The effects of three kinds of perceptual‐social stimulation on the development of institutionalized infants

In a traditional Institution, 48 infants, of both sexes, whose chronological age ranged from 2 to 3 months, were equally divided into four groups (3 experimental and 1 control group) and for a period of two months were submitted, daily, to three main types of stimulation: (1) perceptual, (2) social, and (3) perceptual ‐‐ social. A thought provoking conclusion emerges from the preliminary results: 2‐3‐months‐old institutionalized infants, who receive varied perceptual stimulation during a 10‐week period, present a developmental profile almost identical to the developmental profile of infants of the same age. I.Q.s and environment, who received, during the same length of time, a social stimulation through the agency of one person.     

Exposure study on chemosensory effects of ε-caprolactam in the low concentration range

Objective Aim of the study was to examine possible chemosensory effects of ε-caprolactam in the low concentration range relevant to indoor environmental conditions. Methods Twenty healthy subjects (10 male, 10 female) aged from 21 to 38 years were exposed for 6 h, respectively, to 0, 0.15, 0.5 and 5 mg/m³ ε-caprolactam vapours in a randomized and double-blind method. As a measure of trigeminal stimulation of the eye, blink frequency was video-recorded four times per day and evaluated by using a new semi-automatic, computer-assisted method compared to baseline recording and manual counting. Digital slit lamp photographs were taken at the same time to examine conjunctival hyperaemia. A standardized ophthalmologic grading scale was used to measure redness of the eyes objectively. Active anterior rhinomanometry compared nasal resistance before and after exposure. Subjective ratings of discomfort and mental orientation were assessed using the German version of the Swedish Performance Evaluation system (SPES). As a measure of personality traits, positive and negative affectivity was determined (PANAS). Results Six hour exposures to ε-caprolactam revealed no significant dose–response relationship concerning blink frequency, nasal resistance and redness of the bulbar conjunctiva. Subjective ratings of discomfort (sum scores) significantly increased only at the highest concentration of 5 mg/m³. However, the increase in discomfort was only moderate, ranging between “not at all” and “somewhat”. Significant increases of the subjective detection of malodour (subscore) already occurred at 0.15 mg/m³, showing no adaptation over time. Irritation of the eyes or upper airways was not reported. Conclusions Exposure to ε-caprolactam vapour did not elicit any acute health effects in a concentration range up to 0.5 mg/m³. Even at the highest concentration of 5 mg/m³, we could only find a slight increase in subjective symptoms, mainly due to an unincisive increase of perception of malodour.     

A meta‐analytic study of the effects of childbirth education on the parent‐infant relationship

The purpose of this study was to analyze studies that tested the effects of childbirth education on the parent‐infant relationship. Using meta‐analysis techniques, published and unpublished childbirth education research literature from 1960 to 1981 was analyzed. From the analysis of 27 studies, it was found that childbirth education is beneficial to the parent‐infant relationship. A greater magnitude of effect was found for middle income parents, as compared to parents with low income. Moderate effects were found in both the behavioral and attitudinal components of die parent‐infant relationship. Several methodologic flaws in the research were found. Many researchers either demonstrated allegiance to childbirth education, conducted the research while knowledgeable of the composition of the groups or taught the classes, or used instruments without reliability or validity testing. Recommendations for future childbirth education research, relating to the philosophical foundation of research, the foci of study, and methodologic considerations, have been made.     

