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Fragestellung Halt die durch stationar-psychosomatische Behandlung erreichte klinische Besserung ein bzw. 2 Jahre nach der Entlassung an? Wie verandert sich die medizinische Inanspruchnahme nach der Entlassung verglichen mit dem Jahr vor der stationar-psychosomatischen Behandlung? Methode Die einwilligende Stichprobe zum Entlasszeitpunkt (N=250) wird anhand von 6 klinischen, 2 ressourcenbezogenen und 11 versorgungsmedizinischen Variablen zu 6 Messzeitpunkten (Aufnahme, Entlassung und jeweils 6, 12, 18, 24 Monate nach Entlassung) untersucht. Die adharente Teilstichprobe (n=86) und die nicht adharente (n=164) Teilstichprobe werden anhand von 25 Variablen verglichen. Der Verlauf der Zielvariablen wird graphisch anhand von Box-Plots dargestellt. Bivariate Vergleiche werden mit Mann-Withney-, Wilcoxon- und t-Tests mit Bonferroni-Korrektur durchgefuhrt, Vergleiche aller Messzeitpunkte fur die Zielvariablen unter statistischer Kontrolle mit ausgewahlten Kovariaten anhand von multivariaten Random-Effects-Regressionsmodellen unter Einsatz von multipler Imputation fur Zeitreihen (MICE). Ergebnisse Die adharente und die nichtadharente Teilstichprobe unterscheiden sich kaum nach Korrektur der Alpha-Inflation. Zwei Jahre nach der Entlassung sind bei der adharenten Teilstichprobe alle Zielvariablen im Vergleich zum Aufnahmezeitpunkt signifikant gebessert (p

SummaryThe proteome provides unique insights into biology and disease beyond the genome and transcriptome. Lack of large proteomic datasets has restricted identification of new cancer biomarkers. Here, proteomes of 949 cancer cell lines across 28 tissue types were analyzed by mass spectrometry. Deploying a clinically-relevant workflow to quantify 8,498 proteins, these data capture evidence of cell type and post-transcriptional modifications. Integrating multi-omics, drug response and CRISPR-Cas9 gene essentiality screens with a deep learning-based pipeline revealed thousands of protein-specific biomarkers of cancer vulnerabilities. Proteomic data had greater power to predict drug response than the equivalent portion of the transcriptome. Further, random downsampling to only 1,500 proteins had limited impact on predictive power, consistent with protein networks being highly connected and co-regulated. This pan-cancer proteomic map (ProCan-DepMapSanger), available at https://cellmodelpassports.sanger.ac.uk, is a comprehensive resource revealing principles of protein regulation with important implications for future clinical studies.

The proteome provides unique insights into disease biology beyond the genome and transcriptome. A lack of large proteomic datasets has restricted the identification of new cancer biomarkers. Here, proteomes of 949 cancer cell lines across 28 tissue types are analyzed by mass spectrometry. Deploying a workflow to quantify 8,498 proteins, these data capture evidence of cell-type and post-transcriptional modifications. Integrating multi-omics, drug response, and CRISPR-Cas9 gene essentiality screens with a deep learning-based pipeline reveals thousands of protein biomarkers of cancer vulnerabilities that are not significant at the transcript level. The power of the proteome to predict drug response is very similar to that of the transcriptome. Further, random downsampling to only 1,500 proteins has limited impact on predictive power, consistent with protein networks being highly connected and co-regulated. This pan-cancer proteomic map (ProCan-DepMapSanger) is a comprehensive resource available at https://cellmodelpassports.sanger.ac.uk.

