A Structured Intentions and Action-Planning Intervention Improves Weight Loss Outcomes in a Group Weight Loss Program.
A Structured Intentions and Action-Planning Intervention Improves Weight Loss Outcomes in a Group Weight Loss Program.
Am J Health Promot. 2013 Apr 26;
Benyamini Y, Geron R, Steinberg DM, Medini N, Valinsky L, Endevelt R
Abstract Purpose . To assess whether forming general behavioral intentions and implementing intentions through action plans promotes weight loss and is moderated by weight loss goals and self-efficacy. Design . A quasi-experimental study comparing change in body mass index (BMI) for 15 months between a behavioral intentions condition (BIC), an implementation intentions condition (IIC), and a comparison condition (CC). Setting . Ten-week weight loss program delivered in weekly group meetings at community medical centers. Subjects . Six hundred thirty-two attendants at the weight loss program (80% of program attendants participated in the study). Intervention . Weight loss program focused on lifestyle changes, augmented by two experimental conditions (vs. a comparison condition): BIC, intended use of weight loss techniques; IIC, intended use and detailed plans for two techniques. Phone follow-up was conducted 3 and 12 months later. Measures . Main outcome: BMI during the program (computed on the basis of weight and height measured on a mechanical medical scale). Experimental manipulations included exposure to list of techniques (BIC/IIC) and structured planning form (IIC); independent variables were assessed with questionnaires (eating self-efficacy, weight loss goal, demographics). Analysis . Linear mixed models estimating changes in BMI and their interactions with the planning interventions, goals, and self-efficacy. Results . Participants in the BIC and IIC lost 40% more weight during the 10-week program than those in the CC (1.10 and 1.11 BMI points compared with .79; ts < -2.76, ps < .01). Weight loss goals interacted with implementation intentions (t = 2.98, p < .01). Self-efficacy was unrelated to weight loss. No differences were found between conditions at 3 and 12 months after the program. Conclusion . Findings revealed that forming implementation intentions promotes weight loss within a weekly program at a field setting and that its effectiveness depends on initial high goals. HubMed – eating
Perceptions of malaysian colorectal cancer patients regarding dietary intake: a qualitative exploration.
Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2013; 14(2): 1151-4
Yusof AS, Isa ZM, Shah SA
Background: Changes in dietary practices are known to be associated with changes in the health and disease pattern of a population. This study aimed to qualitatively explore the perception of colorectal cancer patients regarding causes of colorectal cancer and the influence of diet. Materials and Methods: Twelve respondents from three major ethnicities in Malaysia were selected from the quantitative study on dietary pattern and colorectal cancer carried out earlier in this study. In-depth interviews (IDI), conducted from April until June 2012, were mainly in the Malay language with additional use of English and continued until the saturation point was reached. All interviews were autorecorded so that verbatim transcriptions could be created. Results: Causes of colorectal cancer were categorized into internal and external factors. The majority of respondents agreed that there is an association between Western foods and colorectal cancer. Malaysian traditional diet was not related to colorectal cancer as less preservative agents were used. Malaysian diet preparation consisting of taste of cooking (spicy, salty and sour foods) plus type of cooking (fry, grilled and smoked) were considered causes of colorectal cancer. All respondents changed their dietary pattern to healthy food after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Advice from doctors regarding suitable food for colorectal cancer was useful in this regard. Conclusions: Eating outside, use of food flavoring ingredients and preservative agents were considered to be the main factors causing colorectal cancer. All respondents admitted that they changed to a healthy diet after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. HubMed – eating
A case of well-differentiated palpebral liposarcoma in a Guinea pig (Cavia porcellus).
Vet Ophthalmol. 2013 Apr 28;
Quinton JF, Ollivier F, Dally C
Liposarcomas are rare malignant tumors of the adipose tissue which are well described in humans and animals. Wide margin excision is the recommended treatment for these infiltrative, slow to metastasize tumors. Primary liposarcoma with ocular localization is a very rare tumor in humans, dogs and cats. This report describes, for the first time, a palpebral liposarcoma in a 18-month old guinea pig that presented with a large palpebral mass and purulent discharge in the right eye. The ophthalmic evaluation revealed a one-centimeter infiltrating subcutaneous mass within the upper eyelid, a severe chemosis and hyperhemia of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva of the right eye. Cytologic examination of the mass revealed only epithelial cells. Histologic examination interpreted the lesion as a xanthogranulomatous reaction possibly secondary to meibomian gland rupture or inflammation. One month later, the mass had increased in size and the animal had stopped eating. Euthanasia was perfomed and a large biopsy was submitted for another histological examination. Histopathology revealed polygonal to rounded cells with a large, empty intracytoplasmic vacuole, and an ovoid, eccentrically located nucleus. The histology was consistent with a well-differentiated liposarcoma. Given the unusual location, immunohistochemistry was performed to ascertain the mesenchymal nature of the neoplasm. HubMed – eating