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Abstract Background Namaste Care offers practical skills for healthcare providers, volunteers, and families to meaningfully engage individuals with dementia in activities (e.g., music, massage, reminiscing, socialization, aromatherapy, snacks). A hospital-based specialized dementia care unit for patients with mid- to late-stage dementia offered an adapted version of the Namaste Care program, which was called Meaningful Moments. The aim of this study was to assess the acceptability and preliminary effects of this novel approach using trained volunteers for older adults with mid- to late-stage dementia. Methods A mixed methods multiphase design was used. Qualitative description was used to explore acceptability of the Meaningful Moments program delivered over 6 months through focus groups (e.g., charge nurses, therapeutic recreationists, nurses, social workers) and individual interviews with one volunteer and two family members. A prospective pre-post-test study design was used to evaluate the preliminary effects of the program for patients with dementia and family members. Outcomes included quality of life, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and pain for patients with dementia and family carer role stress and the quality of visits for families. Data were collected from June 2018 to April 2019. Descriptive analyses of participants’ characteristics were expressed as a mean (standard deviation [SD]) for continuous variables and count (percent) for categorical variables. Focus group and individual interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The generalized estimating equations (GEE) method was used to assess change in the repeated measures outcome data. Results A total of 15 patients received the Meaningful Moments interventions. Families, staff, and volunteers perceived that patients experienced benefits from Meaningful Moments. Staff, volunteers, and families felt fulfilled in their role of engaging patients in the Meaningful Moments program. Individualized activities provided by volunteers were perceived as necessary for the patient population. There were no statistically significant improvements in patient outcomes. There was a statistically significant decline in family carer role stress. Conclusions Using a one-on-one approach by volunteers, patients experienced perceived benefits such as improved mood and opportunities for social interactions. There is a need for tailored activities for older adults with advanced dementia through practical strategies that can offer benefit to patients.

Abstract Background Eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates among psychiatric illnesses. Timely intervention is crucial for effective treatment, as eating disorders tend to be chronic and difficult to manage if left untreated. Clinical practice guidelines play a vital role in improving healthcare delivery, aiming to minimize variations in care and bridge the gap between research and practice. However, research indicates an active guideline implementation approach is crucial to effective uptake. Methods Mixed methods will be used to inform and evaluate our guideline implementation approach. Semi-structured focus groups will be conducted in each of the eight provinces in Canada. Each focus group will comprise 8–10 key stakeholders, including clinicians, program administrators, and individuals with lived experience or caregivers. Qualitative data will be analyzed using conventional content analysis and the constant comparison technique and the results will be used to inform our implementation strategy. The study will then evaluate the effectiveness of our implementation approach through pre- and post-surveys, comparing changes in awareness, use, and impact of the guidelines in various stakeholder groups. Discussion Through a multifaceted implementation strategy, involving the co-creation of educational materials, tailored training, and context-specific strategies, this study intends to enhance guideline uptake and promote adherence to evidence-based practices. Our study will also contribute valuable information on the impact of our implementation strategies.

Plain English summary The treatment of children who have eating disorders (EDs) requires extensive involvement from parents. Parents have voiced a need for greater support, and one way to meet this need is through peer support. Using end-of-study interviews, this study qualitatively described the experiences of parents of children who have EDs who participated in virtual parent-led peer support groups (vPLPSGs) for 6 months. Our findings suggest that vPLPSGs are beneficial for parents of children who have EDs. Participants had positive perceptions of the group organization and structure, the parent facilitators, and other parent attendees, and valued the support and educational resources received in the group. Parents noted it was particularly helpful to be able to speak with other parents who understood their experiences, which helped them feel less alone in their difficulties with their child. Parents also noted an improvement in their relationship with their child who has an ED, and believed that these groups should be readily available and accessible. Suggestions for improvement included dividing groups based on children’s ED diagnosis, duration of illness, and geographical location. Further expansion and study of these groups is warranted, as they appear to be a valuable support for families affected by EDs.

Plain English summary Family-Based Treatment—the leading outpatient treatment for children and adolescents with eating disorders—rapidly transitioned to virtual delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic in many programs. This study qualitatively describes the perceptions and experiences of teams and families related to the first four sessions of Family-Based Treatment delivered via videoconferencing (FBT-V) during the COVID-19 pandemic, using end-of-study focus groups. Our findings suggest that FBT-V is generally well-received amongst these stakeholders. Therapists found that implementing FBT-V was relatively seamless, and families described the convenience and comfort of sessions taking place virtually in their own homes. However, therapists revealed concerns of distractions in family homes impacting sessions, and families had some difficulties in developing therapeutic rapport. As a result, additional modes of delivering Family-Based Treatment should be explored to address challenges present in virtual care. This might include hybrid models of treatment delivery, involving a combination of in-person and virtual sessions.

