Significant Main Effect Of Treatment Research Articles

Recurrent Ethanol Treatment does not Produce a Cumulative Effect on Plasma Leptin Levels in Rats

Background: Hypoleptinemia is a potent orexigenic signal. Chronic ethanol (EtOH) consumption is associated with weight gain in humans, and acute ethanol treatment leads to reductions in leptin concentrations in both fasted humans and rats. The objective of this study was to determine whether short-term recurrent ethanol treatment has a cumulative effect on plasma leptin levels in rats, and whether treatment in the fed or fasted state influences the leptin lowering effect of EtOH. We hypothesized that recurrent EtOH treatment would have a cumulative effect on leptin levels, and that these effects would be more pronounced in the fed state, when leptin levels are highest. Methods: Two separate groups of male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to either oral or intravenous (IV) treatment with EtOH (2g/kg via oral gavage or 0.067 g/kg/min IV for 30 min; n=7/group) on three consecutive days. Each rat served as its own control and received saline treatment either 7 d prior to or 7 d following exposure to EtOH. The oral group was fasted 12-14 h (overnight) prior to treatment, while the IV group was not fasted. Plasma leptin and EtOH levels were measured each day at baseline and 3 h following EtOH treatment. Data are expressed as mean ± SEM. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to test for differences in plasma leptin and EtOH levels due to treatment (saline vs. EtOH) or day (cumulative effect of treatment). Results: Post-treatment ethanol levels in the oral and IV groups (55 ± 6.9 and 45 ± 6.3 mM, respectively) were higher than saline-treated rats (p>0.001). Baseline leptin levels in the oral treatment (fasted) group were 3.4 ± 0.3 and 3.9 ± 0.2 ng/mL under saline and leptin treated conditions, respectively. There was a significant main effect of treatment but not of day in the oral group (p=0.04 and p=0.38, respectively). In the oral group, average daily change in leptin levels 3 h post treatment in saline and leptin treated rats were -0.18 ± 0.05 and -0.72 ± 0.1 ng/mL, respectively. Baseline leptin levels in the IV group (fed) were 7.8 ± 0.3 and 6.7 ± 0.1 ng/mL, in saline and leptin treated rats respectively. There was no significant main effect of treatment or day in the IV group (p=0.17 and p=0.41, respectively). In the IV group, average daily changes in leptin levels 3 h following treatment in saline and leptin treated rats were -1.7 ± 0.2 and -1.3 ± 0.3 ng/mL, respectively. Conclusion: Although we were able to replicate previous work indicating reduced leptin levels following acute EtOH treatment in fasted rats, our results do not support a cumulative leptin-lowering effect of recurrent EtOH treatment. Furthermore, IV EtOH treatment in the fed state did not have any impact on leptin levels. This suggests that the leptin-lowering effects of EtOH may either require the fasted state or may require ingestion and exposure of the GI system to EtOH. NIH R01 DK131165-01A1. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

A naturalistic evaluation of parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) and PCIT with trauma-directed interaction (PCIT with TDI) in Australian children exposed to abuse and neglect

BackgroundTo optimize PCIT treatment with children exposed to abuse and neglect, PCIT with Trauma-Directed Interaction (PCIT with TDI) was created. ObjectiveThe current study was a quasi-experimental cohort study (PCIT and PCIT with TDI treatment groups) with pre/post-treatment comparisons. The study was conducted in a statutory child protection agency and was a naturalistic evaluation of the outcomes achieved by this service. The outcomes under investigation included caregiver and child posttraumatic stress symptoms, child behavior problems, parenting stress, caregiver mental health, child protection notifications, and placement permanency goals. Participants and settingChildren were included in the study if they were aged between 2 and 7 years, had behavioral difficulties or trauma symptoms and/or their caregivers were experiencing parenting stress. MethodsFamilies were allocated to treatment group by clinician availability/preference (i.e., preference allocation). Caregivers were asked to report on child posttraumatic symptoms and behavioral issues; and to self-report on posttraumatic stress, general stress, parenting stress, and depression and anxiety at prescribed points in treatment. FindingsSixty-eight children and their caregivers were treated with either PCIT (n = 22) or PCIT with TDI (n = 46). Statistically significant changes were observed for both treatment conditions for some of the outcomes of interest for both children (i.e., child behavioral problems, posttraumatic stress) and their caregivers (i.e., general stress, posttraumatic stress). There was no significant main effect of treatment on any of the outcomes of interest. ConclusionFuture research should include a randomized controlled trial to adequately determine the efficacy of PCIT versus PCIT with TDI with this population.

