Decision-Making and Management of Self-Care in Persons with Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries: A Preliminary Study

Patients and physicians understand the importance of self-care following spinal cord injury (SCI), yet many individuals with SCI do not adhere to recommended self-care activities despite logistical supports. Neurobehavioral determinants of SCI self-care behavior, such as impulsivity, are not widely studied, yet understanding them could inform efforts to improve SCI self-care. We explored associations between impulsivity and self-care in an observational study of 35 US adults age 18 - 50 who had traumatic SCI with paraplegia at least six months before assessment. The primary outcome measure was self-reported self-care. In LASSO regression models that included all neurobehavioral measures and demographics as predictors of self-care, dispositional measures of greater impulsivity (negative urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance), and reduced mindfulness were associated with reduced self-care. Outcome (magnitude) sensitivity, a latent decision-making parameter derived from computationally modeling successive choices in a gambling task, was also associated with self-care behavior. These results are preliminary;more research is needed to demonstrate the utility of these findings in clinical settings. Information about associations between impulsivity and poor self-care in people with SCI could guide the development of interventions to improve SCI self-care and help patients with elevated risks related to self-care and secondary health conditions.

Analysis of the Role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Self-Care in Thyroid Cancer Patients

Objective:To explore the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy on self-care in thyroid cancer patients.Methods:A total of 144 thyroid cancer patients treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University from January 2022 to August 2023 were selected as research subjects.Using the random number table method,they were divided into a control group and an experimental group,each consisting of 72 cases.The control group received routine nursing intervention,while the experimental group received cognitive behavioral therapy based on standard nursing practices.The self-care ability(self-concept,self-efficacy,self-care skills,health knowledge level),coping style(confrontation,avoidance,and surrender),and quality of life(psychological function,social function,material life,physical function)of both groups before and after the intervention were compared.Results:In comparison to the pre-intervention period,the experimental group exhibited significantly higher self-care ability,quality of life,and confrontation scores after the intervention,as opposed to the control group.Additionally,the avoidance and surrender scores were lower in the experimental group than in the control group,with these differences proving to be statistically significant(P<0.01).Conclusion:The application of cognitive behavioral therapy can enhance the self-care ability of thyroid cancer patients,aid in better disease coping,and improve their overall quality of life.This approach is deserving of further promotion.

Analysis of the Application Effect of Family Collaborative Care Model on Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and the Situation of Self-Care Ability

Objective: To study the application effect of the family collaborative care model on elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and its influence on self-care ability. Methods: The elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (400 cases) treated in our hospital between March 2020 and July 2023 were divided into two groups by randomized grouping method;the control group received the conventional nursing program, while the observation group received the family collaborative nursing model. Blood glucose level, self-care ability, and quality of life were compared between the groups. Results: The blood glucose level of the observation group was lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The self- care ability and quality of life scores of the observation group were higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The family collaborative care model for elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus can promote their self- care ability, improve the effect of glycemic control, and improve their quality of life, and is suitable for further promotion and application.

Analysis of the Effect of Comfort Care in The Perioperative Care of Patients with Hysteromyomectomy and its Influence on Self-Care Ability

Objective:To analyze the effect of perioperative comfort care for patients with hysteromyomectomy(HYS).Methods:Seventy cases of HYS patients admitted to our hospital from October 2022 to October 2023 were randomly selected and divided into Group A(control group,35 cases,conventional care)and Group B(observation group 35 cases,comfort care).The effects of the two groups before and after nursing care were compared.Results:The self-rating anxiety(SAS)scores,exercise of self-care agency(ESCA)scores,and nursing satisfaction scores at the time of discharge of Group B were better than in Group A after nursing care(P<0.05).Conclusion:Perioperative comfort care for HYS patients improved the patient’s adverse emotions,self-care ability,and nursing satisfaction.