An experimental study on the effects of a simulation game on students’ clinical cognitive skills and motivation

Simulation games are becoming increasingly popular in education, but more insight in their critical design features is needed. This study investigated the effects of fidelity of open patient cases in adjunct to an instructional e-module on students’ cognitive skills and motivation. We set up a three-group randomized post-test-only design: a control group working on an e-module; a cases group, combining the e-module with low-fidelity text-based patient cases, and a game group, combining the e-module with a high-fidelity simulation game with the same cases. Participants completed questionnaires on cognitive load and motivation. After a 4-week study period, blinded assessors rated students’ cognitive emergency care skills in two mannequin-based scenarios. In total 61 students participated and were assessed; 16 control group students, 20 cases students and 25 game students. Learning time was 2 h longer for the cases and game groups than for the control group. Acquired cognitive skills did not differ between groups. The game group experienced higher intrinsic and germane cognitive load than the cases group (p = 0.03 and 0.01) and felt more engaged (p < 0.001). Students did not profit from working on open cases (in adjunct to an e-module), which nonetheless challenged them to study longer. The e-module appeared to be very effective, while the high-fidelity game, although engaging, probably distracted students and impeded learning. Medical educators designing motivating and effective skills training for novices should align case complexity and fidelity with students’ proficiency level. The relation between case-fidelity, motivation and skills development is an important field for further study.     

Convenience or calamity? Pharmaceutical study explores the effects of sample frame error on research results

Survey results of a nationwide sample frame did not differ from those of a statewide sample frame with respect to questions that were professional/procedural in nature or that dealt with putative industry knowledge. However, on questions that were attitudinal in nature, the sample frames differed significantly. Because of this, the authors conclude that using a geographically narrow convenience sample may or may not result in frame error, depending on the information being sought.     

Family effects on the rurality of GP’s work location: a longitudinal panel study

Background

Reduced opportunities for children’s schooling and spouse’s/partner’s employment are identified internationally as key barriers to general practitioners (GPs) working rurally. This paper aims to measure longitudinal associations between the rurality of GP work location and having (i) school-aged children and (ii) a spouse/partner in the workforce.

Methods

Participants included 4377 GPs responding to at least two consecutive annual surveys of the Medicine in Australia: Balancing Employment and Life (MABEL) national longitudinal study between 2008 and 2014. The main outcome, GP work location, was categorised by remoteness and population size. Five sequential binary school-age groupings were defined according to whether a GP had no children, only preschool children (aged 0–4 years), at least one primary-school child (aged 5–11 years), at least one child in secondary school (aged 12–18 years), and all children older than secondary school (aged ≥?19). Partner in the workforce was defined by whether a GP had a partner who was either currently working or looking for work, or not. Separate generalised estimating equation models, which aggregated consecutive annual observations per GP, tested associations between work location and (i) educational stages and (ii) partner employment, after adjusting for key covariates.

Results

Male GPs with children in secondary school were significantly less likely to work rurally (inclusive of >?50 000 regional centres through to the smallest rural towns of <?5000) compared to male GPs with children in primary school. In contrast, female GPs’ locations were not significantly associated with the educational stage of their children. Having a partner in the workforce was not associated with work location for male GPs, whereas female GPs with a partner in the workforce were significantly less likely to work in smaller rural/remote communities (<?15 000 population).

Conclusions

This is the first systematic, national-level longitudinal study showing that GP work location is related to key family needs which differ according to GP gender and educational stages of children. Such non-professional factors are likely to be dynamic across the GP’s lifespan and should be regularly reviewed as part of GP retention planning. This research supports investment in regional development for strong local secondary school and partner employment opportunities.

     

Diet composition and age determine the effects of inulin–type fructans on intestinal calcium absorption in rat

Summary Background Although several studies in animals and humans have established that inulintype fructans (inulin, oligofructose, fructooligosaccharides) enhance intestinal Ca absorption, there are also reports that failed to demonstrate any effects of added fructans on Ca absorption. Aim of the study We investigated in a rat model what variables determine inulin actions on mineral absorption with special focus on the basic diet. Methods To determine apparent intestinal mineral absorption, whole body retention and mineral accumulation in bone, we performed feeding experiments with a balance technique by which mineral intake, faecal and urinary output are determined. Results In a first study we compared the effects of an inulin oligofructose mixture (0 and 10%,respectively) when added either to a standard diet or a semi–synthetic diet. Rats fed the semi–synthetic diet were younger (adolescent) than rats on standard diet (young adult). We observed that the apparent Ca absorption ratio was significantly increased by inulin and oligofructose only when provided in the semisynthetic diet and not in the standard diet that intrinsically already contained some fructans from wheat. In our second study with a semi–synthetic diet fed to growing (adolescent) rats, inulin and oligofructose increased not only Ca but also Mg and Zn absorption, whole body mineral retention and femur mineral content. Conclusion Inulin–type fructans at dietary levels of 10 % (w/w) do increase mineral absorption, retention and accumulation in bone in the case of Ca, Mg and Zn, but only when the basic diet for the control group contains no intrinsic fructans and when the mineral demand is particularly high as during growth.This work was in part supported by Orafti, Tienen, Belgium     