Prazosin and cyproheptadine in combination in the treatment of alcohol use disorder: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Pre-clinical studies suggest that the simultaneous blockade of the α1b and 5HT2A receptors may be effective in reducing alcohol consumption. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of prazosin (α1b blocker) and cyproheptadine (5HT2A blocker) combination in decreasing total alcohol consumption (TAC) in alcohol use disorder (AUD). This was a double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled, Phase 2, randomized clinical trial conducted in 32 addiction treatment centres in France. A total of 108 men and 46 women with severe AUD took part. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the following 3-month treatments: (1) low-dose group (LDG) receiving 8mg cyproheptadine and 5mg prazosin extended-release (ER) formulation daily; (2) high-dose group (HDG) receiving 12 mg cyproheptadine and 10mg prazosin ER daily; and (3) placebo group (PG) receiving placebo of cyproheptadine and prazosin ER. A total of 154 patients were randomized: 54 in the PG, 54 in the LDG and 46 in the HDG. The primary outcome was TAC change from baseline to month 3. A significant main treatment effect in the change in TAC was found in the intent-to-treat population (P = 0.039). The HDG and LDG showed a benefit in the change in TAC from baseline to month 3 compared with PG: -23.6g/day, P = 0.016, Cohen's d = -0.44; -18.4g/day, P = 0.048 (Bonferroni correction P < 0.025), Cohen's d = -0.36. In a subgroup of very high-risk drinking-level participants (> 100 g/day of pure alcohol for men and > 60 g/day for women), the difference between the HDG and the PG in the primary outcome was -29.8g/day (P = 0.031, Cohen's d = -0.51). The high and low doses were well-tolerated with a similar safety profile. A randomized controlled trial of treatment of severe alcohol use disorder with a cyproheptadine-prazosin combination for 3months reduced drinking by more than 23 g per day compared with placebo. A higher dose combination was associated with a larger magnitude of drinking reduction than a lower dose combination while showing similar safety profile.

EFFECT OF INSTRUCTIONAL COMPUTER ANIMATION ON SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ACHIEVEMENT IN CELL BIOLOGY CONCEPT IN OYO TOWN

This Study adopted a pretest-posttest, control group, quasi-experimental design. The research study covered four purposively selected secondary schools from two local government areas in Oyo town, One hundred and ten students of both gender(male and female) were inclusive and the topics covered was Cell Biology in the Senior Secondary Biology Curriculum was taught using the conventional method of teaching and computer animation. Three instruments were used for the study: Biology Achievement Test (r=0.78) this reliability index was obtained using kuder-Richardson Analysis. Three hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance. The result revealed that there is a significant main effect of treatment on students’ achievement in Biology(F(1,109) = 8.47; p&lt; 0.05, partial η2 = 0.77) the students exposed to Instructional Computer animation performed better with the higher adjusted post- biology achievement test mean score (19.88) while the Control group had the least adjusted post- biology achievement Test mean scores (17.99). It was found that gender had no significant main effect on students’ achievement in biology, so the null hypothesis was accepted. Based on the result of the study, it was recommended that schools should adopt Instructional Computer Animation in teaching to make learning more effective, real and to improve the achievement of senior secondary school students’ in Biology.

Insight to wellbeing: a pilot randomized trial of a 3 principles intervention to the alleviation of psychological suffering among incarcerated women

Objective Evidence suggests incarcerated individuals have high rates of mental health difficulties, and that incarcerated women face greater trauma-related than incarcerated males. The current study investigated efficacy of an acceptance-based, insight-oriented treatment approach to alleviate mental health challenges in incarcerated women. Method Incarcerated females (N = 90) were recruited from a medium security facility and were randomized to either the treatment condition (n = 49) or a waitlist control (n = 41). Emotion dysregulation, psychological inflexibility, global mental health, and trauma symptoms were assessed at baseline, post-course, and 6-month follow-up. Results A significant main effect of treatment was found for all primary outcomes at post-course and 6-month follow-up. Results yielded significant mean differences between time points for the treatment condition for all primary outcomes from baseline to post-course, and baseline to 6-month follow-up. Conclusion Results suggest the acceptance-based, insight-oriented treatment approach is efficacious for incarcerated women. A purposed mechanism of the intervention is discussed.

