Time to consider the role of rationalisation in health psychology

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine the interaction between psychological factors, belief systems, and engagement around public health initiatives.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a longitudinal observational study, utilising convenience sampling to examine illness-related perception in the immediate and medium-term stages of the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in the UK.

METHODS

Weekly questionnaires assessed our primary measure, illness-related perception, using The Health Anxiety Inventory. Other psychological measures included apathy, loneliness, depersonalisation, state anxiety, trait anxiety as well as personality traits. Multiple regressions were performed to determine which psychological factors predicted the variance of health anxiety every week using the enter method.

RESULTS

A combination of psychological variables that varied over time and were modulated by external events predicted the evolution of illness-related perception and associated aversion to perceived threat.

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight how in the face of a public health crisis, psychological factors play a determining role in the synthesis of beliefs as well as guiding human behaviour.

Eye movements in vestibular disorders

The differential diagnosis of patients with vestibular symptoms usually begins with the question: is the lesion central or is it peripheral? The answer commonly emerges from a careful examination of eye movements, especially when the lesion is located in otherwise clinically silent areas of the brain such as the vestibular portions of the cerebellum (flocculus, paraflocculus which is called the tonsils in humans, nodulus, and uvula) and the vestibular nuclei as well as immediately adjacent areas (the perihypoglossal nuclei and the paramedian nuclei and tracts). The neural circuitry that controls vestibular eye movements is intertwined with a larger network within the brainstem and cerebellum that also controls other types of conjugate eye movements. These include saccades and pursuit as well as the mechanisms that enable steady fixation, both straight ahead and in eccentric gaze positions. Navigating through this complex network requires a thorough knowledge about all classes of eye movements to help localize lesions causing a vestibular disorder. Here we review the different classes of eye movements and how to examine them, and then describe common ocular motor findings associated with central vestibular lesions from both a topographic and functional perspective.

Effect of dietary Satureja khuzistanica powder on semen characteristics and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances concentration in testicular tissue of Iranian native breeder rooster

Because of a paucity of information on the effect of Satureja khuzistanica in male chickens, this study was undertaken to determine the influence of dietary S. khuzistanica powder (SKP) on seminal characteristics and testes thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) content in Iranian native breeder rooster. Thirty-six 40-week-old roosters were randomly allotted to 3 equal groups and received either a basal diet without SKP (T1 or control), or a diet containing 20 g/kg (T2) and 40 g/kg (T3) of SKP for 8-week-long experimental period. Semen samples were obtained weekly by abdominal massage to evaluate the seminal characteristics. At the end of the eighth week 18 birds (6 birds per each group) were randomly slaughtered, and sample was taken from right testes for TBARS evaluation. Administration of SKP improved all semen traits, except for sperm concentration. Likewise, TBARS content in SKP treatments did not significantly differ from the control (P>0.05). Seminal volume, live sperm percentage and plasma membrane integrity percentage in SKP-treated groups were higher than the control. Conversely, abnormal sperm percentages reduced in SKP-treated groups (P<0.05). Plasma membrane integrity in experimental treatments was significantly higher than the control in 2nd, 3rd and 7th weeks. However, at 6th and 8th weeks only T3 treatment was significantly different from the control. Notably, there was an increase in total sperm concentration in SKP-treated groups in compared to the control birds. In conclusion, this study indicated that addition of SKP in rooster diet improves sperm quality and also reduces their sperm membrane lipid peroxidation, which may lead to higher fertilization rate.

Biochemical and histopathological evaluations of ghrelin effects following cadmium toxicity in the rat testis

