Efficacy of Persian barley water on clinical outcomes of hospitalized moderate-severity COVID-19 patients: a single-blind, add-on therapy, randomized controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a debilitating disease with numerous medical and non-medical consequences. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Persian barley water in controlling the clinical outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a single-blind, add-on therapy, randomized controlled clinical trial conducted in Shiraz, Iran, from January to March 2021. One hundred hospitalized COVID-19 patients with moderate disease severity were randomly allocated to receive routine treatment (per local protocols) with or without 250 ml of Persian barley water (PBW) daily for two weeks. Clinical outcomes and blood tests were recorded before and after the study period. Multivariable modeling was applied using Stata software for data analysis.

RESULTS

The PBW product passed our standardization and safety assessments. Length of hospital stay (LHS) was 4.5 days shorter in the intervention group than the control group regardless of history of cigarette smoking (95% confidence interval: -7.22, -1.79 days). Also, body temperature, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and creatinine significantly dropped in the intervention group compared to the control group. No adverse events related to PBW occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

This clinical trial demonstrated the efficacy of PBW in minimizing the LHS, fever, and levels of ESR, CRP, and creatinine among hospitalized COVID-19 patients with moderate disease severity. More robust trials can help find safe and effective herbal formulations as treatments for COVID-19.

Reduced and standard field-of-view diffusion weighted imaging in patients with rectal cancer at 3 T-Comparison of image quality and apparent diffusion coefficient measurements

PURPOSE

To compare a zoomed EPI-DWI (z-EPI) with a standard EPI-DWI (s-EPI) in the primary diagnostics of rectal cancer and assess its potential of reduced image artifacts.

METHOD

22 therapy-naïve patients with rectal cancer underwent rectal MRI at a 3 T-system. The protocols consisted of a z-EPI DWI and s-EPI DWI sequence. Images were assessed by two independent and experienced readers regarding overall image quality and artifacts on a 5-point Likert scale, as well as overall sequence preference. In a lesion-based analysis, tumor and lymph node detection were rated on a 4-point Likert scale. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements were performed.

RESULTS

Overall Image quality score for z-EPI and s-EPI showed no statistically significant differences (p = 0.80/0.54, reader 1/2) with a median score of 4 ("good" image quality) for both sequences. The image quality preference rank for z-EPI and s-EPI was given the category 'no preference' in 64 % (reader 1) and 50 % (reader 2). Most artifact-related scores (susceptibility, motion and distortion) did not show reproducible significant differences between z-EPI and s-EPI. The two sequences exhibited comparable, mostly good and excellent quality scores for tumor and lymph node detection (p = 0.19-0.99). ADC values were significantly lower for z-EPI than for s-EPI (p = 0.001/0.002, reader 1/2) with good agreement of ADC measurements between both readers.

CONCLUSION

Our data showed comparable image quality and lesion detection for the z-EPI and the s-EPI sequence in MRI of rectal cancer, whereas the mean ADC of the tumor was significantly lower in z-EPI compared to s-EPI.

Effect of Amniotic Membrane Dressing on Pain and Healing of Palatal Donor Site: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Free gingival graft is the most commonly practiced predictable technique for gingival augmentation.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of human amniotic membrane, a biological dressing, on wound healing and post-operative pain after its application on the palatal donor site after free gingival graft surgery.

METHODS

Of 27 eligible patients, 15 were randomized into a test group and received human amniotic membrane dressing sutured over their palatal donor site; 12 were randomized into a control group in whom the palatal donor site was only sutured. Standard clinical photographs were taken at 7, 14, and 21 days post-operatively and evaluated by 3 periodontists. The pain score at the donor site was assessed by a visual analog score; the number of analgesics taken was also recorded.

RESULTS

The mean color match scores were higher in the test group than the control group at 14 (p<0.01) and 21 days after surgery (p=0.02). The difference in tissue texture (p=0.01) and inflammation (p=0.02) between the two groups was only significant on day 14 (p<0.05). The pattern of pain relief was better in the test group compared with the control group, especially in first days, although the differences were not significant in terms of the number of analgesics taken or the pain score.

