PMR Group Research Articles

Efficacy of occlusal splint versus sleep hygiene and progressive muscle relaxation on perceived stress and sleep bruxism: A randomized clinical trial.

The objective was the comparison of an occlusal device (OD), and sleep hygiene and progressive muscle relaxation (SH & PMR) on perceived stress and sleep bruxism activity (burst/episode and episode/hour) in participants with sleep bruxism. Sixty-six participants with self-reported sleep bruxism were selected and randomly allocated into two groups: OD group or SH & PMR group. Assessment of perceived stress and sleep bruxism activity were the primary outcomes. The Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10 scale) was used to measure perceived stress and bruxism episodes/hour and bursts/episode recorded by electromyography of masseter and temporalis. These outcomes were assessed at baseline, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year. The paired t-test assessed changes in PSS-10 scores and sleep bruxism activity within the same group over different time points (baseline, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year). The unpaired t-test compared scores between two groups (OD and SH & PMR) at each time point to evaluate intervention differences. The chi-square test compared gender distribution between both groups. PSS-10 scores were found to decrease with the OD at 1 month and 6 months compared to baseline and SH & PMR at all subsequent follow-ups. This decrease was not statistically significant (p>0.05) between the OD and SH & PMR groups at all follow-ups. OD and SH & PMR significantly reduced bruxism episodes/hour and bursts/episode at all follow-ups (p<0.05). There were no adverse effects related to any intervention. The ODand SH & PMR both effectively reduced PSS-10 scores over 6 months and significantly decreased bruxism episodes and bursts per episode. Both methods are safe and effective for managing sleep bruxism and reducing stress.

Do depressed people with subjective psychomotor retardation show a different symptomatic pattern? A network analysis approach using a cross-national sample

Background and objectivesPsychomotor retardation (PMR) has been associated with worse clinical course in depressed people. Explanations for this finding remain inconclusive. This study aimed to analyse whether depressed people with subjective PMR might show a different symptomatic pattern and to describe their clinical and sociodemographic profiles. MethodsA total of 1024 participants from Finland, Spain and Poland, part of the “COURAGE in Europe” Project who screened positive for a depressive episode according to International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD-10) criteria using the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview 3.0 (CIDI 3.0), were included. Two group networks of depressive symptoms were estimated according to the presence (555 people) and absence (469 people) of subjective PMR. Measures of strength and betweenness of depressive symptoms were explored. ResultsPeople with subjective PMR showed a higher number of symptoms (11.30 (±2.67) versus 9.26 (±2.77)) and global disability score (38.30 (±26.41) versus 19.59 (±19.31) than people without subjective PMR. Although no difference was found in the global structure (M-Test=1.531; p = 0.994) nor the global strength (S-Test=0.248; p = 0.954) of depressed symptoms between depressed people with and without subjective PMR, differences were found in the type of central symptoms; “Restlessness/Jitters” (p = 0.01) and “Early Wake-Up” (p = 0.02) were relevant for the subjective PMR group. These two symptoms worked as bridge items between other depressive symptoms specifically for depressed people with subjective PMR. ConclusionsOur results confirm that subjective PMR in depression is associated with higher severity of symptoms and disability. Depressed People with subjective PMR might show a different pattern of nuclear symptoms. Suicidal attempt, early wake-up and restlessness could be high-priority targets in the treatment of depressed people with subjective PMR.

Equine skeletal scintigraphy: Comparing lesion detection ability of methylene diphosphonate and hydroxymethylene diphosphonate in the caudal cervical and proximal metacarpal/metatarsal regions.