Numerous reports demonstrate that cadmium (Cd) induces oxidative stress by increasing lipid peroxidation and altering antioxidative enzymes status. Thirty male rats were subdivided into control-saline, Cd-saline and Cd-ghrelin groups. A single dose of Cd was injected to induce testicular injury and also ghrelin for 10 consecutive days to group 3. SOD activity decreased and lipid peroxidation increased by Cd administration. The mean activities of GPx and CAT as well as GSH content were lower in the Cd-saline rats; however, they did not statistically differ compared with the controls. Exposure to Cd resulted in complete degeneration of seminiferous tubules with severe depletion of germ cells and arrest in spermatogenesis. Notably, ghrelin treatment not only prevented reduction in SOD, GPx, CAT and GSH level, but also increased enzyme activities form their normal values. Moreover, TBARS concentration was significantly reduced by ghrelin administration. Furthermore, ghrelin pre-treatment resulted in partial but not significant prevention in testicular histopathological features damaged by Cd. In conclusion, the obtained results indicate for the first time the novel evidences of ghrelin ability in promotion of antioxidant enzyme activities and reduction of lipid peroxidation following Cd-induced oxidative stress in the rat testis. These observations also demonstrate that ghrelin may be considered as promising antioxidant agent in prevention and attenuation of testicular injury upon Cd toxicity.

Temporal constancy of perceived direction of gravity assessed by visual line adjustments

Here we investigated how well internal estimates of direction of gravity are preserved over time and if the subjective visual vertical (SVV) and horizontal (SVH) can be used inter-changeably. Fourteen human subjects repetitively aligned a luminous line to SVV, SVH or subjective visual oblique (± 45°) over 5 min in otherwise complete darkness and also in dim light. Both accuracy (i.e., the degree of veracity as reflected by the median adjustment error) and precision (i.e., the degree of reproducability as reflected by the trial-to-trial variability) of adjustments along the principle axes were significantly higher than along the oblique axes. Orthogonality was only preserved in a minority of subjects. Adjustments were significantly different between SVV vs. SVH (7/14 subjects) and between ±45° vs. -45° (12/14) in darkness and in 6/14 and 14/14 subjects, respectively, in dim light. In darkness, significant drifts over 5min were observed in a majority of trials (33/56). Both accuracy and precision were higher if more time was taken to make the adjustment. These results introduce important caveats when interpreting studies related to graviception. The test re-test reliability of SVV and SVH can be influenced by drift of the internal estimate of gravity. Based on spectral density analysis we found a noise pattern consistent with 1/fβ noise, indicating that at least part of the trial-to-trial dynamics observed in our experiments is due to the dependence of the serial adjustments over time. Furthermore, using results from the SVV and SVH inter-changeably may be misleading as many subjects do not show orthogonality. The poor fidelity of perceived ± 45° indicates that the brain has limited ability to estimate oblique angles.

The bedside examination of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR): an update

Diagnosing dizzy patients remains a daunting challenge to the clinician in spite of modern imaging and increasingly sophisticated electrophysiological testing. Here we review the major bedside tests of the vestibulo-ocular reflex and how, when combined with a proper examination of the other eye movement systems, one can arrive at an accurate vestibular diagnosis.

Identity Disturbance and Substance- Dependency in Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder

Introduction

Identity disturbance is one of the DSM- IV criteria for borderline personality disorder, but there has been little attention to its nature. Four subset of identity disturbance (role absorption, painful incoherence, inconsistency, lack of commitment) have been assessed.

Aims

Assess the role of these subsets in patients with borderline personality disorder and examine the relation between identity disturbances with substance- dependency.

Background

This case- control study was conducted on 40 patients with borderline personality disorder referring to Beheshti Hospital in Kerman during 2007-2008; and 40 healthy people who were matched with case group in term of gender, and educational level. Data gathering was done with three questionnaire including a demographic- related questionnaire, disturbance questionnaire (included 35 items), and a questionnaire related to substance- dependency and its related factors. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 11) by mean calculation and t-test and ANOVA.

Methods

Mean score of 33 items of identity disturbance questionnaire were greater with significant difference in case group (p < 0.05). Means differences in two groups in all subsets were statistically significant except for role absorption (p < 0.05). Means differences in all subsets in substance- dependent subjects and substance- independent people in both groups were not statistically significant.

Findings

Identity disturbance is one of the major criteria for borderline personality disorder, but in different societies the role of its subsets are different. Assessing subsets of identity disturbance has no value in assessing substance- dependency in patients with borderline personality disorder.