CONCLUSION

Application of human amniotic membrane can accelerate wound healing and may decrease post-operative pain and discomfort by a limited amount.

Treatment of third-degree burn wounds in animal specimens: acellular dermis or partial-thickness skin graft

Several dermal products have been introduced to substitute dermal tissues. In this study we review the effects of these products on repairing third-degree burn wounds and managing complications in animal specimens. Using an interventional approach, rats were randomly assigned to four groups (G1 to G4). Two wounds were created on the back of each rat. An open wound was left on the back of rats in G1; in G2, wounds were covered with a thick rat derived-ADM product and overlying thin skin graft; on G3 rats, similar third degree ulcers were made with one ulcer covered with harvested thin skin graft. In G4, ulcers were covered with a thin rat derived-ADM product and thin graft. Factors such as take rate, histopathological score, wound contracture and graft contracture were compared on the 7th, 15th, 21st and 30th day. Mean graft take rate on the 30th day in the thick ADM, thin ADM and graft group showed a significant difference (p=0.015). Histopathological score on the 30th day in the thin ADM, thick ADM and graft group showed no considerable difference. Mean graft take rate was significantly better in the thin ADM and graft group than in the thick ADM group. Wound contracture was significantly more severe in the thick ADM and control group than in the thin ADM and graft group.

Coinhibition of overexpressed genes in acute myeloid leukemia subtype M2 by gold nanoparticles functionalized with five antisense oligonucleotides and one anti-CD33(+)/CD34(+) aptamer

The aim of this study was to evaluate an engineered nanostructure to silence five important oncogenes, including BAG1, MDM2, Bcl-2, BIRC5 (survivin) and XIAP, in acute myeloid leukemia subtype 2 (AML-M2). The smart nanostructures were functionalized gold nanoparticles (FGNs) containing five antisense oligonucleotides (AOs) and one anti-CD33(+)/CD34(+) aptamer. First, the best AO for each gene was selected with the OligoWalk online software, and then different arrangements of AOs were evaluated with the RNAstructure software. Thereafter, naked gold nanoparticles (NGNs) were synthesized by the reaction of 1000 mm HAuCl4 with 10 μg ml(-1) ascorbic acid. Next, five AOs and one anti-CD33(+)/CD34(+) aptamer were attached to NGNs through serial reactions. Later, 5 ml of heparinized blood samples from five AML-M2 patients were prepared, cancerous cells were isolated and then incubated with three concentrations (75, 150 and 300 μg ml(-1)) each of FGNs, NGNs, gold nanoparticles functionalized with scrambled oligonucleotides (GNFSONs) and doxorubicin. Finally, cell death percentage and gene expressions were measured by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and real-time PCR, respectively. This study showed that FGNs and doxorubicin led to more cell death compared with NGNs and GNFSONs (P<0.05). Interestingly, all concentrations of FGNs led to a decrease in gene expression. As an important finding, although all concentrations of doxorubicin could also inhibit the expression of genes, FGNs had more effect (P<0.05). Moreover, both NGNs and GNFSONs could silence all genes only at a concentration of 300 μg ml(-1). For BCL2 and XIAP, a dose-dependent pattern was observed, but there was no similar pattern for others.

The superiority of paracostal endoscopic-assisted gastropexy over open incisional and belt loop gastropexy in dogs: a comparison of three prophylactic techniques