Data regarding the lesion detection ability of different radiotracers are lacking in equine bone scintigraphy. In this prospective study, hydroxymethylene diphosphonate (HMDP) and methylene diphosphonate (MDP) were compared in horses with increased radiopharmaceutical uptake either in the caudal cervical region (CS group) or in the proximal metacarpal/metatarsal region (PMR group). Region of interest analysis was used to determine normal bone-to-soft tissue ratios, lesion-to-normal bone ratios and lesion-to-soft tissue ratios. Qualitative scoring and total count rates were recorded for each image. A total of 213 scintigrams were included. Within the PMR group, there were significantly higher lesion-to-normal bone ratios for MDP compared with HMDP (p=0.02). In the CS group, normal bone-to-soft tissue ratios were significantly higher for HMDP (p=0.01). The interobserver agreement with regard to the qualitative assessment of the scintigrams was poor. Paired studies, comparing the different radiotracers in the same patient, were not feasible. This study revealed minor differences between the two radiotracers, although thesehave no practical implications. Both radiopharmaceuticals are well suited for detecting lesions at the investigated sites using equine bone scintigraphy.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor-mediated polymyalgia rheumatica versus primary polymyalgia rheumatica: comparison of disease characteristics and treatment requirement

Abstract Objectives To compare clinical characteristics, imaging findings and treatment requirements of patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor-mediated polymyalgia rheumatica (ICI-PMR) and primary PMR. Methods This single centre, retrospective cohort study compared ICI-PMR in patients with cancer (n = 15) to patients with primary PMR (n = 37). A comparison was made between clinical symptoms, laboratory markers, ultrasonography, 18F-FDG-PET/CT findings and treatment requirements related to PMR. Results Patients with ICI-PMR less frequently fulfilled the EULAR/ACR classification criteria for PMR (66.7%) than patients with primary PMR (97.3%). Morning stiffness, weight loss and elevation of the ESR were less frequently seen in patients with ICI-PMR. No differences were observed regarding the presence of inflammatory lesions on ultrasound of the shoulders and hips between the two groups. The Leuven and the Leuven/Groningen 18F-FDG-PET/CT scores were significantly lower in the ICI-PMR group. Finally, the ICI-PMR group could be managed with lower glucocorticoid doses than the primary PMR group, while this treatment could be discontinued more quickly. Conclusion Our findings indicate that ICI-PMR may have a milder course with less intense inflammation than primary PMR. ICI-PMR can be managed with a relatively low glucocorticoid dose. Our study underscores that ICI-PMR should be regarded as a PMR-like syndrome.

Comparing the Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention and Progressive Muscle Relaxation in a Military Context

ObjectivesWhile stressors of military deployment are known to have profound effects on health, less is known about effective methods for promoting health. A few studies have examined the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in this context; however, fewer have used an active control group and objective health indicators. Therefore, this study examined the effects of an MBI in comparison to a similarly structured traditional stress management intervention (progressive muscle relaxation, PMR) on health indicators among military personnel.MethodUsing a 2 (pre vs. post) × 3 (group: MBI, PMR vs. inactive control group, ICG) experimental mixed design, participants (MBI, n = 118; PMR, n = 55; ICG, n = 156) answered baseline and post-intervention self-reported measures. Physiological parameters were assessed before and after each session.ResultsResults showed that MBI is superior to PMR and ICG, leading to higher increases in mindfulness, positive affect, and self-care, and greater decreases in physical complaints. This is also confirmed by objective data. Participants in the MBI demonstrated improved heart rate variability and reduced heart rate, while no change was evident for PMR and ICG. However, both MBI and PMR were equally effective in reducing strain.ConclusionsThis study provides further evidence for the effectiveness of MBIs in this specific professional group based on rigorous methodology (comparing to a competing intervention, self-reported and objective measures). MBI is even more effective than PMR as a traditional health intervention in terms of promoting mindfulness, positive affect, and health behavior, as well as reducing complaints.PreregistrationThis study is not preregistered.

Prevalence and characteristics of subclinical giant cell arteritis in polymyalgia rheumatica.