Here we review information on maternal behaviour in dogs, defined as a combination of all the acts of the mother towards her offspring, which begins before parturition and continues until weaning. In dogs, maternal care is measured using the most commonly observed behaviours, such as the time spent in contact, licking/grooming and nursing of the puppies. Since newborn puppies have a very limited capacity for movement, maternal interaction is essential to their survival, nourishment and protection. It is also an important element of the bonding process between puppies and the bitch and is thought to play a role in the social development of the puppies. Nevertheless, some questions still need to be clarified, such as the best way to quantify factors that may interfere with maternal behaviour. In recent studies, maternal care, or maternal style, was measured using a scoring system and found to be influenced by factors such as litter size, breed and parity, or even human interaction. However, the impact of the emotional state of the bitch and the quality of maternal behaviour on puppy survival and development remain unclear. The long-lasting effects of mother-puppy interactions on puppy behaviour during their adult life are still poorly understood, despite their importance for breeders who wish to prevent future problem behaviours.

Combinations of anti-cancer drugs can overcome resistance and provide new treatments1,2. The number of possible drug combinations vastly exceeds what could be tested clinically. Efforts to systematically identify active combinations and the tissues and molecular contexts in which they are most effective could accelerate the development of combination treatments. Here we evaluate the potency and efficacy of 2,025 clinically relevant two-drug combinations, generating a dataset encompassing 125 molecularly characterized breast, colorectal and pancreatic cancer cell lines. We show that synergy between drugs is rare and highly context-dependent, and that combinations of targeted agents are most likely to be synergistic. We incorporate multi-omic molecular features to identify combination biomarkers and specify synergistic drug combinations and their active contexts, including in basal-like breast cancer, and microsatellite-stable orKRAS-mutant colon cancer. Our results show that irinotecan and CHEK1 inhibition have synergistic effects in microsatellite-stableorKRAS–TP53double-mutant colon cancer cells, leading to apoptosis and suppression of tumour xenograft growth. This study identifies clinically relevant effective drug combinations in distinct molecular subpopulations and is a resource to guide rational efforts to develop combinatorial drug treatments.

ADAPTIL&reg, a dog-appeasing pheromone, was shown to modify the dam&ndash, puppies&rsquo, interactions during the neonatal period but could also influence the weaning period. Fourteen bitch/litter dyads continuously exposed to ADAPTIL&reg, from the third/fourth weeks until the seventh/eighth weeks postpartum were compared to 11 dyads exposed to a placebo. Maternal and puppy behaviours were video-recorded, and at three time points (weeks three/four, weeks five/six and weeks seven/eight) after parturition. The well-being of the puppies and the overall relationship with the bitch were assessed using visual analogue scales (VAS) completed by the caregivers. All mothering behaviours, such as time of contact, licking and the amount of time dedicated to nursing puppies, decreased gradually from weeks three/four to weeks seven/eight. A switch in nursing position was observed over time: the use of the standing position increased compared to the lying position. The treatment had an effect on the nursing position: bitches in the ADAPTIL&reg, group nursed more often in a lying (p = 0.007) or sitting position (p = 0.037), whereas for the placebo group, they favoured the standing position (p = 0.011). Once the puppies became more demanding for suckling, the bitches started showing rejection signs or aggressive growling, with a peak at weeks seven/eight. The pheromone seemed to reduce the intensity of avoidance in bitches exposed to ADAPTIL&reg, at all time points. The score of all events combined as a sign of frustration showed a difference over the full period (p = 0.003), with the placebo group having a significantly higher score. From the caregiver perspective (through the VAS), under ADAPTIL&reg, the bitches were calmer when puppies tried to suckle (p = 0.001), more tolerant towards pups (p = 0.025), showed a greater motherly attitude (p = 0.016), the puppies cried less when left alone (p &lt, 0.001) and interactions amongst pups were more harmonious (p = 0.055). Under ADAPTIL&reg, the bitches were less annoyed by the puppies, who seemed to cope better with frustration. The breeders perceived a benefit of the pheromone during the weaning period.

