Behaviour modification in the management of chronic habits of abnormal eye rubbing

Objectives

To describe how and why many keratoconus patients do not comply with strong advice to control chronic habits of abnormal rubbing. To outline a behaviour modification approach for controlling chronic habits of abnormal rubbing.

Methods

Common reasons for chronic habits of abnormal rubbing have been reviewed as a basis for specifying a behavioural modification approach to habit reversal.

Results

The methods described are organized into the classic behavioural modification structure of: (1) habit awareness, (2) competing responses, (3) development of motivation, and (4) social support. This structure is supported by the application of social influence principles to achieve optimum compliance.

Conclusions

The use of take-home written information in the form of an Abnormal Rubbing Guide is the basis for the development of motivation. Family social support is based upon a widening of the responsibility for avoiding eye rubbing to all family members. Some patients will need minimal application of these principles with patient education being sufficient intervention to achieve habit reversal. For patients with strong provocation to rubbing and/or by having a well established rubbing habit, a greater exposure to the habit reversal program described is indicated. Successful habit reversal may slow the rate of ectasia progression. Prophylactic application of the methods described for patients who are at risk for developing keratoconus, or post-laser assisted in situ keratomileusis keratectasia, may show that some forms of keratectasia are preventable.     

The role of heat in rubbing and massage-related corneal deformation

PurposeTo examine the role of elevated corneal temperature in the development of rubbing/massage-related corneal deformation and the possibility that warm compresses in the management of meibomian gland dysfunction or chalazion could contribute to such adverse responses.MethodsWith reference to reports of corneal deformation associated with meibomian gland dysfunction, chalazion, dacryocystoceles and post-trabeculectomy, the mechanisms for increased corneal temperature due to ocular massage, especially when combined with warm compresses are examined.ResultsSeveral mechanisms for rubbing/massage to elevate corneal temperature have been described, apart from the application of warm compresses or other forms of heat.ConclusionsRaised corneal temperature helps to explain corneal deformation which develops in association with rubbing or massage in conditions such as keratoconus, chalazion, post-trabeculectomy, post-laser assisted in situ keratomileusis, post-graft and dacryocystoceles. When combined with warm compresses or other methods of heat delivery to the eye, the elevation of corneal temperature appears to explain how meibomian gland dysfunction treatment involving warm compresses and massage could induce rubbing-related deformation. Patients whose management involves iatrogenic ocular massage appear to require screening for risk of corneal deformation. Risk may be increased for patients with a concurrent habit of rubbing their eyes abnormally in response to allergic itch for example. It appears to be possible to modify ocular massage techniques to reduce the risk of corneal deformation. Careful tutoring and follow-up using corneal topography appears to be required when massage is prescribed, especially when used in conjunction with heat application.     

Taste loss in the elderly: Possible implications for dietary habits

Aging may coincide with a declining gustatory function that can affect dietary intake and ultimately have negative health consequences. Taste loss is caused by physiological changes and worsened by events often associated with aging, such as polypharmacy and chronic disease. The most pronounced increase in elderly people's detection threshold has been observed for sour and bitter tastes, but their perception of salty, sweet, and umami tastes also seems to decline with age. It has often been suggested that elderly people who lose their sense of taste may eat less food or choose stronger flavors, but the literature has revealed a more complicated picture: taste loss does not appear to make elderly people prefer stronger flavors, but nutrition surveys have pointed to a greater consumption of sweet and salty foods.

Real-life eating habits thus seem to be more influenced by other, social and psychological factors. Elderly gustatory function is worth investigating to identify dietary strategies that can prevent the consequences of unhealthy eating habits in the elderly.

This paper discusses age-related changes in taste perception, focusing on their consequences on food preferences, and pointing to some strategies for preserving appropriate dietary habits in elderly people.     