Effects of Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapies on Academic Burnout among Extra-mural Students in Ekiti State

Academic burnout is a mental and emotional fatigue state caused by continuous stress among extra-mural students. This syndrome is usually caused by repeated failure and overload of work in the school, which eventually leads to high dropout rate, truancy and failure. Academic burnout hinders academic success of students, as it truncates their advancement in moving to the next academic stage. Previous studies focused largely on predictors of academic burnout of in-school adolescents, while little attention was paid to extra-mural students. This study, therefore, was designed to determine the effects of Motivational Interviewing Therapy (MIT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (M-BCT) on academic burnout among extra-mural students in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Moderating effects of academic self-efficacy and goal setting were also examined. Pretest-posttest control group quasi experimental design with 3x3x3 factorial matrix was adopted. Three extra-mural centres were randomly selected in Ekiti State, while the simple random sampling technique was used to select participants from each of the remedial study centres. The remedial centres were randomly assigned to MIT (29), M-BCT (51) and control (25) groups, making a total of 105 participants. The instruments used were Academic Burnout Indicator Inventory (for screening – ?=0.92), Maslash Academic Burnout (?=0.70), Academic self-Efficacy (?=0.86) and Goal Setting (?=0.80) scales and instructional guides. Data were subjected to descriptive statistics, Analysis of covariance and Scheffe post-hoc test at 0.05 level of significance. Participants’ age was 22.14±3.15years. The majority of the participants were female (61.5%). There was a significant main effect of treatment on academic burnout of the participants (F(2;84)=140.13. partial ?2=0.77). The participants in the control group (111.04) had the highest mean scores on academic burnout, followed by the M-BCT (88.20) and the MIT (61.59) groups. There was no significant main effect of academic self-efficacy and goal setting on academic burnout. There was a significant interaction effect of treatment and goal setting on academic burnout (F(2;84) =3.93, partial ?2=.16), in favour of the participants with high goal setting from the MIT group. Motivational interviewing and mindfulness-based cognitive therapies reduced academic burnout among extra-mural students in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Counselling psychologists and other help professionals should adopt these therapies.

A Pilot Study on the Effectiveness of Prazosin as a Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder-Related Nightmares in Women with Bulimia Nervosa.

Objectives Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms are reported in over 36% of individuals with bulimia nervosa. To date, none of the clinical trials have examined nightmare reduction in this population.We evaluated the effectiveness of prazosin in bulimic females experiencing PTSD-related nightmares. We hypothesized that prazosin will decrease nightmares, normalize cortisol levels and secretory patterns, and improve sleep. Methods Our seven-week prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover pilot trial recruited eight adult women. Each participant received three weeks of prazosin and a placebo, separated by a one-week washout period. The order of treatment was counterbalanced across participants.Self-reports, clinician-administered scales, and salivary cortisol was collected to measure outcomes. Results A significant treatment effect was seen in nightmare intensity on the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-I) (p=0.026) and a marginally significant effect on nightmare frequency (p=0.069). The only significant main effectof treatment on self-reported sleep parameters was on nightmares. Cortisol secretory patterns did not change, but on average, study participants had significantly higher cortisol levels compared to normative values. ANOVA showed a significant main effect of time for cortisol (F(4, 28) = 6.15, p=.001) but no within or between groups significant effects (ps>.179). Follow-up tests showed the effect of time was linear (F(1, 7) = 10.77, p=.013). Conclusion Prazosin significantly reduced intensity and marginally reduced the frequency of PTSD-related nightmares in bulimia nervosa but did not affect subjective sleep efficiency, quality, cortisol levels, or diurnal cortisol secretory pattern. Larger trials using objective sleep measures are warranted to replicate these findings.