Simple Summary The process of weaning can potentially affect the development of dogs due to frustration of both the dam and the puppies and, consequently, affect their interactions. Comprehending the dam and puppies’ interactions during the weaning process could provide information to help overcome the challenges of this period. In addition, the use of ADAPTIL®, a dog-appeasing pheromone, could potentially reduce the stress and decrease the frustration associated with weaning. To better understand the dam and puppies’ interactions around the weaning time and the effect of ADAPTIL®, 25 bitch/litter dyads were evaluated under the influence of ADAPTIL® (n = 14) or a placebo (n = 11). Video recording allowed the evaluation of the dam and puppies’ behaviours at weeks three/four, weeks five/six and weeks seven/eight). Contact of the dam and the puppies were inversely affected when compared to puppy-to-puppy interactions. Over time, the dam spent less time with the puppies, and the puppies played more often with their littermates. Under ADAPTIL®, the puppies seemed to cope better with frustration, and the bitches were more relaxed in the presence of the puppies. The perception of the breeders measured by visual analogue scales indicated a beneficial outcome of the use of the pheromone in the dam/puppies relationship during the weaning period. Abstract ADAPTIL®, a dog-appeasing pheromone, was shown to modify the dam–puppies’ interactions during the neonatal period but could also influence the weaning period. Fourteen bitch/litter dyads continuously exposed to ADAPTIL® from the third/fourth weeks until the seventh/eighth weeks postpartum were compared to 11 dyads exposed to a placebo. Maternal and puppy behaviours were video-recorded, and at three time points (weeks three/four, weeks five/six and weeks seven/eight) after parturition. The well-being of the puppies and the overall relationship with the bitch were assessed using visual analogue scales (VAS) completed by the caregivers. All mothering behaviours, such as time of contact, licking and the amount of time dedicated to nursing puppies, decreased gradually from weeks three/four to weeks seven/eight. A switch in nursing position was observed over time: the use of the standing position increased compared to the lying position. The treatment had an effect on the nursing position: bitches in the ADAPTIL® group nursed more often in a lying (p = 0.007) or sitting position (p = 0.037), whereas for the placebo group, they favoured the standing position (p = 0.011). Once the puppies became more demanding for suckling, the bitches started showing rejection signs or aggressive growling, with a peak at weeks seven/eight. The pheromone seemed to reduce the intensity of avoidance in bitches exposed to ADAPTIL® at all time points. The score of all events combined as a sign of frustration showed a difference over the full period (p = 0.003), with the placebo group having a significantly higher score. From the caregiver perspective (through the VAS), under ADAPTIL®, the bitches were calmer when puppies tried to suckle (p = 0.001), more tolerant towards pups (p = 0.025), showed a greater motherly attitude (p = 0.016), the puppies cried less when left alone (p < 0.001) and interactions amongst pups were more harmonious (p = 0.055). Under ADAPTIL®, the bitches were less annoyed by the puppies, who seemed to cope better with frustration. The breeders perceived a benefit of the pheromone during the weaning period.