豌豆寡肽对饮食诱导的高血压大鼠血管紧张素转化酶活性及肠道菌群调节效果评价

目的：研究豌豆蛋白酶解寡肽（Val-Glu-Pro-Gln,VGPG）对饮食引起的高血压（hypertension,HTN）的调节效果,阐明VGPG对HTN的作用机理。方法：在VGPG与血管紧张素转化酶（angiotensin converting enzyme,ACE）分子对接作用机制研究的基础上,对其调节HTN模型大鼠血压、血清中ACE活性、血脂指标浓度以及肠道菌群相关指标进行了测定,分析VGPG在HTN调节过程中与ACE活性、肠道菌群之间的关系。结果：VGPG对大鼠HTN具有显著的调节效果,并可缓解由HTN所引起的肥胖。VGPG对HTN的调节机制为：1）通过氢键作用以及与Zn2＋的配位作用与ACE活性位点相结合,对其活性产生竞争性抑制从而达到降压的作用;2）通过调节肠道微环境,使菌群丰富度和多样性维持在正常范围,避免因肠道微生物紊乱对大鼠血压造成不良影响,同时提高菌群对糖类物质的分解能力,从而减少对糖类物质消化吸收,控制体质量,降低因体质量过高而导致血压升高的可能性。纯度为98%、质量浓度为25 mg/mL的VGPG具有最佳的HTN模型调节效果,而且VGPG相比于其他降压药物对器官及肠胃环境无明显不良影响。结论：VGPG对大鼠HTN具有明显的降压效果。本研究为将VGPG用作调节HTN的功能性因子、制备相关功能性食品提供了参考。     

The Role of Nutrients in Protecting Mitochondrial Function and Neurotransmitter Signaling: Implications for the Treatment of Depression,PTSD, and Suicidal Behaviors

Numerous studies have linked severe stress to the development of major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicidal behaviors. Furthermore, recent preclinical studies from our laboratory and others have demonstrated that in rodents, chronic stress and the stress hormone cortisol cause oxidative damage to mitochondrial function and membrane lipids in the brain. Mitochondria play a key role in synaptic neurotransmitter signaling by providing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), mediating lipid and protein synthesis, buffering intracellular calcium, and regulating apoptotic and resilience pathways. Membrane lipids are similarly essential to central nervous system (CNS) function because cholesterol, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and sphingolipids form a lipid raft region, a special lipid region on the membrane that mediates neurotransmitter signaling through G-protein-coupled receptors and ion channels. Low serum cholesterol levels, low antioxidant capacity, and abnormal early morning cortisol levels are biomarkers consistently associated with both depression and suicidal behaviors. In this review, we summarize the manner in which nutrients can protect against oxidative damage to mitochondria and lipids in the neuronal circuits associated with cognitive and affective behaviors. These nutrients include ω3 fatty acids, antioxidants (vitamin C and zinc), members of the vitamin B family (Vitamin B12 and folic acid), and magnesium. Accumulating data have shown that these nutrients can enhance neurocognitive function, and may have therapeutic benefits for depression and suicidal behaviors. A growing body of studies suggests the intriguing possibility that regular consumption of these nutrients may help prevent the onset of mood disorders and suicidal behaviors in vulnerable individuals, or significantly augment the therapeutic effect of available antidepressants. These findings have important implications for the health of both military and civilian populations.     

Non-carcinogenic effects of TCDD in animals

Exposure to TCDD and related chemicals leads to a plethora of effects in multiple species, tissues, and stages of development. Responses range from relatively simple biochemical alterations through overtly toxic responses, including lethality. The spectrum of effects shows some species variability, but many effects are seen in multiple wildlife, domestic, and laboratory species, ranging from fish through birds and mammals. The same responses can be generated regardless of the route of exposure, although the administered dose may vary. The body burden appears to be the most appropriate dosimetric. Many of the effects often attributed to TCDD are associated with relatively high doses: lethality, wasting, lymphoid and gonadal atrophy, chloracne, hepatotoxicity, adult neurotoxicity, and cardiotoxicity. Changes in multiple endocrine and growth factor sytems have been reported in a manner which is tissue, sex, and age-dependent. The most sensitive adverse effects observed in multiple species appear to be developmental, including effects on the developing immune, nervous, and reproductive systems. Such effects have been observed at maternal body burdens in the range of 30-80 ng/kg in both non-human primates and rodents. Biochemical effects on cytokine expression and metabolizing enzymes occur at body burdens which are within a factor of ten of the clearly adverse developmental responses. Thus, effects on the immune system, learning, and the developing reproductive system of multiple animals occur at body burdens which are close to those present in the background human population.     