Effects of Instructional Strategies and Gender on Junior Secondary School Students’ Achievement in Business Studies in Rivers State, Nigeria

Business Studies is offered in Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) as a subject meant to expose learners to commerce, office management, trade and book keeping. In spite of its importance, performance in the subject is below expectation in Rivers State. Previous studies revealed that brainstorming and field trip will improve learning outcomes but they are rarely used while teaching Business Studies. This study, therefore, determined the effects of brainstorming (BTM), field trip (FTTM), and conventional teaching methods (CM) and gender on secondary school students’ achievement in Business Studies. All the JSS 2 students (467) in the selected schools participated in the study. The treatment lasted for seven weeks. The instrument used was Business Studies Achievement Test (r=0.82), Data collected was analysed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) at 0.05 level of significance. There was a significant main effect of treatment on students’ achievement in Business Studies [F(2,131)=26.70, partial η2=0.29]. Participants in FTTM had the highest mean (35.79), followed by BTM (35.71) and CM (27.54). Results revealed that gender did not have a significant main effect on students’ achievement in business studies [F(1,131) =.315, P&gt; .05]. Brainstorming and Field trip teaching methods influenced learning outcomes of students in Business studies in Rivers state but Field trip method was better. It is therefore suggested that teachers should use both methods during Business studies classes.

Effects of Dyadic Psychotherapy and Self- Monitoring Strategy on Marriage Anxiety among Young Married Couples in Ibadan Baptist Conference

Sustaining a cordial relationship among married couples is a necessity for the marriage to fulfill its purpose. However, marriage anxiety often exerts force on married couples resulting in undesired behaviours. Evidences have shown that young married couples experience marriage anxiety which may lead to conflicts, separation, divorce, suicide and homicide. Previous studies had focused majorly on factors leading to marital anxiety with very few interventions to address the problem. This study, therefore, employed dyadic psychotherapy and self-monitoring strategy as interventions to reduce marriage anxiety among the participants. Ninety-four participants were selected in Ibadan Baptist Conference. Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale ( 16r="&gt; 0.89) was used as screening instrument while the main instrument for post test was Hamilton Anxiety Scale ( 16r="&gt; 0.86). The experiment lasted eight weeks. Seven null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and Scheffee post hoc test were used as tools of Analysis. The results show that there was a significant main effect of treatment on marriage anxiety (F2.83=60.292; P&lt;0.05, ?2=0.592). Dyadic psychotherapy and self-monitoring strategy were effective in reducing marriage anxiety. Thus, this paper recommended the effective management of marriage anxiety, the strategy involved as well as skills to reduce the marriage anxiety for married couples and professionals in the field of counselling to note in order to effectively treat marital anxiety among couples.

Explicit and Differentiated Phonics Instruction on Pupils’ Literacy Skills in Gambian Lower Basic Schools

Instructional procedures in literacy skills in Gambian classrooms often adopt the conventional direct approach which includes spelling-reading-dictation without due attention to the sound/letter connection. Although literacy skills in English remain the fundamental proof of formal education in the Gambia, proficiency in reading and writing skills is very low among most pupils in the lower basic schools. Phonics instruction reinforces the letter-sound relationship and improves literacy skills and spelling. Although phonics instruction has been found to be effective for teaching literacy skills to EFL students, there has not been much research on phonics instruction in Gambian classrooms. This study investigated the effects of explicit and differentiated phonics instructional strategies on achievement in literacy skills. The moderating effect of parental involvement was equally examined. The study adopted a pretest-posttest, control group quasi-experimental design using 164 pupils from four randomly selected schools, and treatment lasted six weeks. The result showed a significant main effect of treatment on pupils’ achievement in writing (F (2; 125) = 65.485) and reading (F (2; 125) = 26.67). Participants in explicit phonics instruction obtained the highest achievement score (x = 28.4), differentiated phonics instruction (x =16.3), and control (x = 13.03). Parental involvement had no significant main effect on pupils’ achievement in literacy skills. The two-way interaction effect was not significant. Therefore, language teachers should adopt these strategies to improve the quality of instruction and proficiency in literacy skills in Gambian lower basic schools.