Impact of applying the theory of human becoming and self-care deficit theory of nursing on insomnia in after stroke urinary incontinence patients

Objective:To determine the impact of applying the theory of human becoming and self-care deficit theory of nursing in overcoming insomnia in patients of urinary incontinence(UI)after stroke.Insomnia is a sleep disorder experienced by UI patients after stroke which can exacerbate problems related to brain damage and can complicate the recovery process.Methods:This study was a quasi-experimental conducted in 4 hospitals.Fifty-six patients were selected by convenience sampling and divided into 2 groups(the intervention and control group).Participants in the intervention group received“applying the theory of Human becoming and self-care deficit theory of nursing,”starting when the patient is about to go home from the hospital and continuing at the house.Measurement of insomnia is done using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI).Results:The mean insomnia scores of participants from both groups increased in the first and third measurements.The second and third insomnia measurements found a significant difference(P<0.001).This intervention decreased the average score of insomnia by 4.11 times in the second measurement and 5.82 times in the third measurement.The most important item that decreased in the third measurement of insomnia was sleep efficiency.Conclusions:Applying the theory of human becoming and self-care deficit theory of nursing in this study significantly decreased the insomnia score of post-stroke UI patients.It can be used as a guide for nurses,patients,and families in managing insomnia.In addition,the application of nursing theory in nursing practice can systematize nursing care plans and organize the knowledge of professionals into a conceptual framework,as well as provide effective guidance for nurses on what to do.

Effect of Brisk Walking on Self-Care Agency or Care Dependency among Colorectal Cancer Patients with Permanent Stoma

Objective:The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of brisk walking as an intervention for self-care agency and care dependency in patients with permanent colorectal cancer stoma.Method:This study adopted a quasi-experimental research design,specifically a non-equivalent control group pre-test and post-test design.Utilizing the Exercise of Self-Care Agency Scale(ESCA)and Care Dependency Scale(CDS),a survey was administered to 64 patients from a hospital in Shandong Province.The statistical methods used for analyzing data included frequency,mean,standard deviation(SD),independent t-test,P-value calculation,and dependent t-test.Result:After two months of a brisk walking exercise program,participants in the experimental group had a higher level of self-care agency than before the experiment(P<0.05),and their level of care dependency was significantly reduced(P<0.05).Participants in the control group also showed higher levels of self-care agency(P<0.05)and lower levels of care dependency(P<0.05)after two months compared to their levels before the two months.Conclusion:The brisk walking program had a positive impact on patients’self-care agency and reduced their care dependency.

Quality of life,self-care knowledge access,and selfcare needs in patients with colon stomas one month post-surgery in a Chinese Tumor Hospital

Objective:This descriptive cross-sectional study investigated the quality of life(QoL),selfcare knowledge access,and self-care needs of colorectal cancer patients after colostomy.Methods:A total of 142 colorectal cancer patients in the Tumor Hospital of Yunnan Province were invited to this survey one month post-colostomy.QoL of the participants was assessed using the Chinese version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument(WHOQOL-BREF).A self-prepared questionnaire was also administered to explore the sources of self-care knowledge and self-care needs of this population.Results:Response mean scores of the four domains of WHOQOL-BREF,namely,physical health,psychological health,social relations,and environmental health were 53.49,57.95,65.78 and 50.75,respectively.No significant differences were found in the gender,age,education level,and occupation type in QoL scale among the groups using the u test and ANOVA(p>0.05).However,female colostomates scored higher grades in the physical area of QoL than male patients;the participants who willingly attended the self-care courses obtained higher scores in social area than those who were not willing.Conclusion:The QoL of this population was not favorable.Self-care program can be developed in accordance with the needs and educational background of the colostomates.

Health Literacy, Self-Care Behavior and Quality of Life in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients: An Integrative Review

Purpose: The review aimed to find the best evidence on the relationship between health literacy, self-care behavior and perceived quality of life (QoL) among patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: Searching engines included Cumulative Index to Nursing Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Pro Quest, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, SAGE Journals, Wiley on Line Library, and Science Direct electronic databases from 2010 to 2018. Fifteen research articles assessed the main variables and their associations with demographic and clinical variables. Results: Different methodologies and samples were analyzed: analytic descriptive, systematic review, a randomized control trial, retrospective cohort, a prospective Cohort, cross-sectional, and correlational designs. The fifteen studies showed that the patients with ACS have inadequate health literacy. Patients’ ability to understand basic and complex information or to accurately assess health risks was impaired and may hinder patients’ engagement in self-care. Low HL in patients having ACS is consistently associated with poor QoL. Physical domain of QoL remained the significant outcome of both self-care behavior and health literacy after adjusting for demographics and clinical variables in patients with ACS. Conclusion: The literature pointed to the importance of considering health literacy and self-care behaviors as predictors of quality of life among patients with ACS. However, there has been no previous evidence on the best process of the association between these three variables.