Hält die durch stationär-psychosomatische Behandlung erreichte klinische Besserung ein bzw. 2 Jahre nach der Entlassung an? Wie verändert sich die medizinische Inanspruchnahme nach der Entlassung verglichen mit dem Jahr vor der stationär-psychosomatischen Behandlung?Die einwilligende Stichprobe zum Entlasszeitpunkt (N=250) wird anhand von 6 klinischen, 2 ressourcenbezogenen und 11 versorgungsmedizinischen Variablen zu 6 Messzeitpunkten (Aufnahme, Entlassung und jeweils 6, 12, 18, 24 Monate nach Entlassung) untersucht. Die adhärente Teilstichprobe (n=86) und die nicht adhärente (n=164) Teilstichprobe werden anhand von 25 Variablen verglichen. Der Verlauf der Zielvariablen wird graphisch anhand von Box-Plots dargestellt. Bivariate Vergleiche werden mit Mann-Withney-, Wilcoxon- und t-Tests mit Bonferroni-Korrektur durchgeführt, Vergleiche aller Messzeitpunkte für die Zielvariablen unter statistischer Kontrolle mit ausgewählten Kovariaten anhand von multivariaten Random-Effects-Regressionsmodellen unter Einsatz von multipler Imputation für Zeitreihen (MICE).Die adhärente und die nichtadhärente Teilstichprobe unterscheiden sich kaum nach Korrektur der Alpha-Inflation. Zwei Jahre nach der Entlassung sind bei der adhärenten Teilstichprobe alle Zielvariablen im Vergleich zum Aufnahmezeitpunkt signifikant gebessert (p0,001; durchschnittliche Gesamteffektstärke 1,12). Psychische Symptombelastung und Depressivität haben nach der Entlassung weiter signifikant abgenommen, Selbstwirksamkeit und Lebenszufriedenheit haben signifikant zugenommen. In bivariaten Modellen sinken Krankenhaustage, Arbeitsunfähigkeitstage, Arztbesuche und Medikation ein und 2 Jahre nach der Entlassung verglichen mit dem Jahr vor der Aufnahme. Multivariate Modelle mit der Gesamtstichprobe zum Entlasszeitpunkt bestätigen den positiven Verlauf der klinischen Variablen, zeigen jedoch geringere Unterschiede für die versorgungsmedizinischen Variablen.Die Limitation durch progressive Dropouts zeigte sich unter dem Einsatz multipler Imputation verringert. Die anhaltende klinische Besserung und die Verringerung der medizinischen Inanspruchnahme 2 Jahre nach der Entlassung sprechen für eine mittelfristige Effektivität der stationären psychosomatischen Behandlung. Strukturniveau der Persönlichkeitsorganisation und Neurotizismus sind die besten Prädiktoren für Ausmaß der psychischen Belastung über alle Messzeitpunkte hinweg.Does the clinical improvement achieved by inpatient psychosomatic treatment last one or 2 years after discharge? How does the medical utilization change after discharge compared to the year before the investigated inpatient psychosomatic treatment?The consenting sample at discharge (N=250) is examined using 6 clinical, 2 resource-related and 11 medical care variables at 6 measurement points (admission, discharge, and 6, 12, 18, 24 months after discharge). The adherent subsample 2 years after discharge (n=86) and the nonadherent subsample (n=164) are compared using 25 variables. The course of the target variables is graphically represented by box plots. Bivariate comparisons are performed using Mann-Withney, Wilcoxon and t tests, considering Bonferroni corrections. Comparisons of all measurement points for the target variables under statistical control with selected covariates are performed using multivariate random effects regression models employing chained multiple imputation for time series (MICE).The adherent and non-adherent sub-sample not differed significantly at discharge after correction of alpha inflation. Two years after discharge, all target variables in the adherent sub-sample improved significantly compared to admission (p0.001; average total effect size 1.12). Mental symptom burden and depression continued to decrease significantly after discharge, self-efficacy and life satisfaction increased significantly. In bivariate models, hospital days, incapacity to work days, number of doctor visits and medication one and two years after discharge decreased compared to the year before admission. Multivariate models with the total sample confirm the positive course of the clinical variables, but show smaller differences for the medical utilisation DISCUSSION: The limitation by progressive dropouts was reduced thanks to the use of multiple imputation. The continuing clinical improvement and the reduction in medical utilisation two years after discharge indicate that inpatient psychosomatic treatment is effective in the medium term. Structural level of personality organization and neuroticism are the best predictors of mental burden across all measurement points.

Objectives The objective of this study was to collect information from cat owners about the frequency of conflict and affiliative signs in their households in order to: (1) assess correlations with the owners’ ratings of household cat–cat harmony; and (2) determine if relationships exist between household variables, cat population variables and behavior frequencies. Methods Responses to an online survey of adult residents of the USA who were the primary caregiver of 2–4 indoor or indoor–outdoor cats were included in the analysis. Spearman’s correlations and χ2 tests were used to compare behavior frequencies with household and cat population variables. Results Of 2492 owners of multiple cats, 73.3% noted conflict signs from the very beginning when introducing the cats. The more cats in the house, the more frequent the conflict signs. Staring was the most frequently observed conflict sign, occurring at least daily in 44.9% of households, followed, in order of decreasing frequency, by chasing, stalking, fleeing, tail twitching, hissing and wailing/screaming. Hissing occurred at least daily in 18% of households. Affiliative signs were observed more frequently than conflict signs. Physical contact between cats was observed at least daily in around half of the multi-cat households. Higher harmony scores were correlated with less frequent conflict signs and more frequent affiliative signs. No household or cat population variable, including home size or numerically adequate resources provision, was strongly predictive of the frequency of conflict or affiliative signs. Conclusions and relevance This is the first large-scale online survey to obtain frequencies of conflict and affiliative behaviors and compare them with factors linked to the cats or the home settings. The study confirmed that feline relationships are correlated with the owner’s perceived impression of the initial introduction, but other household factors and cat population variables included in the study were not strongly predictive of the frequency of conflict or affiliative signs.

