Development of a weight bias reduction intervention for third-year nursing students.

To explore whether case-based learning will enhance a weight bias reduction (WBR) programme among nursing students to improve their attitudes and beliefs towards persons with obesity. A cluster-randomized controlled trial (CRT) among 13 medical-surgical clinical practicum groups consisting of six to eight third-year baccalaureate nursing students was conducted to compare a WBR training enhanced by case-based learning (WBR-I, n = 7) with a standard WBR control group (n = 6). All participants completed the Attitudes Towards Obese Persons (ATOP) and Beliefs About Obese Persons (BAOP) questionnaires before the randomized assignment and at the end of the 14-week semester. The BAOP scores of participants in the WBR-I group were significantly improved compared to controls (26.68 ± 7.85 and 22.93 ± 2.80, respectively; F = 18.23; p = .001 (<.01) indicating improved beliefs about the controllability of obesity. There were no significant changes to attitudes about individuals with obesity, as indicated by the ATOP scores. The findings of this pilot study suggest that a more intensive WBR programme that includes case-based learning scenarios that elicit critical thinking coupled with a standard WBR programme may reduce some aspects of weight bias.

Weight Sensitivity Training Among Undergraduate Nursing Students.

BACKGROUND: A Curriculum Embedded Weight Sensitivity Training program (CeWebs) was integrated into an undergraduate nursing course to improve attitudes and beliefs toward individuals with obesity. METHOD: A one-group repeated measures study was conducted to compare students' pretest and posttest attitudes and beliefs using the Attitudes Toward Obese Persons (ATOP) and Beliefs About Obese Persons (BAOP) at the beginning and end of the semester. RESULTS: Comparison of pretraining and posttraining scores of 125 junior nursing students on ATOP (73.96 ± 15.02 and 84.59 ± 15.39, respectively) indicated a significant increase in scores (p < .01), which reflects more positive attitudes. Comparison of pretraining and posttraining BAOP scores (18.20 ± 6.84 and 22.22 ± 7.87, respectively) indicated a significant (p < .01) increase in scores, indicating beliefs that obesity is not controllable. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that embedding weight sensitivity training into undergraduate nursing curricula may improve attitudes and beliefs toward patients with obesity. [J Nurs Educ. 2020;59(8):453-456.].

Physiological and Metabolic Responses of a Novel Dunaliella salina Strain to Myo-inositol1.

Dunaliella salina is well known for its ability to accumulate large amounts of ß-carotene. Myo-inositol (MI) enhances the biomass production of D. salina, but the underlying mechanisms were unclear. The present study showed that the concentration of exogenous MI decreased gradually and reached a constant level at the 4th day of cultivation. MI enhanced the contents of total colored carotenoids and the activity of photosystem II. Metabolic profiles were significantly changed after the addition of exogenous MI, as revealed by multivariate statistical analysis. The metabolites could be categorized into four groups based on the relative levels in different samples. Exogenous MI increased the levels of most detected sugars, amino acids, and total saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Based on the physiological and metabolic analyses, a hypothetical growth-promoting model that MI promotes the growth of D. salina TG by increasing the levels of key metabolites and possibly enhancing photosynthesis, was proposed. This study provides valuable information for understanding the growth-promoting mechanisms of MI in D. salina from the metabolic perspective.

Reliability and validity of the revised Osteoporosis Knowledge Test.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test the psychometric properties of the Osteoporosis Knowledge Test (OKT) revised to incorporate recent evidence-based recommendations for bone health. METHODS: The revised OKT was tested with 866 participants (mean age = 62.8 years +/- 8.5 years) in an online bone health study. RESULTS: Based on Rasch analysis, there was evidence of internal consistency with an item separation index of 12.68 and a reliability score of .98. The person separation index was 2.06 with a reliability score of .81. The INFIT and OUTFIT mean-square statistics for items on both subscales all demonstrated good fit ranging from 0.71 to 1.40, except for 2 items that had low OUTFIT statistics. CONCLUSIONS: The revised OKT provides sufficient reliability and construct validity.