Prophylactic gastropexy is a procedure that prevents the occurrence of a life threatening condition known as gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV) in dogs. The objective of this study was to compare incisional, belt loop and minimally invasive endoscopically assisted gastropexy by evaluating different parameters such as surgical time, length of scar and score of pain in dogs. Twenty-one healthy, mixed-breed adult dogs weighting 14.3 ± 2.6 kg were randomly divided into three groups. Three gastropexy techniques applied in the following order: incisional (group I), belt loop (group B), and endoscopically assisted gastropexy (group E). Surgical time, anesthetic time, length of surgical incision and score of pain 3 h after surgery were recorded for all dogs. Two weeks after the surgery, positive-contrast gastrography was used to evaluate stomach position and total gastric emptying time. Ultrasonography was also used to evaluate the gastropexy two months after the surgery. Adhesion was confirmed two months after the surgery between the stomach wall at the pyloric antrum and the right side of the body wall in all dogs by ultrasound. The mean surgical time, length of surgical incision and score of pain were significantly lower in group E compared to group I and B (P<0.05). No significant differences were found in total gastric emptying time and gastropexy thickness post-operatively (P>0.05). Due to advantages observed in the current study, the endoscopically assisted technique seems to be a suitable alternative to open incisional and belt loop gastropexies for performing prophylactic gastropexy, especially when performed by skilled surgeons.

A prospective cohort study of risk prediction in simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Current risk prediction scoring systems in pancreas transplantation are limited to organ factors and are specific to predicting graft outcome. They do not consider recipient factors or inform regarding recipient morbidity. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of commonly used general surgical risk prediction models (P-POSSUM [Portsmouth Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and morbidity], MODS [multiple organ dysfunction score], Charlson co-morbidity index, revised cardiac risk index, ASA [American Society of Anesthesiologists] grade and Waterlow score), and to correlate them with total length of hospital stay (LOS) and critical care unit (CCU) LOS, important surrogate markers of patient outcome.

METHODS

All risk prediction scores were calculated prospectively for all simultaneous pancreas and kidney (SPK) transplant recipients from November 2011 to October 2013, and correlated with outcome measures.

RESULTS

Overall, 57 SPK transplant recipients were analysed. The mean age was 42.0 years (standard deviation [SD]: 7.60 years), 27 (52%) were male and the mean body mass index was 25.43kg/m(2) (SD: 3.11kg/m(2)). The mean pancreas and kidney cold ischaemic times were 703 minutes (SD: 182 minutes) and 850 minutes (SD: 192 minutes) respectively. The median total LOS and mean CCU LOS was 17 days (range: 8-79 days) and 7 days (SD: 4.04 days) respectively. When correlated with risk prediction scores, Waterlow score was the only significant predictor of total LOS and CCU LOS (p<0.001 [Spearman's correlation] and p=0.001 [Pearson's correlation] respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative risk prediction plays an important part in planning perioperative care. To date, no validated risk prediction scoring system exists for SPK transplantation. This prospective study indicates that Waterlow score identifies high risk individuals and has value in the prediction of outcome following SPK transplantation.

Outcomes of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection after kidney and/or pancreas transplantation

BACKGROUND

The true extent of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization and incidence of infection after solid organ transplantation in adults and children is not well-known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and the outcomes of MRSA infection following kidney and/or pancreas transplantation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We reviewed the case notes of all patients who developed MRSA colonization and infection within the first year of transplantation between September 2002 and December 2009. The primary endpoint of this study was mortality. The secondary endpoints included morbidity, graft failure, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

During the study period 1116 transplantations were performed. MRSA colonization was detected in 14 patients (1.25%) and infection occurred in 6 cases (0.53%) post-transplantation. Graft failure was not associated with MRSA colonization/infection in any of the cases. The mortality rate attributed to MRSA was 10% (n = 2). The overall median length of stay was 16 days (range, 6-243 days).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that the prevalence of MRSA colonization and infection in our unit is low in spite of immunosuppression. The incidence of MRSA infection was higher among patients who underwent pancreas transplantation. Patients who had MRSA colonization and then developed infection had higher morbidity and mortality rates.

The effect of renal transplantation on ventricular repolarization in children with chronic renal failure

BACKGROUND

Chronic renal failure and hemodialysis affect many ECG parameters which can affect cardiac repolarization.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the change in ventricular repolarization before and after kidney transplantation in children.

METHODS

A total of 45 children with end-stage renal disease, 45 children at least 6 months after successful renal transplantation, and 45 normal age-matched subjects were enrolled into this study. A 12-lead ECG was recorded in the 3 groups. QT dispersion, QTc dispersion, and T peak to T end (TPE) dispersion were measured.

