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In nature, organisms are exposed to variable environmental conditions that impact their performance and fitness. Despite the ubiquity of environmental variability, substantial knowledge gaps in our understanding of organismal responses to nonconstant thermal regimes remain. In the present study, using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model organism, we applied geometric morphometric methods to examine how challenging but ecologically realistic diel thermal fluctuations experienced during different life stages influence adult body shape, size, and condition. Zebrafish were exposed to either thermal fluctuations (22–32°C) or a static optimal temperature (27°C) sharing the same thermal mean during an early period spanning embryonic and larval ontogeny (days 0–30), a later period spanning juvenile and adult ontogeny (days 31–210), or a combination of both. We found that body shape, size, and condition were affected by thermal variability, but these plasticity‐mediated changes were dependent on the timing of ontogenetic exposure. Notably, after experiencing fluctuating temperatures during early ontogeny, females displayed a deeper abdomen while males displayed an elongated caudal peduncle region. Moreover, males displayed beneficial acclimation of body condition under lifelong fluctuating temperature exposure, whereas females did not. The present study, using ecologically realistic thermal regimes, provides insight into the timing of environmental experiences that generate phenotypic variation in zebrafish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Early risk factors for poor child outcomes are well established, and some group parenting programmes have demonstrated good outcomes for children under 3 years of age. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of the Incredible Years® Toddler Parenting Programme with parents of 1-year-old and 2-year-old children recruited by staff in disadvantaged Flying Start areas across Wales. Methods Eighty-nine families with a child aged between 12 and 36 months at baseline participated in a pragmatic community-based trial of the programme in eight Flying Start areas. Outcomes were measured at baseline, 6 months and 12 months using measures of parental mental health, competence, child behaviour, child development, home environment and blinded-observation of parent-child interactions. Results Significant intervention group improvements were found in parental mental well-being and observed praise at 6 months. Significant improvements for the intervention group at 12 months included child development, home environment and parental depression. Conclusion The study provides preliminary evidence for programme attendance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Parental language is associated with children's later language development. Parenting programmes, based on social learning theory, enhance a range of parenting behaviours, yet there is limited evidence for their effect on parental language. Aim To assess the benefits of a behavioural-based parenting programme, which features components of language and communication, to enhance parental language. Method Parents of toddlers, aged 12 to 36 months, were recruited from eight Flying Start early intervention centres across Wales. Participants were randomised 2:1 either to a parenting programme ( n = 60) or to a wait-list control group ( n = 29). Researchers were blind to participant allocation throughout the trial. Fifteen-minute video-recorded observations of parents and children interacting during free-play, both at a pre-intervention and at 6-month follow-up, provided the data for the study. Five observed measures of parental language were assessed; quantity and variety, encouraging, critical, child-led and parent led interactions. Intervention The Incredible Years Parent- Toddler Programme ( IYPTP) is a 12-week group-based behavioural intervention that teaches effective relationship and behavioural management skills including social, emotional and persistence coaching to enable parents to better support their children's development. Results Of 89 dyads that completed pre-intervention assessments 81 (54 intervention and 27 control) met the criteria for the current study. Intention to treat analysis indicated that child-led language interactions significantly benefited from the intervention [regression coefficient ( B) = −1.44, 95% confidence intervals ( CI) = −2.59 to −0.29, P = 0.015, effect size ( ES) = 0.47] and a positive trend for encouraging language in favour of the intervention sample was evident. Per-protocol sample analysis replicated these findings with encouraging language reaching statistical significance ( B = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.11 to 2.03, P = 0.03, ES = 0.52). No further benefits were evident. Conclusions The IYPTP has limited evidence as an effective programme for enhancing some aspects of parental language. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural environmental change has produced countless opportunities for species to disperse into and persist in habitats where they previously did not exist. Introduction and stocking programmes have facilitated similar sorts of colonization opportunities across considerably greater geographical scales and often in much shorter periods of time. Even though the mechanism of colonization differs, the result can be the same: evolutionary change in the colonizing population in response to novel selection pressures. As a consequence, some human-mediated fish transfers have unintentionally yielded novel research opportunities to study how phenotypes and genes interact with their environment and affect ecological and evolutionary change. The primary purpose here is to explore how work, directly or indirectly involved with human-mediated transfers, has unintentionally yielded novel research and research opportunities in fish ecology and evolution. Insights have produced new knowledge or altered previously held perceptions on topics such as local adaptation, rate of evolutionary change, phenotypic plasticity, alternative reproductive strategies, population structure and colonization probability. Well-documented stocking programmes, especially in terms of history, numbers and original population sources, can provide highly fertile ground for generating further insights on the ecology and evolution of fishes and of the factors likely to influence the success of conservation-based, restoration programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