COVID-19 vaccine behaviour among citizens of the Métis Nation of Ontario: A qualitative study

BackgroundThe burden of the current COVID-19 pandemic is not shared equally in Canadian society, with Indigenous Peoples being disproportionately affected. Moreover, there is a lack of research pertaining to vaccination behaviour in Métis communities. This Métis-specific and Métis-led qualitative study endeavours to understand COVID-19 vaccine behaviour among citizens of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO).MethodsData was collected via one-on-one interviews. Participants were recruited via the MNO’s existing social media channels. Participants filled out a screening survey indicating their intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 as yes, no, or unsure. Sixteen participants (9 yes, 3 unsure, 4 no) were interviewed. Interviews averaged 30 min, and the questions and probes were developed in collaboration with the MNO. The interviewer received Métis-specific cultural safety training. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and uploaded to NVivo 12.ResultsA deductive analysis using the Social Ecological Model framework (SEM) for vaccine behaviour and two blinded coders was used to understand the data. An additional factor, COVID-19 public health measures, was added to the framework to better capture the experiences of participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, the factors with the greatest number of coded references included Vaccine roll-out and availability, Organization of the public into priority groups, Public discourse, Interpersonal influences, Interface with health professionals, Knowledge state, Trust, and Vaccine risk perception. Bandwagoning (following others’ behaviour) and Freeloading (perceiving enough people have been vaccinated), both factors of the SEM, were not discussed. Yes, no, and unsure participant groups were compared to understand the influences of each factor based on COVID-19 vaccination intention.ConclusionsMNO citizens COVID-19 vaccine behaviour was negatively and positively influenced by a number of factors. This information will allow the MNO and public health units to better tailor their messaging for COVID-19 vaccine uptake campaigns and future pandemic emergencies.     

Effects of carotenoid‐rich food extracts on the development of preneoplastic lesions in rat liver and on in vivo and in vitro antioxidant status

The effect of dietary carotenoid‐rich extracts of carrots, tomatoes, and orange juice on rat liver γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase‐positive preneoplastic foci induced by afla‐toxin B₁ was investigated. Organic extracts were prepared from the foods, dissolved in tricaprylin oil to equivalent concentrations of the major food‐specific carotenoids, and fed by intubation to Fischer 344 male rats. The extracts were administered during the 2‐week aflatoxin‐dosing (initiation) period of the study or during the subsequent 12‐week post‐dosing (promotion) period. Vitamin status and antioxidant activities were measured in blood and liver. Extract feeding caused an accumulation of carotenoids in the liver, a substantial decrease in spontaneous erythrocyte hemolysis, and lowered plasma glutathione, blood superoxide dismutase, and blood catalase. Differences in foci development among the three extracts were not as consistent or profound as differences between initiation and promotion dosing. The number of γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase‐positive foci was decreased by extract feeding during the initiation period, whereas extract feeding during the promotion period caused a decrease in the average diameter of the foci. The total volume of foci was markedly reduced by extract feeding during either period. Extracts were compared with purified carotenoids and a‐tocopherol in their ability to affect in vitro antioxidation activity and were nearly as effective as the pure compounds. In summary, carotenoid‐rich extracts of these three foods substantially inhibited biochemical and cellular events thought to play a role in the early stages of hepatocarcinogenesis.     