RESULTS

In the patients before and after renal transplantation and the normal children, respectively, the mean±SD QT dispersion was 0.083±0.033, 0.056±0.029, and 0.033±0.016 (p<0.01); the mean±SD QTc dispersion was 0.104±0.038, 0.066±0.033, and 0.039±0.020 (p<0.01); the mean±SD TPE interval dispersion was 0.060±0.021, 0.045±0.021, and 0.034±0.019 (p<0.01). There was a significant correlation between left intra-ventricular diastolic diameter and QT dispersion, QTc dispersion, and TPE dispersion. The systolic velocity of the mitral valve also correlated with TPE dispersion (r=0.44, p=0.01).

CONCLUSION

In children with chronic renal failure, indices of ventricular repolarization improve after transplantation, though they still remain longer than the normal values.

Complications following pancreatic transplantations: imaging features

Whole organ vascularized pancreatic transplant is a recognized treatment for diabetes and is increasingly being performed worldwide. The procedure itself is complex and is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Despite improvements in surgical techniques, postoperative complications of pancreatic transplantation are still common and include graft rejection, pancreatitis, peripancreatic fluid collections, exocrine leaks, vascular thrombosis, and hemorrhage. In this pictorial essay, we review clinical presentation and imaging features of these complications. We also briefly discuss technique and complications of islet cell transplants.

Motivating Persons with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders to Exercise: Rationale and Design

Persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) are not only at risk because of disabling disease symptoms but because necessary medications create health risks associated with high rates of obesity. Despite the well-known benefits of exercise, persons with SSDs rarely adhere to such regimens; few interventions to motivate exercise behavior have been tested in this group.The purpose of this study is to examine effects of the Walk, Address sensations, Learn about exercise, Cue exercise behavior for persons with SSDs (WALC-S) motivational intervention upon exercise behavior. We will recruit a total of eighty outpatients 18-68 years, meeting these criteria: 1) chart diagnosis of schizophrenia, any subtype, schizoaffective disorder or schizophreniform disorder, according to the criteria described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, 2) English speaking, 3) Stable medication regimen (defined as no medication changes within the last month), and 4) medical clearance for moderate exercise in writing from primary care provider. Participants will be randomly assigned to the experimental (4-week WALC-S motivational intervention), or the control group (4-week time and attention control). After the first 4 weeks, all participants will attend a 16-week walking group.The primary measures of the effectiveness of the WALC-S are attendance, persistence and compliance to the 16-week walking group. The study will be completed in approximately January 2010. In addition to hypothesis testing, this study will provide information to estimate effect sizes to calculate power and determine appropriate sample sizes for future inquiries. This paper describes the rationale and design of the study.

Cleft palate in a male water buffalo calf

Congenital palatal defects are common in animals but there is only one report of water buffalo has been recorded in Iran. One died male water buffalo calf was examined after hysterotomy operation. At necropsy findings, brachygnathia, palate cleft and small lungs were diagnosed. It is the second report of water buffalo cleft palate in Iran.

Impact of stents on urological complications and health care expenditure in renal transplant recipients: results of a prospective, randomized clinical trial

PURPOSE

We performed a randomized, prospective trial to compare the incidence of early urological complications and health care expenditures in renal transplant recipients with or without ureteral stenting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients receiving a renal transplant at a single center were randomized preoperatively to undergo Double-J stent or no-stent ureterovesical anastomosis from November 1998 to October 2001. Early urological mechanical complications were recorded, including urinary leakage or obstruction, or urinary tract infections within 3 months of transplantation. Direct health care costs associated with stenting, urological complications and urinary tract infection management were also collected.

RESULTS

A total of 201 patients were randomized to a stent (112) and a no-stent (89) group. In the no-stent group 11 patients received a stent due to intraoperative findings and were excluded from study. At 3 months there were significantly more cases of urinary leakage (8.9% vs 0.9%, p <0.008) and ureteral obstruction (7.7 % vs 0%, p <0.004) in the no-stent than in the stent group. Mean time of stent removal was 74.3 days. A significant increase in urinary tract infections was observed when stent was left greater than 30 days after transplantation compared to the rate in the no-stent group (p <0.02). An additional cost of 151 UK pounds per patient was incurred in the no-stent group vs the stent group.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a ureteral stent at renal transplantation significantly decreases the early urinary complications of urine leakage and obstruction. However, there is a significant increase in urinary tract infections, primarily beyond 30 days after transplantation. Stent removal within 4 weeks of insertion appears advisable.