Prevalence of cigarette smoking in schizophrenic patients compared to other hospital admitted psychiatric patients

Introduction & aims

Estimate the prevalence of cigarette smoking and some of the related factors among schizophrenic and other hospitalized psychiatric patients.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study on 120 patients hospitalized in Shahid Beheshti hospital in Kerman in 2005. Patients were equally devided in two groups of schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. Sampling was based on statistical census and data were collected using a questionnaire including 27 questions on demographic data, psychiatric disorder, smoking cigarettes and other substances, and Fagerstrom test. Data were analyzed by Chi-square and ANOVA tests using SPSS software.

Results

Prevalence and severity of cigarette smoking was 71.6% and 6.47% among schizophrenic and 51.6% and 6.40% among other psychiatric patients, respectively and the difference was not significant. History of withdrawal was 25.6% and 58.1% in the schizophrenia and other disorders respectively and the difference was significant (P < 0.05). Addiction to other substances was 51.6% in schizophrenic and 45% in the other patients and the most prevalent substances in both groups were opium and alcohol. The severity of smoking cigarettes was 6.9 along with other drug abuses and 5.1 in cases with just smoking based on Fagerstrom test and the difference was significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The prevalence of cigarette smoking in both schizophrenia and other psychiatric patients is higher than normal population, but there is no significant difference between these two groups. Schizophrenic patients need persistent supportive and supervising programs for cigarette smoking abuse treatment because of their cognitive, motivate and social problems.

The effect of methadone maintenance therapy on harm minimization between opiate dependents in socio behavioral consulting centers

Introduction

Socio behavioral consulting centers offer Methadone maintenance therapy which is a very useful method for drug dependents. These centers offer a wide range of services like education, consulting, prevention, take care of patient, and treatment for high risk groups like patients infected with AIDS. MMT is helpful in harm minimization and increases quality of drug dependent’s life, so as a result reduces infection in HIV patients.

Aims

This study intends to investigate importance of MMT on harm minimization between opioid dependents in Kerman.

Methods

The study was cross sectional and descriptive and it was done on 110 patients referred to sociobehavioral consulting centers no.1 and no.2 in Kerman city in 2005 and 2006. Data was gathered by questionnaires once on the beginning of the treatment and once 6 months after. Then data was analyzed by SPSS13 and chi square test.

Findings

MMT results in a reduction of 97.3% of common injections and 96.4% of police arresting to imprisonment and 80% in family problems and 68.2% drug abuse and negative morphine test in these centers. Also after 6 months of treatment, drug consumption expenses were lowered.

Conclusion

This study showed that the treatment with MMT in social behavioral consulting centers reduced dangerous behaviors and increased quality of life and controlled the transmission of Dangerous Diseases such as AIDS, Hepatitis and etc in the community.

Effect of long-term administration of zinc after scrotal heating on mice spermatozoa and subsequent offspring quality

This study was set to investigate whether the adverse effects of heat on spermatozoa and subsequent foetuses could be prevented by long-term zinc administration. The scrotums of animals were immersed in water at either 43 degrees C (heat group) or 23 degrees C (control group). Half of the heat and control mice were given 10 mg kg(-1) zinc every other day for 60 days and the others received sterile saline instead of zinc. Heat stress significantly reduced sperm motility, concentration, hypoosmotic swelling-water test (HOS-WT) positive and chromomycin A(3) (CMA(3)) negative spermatozoa at the first 15 days, and the greatest decrease occurred at 30 days (P < 0.05). Sperm motility, concentration and HOS-WT positive spermatozoa were also reduced initially in the zinc administered group, but we did not observe any further decrease in the above mentioned parameters on day 30 (P < 0.05). The weight of foetuses obtained from the females mated with paternal heat treatment males was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05) and long-term zinc therapy caused a partial recovery (P > 0.05). This study demonstrates that the adverse effects of hyperthermia on semen parameters may be prevented by zinc therapy. Likewise, long-term administration of zinc could improve quality of litter obtained from the females mated with scrotal heat treatment males.