An observational study for evaluating the effects of interpersonal problem‐solving skills training on behavioural dimensions

The present observational study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the I Can Problem Solve (ICPS) programme on behavioural change from aggression to pro‐social behaviours by using the DECB rating scale. Non‐participant observation method was used to collect data in pretest‐training‐posttest design. It was hypothesised that the ICPS programme would be useful to decrease in aggressive behaviours, increase in pro‐social behaviours and also to improve in introverted behaviours. In total, 83 five‐ and six‐year‐old children attending public preschools participated in the study. Pro‐social and introvert behaviours of children in the experimental group were significantly improved compared to the control group. Although there was no significant difference statistically between pretest–posttest scores of experimental and control group, the mean scores of both groups differentiated considerably.     

Long‐term cumulative effects of childcare on children's mental development and socioemotional adjustment in a non‐risk sample: the moderating effects of gender

We studied the long‐term cumulative effects of two common indices of childcare—the total number of hours of non‐maternal care and the mean hour‐weighted child‐to‐caregiver ratio per caregiving situation—on mental development and socioemotional adjustment from birth to 4.5 years old in a non‐risk middle‐class sample of girls and boys after taking into consideration child (gender and sibling status), maternal (education and concepts of child development), and family selection (socioeconomic status [SES] factors. Childcare indices did not differ in girls and boys year by year. Children experienced less non‐maternal care in their first year of life, but afterward children encountered more children in their caregiving situations in proportion to the number of caregivers. At age 4.5 years, girls scored higher on cognitive and language measures than boys, and boys exhibited more externalizing problem behaviors than girls. Hours of non‐maternal care were not a predictor of mental development or socioemotional adjustment; however, the child‐to‐caregiver ratio was. For cognitive outcomes, the ratio exerted a positive effect on children from higher SES backgrounds versus no effect on children from average or lower SES backgrounds. For behavioral adjustment outcomes, a higher ratio was associated with fewer behavioral problems in girls and more behavioral problems in boys. Different basic indices of childcare appear to have different long‐term cumulative effects for different domains of development in girls and boys.     

The effects of neck–shoulder pain development on sensory–motor interactions among female workers in the poultry and fish industries. A prospective study

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this prospective laboratory study was to follow newly employed workers in the fish or poultry industry for 6 months and investigate possible changes in sensory manifestations and motor performance during low load, repetitive work simulation. It was investigated whether the changes were an effect of employment duration and of development of neck-shoulder complaints. METHODS: Twelve newly employed female filleting employees without any sign of neck-shoulder tenderness/pain at the time of employment of 0 months took part in two laboratory recording sessions planned within 1 month of employment and after 6 months of employment at the plant. After 6 months, six workers out of 12 had developed pain and/or tenderness in the neck-shoulder region. The recording sessions evaluated sensory-motor aspects by measuring pressure pain threshold, work-task timing, cutting forces, surface electromyographic activity of four shoulder muscles, displacement of the centre of pressure, and 3D movements of the arm and trunk during simulation of low load, repetitive filleting. RESULTS: Effects due to the duration of employment were observed in both groups, i.e. decreased sensibility to pressure, decrease in the duration of the work cycle, increased arm starting position with respect to the upright position, and decreased range of motion of the arm and trunk (P<0.05) after 6 months. Among the workers with neck-shoulder complaints, increased sensibility to pressure, lower force level, higher electromyographic activity, decreased amplitude of arm movement, and increased trunk posture and movement amplitude (P<0.05) were observed, compared with workers without complaints. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in terms of sensory manifestations and motor control strategy were seen after 6 months of employment with or without neck-shoulder complaints. In general, changes in sensory manifestations and motor control strategy after 6 months work were most likely of importance, as they underlined a learning process as employment duration increased. Moreover, the present sensory-motor changes observed among workers with neck-shoulder complaints highlighted the potential physical risk factors associated with low load, repetitive work.