Chlorine residual efficiency in inactivating bacteria from secondary contamination in Isfahan, 2002

To investigate the inactivation of potential pathogens, we evaluated survival rates for Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Aeromonas hydrophila and Salmonella typhi in samples taken from the Isfahan drinking water system. Chlorine residual, pH, temperature and total organic carbon levels were measured. The organism most sensitive to chlorine was A. hydrophila. It was inactived in < 100 minutes at chlorine levels of 0.11 mg/L to 0.90 mg/L. The other 3 organisms showed higher resistance. E. coli tolerated 0.30 mg/L chlorine for > 1000 minutes while Ent. faecalis and S. typhi survived at total chlorine concentration of 0.50 mg/L for 100 minutes. We concluded that total chlorine levels of less than 0.71 mg/L in water supply systems cannot provide the recommended safety levels.

Kidney transplantation into an ileal conduit: a single center experience of 59 cases

PURPOSE

Congenital and acquired conditions of the lower urinary tract can lead to renal failure requiring transplantation. Under these circumstances transplantation into a urinary diversion or an augmented bladder may be the only option. We report our experience with renal transplantation into ileal conduits in the last 22 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 1980 and August 2002, 59 renal transplants were drained into an ileal conduit in 54 patients at our center, accounting for 2.3% of the total number of transplants during this period. Median patient age was 28 years (range 1 to 63) and 13 patients were children. There were 12 living related and 47 cadaveric kidneys transplanted. Spina bifida, the most common cause of end stage renal disease, was seen in 22 patients (41%). Patient and graft survival following transplantation into an ileal conduit were compared with that in the 2,579 other transplants done at this center between January 1980 and December 2001.

RESULTS

Actuarial graft survival was 90% at 1 year, 63% at 5 years, 52% at 10 years and 52% at 15 years. Actuarial patient survival was 95% at 1 year, 83% at 5 years, 69% at 10 years and 69% at 15 years. Graft and patient survival was statistically similar to the outcome of the 2,579 other transplants done at our center between January 1980 and December 2001. At a mean followup of 4.6 years (range 0.1 to 20) mean serum creatinine in the 39 functioning grafts was 156 mmol/l. Of the surgical complications 21% were directly attributable to the ileal conduit and it could be considered a risk factor contributing to the complication in a further 39%. Symptomatic urinary tract infection was noted in 65% of the patients, although it did not lead to graft loss. At followup 7 patients had died with a functioning graft. Grafts were lost due to chronic allograft nephropathy in 3 cases, renal artery stenosis in 2, renal vein thrombosis in 2, and acute severe rejection, staghorn calculus and ureteroileal stricture in 1 each.

CONCLUSIONS

Kidney transplant drainage into an ileal conduit for urinary diversion is an effective treatment for patients with end stage renal disease due to abnormal lower urinary tracts. Despite preexisting co-morbidity and the increased complication rate long-term graft and patient survival is comparable to that in the normal transplant population.

Horseshoe kidney transplantation

Even though the number of patients awaiting renal transplant is rapidly increasing, the donor pool remains relatively stable. In an attempt to increase this pool, marginal kidneys and kidneys with congenital anatomical variations are being used. Horseshoe kidneys, being the most common renal fusion anomaly, can provide a useful solution to the ever-increasing gap between demand and supply. These kidneys have been successfully transplanted en bloc into a single recipient or, alternatively they have been divided and transplanted into 2 recipients. We report a case of the successful transplantation of an en bloc horseshoe kidney into a single recipient. To the best of our knowledge this is the first of its kind in the U.K. The relevant literature is also reviewed with the aim of raising awareness about the necessity and promising outcomes of such transplants.

