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Aboriginal children are overrepresented in foster care and more Aboriginal foster parents are needed. A randomized group of licensed First Nations, Metis and Inuit foster parents in a Canadian jurisdiction were asked about their spiritual needs to foster. In response to the question “what do you need spiritually to foster?” there were 55 unique responses that were grouped by participants into five concepts including: religion, practice, integration, sharing and contentment. These results were compared and contrasted with the existing fostering literature.Keywords: Aboriginal; foster care; Canada; spirituality

Professionals in the field of family violence participated in telephone interviews that included the question: “How would you address content with Aboriginal men in couple counseling who use abusiv...

The purpose of this study was to identify services that caregivers of youth with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder believe would help youth with FASD succeed in school. Sixteen caregivers participated in telephone interviews that included the question: “What services would help youth be successful in school?” A concept mapping technique was employed, in which responses were grouped together by participants and the grouping data was analyzed using multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis. Six concepts emerged from the question about services, including the following: (1) being heard by educators, (2) FASD-informed educators, (3) involvement in child’s education, (4) resources and accommodations, (5) supportive knowledge base, and (6) support and understanding at home. Concepts were compared to the existing literature.

There is a small, methodologically diverse body of research indicating that approximately 20% of families provide disproportionate amounts of foster caregiving, place fewer restrictions on characteristics of children they are willing to foster and actually do foster, and provide caregiving environments as good as or better than those provided by other foster families. Cherry and Orme (2013) conceptualized this phenomenon in terms of the Pareto Principle , also known as the 80-20 rule or the Vital Few , and they refer to these 20% of families as the Vital Few and the remaining 80% as the Useful Many . This review will examine and synthesize the available research on Vital Few foster families and explore next steps in the development of this body of research.

Caregivers of youth with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder participated in telephone interviews about their hopes for their youths as adults. Interviews with 16 birth, adoptive, and foster parents, as well as with aunts and grandparents of children over the age of 10 years, were conducted. A total of 54 unique responses were made to the question “What do you want for your child as an adult?”. Participants independently grouped all responses into themes. The groupings were analyzed using multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis using the concept system and resulted in four concepts. The concepts included the following: (a) education and employment, (b) positive relationships, (c) community integration, and (d) support services. The main differences between the participants’ experiences and the literature centered on different emphases on feelings relative to skills and on strengths relative to deficits.

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an essential enzyme that can be targeted by organophosphorus (OP) compounds, including nerve agents. Following exposure to OPs, AChE becomes phosphylated (inhibited) and undergoes a subsequent aging process where the OP-AChE adduct is dealkylated. The aged AChE is unable to hydrolyze acetylcholine, resulting in accumulation of the neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS) and elsewhere. Current therapeutics are only capable of reactivating inhibited AChE. There are no known therapeutic agents to reverse the aging process or treat aged AChE. Quinone methides (QMs) have been shown to alkylate phosphates under physiological conditions. In this study, a small library of novel quinone methide precursors (QMPs) has been synthesized and examined as potential alkylating agents against model nucleophiles, including a model phosphonate. Computational studies have been performed to evaluate the affinity of QMPs for the aged AChE active site, and preliminary testing with electric eel AChE has been performed.

There is little research on the experiences of foster parent resource workers. Resource workers in foster care are the staff members who work most closely with foster parents. Foster parent resource workers in a large metropolitan area were asked the question: “What makes for a good relationship between a resource worker and a foster parent?”. The results were analyzed using concept mapping and resulted in eight concepts. Resource workers needed foster parents to follow through on expectations of their role through licensure and agency guidelines and agreements. They described the need for flexibility in their own role and actions. They focused described the need for common ground with foster parents, have respect for their knowledge and contributions, as well as to provide recognition and thanks. Resource workers needed to be attentive to foster parents, clear about their role and be good communicators. There was a great deal of overlap in the qualities of a good relationship from the perspectives of resource workers in the present study and the perspectives of foster parents as reflected in the existing literature. However, differences that appeared in the literature but not in the present study focused on the importance of resource provision by resource workers to foster parents, and in the results but not the literature focused on the evaluative aspects of resource workers’ role with foster parents.

Background Reasons underlying the social exclusion of children with intellectual or learning disabilities are not entirely understood. Although it is important to heed the voices of children on this issue, it is also important to consider the degree to which these ideas are informed. The present authors invited educators to evaluate the content of children's ideas on the causes of social exclusion. Method Educators thematically sorted and rated children's ideas on why classmates with intellectual or learning disabilities are socially excluded. Sorted data were analysed with multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis. Results Six thematic clusters were identified differing in content to those provided by children in an earlier study. Educators generally rated children's ideas as showing somewhat uninformed ideas about why social exclusion occurs. Conclusions Educators indicated that children need to be better informed about intellectual and learning disabilities. Limitations and implications are discussed.