Ex vivo exposure to calcitonin or raloxifene improves mechanical properties of diseased bone through non-cell mediated mechanisms

Raloxifene (RAL) reduces clinical fracture risk despite modest effects on bone mass and density. This reduction in fracture risk may be due to improved material level-mechanical properties through a non-cell mediated increase in bone hydration. Synthetic salmon calcitonin (CAL) has also demonstrated efficacy in reducing fracture risk with only modest bone mass and density improvements. This study aimed to determine if CAL could modify healthy and diseased bone through cell-independent mechanisms that alter hydration similar to RAL.26-week-old male C57BL/6 mice induced with chronic kidney disease (CKD) beginning at 16 weeks of age via 0.2 % adenine-laced casein-based (0.9 % P, 0.6 % C) chow, and their non-CKD control littermates (Con), were utilized. Upon sacrifice, right femora were randomly assigned to the following ex vivo experimental groups: RAL (2 μM, n = 10 CKD, n = 10 Con), CAL (100 nM, n = 10 CKD, n = 10 Con), or Vehicle (VEH; n = 9 CKD, n = 9 Con). Bones were incubated in PBS + drug solution at 37 °C for 14 days using an established ex vivo soaking methodology. Cortical geometry (μCT) was used to confirm a CKD bone phenotype, including porosity and cortical thinning, at sacrifice. Femora were assessed for mechanical properties (3-point bending) and bone hydration (via solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy with magic angle spinning (ssNMR)). Data were analyzed by two-tailed t-tests (μCT) or 2-way ANOVA for main effects of disease, treatment, and their interaction. Tukey's post hoc analyses followed a significant main effect of treatment to determine the source of the effect.Imaging confirmed a cortical phenotype reflective of CKD, including lower cortical thickness (p < 0.0001) and increased cortical porosity (p = 0.02) compared to Con. In addition, CKD resulted in weaker, less deformable bones. In CKD bones, ex vivo exposure to RAL or CAL improved total work (+120 % and +107 %, respectively; p < 0.05), post-yield work (+143 % and +133 %), total displacement (+197 % and +229 %), total strain (+225 % and +243 %), and toughness (+158 % and +119 %) vs. CKD VEH soaked bones. Ex vivo exposure to RAL or CAL did not impact any mechanical properties in Con bone. Matrix-bound water by ssNMR showed CAL treated bones had significantly higher bound water compared to VEH treated bones in both CKD and Con cohorts (p = 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively). RAL positively modulated bound water in CKD bone compared to VEH (p = 0.002) but not in Con bone. There were no significant differences between bones soaked with CAL vs. RAL for any outcomes measured.RAL and CAL improve important post-yield properties and toughness in a non-cell mediated manner in CKD bone but not in Con bones. While RAL treated CKD bones had higher matrix-bound water content in line with previous reports, both Con and CKD bones exposed to CAL had higher matrix-bound water. Therapeutic modulation of water, specifically the bound water fraction, represents a novel approach to improving mechanical properties and potentially reducing fracture risk.

Pulse wave Doppler ultrasound of umbilical cord in experimentally induced pregnancy toxemia in sheep

Contrary to its widespread use in human cases, the use of Doppler ultrasonography is only recently becoming prevalent in farm animals. This study aimed to determine the effects of maternal metabolic and clinical changes on fetal hemodynamics during pregnancy toxemia with the doppler examination of umbilical cord. In the study twenty ewes with a single healthy fetus were included in the study. At the end of the 120th day of pregnancy, 20 single-bearing pregnant ewes were randomly categorized into two groups. Ewes in the control group were fed to meet all nutritional requirements. On the other contrary, the experimental ewes were fed to meet equivalent to 50 % of the daily needs and then fasted for 96 h. Doppler ultrasonographic examinations of umbilical cord were performed once every two days and once a day during fasting. Beta hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) concentration was measured by taking blood from sheep on examination days. Pulse systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), PSV/EDV, pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), and fetal heart rate (FHR) as well as BHBA values and how those parameters has changed over time (time by treatment effect) due to energy deprivation during pregnancy were evaluated using repeated measure analysis of variance. No clinical signs were observed in both toxemia and control groups during restricted feeding. BHBA concentration increased and there was a significant time, time by treatment and main effect of treatment effect between groups. No significant main effect of treatment and time by treatment interaction was observed in the changes of PI, RI, FHR, and systolic/diastolic velocity values over time in both groups. FHR was reduced over time, and there was a significant time effect in FHR in both groups. Although doppler indices didn't increase, both PSV and EDV values increased significantly in the pregnancy toxemia group compared with the controls (Time P = 0.03, time by treatment interaction P < 0.05) and the main effect of treatment P < 0.05). The marked increase in blood velocities (PSV and EDV) in the umbilical cord is probably due to the compensatory functioning for excessive energy deprivation of the fetus. Therefore, PSV and EDV might be a valuable indicator for evaluating the fetus's health status during the management of the PT.