Vlasov model using kinetic phase point trajectories

A method of solution of the collisionless Vlasov equation by following fixed collisionless phase point ("particle") trajectories (characteristics) in phase space is presented. It solves the coupled Vlasov Maxwell system self-consistently and employs the Leapfrog-Trapezoidal scheme to solve for the characteristics explicitly. It then uses the bilinear finite element interpolation scheme in phase space and maps vital instantaneous phase point information (distribution function) to a fixed background phase space mesh while retaining it at the phase point. The scheme is an enhanced second order one in time and fourth order in space. The code is then used to model a thermal plasma as well as two stream instability using mobile electrons and fixed background ions: the scheme being a momentum conserving one by construction allows energy conservation without assignment of particle shape functions; Langmuir waves are obtained with very good agreement with the Bohm-Gross dispersion relation; the two stream results do not show any numerically induced oscillations attributed to the initial well-ordered velocity distributions. Retention of the characteristics also minimized diffusion. Extensive numerical stability analysis deriving Courant condition for the scheme as well as behavior of computational modes are done in Appendix A, as well as estimating the impact of numerical diffusion in Appendix B. Two to five dimensional versions in phase space exist.

Self-esteem matters: racial & gender differences among rural southern adolescents

Self-esteem does matter! It matters so much that Oprah dedicated an entire issue of "O" magazine to address the subject. "It's a woman's most treasured possession" (Winfrey, 2000a). Self-esteem has a profound influence on adolescent health promotion behaviors. This study contributes to understanding the role self-esteem plays in the behavior of adolescents. Utilizing a secondary data analysis, race and gender self-esteem differences among adolescents were investigated. The sample of 1,237 students (46% African-American and 52% White) from rural southern areas consisted of 744 females and 493 males. Self-esteem was assessed using the Miller Self-esteem Questionnaire (SEQ). The Hendricks Perceptual Health Promoting Determinants Model (HPHD) provided the theoretical framework for the study. The results of the study revealed a statistically significant difference in various aspects of self-esteem according to race and gender. African-Americans and males had a higher self-esteem which is consistent with many prior studies.

Radiogenic transformation of human mammary epithelial cells in vitro

Cancer induction by space radiations is a major concern for manned space exploration. Accurate assessment of radiation risk at low doses requires basic understanding of mechanism(s) of radiation carcinogenesis. For determining the oncogenic effects of ionizing radiation in human epithelial cells, we transformed a mammary epithelial cell line (185B5), which was immortalized by benzo(a)pyrene, with energetic heavy ions and obtained several transformed clones. These transformed cells showed growth properties on Matrigel similar to human mammary tumor cells. To better understand the mechanisms of radiogenic transformation of human cells, we systematically examined the alterations in chromosomes and cancer genes. Among 16 autosomes examined for translocations, by using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique, chromosomes 3, 12, 13, 15, 16, and 18 appeared to be normal in transformed cells. Chromosomes 1, 4, 6, 8, and 17 in transformed cells, however, showed patterns different from those in nontransformed cells. Southern blot analyses indicated no detectable alterations in myc, ras, Rb, or p53 genes. Further studies of chromosome 17 by using in situ hybridization with unique sequence p53 gene probe and a centromere probe showed no loss of p53 gene in transformed cells. Experimental results from cell fusion studies indicated that the transforming gene(s) is recessive. The role of genomic instability and tumor suppressor gene(s) in radiogenic transformation of human breast cells remains to be identified.

[Monitoring of oxidative stress after experimental small bowel autotransplantation]

The difficulty at transplanting the small bowel mainly is caused by the biology of the intestine. It is highly immunogenic, is one of the most sensitive tissues to ischemia-reperfusion injury. Our aims were to investigate changes of oxygen free radical mediated reactions after autotransplantation at different preservation times and perfusion fluids. Our results prove that this model is feasible to examine ischemia-reperfusion injury in the small intestine. Euro Collins (EC) is a suitable preserving solution for small bowel transplantation. There was no significant lipid peroxidation within the first 6 hours of graft preservation. However superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was dramatically reduced during reperfusion in the tissues samples. Significant increase of reduced glutathione at the same time can be explained by compensatory mechanism to neutralize increased free radical production.