The Effect of Anemia on Quality of Life and Self-Care Agency in Turkey Hemodialysis Patients

Objective: Anemia is an important complication which affects quality of life and self-care agency in hemodialysis patients. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of anemia on quality of life and self-care agency in adult patients who receive chronic hemodialysis treatment. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the Quality of Life Scale, the Self Care Agency Scale, and a data form were administered to 136 hemodialysis patients who were receiving treatment three hospital-based dialysis units in Istanbul. Results: The health perception of cases whose hemoglobin level was 12 mg/dl and above was significantly better than those whose hemoglobin level was lower than 12 mg/dl. Hemoglobin levels were significantly and positively correlated to physical role function, general health, and health from the previous year (p < 0.05). As the hemoglobin levels of the cases increased, quality of life pertaining to the mentioned domains increased. Conclusion: It was concluded that the quality of life in chronic dialysis patients was affected by anemia.

Information Needs and Self-Care Practices of Diabetic Patients in Mbala, Northern Province, Zambia

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. It is “a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both” manifested by carbohydrates, fat and protein metabolism abnormality. If untreated high blood sugar can damage the nerves, eyes, kidneys, and other organs. The purpose of this study was to assess the information needs and self-care practice of Diabetic Patients in Mbala, Northern Province Zambia. Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study where 105 respondents aged 18 years and above participated in the study. Participants were randomly selected. A structured interview schedule and a check list were used to collect data. Statistics Package for Social Sciences computer software package version 23.0 was used to analyze data. Chi square and fisher’s exact tests were used to test the significance of the association between Knowledge of Diabetes Mellitus, attitude towards self-care practices, self-care practices among Diabetic patients and the need for information among Diabetic patients. A 95% confidence interval and P value of 0.05 were used to ascertain the degree of significance. Multi-variate binary logistic regression model to determine predictors of self-care practices and need for information was also used. Result: On analyzing the dependent variables, more than half (61.9%), had high need for information and three quarters (85.7%) of respondents had poor self-care practices. Slightly more than half (58.1%) had high knowledge levels majority (78.1%), had a negative attitude. Significant associations were found P Conclusion: Negative attitudes and lack of information among Diabetic patients were the main reasons associated with poor self-care practices. Particular attention should therefore be given to ensuring that Diabetic patients are given adequate information on Diabetes self-care in order to improve the quality of life.

Impact of an emergency department nursing intervention on continuity of care, self-care, and psychological symptoms

BACKGROUND The emergency department plays a crucial role in providing acute care to patients.Nursing interventions in this setting are essential for improving the continuity of care,enhancing patients’self-care abilities,and reducing psychological symp-toms.AIM To evaluate the effect of nursing interventions in the emergency department on these indicators in an emergency department.METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on 120 patients admitted to the emergency department between January 2022 and May 2023.The patients were divided into two groups:The control group(conventional nursing intervention)and the observation group(conventional nursing intervention+emergency department nursing intervention).The two groups were compared regarding continuity of care,self-care ability,psychological symptoms,and satisfaction with care.RESULTS The emergency department nursing interventions significantly improved the continuity of care,enhanced patients’self-care abilities,and reduced psycho-logical symptoms such as anxiety and depression.CONCLUSION Nursing interventions in the emergency department positively impact continuity of care,self-care,and psychological symptoms.However,it is important to acknowledge the limitations of this study,including the small number of studies,variable methodological quality,and the heterogeneity of the study population.Future research should address these limitations and further explore the effects of different types of nursing interventions in the emergency department.Additionally,efforts should be made to enhance the application and evaluation of these interventions in clinical practice.

Mitochondrial dysfunction and quality control lie at the heart of subarachnoid hemorrhage

The dramatic increase in intracranial pressure after subarachnoid hemorrhage leads to a decrease in cerebral perfusion pressure and a reduction in cerebral blood flow.Mitochondria are directly affected by direct factors such as ischemia,hypoxia,excitotoxicity,and toxicity of free hemoglobin and its degradation products,which trigger mitochondrial dysfunction.Dysfunctional mitochondria release large amounts of reactive oxygen species,inflammatory mediators,and apoptotic proteins that activate apoptotic pathways,further damaging cells.In response to this array of damage,cells have adopted multiple mitochondrial quality control mechanisms through evolution,including mitochondrial protein quality control,mitochondrial dynamics,mitophagy,mitochondrial biogenesis,and intercellular mitochondrial transfer,to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis under pathological conditions.Specific interventions targeting mitochondrial quality control mechanisms have emerged as promising therapeutic strategies for subarachnoid hemorrhage.This review provides an overview of recent research advances in mitochondrial pathophysiological processes after subarachnoid hemorrhage,particularly mitochondrial quality control mechanisms.It also presents potential therapeutic strategies to target mitochondrial quality control in subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Dynamic changes of rumen microbiota and serum metabolome revealed increases in meat quality and growth performances of sheep fed bio‑fermented rice straw

