PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF WEIGHT MANAGEMENT INTERVENTIONS: ACHIEVED GOALS AND QUALITY OF LIFE

Obesity is becoming a major health problem growing in strength and prevalence. It is often associated with large array of debilitating diseases and conditions including psychosocial impairments. Morbid obesity rarely responds to conservative treatment regimens but has been successfully managed with bariatric interventions that have been achieving sustained weight loss of about 50% of excess body weight with improvement or resolution of most obesity-associated conditions. This cross sectional study evaluates the impact of weight changes by bariatric interventions on psychosocial functioning among Lebanese patients. 38 participants who signed consent were examined at pre-interventional and 6-month follow-up period. The spectrum of examination consists of demographic variables including height and weight measurements and psychosocial functioning evaluated through four standardized questionnaires well recognized and pretested in several previous studies. Data was analyzed using SPSS program. Positive impact of bariatric intervention was prevalent in approximately all studied parameters. This should be taken into consideration as a therapeutic tool in positive psychology-oriented intervention and necessitated pre-interventional psychological clearance and follow up as well

"It is definitely a good program for everyone from every community" : a qualitative study of community partner perspectives on the culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) mindfulness program

Meeting the health needs of migrant and refugee communities is crucial to successful settlement and integration. These communities are often under-served by mental health services. Previous research has demonstrated the effectiveness of a group mindfulness-based intervention tailored for Arabic and Bangla speakers living in Sydney, Australia. This study aimed to explore community partner perspectives on the program’s impact, contributing factors and sustainability, and to elicit suggestions for future development. Data were collected via semi-structured telephone interviews with a purposively selected sample of 16 informants. Thematic analysis was conducted using the Rigorous and Accelerated Data Reduction (RADaR) technique. Community partners welcomed the emphasis on promoting wellbeing and reported that the community-based in-language intervention, in both face-to-face and online formats, overcame many of the barriers to timely mental health care for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, with a beneficial impact on group participants, program providers, partner organisations and the broader community. Positive outcomes led to stronger community engagement and demand for more programs. For group mental health programs, both trust and safety are necessary. Relationships must be nurtured, diversity within CALD communities recognised, and projects adequately resourced to ensure partner organisations are not overburdened

EFFECT OF GAMMA IRRADIATION AND SOME HOLDING SOLUTIONS ON VASE LIFE OF GERBERA CUT FLOWERS

Nowadays, the most of investigations are directed towards the using of natural materials for reducing pollution environment. So, this study was consummated at Post-Harvest Lab. of  Floriculture Dept., Hort. Res. Inst., Giza, Egypt during 2012 and 2013 seasons to study the effect of some holding solutions, viz. distilled water (control), calcium chloride (1 & 3 g/l), calcium claw (1 & 3 g/l), egg shell (0.5 & 1.5 g/l), oysters (0.5 & 1.5 g/l), humic acid (50 & 150 g/l) and three doses of gamma irradiation (100, 200 & 400 Gy) on longevity of flower heads (vase life), water uptake, water loss, relative fresh weight, dry weight and flower diameter of Gerbera jamesonii, cv. Rosalin & Express cut flowers. The obtained results cleared that application of CaCl2 (1 or 3 g/l) with HQ 0.2 g/l and 20 g/l sucrose resulted in a great extension in vase life and water uptake more than other treatments. Rosalin cultivar recorded significant increase in longevity, water uptake comparing to gerbera cut flowers of cv. Express during the two seasons. Gamma ray (200 Gy) recorded the least rate of water loss in cv. Rosalin in the two seasons. Superiority was for the treatment with oysters (1.5 g/l) in improvement of relative fresh weight in both seasons followed by gamma ray (200 Gy), also gamma irradiation at the doses 200 Gy plus CaCl2 at 1 g/l + sucrose at 20 g/l significantly increased dry weight of the two cultivars Rosalin and Express followed  by claw (1 g/l). All treatments gave higher record in comparison with control for diameter. The present research indicated that the application of CaCl2 (1 g/l) with HQ 0.2  g/l and 20 g/l sucrose after exposure of cut flowers to irradiation with gamma at (200 Gy)maximizes flower diameter. Results showed that, treating with CaCl2 at 3 g/l + HQ at 0.2 g/l and suc. at 20 g/l, or gamma rays at 200 Gy + CaCl2 at 1 g/l + HQ at 2 g/l + Sucrose at 20 g/l registered the highest increments in chlorophyll a in the stems and soluble sugars in the stems and petals. It is concluded that the use of the holding solution containing calcium chloride at 3 g/l plus hydroxyqenolin plus sucrose alone or after irradiation with gamma at 200 Gy gave the maximum vase life