Objectives Aggression and social tension among housemate cats is common and puts cats at risk of injury or relinquishment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new pheromone product in reducing aggression between housemate cats. Methods A new pheromone product (Feliway Friends) containing a proprietary cat-appeasing pheromone was evaluated for efficacy in reducing aggression between housemate cats via a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial of 45 multi-cat households (pheromone [n = 20], placebo [n = 25]) reporting aggression for at least 2 weeks. Each household had 2–5 cats. Participants attended an educational training meeting on day (D) –7 and the veterinary behaviorist described behaviors to be monitored for 7 weeks using the Oakland Feline Social Interaction Scale (OFSIS), which assessed the frequency and intensity of 12 representative aggressive interactions. Participants were also provided with instructions for handling aggressive events, including classical conditioning, redirection by positive reinforcement and not punishing or startling the cat for aggressive displays. Punishment techniques were strongly discouraged. Plug-in diffusers with the pheromone product or placebo were utilized from D0–D28. Participants completed a daily diary of aggressive events and weekly OFSIS assessments through to D42. Results Evolution of the OFSIS–Aggression score according to treatment group in the full analysis set population revealed a significant effect on time and treatment group. The OFSIS–Aggression score decreased over time from D0–D28 in both groups (time factor P = 0.0001) with a significant difference in favor of the verum P = 0.06); similar results were found considering the D0–D42 period (time factor P = 0.0001 [D0] and P = 0.04 [D42]). Conclusions and relevance The OFSIS provided a quantifiable measure of the frequency and intensity of 12 intercat interactions reflecting conflict between cats. The cat-appeasing pheromone is a promising treatment for the management of aggression between housemate cats in multi-cat households.

Background Parturition and the initial postpartum period are important moments in the reproductive cycle of dogs. Methods A study assessed the effect of ADAPTIL, a dog-appeasing pheromone, on maternal behaviour during peripartum. Bitches were continuously exposed to ADAPTIL (n=20) or placebo (n=21) in double-blinded conditions from an average of about seven days before parturition up to 21 days postpartum. Differences in maternal behaviour in relation to the treatment were evaluated by the observation of specific activities through video recordings, such as the time spent by the bitch in close contact with the puppies, oronasal interaction and nursing duration and position. Videos were recorded at four time points (W0: within the first 48 hours of whelping; W1: one week after parturition; W2: two weeks after parturition; and W3: three weeks after parturition). In addition, the perception of breeders in relation to the quality of maternal care, puppies’ wellbeing and overall relationship between the bitches and the puppies was evaluated using Visual Analogue Scale at the same time points. Moreover, the daily activity of the bitches was measured by using an electronic device (FitBark dog activity trackers, Kansas City, Missouri). Results For all observed maternal behaviours, there was a steady decrease in levels as the puppies developed, independently of treatment. However, bitches exposed to ADAPTIL tended to nurse significantly more in lying position, while those exposed to the placebo nursed more in a seated position, especially at W1 (P=0.06) and W3 (P=0.005). According to the breeders, the attention scores of bitches towards puppies were significantly higher in ADAPTIL than in the placebo group at each time point (P=0.01). Moreover, a difference according to parity was observed (P=0.004), with greater attention score displayed by primiparous bitches exposed to ADAPTIL compared with placebo on W0 (P=0.02), W1 and W3 (P