Background Providing high-quality roughage is crucial for improvement of ruminant production because it is an essential component of their feed.Our previous study showed that feeding bio-fermented rice straw(BF)improved the feed intake and weight gain of sheep.However,it remains unclear why feeding BF to sheep increased their feed intake and weight gain.Therefore,the purposes of this research were to investigate how the rumen micro-biota and serum metabolome are dynamically changing after feeding BF,as well as how their changes influence the feed intake,digestibility,nutrient transport,meat quality and growth performances of sheep.Twelve growing Hu sheep were allocated into 3 groups:alfalfa hay fed group(AH:positive control),rice straw fed group(RS:negative control)and BF fed group(BF:treatment).Samples of rumen content,blood,rumen epithelium,muscle,feed offered and refusals were collected for the subsequent analysis.Results Feeding BF changed the microbial community and rumen fermentation,particularly increasing(P<0.05)relative abundance of Prevotella and propionate production,and decreasing(P<0.05)enteric methane yield.The histomorphology(height,width,area and thickness)of rumen papillae and gene expression for carbohydrate trans-port(MCT1),tight junction(claudin-1,claudin-4),and cell proliferation(CDK4,Cyclin A2,Cyclin E1)were improved(P<0.05)in sheep fed BF.Additionally,serum metabolome was also dynamically changed,which led to up-regulating(P<0.05)the primary bile acid biosynthesis and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acid in sheep fed BF.As a result,the higher(P<0.05)feed intake,digestibility,growth rate,feed efficiency,meat quality and mono-unsaturated fatty acid concentration in muscle,and the lower(P<0.05)feed cost per kg of live weight were achieved by feeding BF.Conclusions Feeding BF improved the growth performances and meat quality of sheep and reduced their feed cost.Therefore,bio-fermentation of rice straw could be an innovative way for improving ruminant production with mini-mizing production costs.

The impact of Internet access on household dietary quality:Evidence from rural China

Over the past few decades,the Internet has rapidly diffused across China.The spread of the Internet has had a profound economic and social impact on Chinese rural areas.Existing research shows that Internet access significantly impacts agricultural production and improves smallholder farmers’income.Beyond these,the Internet can affect other dimensions of social welfare.However,research about the impact of Internet access on dietary quality in rural China remains scarce.This study utilizes multi-period panel data from Fixed Observation Point in rural China from 2009 to 2015 to estimate the impact of Internet access on dietary quality and food consumption of rural households and conducts a causal analysis.Regression models with time and household fixed effects allow robust estimation while reducing potential issues of unobserved heterogeneity.The estimates show that Internet access has significantly increased rural household dietary quality(measured by the Chinese Diet Balance Index).Further research finds that Internet access has increased the consumption of animal products,such as aquatic and dairy products.We also examine the underlying mechanisms.Internet access improves dietary quality and food consumption mainly through increasing household income and food expenditure.These results encourage the promotion of Internet access as a valuable tool for nutritional improvements,especially in rural areas.

Exploring the relationship between ambient sulfur dioxide and semen quality parameters:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:To investigate the relationship between ambient sulfur dioxide(SO2)exposure and semen quality parameters.Methods:A systematic literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies investigating the association between SO2 exposure and semen quality parameters.This search encompassed the timeframe from January 2000 to May 2023 and included electronic databases such as Web of Science,Google Scholar,PubMed,Cochrane,and Scopus.Pooled effect estimates with 95%confidence intervals(CI)were calculated using percent changes(PC).The meta-analysis included seven studies with 6711 participants and 15087 semen samples.Results:The results revealed a significant negative association between ambient SO2 exposure and certain semen quality parameters.In particular,SO2 exposure was associated with a significant decrease in progressive motility(PC=0.032;95%CI:-0.063 to-0.001;P=0.044)and sperm concentration(PC=-0.020;95%CI:-0.036 to-0.005;P=0.012).However,no statistically significant associations were observed for total sperm count(PC=-0.038;95%CI:-0.079 to 0.003;P=0.070),seminal fluid volume(PC=-0.009;95%CI:-0.048 to-0.030;P=0.662)and sperm motility(PC=-0.17;95%CI:-0.363 to 0.022;P=0.830).In addition,the results of the subgroup analysis revealed specific variables that were associated with the decrease in relevant sperm parameters.Conclusions:This systematic review and meta-analysis provides compelling evidence supporting a consistent negative association between exposure to ambient SO2 and semen quality parameters.