Effect of Two Modes of Simulation-Based Flipped Classroom Strategy on Learning Outcomes of Private Universities’ Pre-degree Physics Students in Southwestern Nigeria

This study was to determine the effect of Simulated-Video Based Flipped Classroom (SVBFC) and Virtual Laboratory Based Flipped Classroom (VLBFC) instructional strategies on pre-degree students’ learning outcomes (Attitude, Achievement, and Problem-solving skills) in Physics in Southwestern Nigeria. Theories of Cognitive constructivism and Engagement provided the framework, while a pretest-posttest control group quasi-experimental design was employed. Six private Universities were randomly selected and a total of 204 Pre-degree students (79 males, 125 females) participated in the study. Instruments used for the study were the Modified Attitudes Towards Physics Scale (α=0.88), Students' Achievement Test in Physics (r=0.75), Problem-Solving Skills Rubric (r=0.83), and instructional guides. There were significant main effects of treatment on attitude (F(2;201)=15.14; partial ƞ2=0.00), achievement (F(2;201)=249.79; partial ƞ2=0.00), and problem-solving skills (F(2;201)=34.76; partial ƞ2=0.00) in Physics. The results show that Simulated-Video and Virtual Laboratory-based flipped classroom strategies improved pre-degree students' attitude, achievement, and problem-solving skills in Physics in Southwestern Nigeria. Therefore, it should be adopted as strategies for teaching pre-degree Physics students.

Role of food matrix in modulating dairy fat induced changes in lipoprotein particle size distribution in a human intervention

BackgroundIntake of dairy fat within the matrix of cheese lowered circulating LDL cholesterol concentration to a greater extent than the same components consumed separately as butter, protein, and calcium. However, circulating LDL cholesterol is not indicative of concentration or size of LDL particles (LDL-P), which are recognized as more sensitive risk markers of CVD. ObjectivesThis was an exploratory analysis to investigate the role of the food matrix on lipoprotein particle size distribution, after a dairy fat intervention, in overweight adults aged ≥50 y. MethodsLipoprotein particle size distribution was measured in fasting EDTA blood samples taken at week 0 (baseline) and at week 6, using NMR. In total, 127 participants (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, aged ≥50 y) received ∼42 g dairy fat in 1 of 4 treatments: group A, 120 g full-fat cheddar cheese (FFCC); group B, reduced-fat cheese plus butter (RFC+B); group C, butter, calcium caseinate powder, and calcium supplement (CaCO3) (BCC); or group D, 120 g FFCC (as per group A) but after a 6-wk washout period during which they excluded cheese before intervention. ResultsTotal VLDL and chylomicron particles (VLDL/CM-P) decreased after intervention. There was a strong correlation between reduced VLDL/CM-P and a reduction in small proatherogenic VLDL-P (r = 0.888, P < 0.001). Reductions in total LDL-P were associated with a reduction in small LDL-P and, to a lesser extent, with large LDL-P. There was a significant main effect of treatment for change in intermediate-density lipoprotein particles (IDL-P) after the intervention (P = 0.023) between groups B and D (−46.86 ± 30.38 and 40.69 ± 32.72 nmol/L, respectively). HDL particle (HDL-P) parameters (diameter, concentration, or size distribution) were not affected by diet. ConclusionsOur findings indicate that reductions in LDL cholesterol observed with dairy fat consumption are driven by reductions in LDL-P concentration. A trend toward a less atherogenic profile was observed, but there was no clear effect of the individual food matrices.This trial was registered at ISRCTN as ISRCTN86731958.