The main objective of this study was to analyse the prevalence and characteristics of subclinical GCA in patients with PMR. This was a cross-sectional multicentre international study of consecutive patients with newly diagnosed PMR without symptoms or signs suggestive of GCA. All patients underwent US of the temporal superficial, common carotid, subclavian and axillary arteries. Patients with halo signs in at least one examined artery were considered to have subclinical GCA. The clinical, demographic and laboratory characteristics of the PMR group without subclinical vasculitis were compared with subclinical GCA, and the pattern of vessel involvement was compared with that of a classical single-centre GCA cohort. We included 346 PMR patients, 267 (77.2%) without subclinical GCA and 79 (22.8%) with subclinical GCA. The PMR patients with subclinical GCA were significantly older, had a longer duration of morning stiffness and more frequently reported hip pain than PMR without subclinical GCA. PMR with subclinical GCA showed a predominant extracranial large vessel pattern of vasculitic involvement compared with classical GCA, where the cranial phenotype predominated. The patients with PMR in the classical GCA group showed a pattern of vessel involvement similar to classical GCA without PMR but different from PMR with subclinical involvement. More than a fifth of the pure PMR patients had US findings consistent with subclinical GCA. This specific subset of patients showed a predilection for extracranial artery involvement. The optimal screening strategy to assess the presence of vasculitis in PMR remains to be determined.

The Partial Removal of Rectus Abdominis Muscle Inserting into Ribs in Ipsilateral Pedicled TRAM Flap for Breast Reconstruction.

The purpose of this study was to introduce a new surgical technique for pedicled TRAM flap that removes a part of the rectus abdominis muscle inserting into ribs, and to analyze this technique in comparison with classical pedicled TRAM flap. A retrospective review of patient charts from May 2006 to February 2016 was performed. The patient group that underwent the removal of the part of the rectus abdominis that inserts into the thorax (partial muscle resection; PMR group) was compared with the group that did not undergo this muscle resection (Classical group). The complications and aesthetic effects of surgery between the two groups were analyzed. There were 34 patients in the classical group and 28 in the PMR group. There were no significant differences in postoperative complications between these two groups. The rates of fat necrosis were 32.1% in the PMR group and 36.1% in the classical group. The postoperative aesthetic outcome of the inframammary fold showed no significant differences in outcome between the classical and PMR groups. However, all items received higher scores in the PMR group. The authors' new surgical method was associated with a positive cosmetic effect of improving inframammary fold aesthetics and could thus represent a new option for pTRAM breast reconstruction.

Differential effects of guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation on physical and emotional symptoms in nursing students taking initial clinical training: A randomized clinical trial

BackgroundThe initial clinical training has been reported by nursing students as the most challenging component of the nursing programs. Although progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery have been reported to improve emotional and physical health, the use of such approaches among nursing students rarely exist. PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the deferential effects of progressive muscle relaxation [PMR] and guided imagery [GI] on physical and emotional symptoms in nursing students taking their initial clinical training. MethodsUsing a three-group, randomized, single blinded study conducted in a large Jordanian university, 156 nursing students were randomly allocated into one of three study groups (PMR group, GI group, and control group). The physical symptoms and emotional symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed at baseline and end of the intervention. The study protocol was registered in ClinicalTrail.gov, identifier: xxxxxx. ResultsUsing one-way MANOVA and post-hoc comparisons, the results showed that PMR and GI significantly reduced more physical symptoms than control condition although PMR was more effective than GI in this regard. GI significantly decreased more emotional symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and stress than PMR and control condition. PMR decreased anxiety, depression, and stress but the results were not statistically significant. ConclusionThe findings of this study support the ABC relaxation theory claiming that PMR im-proves better physical symptoms while GI improves better emotional symptoms. However, further studies using students from multiple settings are needed.

Impact of Partial Meal Replacement on Glycemic Levels and Body Weight in Indian Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (PRIDE): A Randomized Controlled Study.

