Effectiveness of a Lifestyle Intervention Program Among Persons at High Risk for Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes in a Rural Community

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of translating the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) lifestyle intervention into practice in a rural community. Methods: In 2008, the Montana Diabetes Control Program worked collaboratively with Holy Rosary Healthcare to implement an adapted group-based DPP lifestyle intervention. Adults at high risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease were recruited and enrolled (N = 101). Participants set targets to reduce fat intake and increase physical activity (≥150 mins/week) in order to achieve a 7% weight loss goal. Findings: Eighty-three percent (n = 84) of participants completed the 16-session core program and 65 (64%) participated in 1 or more after-core sessions. Of those completing the core program, the mean participation was 14.4 ± 1.6 and 3.9 ± 1.6 sessions during the core and after core, respectively. Sixty-five percent of participants met the 150-min-per-week physical activity goal during the core program. Sixty-two percent achieved the 7% weight loss goal and 78% achieved at least a 5% weight loss during the core program. The average weight loss per participant was 7.5 kg (range, 0 to 19.7 kg), which was 7.5% of initial body weight. At the last recorded weight in the after core, 52% of participants had met the 7% weight loss goal and 66% had achieved at least a 5% weight loss. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that it is feasible to implement a group-based DPP in a rural community and achieve weight loss and physical goals that are comparable to those achieved in the DPP.     

Computerized tomography in anophthalmic syndrome

The computerized tomography picture of anophthalmia syndrome permits an accurate calculation of the orbit volume in this syndrome. These data are valuable for prosthesis. Computerized tomography helps objectively estimate the quality and position of the stump and implant after enucleation, fixation of the rectus muscles, relations between the prosthesis and the stump. Computerized tomography is a highly informative method for examinations in anophthalmia syndrome.     

The surgical results in progressive myopia in children

The paper analyses effectiveness of surgical treatment on occasion of progressive myopia in 96 children (180 eyes), aged from 5 to 14 years, depending on the patient's age, the form of myopia (congenital, acquired). Scleroplasty was made after the method of N. N. Pivovarov et al. Remote results, from 1 to 1.5 years, have shown stabilization of myopia in 90% of cases. Absolute and relative indications to surgical treatment of myopia are shown. The necessity of further studying of the mechanism and effectiveness of scleroplasty in children is substantiated.