Design and implementation of the performance arts enhanced three-stage instructional model

There is a knowledge gap in best practices for incorporating performance arts into science instructions. The study focused on the design and implementation of the Performance Arts Enhanced 3-Stage Instructional Model (PAEIM), which incorporated drama, dance and music. The PAEIM was implemented in mixed factorial quasi-experimental research during the learning of the ecology unit in the secondary school biology curriculum. Empirical findings from the study exemplified PAEIM as an effective instructional model that significantly enhanced the conceptual understanding of ecology and impacted students’ self-determination and intrinsic motivation. The reports of the findings also indicated that PAEIM enhanced the students’ learning outcomes regardless of their gender. The result from the multivariate analysis revealed a significant main effect of treatment on combined motivation and the conceptual understanding of ecology. The study thereafter provided recommendations for scalability in the implementation of PAEIM in future research.

The Impact of Outdoor Sports on Preschool Children’s Motor Skills Development

The main purpose of this study was to examine the impact of outdoors sports on preschool children’s motor skills development in Ilorin Metropolis. The study adopted a pretest-posttest control group quasi-experimental research design. The population of this study consisted of all preschool children in public schools the Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 10 public schools who had preschooler with motor skill coordination problem. The sample size for this study comprised of 47 preschoolers who had motor skills coordination problems. The instrument was titled “Preschoolers performance scores (PPS)” were used to elicit information. It consisted of 10 items on a 3 likert-scale; options on “low”, “moderate” and “high” based on what preschoolers were able to do before and after exposing them to outdoor sports. Some of the items were kicking a ball at 5m target, throwing at a 2m target, running forward, balancing on right and left foot, throwing and catching a ball. The keys used were low 0.00-0.09, moderate 1.0-1.4 and high 1.5-2.5. Instruments were validated by lecturers in the department of Human Kinetics and reliability score was 0.79. The data were analyzed using frequency counts and percentage and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that there was a significant main effect of treatment on preschool children motor skill development (F(1; 47) = 264.448, P &lt; 0.05). also, there was no significant main effect of gender on preschool children motor skill development (F (1; 47) =1.422; P &gt; 0.05) and there was no significant interaction effect of treatment and gender on preschool children motor skill development ( (F (1; 47) =1.538; P &gt;0.05). The study concludes that sports especially outdoor activities have positive impact on preschoolers’ motor skills development. Based on the findings, the study recommends among others that; teachers in preschools should be encouraged on the use of outdoor sports in improving motor skills development in children and workshops and trainings should be organized by school owners regularly, in order to educate teachers on new ways of improving motor skills development.

Using Multisensory Interventions to Address Anxiety, Agitation, and Pain in Adults Receiving Treatment for a Substance Use Disorder

This study examined the impact of activity-based multisensory-interventions (MSI) provided in a multisensory environment (MSE) on anxiety, agitation, and pain in adults receiving residential treatment for substance use disorder (SUD). Participants (N = 35) were randomly assigned to two groups and all received four, 30- to 45-minute individualized recreational therapy (RT) sessions over the course of two weeks during their residential stay. The experimental group participated in MSI in a MSE. A comparison group participated in RT sessions using table games (TG). Targeted outcomes were assessed using standardized, self-report measures and physiological data. Pre-and post- session assessments revealed significant reduction in anxiety, agitation, and pain, for individuals in both groups. Between groups comparisons documented a significant main effect for treatment (MSI, TG) on anxiety (p &lt;.001), agitation (p = .03), and pain (p = .05) measures with significantly greater symptom reduction for the MSI group. Individuals receiving MSI also presented with significantly reduced respiration rate following the intervention (p &lt;.01). Heart rate changes were non-significant for both groups. A participant survey at the conclusion of sessions yielded feedback that all individuals who received the MSI (n = 18) reported these sessions were a valuable addition to their SUD treatment.

Relationship between childhood maltreatment and cognitive function in medication-free patients with major depressive disorder.