Assessment of Lactate Dehydrogenase, Alkaline Phosphatase and Aspartate Aminotransferase Activities in Cow’s Milk as an Indicator of Subclinical Mastitis

This study examined the activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the milk of lactating Holstein cows in association with subclinical mastitis (SCM). A total of 94 milk samples were collected from 58 lactating dairy cows representing stages of lactation from the second to the tenth week after calving. Those which were classified as positive by California mastitis test (CMT) were deemed to have subclinical mastitis. All the milk samples were skimmed by centrifugation at 10 000g at 0 degrees C and were used for enzyme activities estimations. The mean activities of LDH and ALP were higher in the milk from udders with SCM than in the milk from healthy udders (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in AST values. The maximum agreement rates between the CMT results and LDH and ALP values were seen at thresholds of > 180 IU/L and > 40 IU/L respectively (kappa values 0.65 and 0.79, respectively). However, the sensitivity of the tests for identifying SCM at these thresholds was higher for ALP (96.4%) than for LDH (68.5%). In this study, LDH and ALP tests were standardized for cow's milk and results showed that only the ALP test was reliable in the early diagnosis of subclinical mastitis.

Reversed saphenous fasciocutaneous island flap in marjolin's ulcers

BACKGROUND

The reconstruction of the heel represents a challenge due to the limited local soft tissue availability and also due to the special structural and functional characteristics of this region. A great number of possibilities have been described; we represent a new flap for heel reconstruction which is a modified form of sural fasciocutaneous flap.

METHODS

Ten patients (two female and eight male; median age 68 years, range 48-76) underwent reversed saphenous fasciocutaneous island flap after wide excision of heel lesion. The causes of heel lesions in all patients were Squamous Cell Carcinoma on the chronic burn's scar. In this new technique, sural nerve and artery were saved and blood supply to flap is based on lesser saphenous vein. Mean lesion surface was 60 cm(2) (range 30-112 cm(2)).

RESULTS

Epidermolysis and flap discoloration were seen in three patients but treated with intermittent wet dressing and conservative managements. One patient showed partial necrosis in flap circumference which recovered with debridment and skin graft. Total flap necrosis was not seen in any patients. Mean hospital stay was 10 days (range 8-15 days). The mean follow up was 12 months (rang 6-18 months).

CONCLUSION

Reversed saphenous fasciocutaneous island flap is an option for heel reconstruction. In contrast with sural flap, sural nerve and artery are saved.

The effects of Vitamin A administration on the development of vitrified-warmed mouse blastocyst

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the development of vitrified-warmed mouse blastocysts following a period of Vitamin A administration. Four to six weeks old BALB/c mice were given an intraperitoneal injection of either 0.1 ml paraffin oil alone (control, Con) or paraffin oil containing 250IU of Vitamin A (experiment, Exp). Ten days later the mice were given second paraffin or paraffin Vitamin A injection and an injection of 10IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) followed 48 h later by 10IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Blastocysts were collected from both groups and randomly divided into non-vitrified (Con 1, Exp 1) and vitrified (Con 2, Exp 2) subgroups. Embryos in the vitrified group were exposed sequentially to two solutions (10% ethylene glycol, 10% DMSO in holding medium (HM: DMEMF(12)+10% FBS) and 20% ethylene glycol, 20% DMSO in HM) before plunging into liquid nitrogen. After warming at 37 degrees C, cryoprotectants were diluted serially with 0.25 and 0.15M sucrose solution in HM. The vitrified-warmed and the fresh embryos of the control and the experiment groups were cultured in DMEMF(12) with 10% FBS for 72 h. Although, on the first day of culture, the rate of development to the hatched blastocyst was nearly identical between the two vitrified groups (15.8% versus 13%) but after 48 h, the rate of plated embryos was statistically higher in the vitrified Vitamin A than the vitrified control group (63.1% versus 19.6%, P<0.001). After 48 h, in the non-vitrified groups, the rate of the plated embryos was also significantly higher in the Vitamin A than the control group (70.5% versus 49.3%, P<0.01). These data provided evidence that systemic administration of Vitamin A may enhance the potential development of blastocysts in culture and is capable to reduce the adverse effects of vitrification at least during the first 2 days of cultivation.