Interventions for family violence in Aboriginal communities should take a culture-based approach and focus on healing for the whole family. The purpose of this research was to identify risk issues from the perspective of service providers for couples counseling with Aboriginal clients following intimate partner violence. A total of 25 service providers participated in over the phone interviews concerning risk with Aboriginal men in couple counseling. Five concepts emerged including (a) collaterals, (b) commitment to change, (c) violence, (d) mind-set, and (e) mental health. It was concluded that culturally competent interventions should involve the entire community and have a restorative approach. The concepts were compared and contrasted with the available literature.

Professionals in the field of family violence participated in telephone interviews that included the question: “How would you address safety with Aboriginal men in couple counseling who use abusive behavior toward their intimate partner?” Four concepts emerged from the responses: personal responsibility, community involvement, mandatory reporting, and separate support for women. Results of the analysis were compared and contrasted with the available literature.

Foster care departments are primary sources of support to foster parents within the system. Resource workers are the main points of contact for foster parents within agencies but little has been reported in the literature about their role. Foster parent resource workers within a large metropolitan area were asked “What does a foster parent resource worker do?” Results were analyzed using the concept mapping method and ten concepts resulted from the analysis including: monitor placement, facilitate communication between parties, teach communication skills, match foster homes and foster children, retain foster parents, promote teamwork, address problems with placements, support foster families, exercise authority, and ensure smooth operation.

Thirty-six children between 9 and 12 years of age were invited to share their ideas on how to socially include classmates with learning or intellectual disabilities at school. Participants generated 80 strategies which were categorized into seven major themes. Thematic categories focused on the need for teachers to intervene in academic and social situations, child-to-child instructional strategies, being supportive, focusing on similarities between children with and without disabilities, modelling appropriate behaviors and intervening in negative interactions, structured inclusive activities, and noninclusive activities. Participants were aware of the challenges experienced by classmates with disabilities, and recognized the need to work with classmates and teachers towards the social inclusion of children with intellectual and learning disabilities. Educational implications are addressed.

Background Previous research has shown that children with intellectual or learning disabilities are at risk for social exclusion by their peers but little is known of children's views on this topic. In this study, we used concept mapping to investigate elementary school children's thoughts on why they believe their peers with intellectual or learning disabilities are sometimes socially excluded at school. Method Participants were 49 grade five and six children who attended inclusive classrooms. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed. We extracted 49 unique statements from the transcribed data, and then invited participants to sort the statements into meaningful categories. Results Sorted data were entered into matrices, which were summed and analysed with multi-dimensional scaling and cluster analysis. A four-cluster solution provided the best conceptual fit for the data. Clusters reflected themes on (1) the thoughts and actions of other children; (2) differences in learning ability and resource allocation; (3) affect, physical characteristics and schooling; and (4) negative thoughts and behaviours. Conclusions The overarching reason for social exclusion focused on differences between children with and without disabilities. This study also provided evidence that children are effective, reliable and competent participants in concept mapping. Educational and research implications are discussed.

Aboriginal children are overrepresented in care across Canada, and Aboriginal foster parents are underrepresented. To assist in development of targeted recruitment and retention efforts, Aboriginal foster parents were asked to respond to the question “what motivates you to foster”. The responses were analyzed using the Concept Mapping method. There were seven concepts including: help Aboriginal children, gives me purpose, use my parenting abilities, meet community need, care for the next generation, personal benefits, and keep families together. Similarities and differences between the participants' experiences and the motives identified in previous literature were discussed.

Background: 5-HT2B receptors are localized within the myenteric nervous system, but their functions on motor/sensory neurons are unclear. To explore the role of these receptors, we further characterized the 5-HT2B receptor antagonist RS-127445 and studied its effects on peristalsis and defecation. Experimental approach: Although reported as a selective 5-HT2B receptor antagonist, any interactions of RS-127445 with 5-HT4 receptors are unknown; this was examined using the recombinant receptor and Biomolecular Interaction Detection technology. Mouse isolated colon was mounted in tissue baths for isometric recording of neuronal contractions evoked by electrical field stimulation (EFS), or under an intraluminal pressure gradient to induce peristalsis; the effects of RS-127445 on EFS-induced and on peristaltic contractions were measured. Faecal output of rats in grid-bottom cages was measured over 3 h following i.p. RS-127445 and separately, validation of the effective doses was achieved by determining the free, unbound fraction of RS-127445 in blood and brain. Key results: RS-127445 (up to 1 µmol·L−1) did not interact with the 5-HT4 receptor. RS-127445 (0.001–1 µmol·L−1) did not affect EFS-induced contractions of the colon, although at 10 µmol·L−1 the contractions were reduced (to 36 ± 8% of control, n= 4). RS-127445 (0.1–10 µmol·L−1) concentration-dependently reduced peristaltic frequency (n= 4). RS-127445 (1–30 mg·kg−1), dose-dependently reduced faecal output, reaching significance at 10 and 30 mg·kg−1 (n= 6–11). In blood and brain, >98% of RS-127445 was protein-bound. Conclusions and implications: High-protein binding of RS-127445 indicates that relatively high doses are required for efficacy. The results suggest that 5-HT2B receptors tonically regulate colonic motility.