the incidence of conduct disorder in young children is 10% in the general population and 37% among fostered children. Up to 40% of untreated children diagnosed with conduct disorder develop problems later in life including drug misuse, criminal and violent behaviour. There are more than 80 000 looked after children in the UK, with 5000 in Wales. Challenging child behaviour is the main reason for placement breakdown and has huge cost implications as challenging children cost up to 10 times more in service use than children without conduct disorder. The Incredible Years (IY) evidence-based parenting programme is an effective, low cost solution in improving child behaviour and social competence in 'conventional' families and thus has the potential to support foster carers in managing difficult behaviours. Our main aims were to establish: This was a 12-month trial platform study with 46 foster carers in three authorities in Wales. Carers were allocated 2:1 intervention to waiting-list control. Validated measures were used to assess 'parenting' competency, carers' depression levels, child behaviour and service use. Measures were administered at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Intervention carers received the programme between baseline and follow-up. Analyses showed a significant reduction in child problem behaviour and improvement in carers' depression levels for intervention families at follow-up, compared with control. Unexpectedly, there was a significant improvement in control carers' self-reported 'parenting' strategies. Special education was the greatest service cost for looked after children. Initial foster carer training could incorporate the IY programme to support carers in establishing positive relationships and managing difficult child behaviour. Programme participation may lead to reduced service use and improved placement stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individual variability in the mating success of male Atlantic cod Gadus morhua was quantified within an aggregation ( n= 59) breeding undisturbed in a large (684 m3) mesocosm tank. Observational and morphometric data were examined to assess the degree to which this mating variation could be explained by aspects of morphology, condition and spawning behaviour. The number of ventral mounts initiated ( i.e. mating success) was highly variable; most mounts were initiated by a very small percentage of available males. The significant correlate of male mating success was mass of the sound producing musculature, i.e. drumming muscles. Neither body size, condition, pelvic and median fin morphology nor aggression influenced the number of ventral mounts initiated by a male. The present study suggests a possible link between sound production and mating success in Atlantic cod. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Growth rate is of considerable importance to the life histories of indeterminately growing organisms. Its determination of size at age can generate positive associations with several traits, although the rate at which size increases with time has been negatively linked with survival. Such a trade-off may not, however, be evident at growth rates considerably less than species-specific maxima, nor need links between growth and life history be similar for both sexes. 2. Based on a 5-year, mark–recapture study of an unexploited population of Brook Trout ( Salvelinus fontinalis) near the edge of the species’ range, I tested the null hypotheses that seasonal growth does not differ between sexes and that survival is independent of growth rate. Both hypotheses were rejected. 3. Faster growth by males during summer, and by females during winter, can be explained by seasonal differences, by sex, in the proportional allocation of energy to gonads and soma. 4. Survival increased with growth rate per se, independently of the latter's effects on size at age; survival among males appears more dependent on growth than that of females. 5. The results indicate that there can be fitness costs associated with slow growth, that these costs can differ between sexes, and that they may be exacerbated during periods of energetic stress. Trade-offs between growth and survival may depend on the behavioural and developmental contexts in which they are examined, need not be ubiquitous and may vary throughout a species’ geographical range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymorphism at five microsatellite genetic markers (genotyped n = 496) and mark-recapture tagging data (tagged n = 9813) were used to define the population structure of brook charr, Salvelinus fontinalis from the Indian Bay watershed, Newfoundland, Canada. Despite the absence of physical barriers to migration among lakes, both genetic and tagging data suggest that brook charr in each lake represent reproductively isolated populations. Exact tests comparing allele frequencies, θ (global value = 0·063), R st (global value = 0·052), individual assignment tests, and Nei's genetic distance provided congruent estimates of population subdivision in agreement with the tagging data (only 2·2% of recaptures were lake-to-lake). The genetic structure of the brook charr populations corresponded with the geographic structure of the drainage basin on a qualitative level, although linear distance over water was not significantly correlated with the tagging data or the genetic distance measures. The agreement between the tagging and the genetic data suggest that microsatellite markers can be useful tools for defining real biological units. The results also suggest that brook charr exhibit microgeographic population structure at the watershed scale, and that this is the scale at which conservation and management of this salmonid might best be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated soil organic carbon (SOC) characteristics in three forests along a north-south transect in Sweden where these forest types cover about 69% of the landscape. There was variation in 14C ages, and the