How is satisfaction with food-related life conceptualized? A comparison between parents and their adolescent children in dual-headed households

Satisfaction with food-related life (SWFRL) is one component of satisfaction with life. Although researchers have identified associations between satisfaction with food-related life and specific food behaviours, it is still not clear how consumers conceptualize this complex construct. The aims of the present study were to explore consumers’ conceptualization of SWFRL, to compare how parents and adolescents in dual-headed households perceive SWFRL, and to identify aspects that would increase their SWFRL. One-hundred and sixty-four dual families composed of mother, father, and at least one adolescent child between 10 and 17 years of age participated in the study. They completed a word association task with “Being satisfied with my food-related life” and completed the sentence “I would be more satisfied with my food-related life if…”. Participants’ responses were aligned with the formal definition of SWFRL. References to specific foods and food characteristics were also mentioned in the word association task. No significant differences were found between parents and adolescents in the frequency of mention of responses related to the identified categories and supra-categories, suggesting lack of differences in their conceptualization of SWFRL. Changes in eating behaviours and individuals’ resources for purchasing and preparing foods were regarded as the main factors that could increase SWFRL. Differences between family members were found in some of the aspects associated with an increase in SWFRL. Results from this study can aid in the development of strategies for promoting changes in eating habits and increasing SWFRL, targeted at different family members.     

The adverse consequences of not using sunscreens

The adverse effects of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on normal skin are well established, especially in those with poorly melanized skin. Clinically, these effects may be classified as acute, such as erythema or chronic such as keratinocyte and melanocyte skin cancers. Apart from skin type genetics, clinical responses to solar UVR are dependent on geophysical (e.g., solar intensity) and behavioural factors. The latter are especially important because they may result in ‘solar overload’ with unwanted clinical consequences and ever greater burdens to healthcare systems. Correctly used, sunscreens can mitigate the acute and chronic effects of solar UVR exposure. Laboratory studies also show that sunscreens can inhibit the initial molecular and cellular events that are responsible for clinical outcomes. Despite public health campaigns, global trends continue to show increasing incidence of all types of skin cancer. Large-scale epidemiological studies have shown the benefits of sunscreen use in preventing skin cancer, though it is likely that sunscreen use has not been optimal in such studies. It is evident that without substantial changes in sun-seeking behaviour, sunscreen use is a very important part of the defence against the acute and chronic effects of solar exposure. Ideally, sunscreens should be able to provide the level of protection that reduces the risk of skin cancer in susceptible skin types to that observed in heavily melanized skin.     

普通烟草脂氧合酶基因家族鉴定及表达模式分析

脂氧合酶（LOX）是脂肪酸代谢途径的关键酶,在植物的生长发育及多种逆境胁迫响应过程中发挥重要作用。本研究对烟草基因组中的LOX家族成员进行鉴定,并利用进化分析、共线性分析和表达分析等方法解析LOX家族成员的潜在生物学功能。结果表明,在普通烟草中共鉴定得到18个LOX基因,其中12个LOX基因被锚定在染色体上。系统进化分析表明,普通烟草中新鉴定的LOX家族成员被分为9-LOX和13-LOX两个亚家族,其中13-LOX又可被分为Type I和Type II两个亚类。共线性分析表明,烟草NtLOX07、NtLOX10基因分别与拟南芥AtLOX05、AtLOX01基因形成同源基因对,并且大部分同源基因之间具有相似的表达模式。表达模式分析发现,普通烟草LOX基因表达具有一定的组织特异性,并且NtLOX06等基因能够被机械损伤和茉莉酸甲脂（MeJA）处理显著诱导。因此,普通烟草LOX家族成员可能在植物胁迫响应过程中发挥着重要的作用。     

Implicit and explicit evaluations of foods: The natural and transformed dimension

