effects of L-thyroxin replacement therapy on bone mineral and body composition in hypothyroid children

This study aimed to detect the effects of L-T4 treatment on bone mineral and body composition in hypothyroid children, Thirty five hypothyroid patients [10 males and 25 females], mean age was 11.57 +/- 5.06 yr. Twenty six children of matched age and sex served as controls, Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry [DXA] was done to detect the bone mineral density [BMD], bone mineral content [BMC] and Z score at lumbar and femur neck regions. Body composition was also studied by DXA. Serum calcium, phosphorus, osteocalcin, osteoprotegrin and urinary deoxypyridinoline were measured. No significant differences were detected in lumbar Z score [-0.19 +/- 0.65] and femur Z score [-0.16 +/- 0.57] compared to controls [-0.33 +/- 0.75] and [-0.21 +/- 0.53] respectively. BMD and BMC are not significantly different from controls. No significant difference was detected between cases and controls as regard body composition. Positive correlation was detected between BMD and age [r 0.857, P<0.01], and with the period of treatment [r=0.766, P<0.01]. Positive correlation was existed between BMD and total body fat [r=0.693, P<0.01], and with abdominal fat [r=0.667, P<0.01]. L-T4 treatment in hypothyroid children doesn't alter bone metabolism and body composition

Decentralization and its impact on nurses' autonomy, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment at Assiut University Hospitals

This research was launched to determine to what extent decentralization influences nurse's autonomy, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. There are studies which show that decentralization decision making increases productivity, improves moral, increases favorable attitudes, and decreases absenteeism. Decentralization of decision making is often facilitated by participatire management strategies whereby individuals throughout the organization are given more information, knowledge, and power. This reseach was conducted in inpatients units at Assiut University Hospital and number of headnurses participated in the study. Data were collected through a questionnaire form and three different tools for measuring various scales. The results of the present study revealed that the mean score of head nurses organizational commitment and job satisfaction was high and low as regarding to decentralization. There was a direct effect of decentralization on organizational commitment. Decentralization was the only significant predictor of autonomy. Managers should diagnose the organizational situation and select the decision making level that will best meet the organizations needs. When determining the optimal degree of decentralization for an organization, top management needs a positive attitude toward decentralization, they need competent personnel to whom they can delegate authority and access information necessary for decision making