Abstract Background Although early intervention is crucial in interrupting the development of eating disorders, little is currently known about help-seeking behaviours among individuals experiencing eating disorder symptoms. Given that eating disorders typically begin early in life, it is necessary to investigate the processes employed by children, adolescents, and emerging adults when seeking services for troubling symptoms. This is a growing concern as the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increase in the number of individuals engaging in disordered eating behaviours. This scoping review explores the current state of the literature for evidence on how youth with eating disorder symptoms seek help, with the aim of better understanding how to identify and treat more individuals earlier. Methods Using scoping review methodology, we searched seven databases for studies published from January 2000 to April 2021 that reported on help-seeking attitudes, behaviours, and healthcare utilization patterns for children and adolescents (

This study used a single-group pre-test and post-test design to evaluate an educational workshop for multidisciplinary staff working in long-term care homes on implementing a palliative approach to care and perceptions about advanced care planning conversations. Two outcomes were measured to assess the preliminary efficacy of the educational workshop at baseline and 1-month post-intervention. Knowledge regarding implementing a palliative approach to care was assessed using the End-of-Life Professional Caregivers Survey and changes in staff perception toward ACP conversations were assessed using the Staff Perceptions Survey. Findings suggest that staff experienced an improvement in self-reported knowledge regarding a palliative approach to care ( p ≤ .001); and perceptions of knowledge, attitude, and comfort related to advance care planning discussions ( p ≤ .027). The results indicate that educational workshops can assist in improving multidisciplinary staff’s knowledge about a palliative approach to care and comfort in carrying out advance care planning discussions with residents, family care partners, and among long-term care staff.

In this paper was studied the influence of feed energy-protein level on the growth performance (average daily gain, feed conversion), slaughtering efficiency and participation of the trenched parts in the whole carcasses structure at „ARBOR ACRES” hybrid slaughtered at 42 days old. The two groups (control group-Lc, experimental group Lexp.) were given feed mixed with different level of energy and protein (Lc-standard hybrid, Lexp.-higher by 10% compared to standard hybrid). In the growth period for each group were made weighings at: 1, 7, 14, 21, 35 and 42 days. After slaughter, from each group were sampled 30 carcasses (15 females and 15 males) for determined the slaughter efficacy on fresh and refrigerated carcasses. At the end of the growing period, at Lexp. group average body weight was 2481.93g, with 3.88% more than average values recorded at control group. For average daily gain, Lexp. group had higher values compared with the control group, the situation is reversed when has been referring to the feed conversion rate. The fresh carcasses at slaughtering efficiency had values for males from 80.27% (Lexp.) to 79.36% (Lc) and for females from 78.57% (Lexp.) to 78.18% (Lc). After 24 hours of refrigeration, these values were reduced by 1.78 up to 1.88%. For participation of the trenched parts in the whole carcass structure (breast, wings, thighs and shanks), at Lexp. group were registered the highest values, and for the control group the lowest values for these parts and the highest values for the other parts (head, neck, back and legs), with differences between females and males. For Lexp. group, which received feed with high protein-energy level, average values for feed conversion rate (FCR) were lower and for other studied indicators were higher as compared with control group.

In this paper was studied the influence of feed energy-protein level on meat chemical composition depending on sex and anatomical region for chicken broiler belonging „LOHMANN MEAT” hybrid, slaughtered at 42 days old. The two groups (control group-Lc and experimental groups-Lexp.) were given feed mixed with different level of energy and protein (Lc-standard hybrid, Lexp.-higher by 10% compared to standard hybrid). After slaughter, from each group were sampled 10 carcasses (five females and five males), and from different portions of the carcass (breast, thighs and shanks), was determined the meat chemical composition (water, dry matter, protein, lipids and minerals) using STAS methods. For males the pectoral muscle had a greater amount of dry matter, compared with females, the situation is reversed when has been referring to the muscles of the thighs and shanks. The proteins content in meat has presented variation depending on: sex (in males was registred big values comparative with females), anatomical region (in pectorals was registred maximum values and in thighs minimum values) and nutrition (feed with energy and protein high level was determined incresed content the protein in meat). The lipids content in meat showed the biggest variation between muscles analyzed, with minimum values in the pectoral muscles (from 0.67 at males-Lexp. to 0,95% in females-Lc) and maximum values in the upper thigh muscles (from 6.97% in males-Lexp. to 8,23% in females-Lc). The high quality value on meat has been at the Lexp. group, which in all cases had the highest protein content and lowest lipids content in muscles.

The chemical composition of the meat is one of the most important characteristics. For the fish meat quality there are only few specific data comparatively with those that exist about animal meat. The results obtained from a study done on the meat quality of the fish specie Clarias gariepinus (African catfish) with a body weight of around 1200 – 1550g are presented in this paper. The obtained results emphasized a great quality of the Clarias gariepinus meat. The meat proteins content had a big value and it was indirectly proportional to the body weight. The meat hydration was higher in fishes with low body weight and indirectly proportional to the fat content. Taking in consideration the fat content of this meat, it can be concluded that the African catfish could be included in the half fat fish category. The meat caloricity calculated is growing proportionally to the body weight, being influenced by the fat content.