Effect of comprehensive nursing on the quality of life and swallowing function in individuals diagnosed with ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND Ischemic stroke(IS)is a widely recognized disease characterized by high preva-lence,mortality,morbidity,disability,and recurrence rates.It ranks prominently in terms of mortality,constituting 60%-80%of stroke cases.AIM To explore the impact of comprehensive nursing care on the quality of life and swallowing function in individuals diagnosed with IS.METHODS This study comprised 172 patients with IS admitted to our hospital between February 2018 to March 2021.The participants were divided into two groups,namely the control group(n=80)receiving routine care and the research group(n=92)receiving comprehensive care.Various assessment scales,including the standard swallowing function assessment scale(SSA),National Institutes of Health Stroke scale(NIHSS),European stroke scale(ESS),self-rating anxiety scale(SAS),self-rating depression scale(SDS),Barthel index(BI),and the motor func-tion assessment scale(MAS),were employed to evaluate the improvement in swallowing function,neurological deficits,clinical outcomes,anxiety,depression,daily living activities,and motor function before and after care.Furthermore,the study compared the occurrence of adverse reactions during the nursing period,life quality before and after the intervention,rehabilitation compliance,and nursing satisfaction between the two groups.RESULTS After the nursing intervention,the research group exhibited significantly improved SSA and NIHSS scores compared to the control group(P<0.05).Moreover,both groups demonstrated significant reductions in SAS and SDS scores(P<0.05),with the research group showing more obvious advantages(P<0.05).Compared to the control group,the research group displayed significantly better ESS,BI,and MAS scores(P<0.05),coupled with a lower incidence of adverse reactions(P<0.05).Additionally,the research group demonstrated markedly higher levels of life quality,rehabilitation compliance,and nursing satisfaction compared to the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Comprehensive nursing effectively improved swallowing function,quality of life,and patient satisfaction,high-lighting its clinical significance.

Analysis of factors impacting postoperative pain and quality of life in patients with mixed hemorrhoids:A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Hemorrhoids are among the most common and frequently encountered chronic anorectal diseases in anorectal surgery.They are venous clusters formed by con-gestion,expansion,and flexion of the venous plexus in the lower part of the rec-tum.Mixed hemorrhoids bleed easily and recurrently,and this can result in severe anemia.Hence,they may have a negative effect on the health of the patient and surgical treatment is required.Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy has been widely used since 1937 for the treatment of grade III and IV hemorrhoids.How-ever,most patients experience different degrees of postoperative pain that may cause anxiety.with mixed hemorrhoids post-surgery.METHODS The clinical data of patients with mixed hemorrhoids who underwent Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy were collected retrospectively.The basic character-istics of the enrolled patients with mixed hemorrhoids were recorded,and based on the Goligher clinical grading system,the hemorrhoids were classified as grades III or IV.The endpoint of this study was the disappearance of pain in all patients.Quantitative data were presented as mean±SD,such as age,pain score,and QoL score.Student’s t-test was used to compare the groups.RESULTS A total of 164 patients were enrolled.The distribution of the visual analog scale pain scores of all patients at 3,7,14 and 28 d after surgery showed that post-surgery pain was significantly reduced with the passage of time.Fourteen days after the operation,the pain had completely disappeared in some patients.Twenty-eight days after the surgery,none of the patients experienced any pain.Comparing the World Health Or-ganization Quality of Life-BREF self-reporting questionnaire scores of patients between 14 and 28 d after surgery,we observed that the quality-of-life scores of the patients post-surgery had significantly improved.There were six items that were compared at 14-and 28-d post-surgery.The mean QoL score 28 d after surgery(4.79±0.46)was higher than that at 14 d post-surgery(3.79±0.57).The mean health condition score 28 d after surgery(4.80±0.41)was also higher than that at 14 d post-surgery(4.01±0.62).The mean physical health score 28 d after surgery(32.10±2.96)was significantly higher than that at 14 d post-surgery(23.41±2.85).The mean psychological health score 28 d after surgery(27.22±1.62)was significantly higher than that at 14 d post-surgery(21.37±1.70).The mean social relations score 28 d after surgery(12.21±1.59)was significantly higher than that at 14 d post-surgery(6.32±1.66).The mean surrounding environment score 28 d after surgery(37.13±2.88)was significantly higher than that at 14 d post-surgery(28.42±2.86).The differences in quality-of-life scores at day 14 and day 28 post-surgery were ob-served to be statistically significant(P<0.001).CONCLUSION Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy can significantly improve the postoperative QoL of patients.Age,sex,and the number of surgical resections were important factors influencing Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy.