A random sample of licensed foster parents caring for children with disabilities in a major Canadian city was asked “what are the problems you encounter fostering a child with a disability?” A total of 85 unique responses were obtained. These responses were grouped together by the foster parents. The groupings by foster parents were subjected to two statistical analyses, resulting in seven concepts. The concepts included the problems associated with obtaining specialized professional services, costs associated with fostering a child with a disability, arranging and maintaining appropriate educational placements and services, dealing with child's behavioral challenges, having opportunities to engage in self-care, managing multiple roles, and dealing with the health care system. The results were generally consistent with the available literature. However, some differences were noted and suggest relevant topics for future research with foster parents.

A sample of 63 licensed foster parents who had fostered a child who was diagnosed with a disorder in the fetal alcohol spectrum were asked “What would make you consider ending a placement with a child who has a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder?” The responses to this question were grouped together by foster parents. The grouping data were subjected to multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis. Results indicated that foster parents would consider ending a placement if they felt they were being taken for granted, burned out, had insufficient information about the child, or if the child had serious behavior problems, caused harm to others in the home, or did not comply with household rules and routines. Discrepancies between the literature and study results were described and suggestions for future research were made.

This study investigated differences in the experiences of Canadian foster parents providing regular and treatment foster care and their consideration to withdraw from their position. Survey responses from 852 foster parents were analyzed subsequent to separating the participants into two groups based on the primary type of care they provided (regular N = 454; treatment N = 398). Results revealed that treatment foster care parents considered withdrawing at a higher rate compared to regular foster care parents. Subsequent analysis revealed numerous differences between the two groups regarding foster parents’ experiences in fostering and reasons to withdraw. The results are discussed in the context of increasing concern for a declining number of foster parents with the coincidental increase in the number of children who enter foster care with higher rates of trauma and mental health disorders requiring a treatment response.

1. N-{2-[4-(4,9-diethoxy-1-oxo-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzo[f]isoindol-2-yl)phenyl]acetyl}benzene sulphonamide (GW627368X) is a novel, potent and selective competitive antagonist of prostanoid EP4 receptors with additional human TP receptor affinity. 2. At recombinant human prostanoid EP4 receptors expressed in HEK293 cells, GW627368X produced parallel rightward shifts of PGE2 concentration-effect (E/[A]) curves resulting in an affinity (pKb) estimate of 7.9 +/- 0.4 and a Schild slpoe not significantly different from unity. The affinity was independent of the agonist used. 4. In rings of phenylephrine precontracted piglet saphenous vein, GW627368X (30-300 nM) produced parallel rightward displacement of PGE2 E/[A] curves (pKb = 9.2 +/- 0.2; slope = 1). 4. GW627368X appears to bind to human prostanoid TP receptors but not the TP receptors of other species. In human washed platelets, GW627368X (10 microM) produced 100% inhibition of U-46619 (EC100)-induced aggregation (approximate pA2 approximately 7.0). However, in rings of rabbit and piglet saphenous vein and of guinea-pig aorta GW627368X (10 microM) did not displace U-46619 E/[A] curves indicating an affinity of < 5.0 for rabbit and guinea-pig prostanoid TP receptors. 5. In functional assays GW627368X is devoid of both agonism and antagonist affinity for prostanoid CRTH2, EP2, EP3, IP and FP receptors. At prostanoid EP1 receptors, GW627368X was an antagonist with a pA2 of 6.0, and at prostanoid IP receptors the compound increased the maximum effect of iloprost by 55%. At rabbit prostanoid EP2 receptors the pA2 of GW627368X was < 5.0. 6. In competition radioligand bioassays, GW627368X had affinity for human prostanoid EP4 and TP receptors (pKi = 7.0 +/- 0.2 (n = 10) and 6.8 (n = 2), respectively). Affinity for all other human prostanoid receptors was < 5.3. 7. GW627368X will be a valuable tool to explore the role of the prostanoid EP4 receptor in many physiological and pathological settings.