Although managing pain in the acute surgical setting is a priority, there is a dearth of evidence to guide clinicians on how best to approach the discontinuation and transition of patients from epidural analgesia to oral analgesia post-operatively. This article describes an audit at a regional trust which examined data on patients' observations charts, as well as patients' self-reports of pain. The authors found that reducing epidural opioid concentrations post-operatively is useful in analgesic transition, using bupivacaine only for weaning has limited value, and that the timing of oral analgesia administration is important. They conclude that comprehensive pain assessment and better documentation are necessary to improve pain management practices. While the results demonstrate the advantage of reducing epidural opioid concentrations, decisions should be based on the needs of individual patients and not form part of a routine task.

Objectives Going to the veterinary clinic is a stressful experience for most cats as they feel threatened when entering a new and confined environment. The aim of this research was to investigate if Feliway spray, when used on the table in the consultation room, can decrease cats’ stress and ease their handling. Methods A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was developed, using a total sample of 87 cats of both sexes, castrated or intact, of any breed, aged >26 weeks. A Feliway spray and a placebo solution spray were tested in two different consultation rooms. During the first phase, Feliway spray was applied to the examination table of one room and the placebo spray in the other. After a washout period of 15 days the spray allocation was switched. After the first 15 mins of general questioning and physical examination carried out by the veterinarian, the observer assessed the stress levels of the cats based on a seven-level ‘cat stress score’, and the ease of handling based on a five-point ‘scale of handling’ developed by the authors. Results The study demonstrated that the use of Feliway spray leads to significant ( P = 0.01) differences in cats’ usual behaviour, according to their owners. With regard to stress, animals exposed to Feliway spray showed significantly lower stress levels than those treated with placebo ( P = 0.02). Regarding the scale of handling, the scoring did not differ significantly between cats under the effect of Feliway spray and cats receiving placebo ( P = 0.01). Conclusions and relevance This research shows that the use of Feliway spray on the examination table improves the welfare of cats by reducing their stress during veterinary consultations. Feliway spray significantly changed the behaviour of the cats in this study, and offers a simple and effective way to help decrease stress in cats during the consultation.

Objectives This study was performed to examine aspects of the cat, environment and scratching post that might influence scratching behavior, in an effort to determine how inappropriate scratching behavior might be refocused on acceptable targets. Methods An internet survey, posted on several public websites, gathered details about scratching behavior, as described by owners in their home environments, from 4331 respondents over a 4 month period. Responses from 39 different countries were analyzed, mostly from the USA, Canada and the UK. Results Owners offered traditionally recommended scratching substrates including rope, cardboard, carpet and wood. Rope was most frequently used when offered, although carpet was offered most commonly. Most owners provided at least one scratching post; cats scratched the preferred substrate more often when the post was a simple upright type or a cat tree with two or more levels and at least 3 ft high. Narrower posts (base width ⩽3 ft) were used more often than wider posts (base width ⩾5 ft). Intact or neutered cats (males and females) were as likely to scratch inappropriately, and inappropriate scratching decreased with age. Geriatric cats between the ages of 10 and 14 years preferred carpet substrate most frequently; all other ages preferred rope first. Inappropriate scratching decreased as the different types/styles of posts increased in the home. Inappropriate scratching did not increase if the number of cats or dogs increased in the household. Declawed cats were preventatively declawed most often to prevent household item destruction. Conclusions and relevance Although cats can have individual preferences, our data provide a starting point for veterinarians recommending scratching posts to clients.

