Search

Background Although the Family Quality of Life Survey - 2006 (FQOLS-2006) is being used in research, there is little evidence to support its hypothesised domain structure. The purpose of this study was to test the domain structure of the survey using confirmatory factor analysis. Method Samples from Australia, Canada, Nigeria and the USA were analysed using structural equation modelling. The data from Australia, Canada and the USA were combined on the assumption that these countries are similar, at least to some degree, in economic development, language and culture. The Nigerian data were analysed on its own. The analysis was undertaken in two phases. First, the hypothesis that each of nine domains of the FQOLS-2006 is a unidimensional construct that can reliably measure the dimensions Importance, Stability, Opportunities, Attainment, Stability and Satisfaction was tested. Second, the hypothesis that family quality of life (FQoL) is a single latent construct represented by the nine domains measured in the FQOLS-2006 was tested. Results In the first phase of the analysis, the Importance dimension was dropped because of skewness and lack of variance. The Stability dimension did not fit well within the individual domain model in both the Nigerian and the combined three countries' data. When Importance and Stability were excluded, the individual domain models showede good or acceptable fit when error variances of some dimensions were allowed to correlate. In the second phase of the analysis, the overall model, FQoL, represented by the nine domains of the FQOLS-2006 showed good fit in both data sets. Conclusions The conceptual model of the FQOLS-2006 was supported with some qualifications. Each domain on the survey can be reliably measured by four dimensions Opportunities, Initiative, Attainment and Satisfaction. The dimensions of Importance and Stability, however, did not fit. Data reported on these dimensions from past and current studies should be interpreted with caution. The construct of FQoL is also reliably measured by the domains of the FQOLS-2006. Further research into the psychometric properties of the survey, particularly from a cross-cultural perspective, is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This article examines professional growth among Jewish and Arab social workers in Israel in the wake of the Second Intifada. The paper is based on a further in-depth analysis of data from semi-structured face to face and telephone interviews with 58 social workers. Findings: The findings show professional growth, in the form of increased skills and knowledge, improved professional identity, and greater team cohesion. The major facilitators of these developments were the recognition and resources the workers received from their society and the support provided by and within their place of employment for coping with their distress and with the tasks they had to perform. Such growth was found among two-thirds of the Jewish workers, and none among the Arab workers. The data analysis outlines likely reasons for these main findings, as well as what facilitates pride in one's work within the context of violent political conflict, and what does not. Applications : Implications for future practice and research are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Israel's evacuation of settlers from their homes in Gaza and North Samaria provided a real time opportunity to examine social workers' attitudes towards offering their services in controversial political situations. This study, conducted shortly before the evacuation, is a qualitative examination of the attitudes of 108 Israeli social workers towards offering professional services to the evacuees. Findings show that while most respondents supported social worker involvement, around a quarter either qualified their support or objected outright. Calls are made to ensure that professional services and resources become available to persons of all political persuasions and in all political situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The functional diversity of the tumor suppressor protein p53 is mainly regulated by protein interactions. In this study, we describe a new interaction with the peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase cyclophilin 18 (Cyp18). The interaction reduced the sequence-specific DNA binding of p53 in vitro, whereas the inhibition of the interaction increased p53-reporter gene activity in vivo. The active site of the folding helper enzyme Cyp18 was directly involved in binding. The proline-rich region (amino acids 64–91) of p53 was most likely responsible for the observed binding because a synthetic peptide comprising amino acids 68–81 of p53 inhibited this interaction, and a p53 variant containing a proline residue at position 72 (p53P72) interacted with Cyp18 more effectively than the corresponding p53R72 variant. Impairment of the Cyp18–p53 interaction induced an accumulation of cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, which was more pronounced when p53P72 was expressed compared with p53R72 in an otherwise isogenic cellular background. Moreover, p53-dependent apoptosis was elevated in Cyp18 knockout cells, suggesting an antiapoptotic potential of Cyp18–p53 complexes. Functional in vivo data hint to a possible clinical relevance of the p53–Cyp18 interaction observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The Family Quality of Life Survey (FQOLS-2006) was developed as the result of increased interest in family quality of life (FQOL) among families with a member who has an intellectual disability (ID). The instrument includes nine life domains and six dimensions reflecting the main areas and characteristics of FQOL. The aim of the current study was to provide a descriptive analysis of the domains and dimensions of the survey and to explore their relationship to one another and to global satisfaction. Method A convenience sample of 35 participants with a family member who had ID completed the FQOLS-2006 in a large urban centre in Canada. The data were analysed using descriptive analyses. Results The findings showed that although participants differentiated between different domains and dimensions, as reflected in their variability, stability was also found. For example, support from others was rated lowest across most dimensions, while family relationships and health of the family were generally rated higher. Conclusions The findings strengthen the importance of examining both the overall perception of FQOL as well as the perceptions in individual life domains. Moreover, they highlight the need to examine each life domain according to its various dimensions. In sum, the results call for further examination of the FQOLS-2006 as a useful tool for assessing FQOL and for implementing services based on it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today's burgeoning erectile dysfunction (ED) market offers urology practices many exciting opportunities for growth. The authors present practical advice for attracting and retaining patients with this common condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compares the treatment of psychogenic erectile dysfunction using standard sex therapy and prostaglandin E[sub 1] self-injection therapy. Duration of erection; Sexual quality of life; Frequency of intercourse.

BACKGROUND: To date, little attention has been given to the concept of quality of life around human resources employment programmes for staff working with persons with a dual diagnosis. METHOD: This article describes the implementation of quality of life principles to service provision for people with dual diagnosis and its application to staff training. RESULTS: This type of experiential training facilitated change in staff's attitude to, and treatment of, the people served. CONCLUSION: Human resources development programmes should be based on the same core quality of life principles and domains that guide service delivery on the individual level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background To date, little attention has been given to the concept of quality of life around human resources employment programmes for staff working with persons with a dual diagnosis. Method This article describes the implementation of quality of life principles to service provision for people with dual diagnosis and its application to staff training. Results This type of experiential training facilitated change in staff's attitude to, and treatment of, the people served. Conclusion Human resources development programmes should be based on the same core quality of life principles and domains that guide service delivery on the individual level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]