Autonomic Dysfunction Predicts Early Cardiac Affection in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis

Objective: To detect the early preclinical alterations in cardiac autonomic control as well as altered cardiac function in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients and their relevance to the clinical features of the disease using noninvasive methods. Methods: 30 SSc patients and 15 healthy controls matched for age and sex underwent clinical examination, serological analysis, and echocardiographic assessment including Doppler flow imaging to evaluate cardiac function, and 24-hour Holter monitoring analyzed for arrhythmia and heart rate variability (HRV) in the time and frequency domains. Results: The trans-mitral Doppler of early to atrial wave (E/A) ratio was reversed in five patients (16.6%) and the tricuspid E/A ratio was reversed in 10 patients (33.3%). Holter analysis for SSc patients revealed an increased prevalence of premature ventricular contractions (PVC) $ 10/h (P = 0.02), supra-ventricular tachycardias (SVTs) (P = 0.2), and total PVC count (P = 0.0000). Highly significant (P = 0.000) impairment in all HRV parameters was demonstrated in the SSc patients. Total skin thickness score (TSS), Raynaud’s phenomenon and anti-scleroderma 70 (anti-SCL70) showed significant positive correlations with all arrhythmia parameters, while showing a significant negative correlation with the impaired ventricular diastolic function and various HRV parameters. No correlation was found between arrhythmia and HRV parameters and disease duration, disease type, or presence of anti-centromere antibodies. Conclusion: Low heart rate variability, increased TSS and the presence of anti-SCL70 are correlated with preclinical cardiac involvement in SSc patients and may predict the likelihood of malignant arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. Therefore, noninvasive HRV evaluation before clinical cardiac involvement in these patients might be beneficial when added to the clinical and laboratory assessments in detecting high-risk patients, and may allow for implementation of preventive measures and initiation of appropriate therapy early in the course of the disease

Value of Entheseal Ultrasonography and Serum Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein in the Preclinical Diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis

Objective: To evaluate the utility of entheseal ultrasonography and serum COMP in the preclinical diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. Methods: 60 psoriatic patients were divided into: 30 patients with psoriasis (group I) and 30 patients with psoriatic arthritis as control (group II). They underwent independent clinical and ultrasonographic examination of both lower limbs at the calcaneal insertions of Achilles tendons. Psoriatic arthritis disease activity and severity was assessed by modified DAS28 and Steinbrockers scores. Serum levels of COMP were measured for all patients by ELISA. Results: On clinical examination, no entheseal abnormalities were detected in group I while they were present in 23.3% of group II with statistically significant difference between them (P < 0.001). Ultrasonographic entheseal abnormalities were detected in 33.3% of group I and in 46.7% of group II with no significant difference between them (P > 0.05). Serum COMP were significantly elevated in group I and II with no statistically significant difference between them (mean ± SD 5.9 ± 3 and 6.8 ± 12 respectively, P > 0.05). Entheseal ultrasound was more specific (67%) while serum COMP was more sensitive (87%) in the preclinical diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. Serum COMP levels were significantly correlated with CRP in both groups and with DAS28 and Steinbrockers scores in group II (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Entheseal ultrasonography and serum COMP levels may be used complementary to each other for preclinical diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. Serum COMP seems to be promising prognostic marker for psoriatic arthritis patients