Research on the Intervention of Visual Cue Strategy on Self-Care Ability of Children with Autism

The formation of self-care ability is the first step for children with autism to enter the society,and it is also a prerequisite and guarantee for their independent survival.This study aimed to explore the impact of visual cue strategies on the self-care ability of children with autism.Based on the ABA design of a single case study,this research conducted a four-month intervention on a seven-year-old child with autism via visual cue strategy as independent variables and sock-wearing skills as dependent variables,in order to explore the effect of visual cue strategy on self-care ability of children with autism.It turned out that visual cue strategy exerts a positive immediate sustained effect and social validity on the self-care ability of children with autism.Lastly,suggestions were provided for future related research based on the research process,results,and limitations.

Effect of low-degree astigmatism on the objective visual quality

AIM:To evaluate the effect of low-degree astigmatism on objective visual quality through the Optical Quality Analysis System(OQAS).METHODS:This study enrolled 46 participants(aged 23 to 30y,90 eyes)with normal or corrected-to-normal vision.The cylindrical lenses(0,0.5,0.75,1.0,and 1.25 D)were placed at the axial direction(180°,45°,90°,and 135°)in front of the eyes with the best correction to form 16 types of regular low-degree astigmatism.OQAS was used to detect the objective visual quality,recorded as the objective scattering index(OSI),OQAS values at contrasts of 100%,20%,and 9%predictive visual acuity(OV100%,OV20%,and OV9%),modulation transfer function cut-off(MTFcut-off)and Strehl ratio(SR).The mixed effect linear model was used to compare objective visual quality differences between groups and examine associations between astigmatic magnitude and objective visual quality parameters.RESULTS:Apparent negative relationships between the magnitude of low astigmatism and objective visual quality were observed.The increase of OSI per degree of astigmatism at 180°,45°,90°,and 135°axis were 0.38(95%CI:0.35,0.42),0.50(95%CI:0.46,0.53),0.49(95%CI:0.45,0.54)and 0.37(95%CI:0.34,0.41),respectively.The decrease of MTFcut-off per degree of astigmatism at 180°,45°,90°,and 135°axis were-10.30(95%CI:-11.43,-9.16),-12.73(95%CI:-13.62,-11.86),-12.75(95%CI:-13.79,-11.70),and-9.97(95%CI:-10.92,-9.03),respectively.At the same astigmatism degree,OSI at 45°and 90°axis were higher than that at 0°and 135°axis,while MTFcut-off were lower.CONCLUSION:Low astigmatism of only 0.50 D can significantly reduce the objective visual quality.

Influence of broken kernels content on soybean quality during storage

Although it is recognized that the post-harvest system is most responsible for the loss of soybean quality,the real impact of this loss is still unknown.Brazilian regulation allows 15%and 30%of broken soybean for group I and group II(quality groups),respectively.However,the industry is not informed about the loss in the quality parameters of soybeans and its impacts during long-term storage.Therefore,the objective was to evaluate the effect of the breakage kernel percentage of soybean stored for 12 months.Content of 15% of breakage kernels did not affect soybean quality.However,content of 30% of breakage kernels affected significantly soybean quality,which was evidenced by the increase of up to 75% in moldy soybeans,72% in acidity,50% in leached solids,27% in electrical conductivity,and the decrease of up to 12% in soluble protein,6.4% in germination and 3.5% in thousand kernel weight after 8 months of storage.Although the legislation establishes a percentage limit,it is recommended to store soybeans with up to 15% breakage kernels.On the contrary,values higher than that can cause a significant reduction in soybean quality,resulting in commercial losses.