median ages ranged from about 25 to > 2500 cal BP in SOC. Although total SOC and nitrogen (N) contents decreased, stable carbon isotope and humification indices increased with depth. These progressive changes with depth and age were related to degradation. The δ13C values and specific biomarkers indicated that organic carbon was primarily from C3 plants. Biomarkers were effective in distinguishing OC input from specific sources (i.e. angiosperms, gymnosperms and grasses). A sharp decrease in biomarkers with depth indicated degradation of OC in the upper soil horizon, and limited contribution in the subsoil towards the stabilization of SOC. The sharp decrease in carbon stocks and 14C age in the soil OC pool with increasing soil depth, and quite large values for the percentage of modern carbon, suggested a decrease in SOC pools. Overall, these results showed that carbon sequestration in high latitude forests was small, and their role as potential carbon sinks needs to be reassessed. Highlights We studied soil organic carbon (SOC) characteristics in Swedish boreal and temperate forests., The decline of SOC with depth contributes little to carbon sequestration in deeper soil horizons., Soil degradation causes a decline in total carbon, nitrogen, alkanes and lignin with depth and age., The role of these forests as carbon sinks needs to be reassessed because of degradation of SOC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Raman spectroscopy of human tissue can provide a unique biochemical 'fingerprint' that alters with disease progression. Light incident on tissue is scattered and may be altered in wavelength, which can be represented as a Raman spectrum. A confocal fibreoptic Raman probe designed to fit down the accessory channel of a colonoscope has been constructed. This in-vitro study evaluated the accuracy of pathological diagnosis in the colon using probe-based Raman spectroscopy. Method Biopsy samples were collected at colonoscopy, snap frozen and stored at −80°C. Raman spectra with 10-s and 1-s acquisition periods were measured with the probe tip in contact with the mucosal surface of thawed specimens. Mathematical modelling using principal component analysis followed by linear discriminant analysis was used to correlate Raman spectra with histopathological diagnoses. Results Three-hundred and seventy-five Raman spectra were measured from a total of 356 colon biopsies (81 of normal colon mucosa, 79 of hyperplastic polyps, 92 of adenomatous polyps, 64 of adenocarcinoma and 40 of ulcerative colitis) from 177 patients. Spectral classification accuracies comparing pathology pairs ranged from 72.1 to 95.9% for 10-s acquisitions and from 61.5 to 95.1% for 1-s acquisitions. For a three-group model of normal, adenomatous and adenocarcinoma tissue, accuracies were 74.1% for 10-s acquisitions and 63.5% for 1-s acquisitions. Conclusion The confocal Raman probe system can distinguish between different colorectal pathologies. The probe has potential to establish Raman spectroscopy as a clinical tool for instant diagnosis at colonoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence and magnitude of multiple paternity were estimated for a natural, unmanipulated spawning population of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. Egg nests were surveyed in the autumn and sub-samples were excavated the following spring. Parentage data derived from microsatellite DNA revealed an unexpectedly high level of multiple paternity. Within a single redd, females may mate with as many as 16 different males, including small mature male parr and large anadromous males. Multiple paternity was most pronounced in areas of highest redd density, corresponding with increased abundances of mature male parr. In addition, there was considerable variation in success among males, although this variability did not depend upon the number of males participating in spawning. This work underscores the value of undertaking genetic studies on the mating systems of fishes in unmanipulated, natural environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper outlines the presentation, aetiology and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in pre-school children. A review of current parenting training interventions demonstrates that there is good evidence for their efficacy in reducing symptoms of ADHD in pre-school children, and three interventions are evaluated: The new forest parent training programme (NFPP); the triple P--positive parenting programme and the incredible years parent training programme (IY). The evaluation of the NFPP provides strong evidence demonstrating its effectiveness for pre-school children with ADHD, while the efficacy of the Triple--P and the IY programme have, to date, only been demonstrated on children with conduct problems and co-morbid ADHD. It is suggested that parent training should be the first choice treatment for pre-school children presenting signs of ADHD, and medication introduced only for those children where parent training is not effective. Few moderators of outcome have been identified for these interventions, with the exception of parental ADHD. Barriers to intervention and implementation fidelity will need to be addressed to achieve high levels of attendance, completion and efficacy. The IY programme is a good model for addressing fidelity issues and for overcoming barriers to intervention. The future directions for parent training are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Change in parenting skills, particularly increased positive parenting, has been identified as the key component of successful evidence-based parent training (PT), playing a causal role in subsequent child behaviour change for both prevention and treatment of Conduct Disorder. The amount of change in parenting skills observed after PT varies and may be accounted for by both the content of the programme and by the level of PT implementer process skills. Such variation in implementer skills is an important component in the assessment of treatment fidelity, itself an essential factor in successful intervention outcome. Aims To establish whether the Leader Observation Tool, a reliable and valid process skills fidelity measure, can predict change in parenting skills after attendance on the Incredible Years PT