This study aimed to elucidate the contribution of childhood maltreatment (CM) and the disease of major depressive disorder (MDD) on cognitive function in medication-free patients in a current depressive episode, and to examine the effect of CM on the improvement of cognitive function after treatment with antidepressants. One hundred and fifty-three unmedicated patients with MDD and 142 healthy controls (HCs) underwent clinical interviews. CM assessment was performed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and a battery of comprehensive neurocognitive tests was used to assess the participants' executive function, processing speed, attention, and memory. After 6months of treatment with antidepressants, the neurocognitive tests were reperformed in patients with MDD and HCs. There was a significant main effect of MDD on all four cognitive domains, while the main effect of CM was only significant on memory. No significant interactive effect was found between MDD and CM on any of the cognitive domains. In the MDD group, higher CTQ total score was predictive of poorer memory performance. After treatment, significant main effects of treatment and MDD were found on all four cognitive domains in remitted patients with MDD. No significant main effect of CM or three-way interaction effect of treatment × MDD × CM was found on any of the cognitive domains. The disease of MDD contributed to impairments in all four cognitive domains. CM independently contributed to memory impairment in patients in a current depressive episode, with higher severity of CM predictive of poorer memory performance.

Effect of Disease Education on Knowledge and Attitude of Nursing Mothers towards Typhoid Prevention in Akinyele local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigera

Backgroud: This is a disease is most predominant with great mortality among children of under five years of age especially in low and middle income countries where poor sanitation and poor hygiene favors the transmission of the disease. This study therefore focused on determining the effects of disease education on knowledge and attitude towards typhoid prevention among nursing mothers in Akinyele Local Government area of Oyo state.&#x0D; Methods: The desig for this study was pretest-protest control group, quasi-experimental research design using 2×2 factorial matrix. The study used factorial matrix design based on the fact that the study involved the use of independent variables at two levels; treatment and control. Moderating variable of educational background at two levels (none formal education and formal education), multistage sampling procedure was adopted to select participants of two hundred (200) registered nursing mothers as sample. A self-developed questionnaire was used for data collection with reliability value of 0.72. the inferential statistics of analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to test the hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level.&#x0D; Result: The result revealed that there was significant main effect of treatment on knowledge and attitude of nursing mothers towards typhoid prevention among nursingnmothers in Akinyele Local Government, Oyo State with (F(1/170) = 12.82, p &lt;.05, ɳ2 = 0.07). (F(1/170) = 271.99, p &lt;.05, ɳ2= 0.62) respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: It was concluded that disease education was very effective and has positive influence in improving the knowledge and attitude of nursing mothers towards typhoid prevention in Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State., recommended was made that there is need for massive health education campaign to educate the nursing mothers and generality of the populace by governmental and non-governmental agencies to correct the wrong perception they have about malaria and typhoid fever for effective prevention, treatment and control of the diseases.

Effectiveness of Self-Management Therapy in the Management of Psychological Distress Among Adolescents with Hearing Loss in Oyo State, Nigeria

Introduction: Psychological wellbeing has been linked to wellness in all facets of life. However, this may be altered when man becomes distressed because of some factors influencing man’s stable psychological wellness. Hence, such conditions need to be moderated. Objective: The primary objective of this study is to examine the effectiveness of self-management therapy in the management of psychological distress among adolescents with hearing loss. Methods: This study is quasi experimental pre-test-post- test design to investigate the effectiveness of self-management therapy in the management of psychological distress using a sample of 39 adolescents with hearing loss purposively selected through the Kesler Psychological Distress Scale with index scores of 19 and above. Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation (Core-10) and Rosenberg Self-esteem Rating Scale were used for both pre and post- test. Results: The results revealed that there was a significant main effect of treatment (self-management therapy) on management of psychological distress among adolescents; there was a significant main effect of onset of hearing loss on participants’ management of psychological distress and there was a significant interaction effect of onset of hearing loss and self-esteem on participants’ management of psychological distress. Conclusion: Self- management therapy proved effective in the management of psychological distress among adolescents with hearing loss; hence the focus should be on the use of self-management therapy to manage distressed conditions among adolescents with hearing loss.