In Western societies, choosing what to eat can be a demanding task due to the excessive availability of food. To make our feeding decisions more complex, our explicit and implicit evaluations of foods may differ as they are multi-attribute stimuli. Previous research has focused on investigating implicit and explicit evaluations towards high and low energy dense foods, the main finding being that participants’ hunger level and dietary habits (restrained eating) modulate such evaluations. In the present study, we investigated whether normal-weight healthy individuals assigned different values to natural and transformed foods depending on implicit (assessed with the Implicit Association Test) or explicit measures (assessed with explicit ratings), and whether participants’ hunger level or dietary habits modulated the responses at both levels. Our results showed that while for natural foods implicit and explicit measures (healthiness) seemed to converge, dietary habits or hunger level did not affect such evaluations. For transformed foods, a dissociation between implicit and explicit measures (healthiness) seemed to emerge, along with a strong modulation of dietary habits and hunger level on the evaluations of such foods. Thus, these findings reveal how the type of food can modulate evaluations at both the implicit and explicit level and highlight a critical role of long-term health consequences and eating patterns in food evaluations.     

The measurement of the responses to different odour intensities of `boar taint' using a sensory panel and an electronic nose

This study explored the possibility of using an electronic nose (e-nose) with a 12-conducting-polymer sensor array combined with pattern recognition routines to discriminate between varying intensities of boar taint. A set of samples in a model system comprising a neutral lipid base containing varying combinations of androstenone and skatole were tested, as were pork fat samples. The e-nose responses for pork fat were calibrated against those given by a trained 10-member sensory panel for abnormal odour of the same samples from a total of 60 Large White cross-bred pigs. The e-nose responses related strongly to those of the sensory panel with a significant (p<0·01) canonical correlation of 0·78. The data set was used to develop a discriminant function for grouping pork samples into three `response classes': normal, doubtful and abnormal. Based on this, the e-nose identified all the abnormal samples correctly. However, 16% of the normal samples were also classified as abnormal. It was concluded that, in general, the electronic nose can discriminate between different levels of boar taint and that although a high specificity of sensors to androstenone and skatole may be desirable it may not be entirely important to the development and configuration of a boar taint sensor array.     

Caspase-mediated apoptosis in the vertebrate ovary

In the vertebrate ovary, apoptosis is the process by which excess or non-viable germ and granulosa cells are eliminated early in ontogeny (often beginning before birth), and thereafter continuously throughout reproductive life. Accordingly, an excessively high rate or abnormal triggering of such cell death (and, by implication, follicle atresia) can negatively affect fertility. Programmed cell death involves the integration of many pathways and intracellular proteins, and central among these at almost every stage are members of the caspase family. Relatively little attention has been focused upon the ovary with regards to elucidating initiator and effector members of the caspase family, and pathways by which they are activated and inactivated. The present review briefly describes vertebrate caspases and the regulation of their function in non-ovarian tissues. Subsequently, the status of caspase expression and function in orchestrating apoptotic cell death in ovarian germ and follicle somatic cells is considered. The most compelling results implicating specific caspases in ovarian function have been derived from mouse single and double knockout model systems. The final outcome of continued studies, in addition to providing information regarding understanding and management of infertility, will influence the development of strategies to treat ovarian cancers and ameliorate the adverse effects of their therapy (for example, chemotherapy).     

Effect of different diets on quality of life in patients with metabolic syndrome

The purpose of the research was to study influence of diets with a various ratio of carbohydrates and fatty components on modification of metabolic risk factors due to decrease of weight and abdominal adiposity, and also on quality of life of the patient. 49 males were included in the study the age 30-65 years with metabolic syndrome X. All patients had increased body mass or obesity. Hypertension of I and II stages was observed in 49.0% of cases. The estimation of results was carried out in three months after assignment of one of investigated diets. Effective reduction of body mass parameters was achieved at use of all diets within three months. Nutritional counseling was based on dietary preferences and habits of the patient to improve quality of life at observance of a diet. Common negative feature of investigated diets was occurrence of feeling of hunger that caused infringement of accuracy of observance of recommendations.     