Existing research suggests that children with intellectual disabilities are at increased risk for ADHD, and that the symptoms of the disorder might successfully be treated with stimulant drugs. However, there has been little exploration of ADHD symptoms and their correlates in children with intellectual disabilities. Analyses of three samples of children with intellectual disabilities are presented (total N=338). Correlational analyses showed that younger children, and those with a diagnosis of Autism were rated as having more ADHD/hyperactivity symptoms. There was little evidence of a sex difference, and no strong associations with domains of adaptive behavior (socialization, communication, and daily living skills). However, there was a small but significant negative association between mental age and ratings of symptoms. Finally, an increased prevalence of ADHD/hyperactivity symptoms was confirmed in the children with intellectual disabilities compared to their siblings. This effect remained after controlling for chronological and mental age differences between the siblings. These findings support those from previous research and suggest that ADHD/Hyperkinesis may be a valid psychiatric diagnosis for children with intellectual disabilities. However, a great deal more research is needed to explore the phenomenology of ADHD in intellectual disability and to develop an evidence base for psychosocial intervention.

Parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities generally report more stress than other parents. Child behavioural features, and specifically their behaviour problems, have been shown to account for some of the variation in parents' experience of stress. However, there has been no exploration of whether the child's pro‐social behaviour is predictive of parenting stress. In the present study, 74 mothers of children with intellectual disabilities completed measures of stress and mental health and reported on their child's adaptive behaviour, problem behaviour, and pro‐social behaviour. Regression analyses revealed that the child's behaviour problems were an independent positive predictor of maternal stress, the child's pro‐social behaviour was a negative predictor of maternal stress, but adaptive behaviour was not a predictor. These results support the need for more research on the pro‐social behaviours of children with intellectual disabilities, especially their putative impact on pare...

Background: Parents of children with intellectual disabilities are at increased risk for stress and other mental health problems. The purpose of the present review is to consider the evidence base for psychological intervention to remediate stress in these parents. Methods: A selective review of interventions designed to reduce stress in parents of children with intellectual disabilities, with a focus on group interventions that incorporate various cognitive behavioural techniques. Results: Research evidence suggests that standard service models (e.g., respite care, case management) probably help to reduce parental stress. The strongest evidence base is for cognitive behavioural group interventions, especially for the reduction of stress in mothers. Some data also indicate the potential value of parent-led support networks. Conclusions: More research and clinical development are needed to establish a firmer evidence base for stress interventions with parents of children with intellectual disabilities. There are also a number of potential practical implications of reducing parental stress for maximising the efficacy of general parent training interventions and also behavioural programmes for children's challenging behaviours.

Zusammenfassung: Personaler Optimismus repräsentiert die Erwartung positiver Ergebnisse für die eigene Person und Sozialer Optimismus die Erwartungen bezüglich allgemeiner Ereignisse mit einer sozialen Komponente. Items für die Erfassung von Personalem und Sozialem Optimismus wurden an den Daten von 462 Personen einer Itemanalyse unterzogen. Die Daten von 286 Personen wurden weitergehenden Untersuchungen zur Validität unterzogen. Für die Skala zum Personalen Optimismus wurde ein enger Zusammenhang mit dem Life Orientation Test und nur ein geringer mit der Skala für Sozialen Optimismus gefunden. Weiterhin fanden sich erwartungsgemäß positive Korrelationen mit Lebenszufriedenheit und negative mit Depressivität. Außerdem wurden geringe Korrelationen mit ökologierelevantem Verhalten festgestellt. Ein Vergleich der mittleren Werte verschiedener Berufsgruppen zeigte, daß Personen aus dem sozialen Bereich nur wenig optimistisch waren, während sich Personen aus dem akademischen Bereich als sehr optimistisch beschrieben.

The objective of the study was to assess the effects of a dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP) collar in reducing sound-induced fear and anxiety in a laboratory model of thunderstorm simulation. Twenty-four beagle dogs naïve to the current test were divided into two treatment groups (DAP and placebo) balanced on their fear score in response to a thunderstorm recording. Each group was then exposed to two additional thunderstorm simulation tests on consecutive days. Dogs were video-assessed by a trained observer on a 6-point scale for active, passive and global fear and anxiety (combined). Both global and active fear and anxiety scores were significantly improved during and following thunder compared with placebo on both test days. DAP significantly decreased global fear and anxiety across ‘during’ and ‘post’ thunder times when compared with baseline. There was no significant improvement in the placebo group from baseline on the test days. In addition, the DAP group showed significantly greater use of the hide box at any time with increased exposure compared with the placebo group. The DAP collar reduced the scores of fear and anxiety, and increased hide use in response to a thunder recording, possibly by counteracting noise-related increased reactivity.