The quality of fish meat is very different than animal meat. The physical, chemical and bacteriological characteristics of three different fish species (carp, pike, and catfish) were examined in this study. All of these characteristics were examined after sampling and then after 24, 48 and 72 hours of refrigeration between + 2 and + 4ºC. For all three types of fish meat the physical and chemical indicators (pH and total volatile bases nitrogen) had an ascendant evolution in this period. The values of these parameters had overrun the admitted limit after 72 refrigeration hours. The biggest values for the studied characteristics were recorded in the pike meat. The bacteriological indicators studied (mesophilic and psychrophilics bacteria) were in the limits of meat salubrity at the beginning of the refrigeration period and their values were kept at the same level for a period of 24 hours. After 48 hours of refrigeration. in the pike meat both indicators had bigger values than the meat of the others fish species. After three days of refrigeration the differences were more accentuated and this was more evident for the psychrophilic bacteria.

Introduction Advance care planning can improve the quality of life for residents in long-term care homes and reduce stress for families. However, care home staff and families often lack knowledge about advance care planning, making it especially difficult for residents with dementia to communicate their care plan wishes. A Conversation Starter Kit may increase advance care planning awareness among staff and families. Objectives This study evaluated an advance care planning intervention, the Conversation Starter Kit booklet, for use in long term care homes. Methods Data were collected at three long-term care homes in southern Ontario. We collected data from 55 residents who were able to make decisions on their own paired with 11 family members of these residents. We also collected data from 24 family members of residents who were unable to make decisions on their own. This study used a quasi-experimental, one group pre/post design. Quantitative surveys were administered before and after a three-month advance care planning intervention. An additional structured interview was completed at the end of the intervention period, which included both closed and open-ended questions to assess perceptions about the booklet's use or non-use. Results Residents reported more engagement in advance care planning after completing the Conversation Starter Kit booklet, particularly related to asking questions to health care providers about health care decisions. Family members reported feeling very certain that they would be able to make decisions on behalf of the resident but felt less certain after completing the booklet, implying the booklet raised their awareness of the types of decisions they might need to make, hopefully prompting them to be more prepared for decisions in the future. Conclusions An advance care planning intervention – The Conversation Starter Kit booklet - appears acceptable and easy to use for residents and family members/friends in long-term care and can improve resident engagement in advance care planning. Although using the booklet may decrease efficacy for decision making among family members of long-term care residents, it may highlight the importance of more actionable engagement in advance care planning among residents, their families/friends, and staff.

BFS blast furnace slag presentation of the challenges and opportunities is related to the use as a substitute of Portland cement, respectively of natural sand in the composition of road cement concretes. The inclusion of BFS in the composition of road concrete is an ecological approach from the point of view of reducing the consumption of non-renewable materials. A rational design of road concrete composition requires knowledge of the physical-mechanical properties of BSF with favorable and unfavorable impact on the durability of road concrete. Aspects of the impact of the quality of GGBS granulated and ground blast furnace slag as well as the properties of ACBFS air-cooled blast furnace slag crushed aggregates were analyzed in this article. Although all the physical-mechanical properties books are suitable for the slag powders inclusion in the road concretes composition, the high content of CaO-free and C3A limits the substitution of cement with GGBS to prevent the occurrence of degradation during the exploitation period. ACBFS aggregates have been proven to be non-reactive to alkalis in cement, thus being suitable for inclusion in road cement concrete compositions. The increased values of the water absorption coefficient, respectively of the fineness modulus of the ACBFS type aggregates compared to natural sand, the reduction of the workability of the road concrete and the increase of the water/binder ratio. Finally, for the design of road concrete compositions with slag, preliminary tests were carried out on three series of mixtures, in which Portland cement was replaced by 15% GGBS and natural sand by 25% and 50% ACBFS respectively. The optimal slag road concrete recipe was established based in: increased workability (an important characteristic of road concretes), a low water/binder ratio and a 7-day compressive strength close to the control sample.

In order to assess the resistance of the road concrete to the penetration of the chloride ions, we used the rapid test RCPT in compliance with ASTM C1202. But, in order to increase the reliability of the rapid test of assessing the resistance of chloride ions’ permeability through measurements of the electrical conductivity, after finishing the RCPT test, we have also measured the depth of the chloride front migrating in the concrete. Road concrete mixtures were prepared in which blast furnace slag (GGBS) was incorporated as a binder and blast furnace slag (ABS) as crushed slag aggregate to the size of 0/4 mm. The effect of the blast furnace slag on the RCPT results was investigated and correlated with porosity trends, carbonatation layer depth, and with the compression strength values, by comparison with the level of results obtained on concrete mixtures made with conventional materials. The measurement of the migrated chlorine front in the concrete together with the determined physical and mechanical characteristics confirms the efficiency of the blast furnace slag incorporated in the concrete and supports the reliability of the rapid penetration test of chlorine ions RCPT using the procedure from ASTM C 1202.