The use of the Reichert ocular response analyser to establish the relationship between ocular hysteresis, corneal resistance factor and central corneal thickness in normal eyes.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to measure ocular hysteresis and corneal resistance factor (CRF), novel methods of analysing ocular rigidity/elasticity and to determine the relationship between central corneal thickness (CCT), hysteresis and CRF in normal subjects. DESIGN: Prospective, cross-sectional, clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: The study included 207 normal eyes. METHODS: Hysteresis and CRF were measured by the ocular response analyser. The CCT was measured using a hand held ultrasonic pachymeter. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ocular hysteresis and CRF in normal patients and their relationship with CCT. RESULTS: The mean hysteresis was 10.7+/-2.0 mmHg standard deviation (S.D.) (range 6.1-17.6 mmHg); the mean CRF was 10.3+/-2.0 (range 5.7-17.1 mmHg). The mean CCT was 545.0+/-36.4 microm (471-650 microm). The relationship between hysteresis and CCT; CRF and CCT; CRF and hysteresis were significant (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that corneal hysteresis increased with increasing CCT, however, the correlation was moderate. It would appear that CCT, hysteresis and CRF may measure different biomechanical aspects of ocular rigidity and are likely to be useful additional measurement to CCT in the assessment of ocular rigidity when measuring intraocular pressure (IOP). This may be of particular importance when trying to correct IOP measurements for increased or decreased ocular rigidity.     

酸性媒介染料循环染色技术

为解决传统羊毛酸性媒介染料后媒法染色残液对环境的影响,减轻含铬废水处理压力,采用二浴循环染色技术对传统羊毛酸性媒介染料后媒一浴染色法进行改进,改进后的染色新工艺可以做到初染液及媒染液循环使用,节约了染料,并降低了含铬废水的排放。在传统工艺和新工艺条件下对染色样进行色光、皂洗牢度和摩擦牢度测试,结果表明新工艺既达到了传统工艺染色标准又利于保护环境。     

Household resilience to food insecurity: evidence from Tanzania and Uganda

Resilience—the capacity that ensures adverse stressors and shocks do not have long-lasting adverse consequences—has become a key topic in both scholarly and policy debates. More recently some international organizations have proposed the use of resilience to analyze food and nutrition security. The objective of the paper is twofold: (i) analyze what the determinants of household resilience to food insecurity are and (ii) assess the role played by household resilience capacity on food security outcomes. The dataset employed in the analysis is a panel of three waves of household surveys recently collected in Tanzania and Uganda. First, we estimated the FAO’s Resilience Capacity Index (RCI), combining factor analysis and structural equation modeling. Then probit models were estimated to test whether the resilience is positively related to future food security outcomes and recovery capacity after a shock occurs. In both countries, the most important dimension contributing to household resilience was adaptive capacity, which in turn depended on the level of education and on the proportion of income earners to total household members. Furthermore, household resilience was significantly and positively related to future household food security status. Finally, households featuring a higher resilience capacity index were better equipped to absorb and adapt to shocks.     

8—THE DRY WEAR OF STEEL,IN RELATION TO SPINNING-TRAVELLER WEAR

An account is given of a study of the wear of steel under conditions related to the wear of spinning travellers, and it is shown that there is a critical bulk temperature near 100°C above which traveller wear is likely to increase rapidly with increasing load. It is believed that the high wear rates are due to thermal softening of the metal near the rubbing surfaces, and oxides on the rubbing surfaces appear to be the principal agents of wear. The results obtained are compared with the observations of other workers that are reported in the literature.     

Improving patient education and attitudes toward compliance with instructions for contact lens use

Aim

To increase compliance with instructions for safe and successful contact lens wear by helping patients understand the advantages and consequences of compliant and non-compliant behavior respectively.

Methods

A series of explanations which elucidate the practical and scientific basis for many of the instructions given at lens delivery and aftercare have been prepared as a means of extending patient education beyond simply being instructed on what to do.

Discussion

The summary versions of these explanations have been prepared at an easier level of readability (age 10–12 years) to assist young patients and adults with reading disabilities, including those for whom English is their second language.

Conclusions

Patients may be non-compliant because they do not understand the practical and/or scientific basis for procedures and the potential consequences of aberrant behavior. Delay in the onset of symptoms associated with non-compliance may allow them to assume that compliance is not important. Explanations which describe why instructions given for lens use are consistent with sustained comfortable and safe lens wear, appear to have the potential to strengthen or change patient attitudes toward being compliant. Behavior modification which reduces the prevalence of non-compliance appears likely to also help sustain better contact lens performance and reduce the prevalence of contact lens failure. These explanations could be modified for use in different practices according to the preferences of individual practitioners and to include new research findings as they become available.