IntroductionPartial meal replacement (PMR) offers potential glycemic and weight control benefits in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. We evaluated the clinical impact of PMR (diabetes-specific nutritional supplement [DSNS]) in overweight/obese Indian patients with T2DM.MethodsPRIDE, a 12-week, phase IV, open-label, multicenter study randomized (1:1) newly diagnosed T2DM patients (≤ 1 year) to either DSNS plus standard of care (SOC; diabetes treatment with dietary counseling) group (PMR) or SOC alone group (SOC). The primary endpoint was mean change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline to week 12. Secondary endpoints were changes in glucose profiles, body weight, waist circumference, lipid profile, and factors impacting quality-of-life (QoL) at week 6 and 12 from baseline. Safety was assessed throughout the study.ResultsOf the 176 patients enrolled, 171 (n = 85 in PMR group; n = 86 in SOC group) were included in the modified intent-to-treat population. The mean reduction in HbA1c at week 12 from baseline in PMR group was significant compared to the SOC group (− 0.59 vs. − 0.21%, p = 0.002). At week 12, the PMR group showed significant reduction in mean body weight (− 2.19 vs. − 0.22 kg; p = 0.001) and waist circumference (− 2.34 vs. − 0.48 cm; p = 0.001) compared to SOC group. Mean fasting plasma glucose and post-prandial glucose significantly reduced from baseline at week 6 and 12 in each group (p < 0.05). No significant change was observed in lipid profile. QoL parameters (treatment adherence, general well-being, and energy fulfilment) in the PMR were significantly better than SOC group (p < 0.05). Patients were satisfied with the taste of DSNS. No serious adverse events were reported.ConclusionsDSNS is an encouraging option for PMR strategy, as it significantly improved HbA1c, body weight, waist circumference, and overall well-being among overweight/obese Indian T2DM patients.Trial Identification No.CTRI/2019/10/021595.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13300-022-01294-0.

Mantra meditation as adjunctive therapy in major depression: A randomized controlled trial

• Mantra meditation is an effective add-on treatment in major depression. • Mantra meditation is superior to progressive muscle relaxation. • After 6 months, mantra meditation mainly improved mood rather than cognitive symptoms. • Untapped potentials of mantra meditation warrant further research. To investigate the efficacy of add-on mantra meditation compared to progressive muscle relaxation in major depression. This study was a two-arm, single-site, raterblinded, randomized controlled trial involving 123 inpatients at a psychiatric hospital diagnosed with major depression according to DSM-IV criteria (January 2017 to June 2020). The treatment group practiced mantra meditation (MAM, N = 60); the comparator group practiced progressive muscle relaxation (PMR, N = 63). Both treatments were delivered via an introductory lesson followed by 30-minute group sessions twice weekly, adjunctively to usual treatment for depressive inpatients (TAU). The primary outcome measure was change in clinician-rated depression symptom severity, measured by the MADRS interview. The secondary outcome measure was self-reported depression severity, measured by the BDI-II questionnaire. Intentionto-treat was analyzed using linear mixed models. The TAU + MAM group had significantly greater improvements in MADRS score than the TAU + PMR group, both at the 3- month follow-up (between-group difference = 4.78, 95% CI = -8.32 – -1.42; d = 0.62) and at the 6-month follow-up (between-group difference = -6.24, 95% CI = -9.80 – -2.69; d = 0.79). Posttreatment, self-reported depression symptom severity was not significantly lower in the TAU + MAM group than in the TAU + PMR group. Exploratory analysis of the differences between primary and secondary outcomes showed that mantra meditation mainly improved mood rather than cognitive symptoms. In inpatients with major depression, adjunctive mantra meditation led to clinically relevant reduction in depressive symptom severity. Further research would build evidence for the untapped potentials of mantra meditation. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier : NCT03004430

Increasing Heart Rate Variability through Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Breathing: A 77-Day Pilot Study with Daily Ambulatory Assessment.

The aim of this study was to examine whether it is possible to gradually increase heart rate variability (HRV) in healthy individuals (21 participants, M = 21.24 years, SD = 1.57, range 19 to 26) through regular exercises of average resonance frequency training (RFT; 6 breaths/min; 5 min each day) and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR; three times a week for 20 min). The effects were tested against an active control group using a linear mixed effect model with random slopes (day), random intercepts (participants) and an autoregressive error term. The special feature of this pilot study is that HRV was measured every day in an ambulatory assessment over 77 days, so that graduate long-term effects on HRV can be mapped. The results indicated that the PMR group significantly increased their HRV compared to the active control group. However, no effect was observed for the RFT group. Possible explanations for these results and important recommendations for subsequent studies are provided.