programme. Results Positive leader skills categories of the Leader Observation Tool significantly predicted change in both parent-reported and independently observed parenting skills behaviour, which in turn, predicted change in child behaviour outcome. Conclusions Delivering an intervention with a high level of treatment fidelity not only preserves the behaviour change mechanisms of the intervention, but can also predict parental behaviour change, which itself predicts child behaviour change as a result of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This study examined the long-term efficacy of the Incredible Years (IY) BASIC Parenting Programme delivered as a preventive intervention with parents of pre-school children who display signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct problems. Families were followed up after the completion of a controlled trial with 11 Sure Start areas in North and Mid-Wales and North West England. Methods Participants in the study were 50 pre-school children whose parents had received the intervention. Child ADHD symptoms were assessed at baseline, at follow-up one (6 months after baseline); at follow-up two (12 months after baseline); and at follow-up three (18 months after baseline). Families in the original waiting-list control group were not assessed after follow-up one as they had subsequently received the same intervention. Results The significant post-intervention improvements in child ADHD symptoms evident at follow-up one were maintained over time, as demonstrated by statistical and clinical stability of measures. No significant differences were found for ADHD symptoms across each follow-up, indicating that the gains made post intervention were maintained for at least 12 months, with 57% of the sample maintaining scores below the clinical cut-off on the Conners. Eighty-six, 58, and 30 per cent respectively had maintained at least a modest, large, or very large improvement in ADHD symptoms at follow-up three. Conclusions Findings from this study suggest that the IY psychosocial treatment programme is a valuable intervention in the longer term for many pre-school children displaying early signs of ADHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Despite recognition of the need to deliver evidence-based programmes in the field of mental health, there is little emphasis on implementing such programmes with fidelity. Attempts by programme developers to ensure adherence to their programmes include the development of training, manuals and content scales, but these alone may be insufficient to ensure fidelity in replication. Observational measures lend themselves as a potentially useful assessment of intervention outcomes, providing accurate and objective accounts of the intervention process. Aim To develop a reliable and valid observational treatment fidelity tool of process skills required to deliver the Incredible Years (IY) BASIC parenting programme effectively. Methods An objective observational fidelity measure was developed to assess adherence to the IY BASIC parenting programme protocol. Observations were conducted on 12 IY BASIC parenting programme groups, attended by parents of pre-school children displaying signs of early onset conduct disorder. Results The Leader Observation Tool (LOT) achieved high internal reliability and good code–recode and inter-rater reliability. Evidence of concurrent validity was also obtained. Conclusions Having demonstrated that the LOT is a reliable and valid measure of implementation fidelity, further research is necessary to examine the relationship between LOT scores and intervention outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The efficacy of the Incredible Years (IY) Basic parent training (PT) programme for a community-based sample of families with pre-school children at risk of developing both conduct problems and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was examined. Methods Pre-school children displaying signs of both early-onset conduct problems and ADHD were randomly allocated to either IY PT intervention, or to a waiting list (WL) control group. Child symptoms were assessed before and after the intervention. Results Post intervention, the intervention group was associated with significantly lower levels of parent-reported inattention and hyperactive/impulsive difficulties, even after controlling for post-intervention changes in child deviance. In addition, 52% of those in the intervention condition, compared with 21% in the control condition, displayed clinically reliable improvements post intervention, giving an absolute risk reduction of 31% and a number needed to treat of 3.23. Conclusions Findings from this study indicate that the IY PT programme is a valuable intervention for many pre-school children displaying early signs of ADHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on aggression in healthcare settings have reported increased frequency of this behaviour in both psychiatric and accident and emergency areas; however, to date, very few studies have addressed this issue in general ward settings in Australia. This descriptive study was conducted to determine nurses' perceptions of the nature and frequency of aggressive behaviours in general wards and high dependency areas and thereby address the gap in the literature. Two hundred and nine nurses in one Australian hospital completed a 23-item questionnaire on aggression in the workplace. The findings revealed that the majority (89.5%) of nurses defined aggressive behaviour as including verbal aggression, physical aggression and intimidation. Ninety-five per cent of respondents had encountered at least several episodes of verbal aggression within the last 12 months. Patients were found to be the main perpetrators of aggressive acts, followed by relatives. After experiencing either verbal or physical aggression nurses most frequently reported feeling angry or emotionally hurt. These findings confirm that acts of aggression are experienced frequently in the general medical and surgical ward areas of the study hospital. Consequently, there is a need to provide staff with education and support in order to deal with this issue and minimize the impact of increasing levels of aggression in the workplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]