Reliability and validity of the Chinese versions of self-efficacy and outcome expectations for osteoporosis medication adherence scales in Chinese immigrants.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To assess the psychometric properties of Chinese versions self-efficacy and outcome expectations on osteoporosis medication adherence (SEOMA-C and OEOMA-C) scales. METHODS: Back-translated tools were assessed by internal consistency and R2 by structured equation modeling, confirmatory factor analyses, hypothesis testing, and criterion-related validity among 110 (81 females, 29 males) Mandarin-speaking immigrants (mean age = 63.44, SD = 9.63). RESULTS: The Cronbach's alpha for SEOMA-C and OEOMA-C is .904 and .937, respectively. There was fair and good fit of the measurement model to the data. Previous bone mineral density (BMD) testing, calcaneus BMD, self-efficacy for exercise, and osteoporosis medication adherence were positively related to SEOMA-C scores. CONCLUSION: These scales constitute some preliminary validity and reliability. Further refined and cultural sensitive items could be explored and added.

[Application of tibial mechanical axis locator in tibial extra-articular deformity in total knee arthroplasty].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the application value of self-made tibial mechanical axis locator in tibial extra-articular deformity in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for improving the lower extremity force line. METHODS: Between January and August 2012, 13 cases (21 knees) of osteoarthritis with tibial extra-articular deformity were treated, including 5 males (8 knees) and 8 females (13 knees) with an average age of 66.5 years (range, 58-78 years). The disease duration was 2-5 years (mean, 3.5 years). The knee society score (KSS) was 45.5 +/- 15.5. Extra-articular deformities included 1 case of knee valgus (2 knees) and 12 cases of knee varus (19 knees). Preoperative full-length X-ray films of lower extremities showed 10-21 degrees valgus or varus deformity of tibial extra joint. Self-made tibial mechanical axis locator was used to determine and mark coronal tibial mechanical axis under X-ray before TKA, and then osteotomy was performed with extramedullary positioning device according to the mechanical axis marker.' RESULTS: All incisions healed by first intention, without related complications of infection and joint instability. All patients were followed up 5-12 months (mean, 8.3 months). The X-ray examination showed < 2 degrees knee deviation angle in the others except 1 case of 2.9 degrees knee deviation angle at 3 days after operation, and the accurate rate was 95.2%. No loosening or instability of prosthesis occurred during follow-up. KSS score was 85.5 +/- 15.0 at last follow-up, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative score (t=12.82, P=0.00). CONCLUSION: The seft-made tibial mechanical axis locator can improve the accurate rate of the lower extremity force line in TKA for tibia extra-articular deformity.

Self-efficacy program to prevent osteoporosis among Chinese immigrants: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: : Recent Chinese immigrants have a low bone mineral density and are at a great risk for developing osteoporosis. The majority of Chinese men and women of all ages have inadequate information about their risks for developing osteoporosis and are seldom involved in preventive activities. OBJECTIVES: : The aim of this study was to evaluate the preliminary effectiveness of an educational intervention based on the self-efficacy theory aimed at increasing the knowledge of osteoporosis and adoption of preventive behaviors, including regular exercise and osteoporosis medication adherence, designed for Chinese immigrants, aged 45 years or above, living in the United States. METHODS: : A randomized controlled trial was employed, using a repeated-measure design. Foreign-born Mandarin-speaking Asians (n = 110) were recruited to the study, and 83 of them (mean age = 64.08 years, SD = 9.48 years) were assigned randomly to either the intervention group (n = 42) or the attention control group (n = 41). There were 63 (75.9%) women and 20 (24.1%) men. Data were collected at baseline and 2 weeks after the intervention. RESULTS: : The participants who received the intervention had statistically significant improvements (p < .05) at 2 weeks postintervention with respect to osteoporosis-related knowledge, self-efficacy for exercise, and osteoporosis medication adherence. Moreover, the participants in the treatment group spent more time on moderate exercise, had higher energy expenditure on exercise, and had more osteoporosis medication use at 2 weeks postintervention when compared with controls. DISCUSSION: : The intervention targeting Mandarin-speaking immigrants was effective in increasing the knowledge of osteoporosis and improving the adoption of preventive behaviors. Future research is needed to explore the long-term effect of this intervention on bone health behavior.