Can biofeedback-based training alleviate fatigue and vigilance performance in fatigued MS patients?

ABSTRACT MS related fatigue might be related to autonomous nervous system (ANS) dysfunctions or to inflammation related vagal (hyper-) activation. Consequently, influencing ANS status may lead to relieve of fatigue. We used two opposite biofeedback interventions to either increase sympathetic (“self-alert training”, SAT) or parasympathetic activation (“progressive muscle relaxation”, PMR). We recorded fatigue status of patients before and after a challenging vigilance task, their behavioural performance on this task, their skin conductance response (SCR), and parameters indicating parasympathetic activity concerning heart rate variability (HRV). We repeated these recordings after the biofeedback training sessions. Patients of the SAT group were able to learn to increase their SCR voluntarily. Patients of the PMR group showed increasing parameters indicating parasympathetic modulation of the HRV. The vigilance task increased their feeling of fatigue. However, there was no effect of biofeedback training on either fatigue status or performance on the vigilance task. Our results show that MS patients can learn to change voluntarily their ANS activity using biofeedback instructions based on SCR and this can be used in future studies to test the postulated link between ANS and fatigue. However, in this experimental intervention we were unable to document a relation between ANS activity and fatigue. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03268187.

A mixed-method randomized feasibility trial evaluating progressive muscle relaxation or autogenic training on depressive symptoms and quality of life in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who have depressive symptoms.

Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and autogenic training (AT) are effective relaxation techniques to reduce depressive symptoms. However, no studies on their effectiveness have been conducted among people living with HIV and depressive symptoms. The primary aim of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of PMR and AT interventions among people living with HIV who have depressive symptoms. A secondary aim was to assess the potential effectiveness of these interventions on depressive symptoms and quality of life. This study was a three-arm pilot randomized control trial with mixed methods. Participants were randomized to PMR, AT, or a control group (CG), with four assessments (baseline, and at one, three, and six months). The PMR and AT interventions consisted of six 1h sessions of individual training over 12 weeks, plus home practice. Recruitment, attrition, and completion rates were calculated. Depressive symptoms and quality of life were assessed at all times. Participants' perceptions of the interventions were collected in semi-structured interviews. Following the screening, 54/63 people met the inclusion criteria, and 42/54 were randomly allocated to the PMR group (n=14), AT group (n=14), and CG (n=14). Six participants (43%; 95% CI 18-71%) in the PMR group and 10 (71%; 95% CI 42-92%) in the AT group completed the intervention. Participants reported better emotion management and improvements in depressive symptoms and quality of life. The pilot study suggests that a randomized trial to test the effectiveness of these interventions is feasible. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01901016.

Efek Senam dan Progressive Muscle Relaxation terhadap Tekanan Darah dan Kadar Gula Darah pada Lansia

Background.The raise of aging population increases the risk of non infectious diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. A comprehensive treatment consists of pharmacological and non pharmacological approach is required to control and cure those diseases. Exercise as a method of non pharmacological therapy has been shown to be beneficial to control blood pressure and glucose level so that improved the outcome of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of exercise on blood pressure and glucose level of the elderly at Posyandu Lansia Madoh, Boyolali district.&#x0D; Subject and Methods. This study was a quasi experimental study, with one group pre-test post-test design. The intervention included flexibility, resistance, and aerobic exercise.&#x0D; Result. Based on paired t-test analysis of gymnastics groups, it was found that there was a decrease in blood pressure and blood sugar levels after the intervention but it was not significant. whereas in the PMR group there was a significant decrease in blood pressure and nearly a significant difference in blood pressure. the difference in impairment obtained before and after the intervention was greater in the PMR group both in blood pressure and blood sugar than in the gymnastics group.&#x0D; Conclusions. Physical exercise has a positive influence on blood sugar levels and elderly blood pressure. So it needs to be done routinely and scheduled in Posyandu Elderly activities in Ngesrep Village, Ngemplak District, Boyolali Regency .&#x0D; &#x0D; Keyword: exercise; blood pressure; glucose level; elderly.