Health promoting behaviors among rural southern early adolescents

A central element in attaining the goals and objectives of Healthy People 2010 is promoting healthy behavior lifestyles. Health promotion continues to be sanctioned as the long term most cost effective approach to a reduction in preventable health problems. Adolescents are presently an age group in jeopardy of making the transition into adulthood with healthy lifestyles. This paper describes the use of the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP) (Walker, Sechrist, and Pender, 1987) as a measure of health promoting behaviors in a group of rural southern early adolescents (1036 seventh and eight graders; 81% were African American). The findings suggest that rural southern adolescents perceive themselves to be enganging in health promoting lifestyle behaviors. However, some HPLP subscales seemed to be especially difficult for adolescents.

Levels of hope in HIV-infected African-American women of reproductive age

HIV disease continues to grow at a staggering rate among women, with women of color becoming the group most frequently affected. Previous research has supported hope as an important factor associated with better health, quality of life, recovery from illness, and increased survival in life threatening illnesses such as HIV disease. The purpose of this study was to describe levels of hope in HIV-infected, African-American women, and to examine the relationships among hope and the women's reported symptoms, stage of illness, and perceived relationship with her primary health care provider (PHCP). A descriptive, quantitative design was used. The sample consisted of 49 African-American women 18 to 45 years of age. Face-to-face structured interviews were conducted. Hope was measured using the Herth Hope Scale, and the quality of the relationship with one's PHCP was measured using the Relationship with the PHCP Scale. The level of hope in these HIV-infected women was lower than women with breast cancer and hospitalized adults with cancer. No significant differences were found in level of hope related to relationship status, income, stage of illness, or if a woman had or did not have children. Hope was positively associated with a more positive relationship with the PHCP (r = .33, P = .02). This finding underscores the importance of the quality of the PHCP's relationship with their clients.

A validation study using the case-control method of the nursing diagnosis high risk for aspiration

PURPOSE

To develop further the nursing diagnosis risk for aspiration by determining risk factors present in patients who aspirated.

METHODS

The case-control design was used to compare cases (n = 131) and controls (n = 206) on past and present exposures thought to be risk factors for aspiration. Data were analyzed using univariate and multiple logistic regression.

FINDINGS

The following risk factors were statistically significant and comprise the final model: altered level of consciousness, metoclopramide (known to accelerate gastric emptying), vomiting, seizures, and unable to change own position.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk factors of altered level of consciousness and delayed gastric emptying are currently included in the NANDA taxonomy for the nursing diagnosis risk for aspiration. These risk factors are not included in the taxonomy: vomiting, seizures, and unable to change own position. Results of the study have been submitted to the Diagnosis Review Committee for consideration to further develop this diagnosis.

Cytogenetic effects of space radiation in lymphocytes of MIR-18 crews

For assessing health risk, the measurement of physical dose received during a space mission, as well as the LETs, energies and charges of particles is important. It is also important to obtain quantitative information regarding the effectiveness of space radiation in causing damage to critical biological targets, e.g., chromosomes, since at present the estimated uncertainty of biological effects of space radiation is more than a factor of two. Such large uncertainty makes accurate health risk assessment very difficult. For this very reason, a study on cytogenetic effects of space radiation in human lymphocytes was proposed and done for MIR-18 mission. This study used FISH technique to score chromosomal translocations and C-banding method to determine dicentrics. Growth kinetics of cells and SCE were examined to ensure that chromosomal aberrations were scored in first mitosis and were induced not by chemical mutagens. Our results showed that chromosomal aberration frequency of post-flight samples was significantly higher than that of pre-flight ones and that SCE frequency was similar between pre- and post-flight samples. Based on a dose-response curve of preflight samples exposed to gamma rays, the absorbed dose received by crews during the mission was estimated to be about 14.5 cSv. Because the absorbed dose measured by physical dosimeters is 4.16 cGy for the entire mission, the RBE is about 3.5.