Ptosis congénital: expérience d’un centre de soins tertiaires Marocain et mise au point

Le ptosis congénital constitue la malposition palpébrale la plus fréquente de l'enfant. Le but de ce travail est de rapporter l'expérience de notre service dans la prise en charge de cette affection. Cette étude analyse les données épidémiologiques, cliniques et thérapeutiques des patients opérés pour ptosis congénital dans notre service entre Janvier 2005 et Décembre 2012. 44 patients (48 yeux) ont été opérés. La médiane d'âge était de 10 ans et une prédominance masculine a été retrouvée. Le ptosis était unilatéral et isolé dans 40 cas (90,90 %), bilatéral et associé à un syndrome de blépharophimosis dans 3 cas et à un syndrome de fibrose congénitale des muscles oculomoteurs dans un cas. Une amblyopie a été notée dans 11 cas (25%). La résection du muscle releveur de la paupière supérieure était la technique chirurgicale la plus utilisée (81,81%). Les résultats postopératoires étaient bons dans 33 cas (75%).Key words: Ptosis congénital, amblyopie, désordres oculomoteurs, techniques chirurgicales, résultats esthétiques et fonctionnel

Impact of a Designed Nursing Intervention protocol on Myocardial Infarction Patient's Outcome at a selected University Hospital in Egypt

Background: Myocardial infarction is a life threatening disease that influences the physical, psychological and social dimensions of the individual. Improper lifestyle is one of the causes of this disease.  The  designing and implementing  of  nursing  intervention protocol for MI patients could  be  one  of  the  important  and fundamental steps in improving MI patients outcomes. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of a designed nursing intervention protocol on myocardial infarction patient’s outcomes as indicated by higher post total mean knowledge scores, higher post total mean practices scores and high level of compliance to lifelong instruction. Research hypotheses: H1. Patients who will be exposed to a designed nursing intervention protocol will have a higher post total mean knowledge scores; H2. Patients who will be exposed to a designed nursing intervention protocol will have a higher post total mean practices scores; H3. Patients who will be exposed to a designed nursing intervention protocol will have a high level of compliance to lifelong instruction. Design: A quasi-experimental research design was utilized in this study Sample: A convenience sample of 40 adult male and female MI patients. Setting: The cardiac care units at a selected Cairo University Hospital were recruited to fulfill the aim of this study. Tools: Four tools were formulated&amp; tested to collect data pertinent to the study; Socio-demographic and medical data sheet, Pre/Post knowledge questionnaire sheet, an Observational checklist and Compliance assessment sheet. Structured interview, reviewing medical records and direct observation were utilized for data collection. Results: The study results revealed that the post total mean knowledge scores of the studied subjects is increased significantly with value of t= 20.6 at p=0.000, higher post total practice scores among the studied subjects with t&amp; p values (t=5.6 at p= 0.000 ) also, studied subjects had mild to high compliance level regarding the lifelong instructions. Conclusion: It can be concluded that, enrichment of patients' knowledge and practices in relation to their condition and utilization of the effective nursing intervention protocol as an approach of care could have a positive impact upon improvement of patients' outcome. Recommendations: The study recommended Conduction of further studies in order to assess the effectiveness of the designed protocol on patients' outcome regarding different cardiac disorders with replication of this study on a larger probability sample from different geographical locations at the Arab Republic of Egypt, in addition to establishment of cardiac rehabilitation center in the different heath care organizations. Keywards: Nursing intervention protocol, Myocardial Infarction, Outcomes, Cardiac care units

Evaluation of aerosol optical thickness over Malaysia based on multi-source ground and satellite data

