vie des personnes aĂźnĂ©es et les enjeux reliĂ©s Ă  cette occupation. À terme, des recherches futures permettraient de guider des pratiques susceptibles de maximiser les bienfaits de cette occupation, tout en rĂ©duisant les dĂ©fis.Abstract : Introduction: It is not uncommon for community-dwelling older adults to turn to pets to meet unmet psycho-social needs. However, taking care of a pet can sometimes present some challenges as well as risks for both the older adult and the pet, especially if the demands of the occupation exceed the aging owner’s capacities. Because of their ability to analyze occupations, occupational therapists are health care professionals who can address this occupation and determine if it is adapted to the pet’s owner. Aims and methods: This qualitative case study aims to better understand how the interaction between the benefits and challenges of taking care caring of a pet influences the performance and engagement in activities of daily living of the elderly owners. Interviews were conducted with a communitydwelling older adult living with her pet, as well as her home support occupational therapist. Two independent evaluators conducted a thematic analysis of the verbatims. A synthesis of the results was validated with the participants. Results: The results of the study confirm some benefits and challenges identified in the literature, namely that caring of a pet 1) could be an important occupation for the older adult ; 2) could help the older adult feel less alone and have a positive influence on their moods ; 3) may expose the older adult to potential risks (e.g. falls) during some situations of everyday life ; 4) includes financial costs to consider for the older adult. Furthermore, taking caring of a pet is an impetus for the older adult to carry out everyday activities such as taking care of oneself, going out in the community and relating to others. Finally, the relationship between some health care professionals (less comfortable with animals) has emerged as a new element to be considered. Conclusion: This case study demonstrated the importance of the occupation being adapted to the abilities of the aging pet owner. Despite its methodological limitations, this new knowledge suggests that future research involving older adults and health professionals can deepen and nuance the current body of research. This study will also raise awareness among different health professionals working in home support services and policy makers about the central place that pets can have in the lives of older adults, as well as the issues related to this occupation. Ultimately, future research will help guide practices in the health care system that will maximize the benefits of this occupation while minimizing the challenges

    Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Paediatric Dental Treatment: A Retrospective Study in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina

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    Dentists are at significant risk of COVID-19 infection. It was difficult to find a balance between dental care, especially preventive and other non-urgent dental procedures, and prevention of potential exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental treatment in children in the Dental Clinic of the University of Banja Luka, and to compare it before and during the first and second years of the pandemic. All dental records of paediatric patients who attended the Dental Clinic (for the period March 2019 to March 2022) were analysed. The data on selected dental treatment procedures were divided into three groups per year and compared. The results during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic showed a reduction in single treatments compared to the year before, while in the second year there was an increase in some interventions such as oral hygiene training and patient motivation, deciduous tooth extraction, and glass ionomer filling. Although the number of dental treatments in the clinic in the second year nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, preventive and restorative interventions are the most appropriate strategy to improve the oral health of children after the COVID-19 pandemic

    Impact of carrier material on fermentative activity of encapsulated yoghurt culture in whey based substrate

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    The main objectives of this paper were to study the influence of the carrier material used for encapsulation and of bead size to fermentative activity and viability of the dairy starter culture Lactoferm ABY 6. Encapsulation of yoghurt culture in beads with diameter of 1 mm provides better results than encapsulation in beads with larger diameter. Alginate beads and chitosan coated beads have proved to be a strong barrier for nutrients from substrate, so samples with those beads have lower viable cell count, lower titratable acidity and higher pH value after 5h of fermentation at 42 degrees C, than samples with WPC-alginate beads. Also those beads have significantly (P lt 0.05) lower cell leaking, than WPC-alginate beads and lower antioxidant capacity. Encapsulation of yoghurt culture in WPC-alginate carrier with diameter of approximately 1mm provided the best characteristics for fermented product. Samples with these beads have significantly (P lt 0.05) higher increase of viable cell number after fermentation, despite of major cell leaking (19.7%). Moreover, sample with these beads have the highest titratable acidity, the lowest pH value after fermentation (the best fermentative activity) and the best antioxidant characteristics
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