We examined the service needs of foster families with children who have disabilities. Foster parents in a large Canadian city were asked “What services or supports would be helpful to you?” The responses to this question were edited for clarity and to eliminate redundancies, and sorted into piles of like statements by a group of 15 foster care professionals. Two types of statistical analysis were applied to the sorting of the statements to describe the relationship between statements and their groupings. The major concepts were identified according to the contents of the cluster and a map was constructed to provide a graphic representation of the conceptualization process. The major services and supports identified in this study were: support in the community, financial support, accommodating school system, good relationships with social workers, responsive professionals, information, comprehensive medical care, services for aboriginal children and families, transitional services, and respite.

The purpose of the study was to describe the challenges of parents of children with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Nineteen birth, foster or adoptive parents were asked to answer the following question: “What are the challenges you face parenting a child with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder?” The data were analyzed using multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis. Eight clusters resulted. Parents reported the challenges of preventing setbacks in their children's behavior, making time for themselves, making and keeping immediate and longer-term plans with their child, collaborating with the school, keeping the child involved in social activities, keeping their family involved in social activities, being heard by professionals, and managing their child's behavior problems. The themes were consistent with the literature on parenting children with a FASD, with the exception that participants in the study indicated that they found a lack of respect from professionals with whom they cam...

Original article can be found at: http://www.nature.com/bjp/index.html Copyright British Pharmacological Society and Nature Publishing Group. DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0705914 [Full text of this article is not available in the UHRA]

The purpose of the study was to describe the essential elements of an Aboriginal-based family violence intervention program. Twenty-one Aboriginal family violence program administrators and service providers were asked “What program components are essential in an Aboriginal family violence prevention program?” Respondents identified the need for sound administrative structure and function, qualified and healthy staff, and consistent program funding. Coordinated service delivery with other community agencies was described. Program components should be based on traditional teachings, should create awareness of personal and family dynamics and change, and should educate about family violence. There were needs for components for partners seperately, partners and their children, partners together, and the whole family. These components coincided with Aboriginal traditional teachings. Implications for program development were described.

We designed basket 1 to comprise a C-3-symmetric hydrophobic cage (477 angstrom(3)) at its southern edge and three polar ammonium caps at the northern edge. This amphiphilic molecule was observed to assemble into large unilamellar vesicles (350 nm, TEM) in water and thereby entrap dimethyl phenylphosphonate (184 angstrom(3)) in its cavity (K-app = (1.97 +/- 0.02) X 10(3) M-1). The entrapment of the organophosphonate, akin to soman in size (186 angstrom(3)), triggers the transformation of the vesicular material into nanoparticles (100 nm,of type 1 in their bilayer membrane, are unique assemblies and important for obtaining novel sensing devices. Supplementary material: [http://cherry.chem.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/3469]

Background Biliverdin IXα is produced when heme undergoes reductive ring cleavage at the α-methene bridge catalyzed by heme oxygenase. It is subsequently reduced by biliverdin reductase to bilirubin IXα which is a potent endogenous antioxidant. Biliverdin IXα, through interaction with biliverdin reductase, also initiates signaling pathways leading to anti-inflammatory responses and suppression of cellular pro-inflammatory events. The use of biliverdin IXα as a cytoprotective therapeutic has been suggested, but its clinical development and use is currently limited by insufficient quantity, uncertain purity, and derivation from mammalian materials. To address these limitations, methods to produce, recover and purify biliverdin IXα from bacterial cultures of Escherichia coli were investigated and developed. Results Recombinant E. coli strains BL21(HO1) and BL21(mHO1) expressing cyanobacterial heme oxygenase gene ho1 and a sequence modified version (mho1) optimized for E. coli expression, respectively, were constructed and shown to produce biliverdin IXα in batch and fed-batch bioreactor cultures. Strain BL21(mHO1) produced roughly twice the amount of biliverdin IXα than did strain BL21(HO1). Lactose either alone or in combination with glycerol supported consistent biliverdin IXα production by strain BL21(mHO1) (up to an average of 23. 5mg L-1 culture) in fed-batch mode and production by strain BL21 (HO1) in batch-mode was scalable to 100L bioreactor culture volumes. Synthesis of the modified ho1 gene protein product was determined, and identity of the enzyme reaction product as biliverdin IXα was confirmed by spectroscopic and chromatographic analyses and its ability to serve as a substrate for human biliverdin reductase A. Conclusions Methods for the scalable production, recovery, and purification of biliverdin IXα by E. coli were developed based on expression of a cyanobacterial ho1 gene. The purity of the produced biliverdin IXα and its ability to serve as substrate for human biliverdin reductase A suggest its potential as a clinically useful therapeutic.