Abnormalities at three musculoskeletal sites on whole-body positron emission tomography/computed tomography can diagnose polymyalgia rheumatica with high sensitivity and specificity.

To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of PET/CT findings in PMR and generate a diagnostic algorithm utilizing a minimum number of musculoskeletal sites. Steroid-naïve patients with newly diagnosed PMR (2012 EULAR/ACR classification criteria) were prospectively recruited to undergo whole-body 18F-FDG PET/CT. Each PMR case was age- and sex-matched to four PET/CT controls. Control scan indication, diagnosis and medical history were extracted from the clinical record. Qualitative and semi-quantitative scoring (maximum standardized uptake value [SUVmax]) of abnormal 18F-FDG uptake at 21 musculoskeletal sites was undertaken for cases and controls. Results informed the development of a novel PET/CT diagnostic algorithm using a classification and regression trees (CART) method. Thirty-three cases met the inclusion criteria and were matched to 132 controls. Mean age was 68.6 ± 7.4years for cases compared with 68.2 ± 7.3 for controls, and 54.5% were male. Median CRP was 49mg/L (32-65) and ESR 41.5mm/h (24.6-64.4) in the PMR group. The predominant control indication for PET/CT was malignancy (63.6%). Individual musculoskeletal sites proved insufficient for diagnostic purposes. A novel algorithm comprising 18F-FDG uptake ≥ 2 adjacent to the ischial tuberosities in combination with either abnormalities at the peri-articular shoulder or interspinous bursa achieved a sensitivity of 90.9% and specificity of 92.4% for diagnosing PMR. The presence of abnormal 18F-FDG uptake adjacent to the ischial tuberosities together with findings at the peri-articular shoulder or interspinous bursa on whole-body PET/CT is highly sensitive and specific for a diagnosis of PMR. Clinical Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, http://www.anzctr.org.au , ACTRN1261400696695.

Mindfulness-based focused attention training versus progressive muscle relaxation in remitted depressed patients: Effects on salivary cortisol and associations with subjective improvements in daily life

Major Depression is a stress-related disorder characterized by altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function. Mindfulness-based interventions have shown to improve subjective parameters of stress and to reduce relapse rates in depressed patients. However, research on their effects on diurnal patterns of cortisol and associations with subjective outcomes is lacking.The present Ambulatory Assessment study investigated possible changes in daily rhythm cortisol parameters (cortisol awakening response (CAR), daily slope, total cortisol) in currently remitted individuals with recurrent depression who were randomized to a four-week mindfulness-based focused attention training (MBAT, n = 39) or a progressive muscle relaxation training (PMR, n = 39). A second aim was to investigate whether changes in cortisol were linked to improvements in affective and cognitive daily life states. On three weekdays before and after the intervention, seven saliva cortisol samples per day were collected. For analysis, multilevel models were applied. Results revealed no group-specific or general change in CAR and daily slopes from pre- to postintervention. In contrast, total cortisol increased across groups, which was however moderated by group and subjective improvement status. While cortisol increased irrespective of subjective improvement in PMR participants, MBAT participants with larger reductions in negative affect and rumination maintained their initial cortisol levels, whereas those with lower improvement paralleled the PMR group. Thereby, MBAT appeared to buffer an increase in overall cortisol secretion over time, but only in patients showing marked improvements in those affective and cognitive states that constitute core elements for depressive relapses in the vulnerability model of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.