Mothers of children with intellectual disability were assessed at two time points, 2 years apart (n = 75 at Time 1, n = 56 at Time 2). Data were gathered on maternal distress, mental health, expressed emotion, and the child's internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. Consistent with previous research with families of children who have intellectual disability, maternal distress and children's behavior problems entered into a bidirectional relationship over time. This relationship was found to be specific to externalizing problems. Exploratory analyses also suggest that maternal distress and depression had a bidirectional longitudinal relationship. In terms of maternal expressed emotion, criticism and not emotional over-involvement was cross-sectionally but not longitudinally related to children's externalizing behavior problems and to maternal distress.

The aims of this article were to test the psychometric properties of the Positive Contributions Scale (PCS), and to compare perceptions of positive contributions reported by mothers and fathers. Participants were 140 mothers and 60 fathers of children with intellectual disabilities. Results supported the reliability and construct validity of the PCS. Internal consistency was good for all subscales bar one, and the PCS total score was associated with scores on the Positive Affect Scale. There were differences on PCS scales for mothers and fathers, with mothers generally reporting more positive contributions than fathers. The PCS is a reasonably robust measure and its use in future research should help to address questions about the nature and function of parental positive perceptions. The PCS might also be used in applied settings to help balance the effects of asking families about their difficulties and support needs.

Objectives: To identify factors associated with maternal expressed emotion (EE) towards their child with intellectual disability (ID). Design and method: A total of 33 mothers who had a child with ID and at least one child without disabilities between the ages of 4 and 14 years participated in the study. Mothers completed self-assessment questionnaires which addressed their sense of parenting competence, beliefs about child-rearing practices, and their reports of behavioural and emotional problems of their child with ID. Telephone interviews were conducted to assess maternal EE towards the child with ID and towards a sibling using the Five Minute Speech Sample (FMSS; Magana et al. 1986), and also to assess the adaptive behaviour of the child with ID using the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale (VABS; Sparrow et al. 1984). Results: Mothers with high EE towards their child with ID were more satisfied with their parenting ability, and their children had more behaviour problems. Analysis of differential maternal parenting, through comparisons of EE towards their two children, showed that mothers were more negative towards their child with ID for all domains of the FMSS except dissatisfaction. Conclusions: A small number of factors associated with maternal EE towards children with ID were identified. Differences in maternal EE towards their child with ID and their other child suggest that EE is child-driven rather than a general maternal characteristic. Implications of the data for future research are discussed.

An investigation of the cognitive bias observed in optimism and the influence of optimism on psychological well-being was conducted. The cognitive bias was assumed to be related to the repressive style of information processing, represented by the trait scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Social Desirability scale. Optimism and well-being were measured by the Life Orientation Test and the Social Optimism scale as well as by the Life Satisfaction and Depression scales, respectively. These scales were applied to a sample of 200 individuals. Trait Anxiety and Social Desirability led to a high multiple correlation with the Life Orientation Test ( R = .54) and a moderate multiple correlation with the Social Optimism scale ( R = .30). Higher correlations were obtained for the expectation of a positive than of a negative future. Both the Life Orientation Test and the Social Optimism scale contributed to the high multiple correlation with psychological well-being ( R= .52).

National audience; Des universitaires et des chercheurs sont officiellement associés à la définition des orientations politiques de la stratégie nationale pour la biodiversité. Le propos développé dans cet ouvrage vise la compréhension des rôles et statuts qui peuvent être conférés aux différentes sciences ainsi qu'aux scientifiques autour de la notion de biodiversité et des interactions sociétés-environnement. La présentation de cas concrets permet de discuter les multiples aspects de la prise en considération de la biodiversité sur le terrain par les interlocuteurs concernés.