This study evaluates the spatiotemporal distribution of aerosol optical thickness (AOT) over Malaysia. The significance of aerosols in regional and global climate change assessment has become a pressing topic in recent climate discussions. Two different approaches are used in measuring AOT; satellite imagery and ground measurement approaches. However, the satellite approach is deemed the best way for monitoring the patterns and transport of aerosols largely due to its extensive spatial coverage and reliable repetitive measurements. The data in this study were obtained from a Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS), a Multi-angle Imaging Spectroradiometer (MISR), and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite sensors based on a NASA-operated Giovanni portal. Ground-based Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) datasets from two sites over the study area were also used. The results show that the highest AOT ground values of 1.93 and 2.00 were recorded in September 2015, at USM station and Kuching station, respectively. Throughout the 15 years of recorded data, the monthly average value of AOT reached its highest values in September, October, and November. In these months, the value of AOT went above 0.40, unlike in other months of the year. Significantly, the results indicate that Malaysian air quality can be evaluated based on AOT values, as these show the variation in optical properties of aerosol

Vitamin E and N-Acetylcysteine as Antioxidant Adjuvant Therapy in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Although cancer therapies have experienced great success nowadays, yet the associated toxic response and free radicals formation have resulted in significant number of treatment-induced deaths rather than disease-induced fatalities. Complications of chemotherapy have forced physicians to study antioxidant use as adjunctive treatment in cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant role of vitamin E and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) in overcoming treatment-induced toxicity in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) during the intensive period of chemo-/radiotherapy, almost the first two months of treatment. Forty children newly diagnosed with ALL were enrolled in this study. Twenty children (group I) have taken vitamin E and NAC supplementations with chemotherapy and the other twenty children (group II) have not taken any adjuvant antioxidant therapy. They were evaluated clinically for the occurrence of complications and by the laboratory parameters (blood levels of glutathione peroxidase (Glu.PX) antioxidant enzyme, malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), liver enzymes, and bone marrow picture). Results revealed reduced chemotherapy and radiotherapy toxicity as evidenced by decreasing level of MDA, increasing level of Glu.Px and decreased occurrence of toxic hepatitis, haematological complications, and need for blood and platelet transfusions in group I compared to group II. We can conclude that vitamin E and NAC have been shown to be effective as antioxidant adjuvant therapy in children with ALL to reduce chemo-/radiotherapy-related toxicities during the initial period of treatment

Nutrient mineralization patterns in shelf waters of the Western Iberian upwelling

24 páginas, 10 figuras, 2 tablasA set of hydrographicdata collectedduring severalcruisesto theNWIberian upwelling systemhas been used to assess the patterns of nutrient mineralizationover the shelf. Mineralized nutrient ratios (N/P and N/Si)in the lowerwatercohrmnare clearlybelowthe ratios characteristicof freshly upwelled oceanic waters. Nitrogen mineralization, in comparison to phosphorus mineralization, is incomplete,in agreementwith phosphate’sfaster regenerationrate and the low residence time of water, which precludes complete mineralization. Silicate shows the highest enrichmentas a consequenceof the selectiveconcentrationof particulate biogenicsilica in the near bottom waters. Diffusionof nutrients mineralizedin the sedimentsseemsto representan important contribution.TheIowestmineralizationof the surveyedarea is foundto the north of CapeFinisterre, especiallywith regard to silicate.To the South, the Rias Baixas(four large embayments)return as reducingparticulate organicmatter (POM)a smallfraction of the upwellednutrientsimportedfrom the shelf. However,the out-flowingfreshwatercontributesto stratificationof coastal waters, which favoursPOMproduction,accumulationand sedimentation.In addition,highlevelsofnewdissolved organic matter (DOM) in the outflowcan also enhanceprimary productionin shelfsurface waters. Finally, highest mineralization was found to the south of the River Miiio, where there are no embayments and the shelf is wider. Mineralization tends to: (1) increase the potential primary productionof thisecosystembyupto 50%,(nitrogenIimitation)orup to 80%(siliconlimitation);(2) favour the developmentof phytoplanktonassemblagesdominatedbydiatoms(Sienrichmentdouble that ofN and P); and (3)bufferthe largespatial and temporaldifferencesintroducedbythe advected nutrientsSupport for this work came from EU projects contract No. MAST-CT90-0017and MAS2- CT93-006Peer reviewe