Formulasi Susu Pengganti dan Evaluasi Pengaruhnya terhadap Performa Anak Domba Kembar

The purpose of this experiment was to formulate and evaluate milk replacer on the production performance of twin lambs from before weaning to one month after weaning. Three pairs of twin lambs aged two weeks with a body weight of 3.83 ± 0.4 kg were divided into two groups, each consisting of three lambs. The treatments applied were PSI = lamb given mother's milk and PMR = lamb given milk replacer. Pre-weaning dry matter consumption data were analyzed descriptively and other data were analyzed using the T-test. The results showed that the dry matter consumption lambs that were given milk replacers in pre-weaning was 164.18 ± 31.25 g/head/day with the largest proportion coming from milk replacers (61.4%). PSI group lambs had dry matter and energy consumption after weaning, daily gain before and after weaning, and body weight when weaned were significantly higher (P &lt;0.05) than the PMR group lambs. However, the ratio of feed conversion and body weight at 90 days in the two groups of lamb were not significantly different. All lambs were healthy and no one died. It is concluded that formulated milk replacer provides production performance in lambs that are equivalent to lambs fed with mother's milk.

Surgical site ınfection following ventral hernia repair: Evaluation of different prosthetic materials’ ımpact

Introduction: Regulations of antisepsis were described by Joseph Lister in 1867; however, surgical site infection is still a common problem in surgical patients despite of the developments in medicine. It is estimated that 5% of 30 million surgeries performed each year are complicated with SSI. In this study we investigated the wound infection rates for 3 different surgical approach for ventral hernias. Patients and Methods: This was a clinical study done in the department of surgery in a tertiary care hospital. A total of 54 patients included the study. Patients who underwent hernia repair with dual mesh formed the DM group(17 patients), who underwent repair by primary suturation formed RPS group (RPS:16 patients), whereas those who underwent repair with prolene mesh placement formed the PMR (PMR:21 patients) groups. Results: In PMR group 4 patient out of 21 developed wound infection, and in RPS group 1 out of 16 patients, in DM group no patient developed wound infection with a p-value of 0.032 which is statistically significant. Discussion: It is very important to reduce aggressive dissection, prevent seroma formation and use of optimal prosthetic alternative. In this study the data showed that, ventral herniorraphy with prolene mesh carries higher risk of wound infection tha using dual mesh.

AUTOGENIC TRAINING AND PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION INTERVENTIONS: EFFECTS ON MENTAL SKILLS OF FEMALES

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of Autogenic training and Progressive muscle relaxation technique on the mental skills of female subjects. We recruited 60 female subjects and assigned them into three groups i.e. AT group, PMR group and control group. The first and second groups were provided with 8-week Autogenic training and PMR interventions respectively, whereas the control group continued their general routine. All three groups were tested pre and post interventions for their mental skills by using Hardy and Nelson mental skills questionnaire. Hypotheses were tested by applying ANCOVA to the collected data at 0.05 significance level. Results revealed that only concentration ability was significantly improved with Autogenic training and PMR, whereas no significant differences were observed for other variables. Article visualizations:

Evaluation of a Short-Term Telephone-Based Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Dementia Family Caregivers

ABSTRACTThis study evaluates a short-term telephone-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for family caregivers. The study goal was to analyse whether caregivers of the intervention group reported better well-being and health at post treatment than participants of an untreated control group and an attention control group (treated with progressive muscle relaxation [PMR]), and whether these benefits maintained at 6-month follow-up. Participants (n = 229) were assigned to the study groups after baseline assessment. Most were female (82.2%), with a mean age of 62 years. As outcome measurements, the study assessed depressive symptoms, body complaints, emotional well-being, and perceived health. The intervention group showed short-term effects in improving well-being when compared with the PMR and the untreated control groups. Furthermore, in comparison to the untreated controls CBT was effective in decreasing body complaints at post treatment and in improving perceived health at 6-month follow-up. Improvements for CBT in comparison to the PMR group could be shown for depressive symptoms at 6-month follow-up. CBT for family caregivers is applicable via telephone and has shown promising short and long-term effects. A prolongation of the intervention might enhance the effects.