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Most people want to change some of their personality traits, typically those they and others perceive as lacking. However, past research focused on student samples and higher-order traits and has not fully explored the attributes of traits that predict change goals. As a replication and extension of previous findings, two studies examined (1) whether people want to change their character strengths and how character strengths change goals relate to (2) character strength levels, (3) age, and (4) well-being. Further, we examined which (5) attributes of character strengths, such as their association with morality or well-being, predict change goals. Participants (Study 1: N = 2,792 German-speaking adults, 79.2% women, median = 46 years; Study 2: N = 6,787 English-speaking adults, 67.0% women, median = 32 years) completed measures of character strengths, character strengths change goals, and well-being. A subsample (n = 1,739) provided informant ratings. Results showed that participants wanted to increase all 24 character strengths. Most change goals showed negligible associations with participants' well-being and age. Except for spirituality, participants—especially the less happy—wanted to change those character strengths they lacked. The character strengths' relationship with well-being, but not their moral value, predicted the goals to change them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, also known as WIC, is associated with improved health outcomes for participants. The role of WIC Peer Counselors was created to support breastfeeding among WIC participants. Objective: This Naturalistic Inquiry study explored the perceptions and experiences of 9 WIC Peer Counselors located in Southeast Texas. Methods: The WIC Peer Counselors were recruited via purposive and snowball sampling and participated in semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Data collection, analysis, and trustworthiness adhered to established guidelines. Results: Study findings revealed the novel approaches the WIC Peer Counselors used to encourage, initiate, support, and sustain WIC participants' breastfeeding, including using tools of their craft, involving and educating family members, making themselves accessible 24/7, and identifying the need for equipment and supplies. Conclusions: The WIC Peer Counselors' understanding of the breastfeeding culture of their WIC clients and their unique ability to establish and maintain rapport with them make WIC Peer Counselors ideally suited resources to meet the WIC goal of increasing breastfeeding and thereby improving the health of the nation. Health care providers should recognize the valuable, yet unrecognized and underutilized, contributions of WIC Peer Counselors and consider referring pregnant and postpartum dyads to WIC for breastfeeding education and support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Background Methods Results Conclusion Does whole trait theory work for character strengths? This study examines the daily within‐ and between‐person variability of the manifestations of positively valued lower‐order personality characteristics, namely character strengths, their convergence with trait character strengths, and their relationships to daily measures of affect.Manifestations of personality traits vary both between‐ and within people. So far, research has focused on between‐person differences in character strengths, while within‐person differences have been neglected.German‐speaking participants (N = 199, 84.3% women; mean age = 26.0 years) participated in a two‐week daily diary study. They completed a baseline measure of character strength traits and daily measures of character strength states and positive and negative affect.Results suggested that character strength traits converged well with aggregated states. Further, we observed high within‐person variability in most character strengths. The trait‐state convergence and the amount of within‐person variability were predicted by whether the character strengths were rather phasic (i.e., more dependent on situational characteristics) or rather tonic (i.e., less dependent on situational characteristics). Higher within‐person variability in character strengths was related to trait levels of perspective, honesty, social intelligence, and fairness. Regarding relationships between character strengths and affect, within‐person associations were widely parallel to previously reported between‐person associations and largely independent of trait levels of character strengths.These findings inform research on whole trait theory and character–strengths‐based interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of bacteria poses a significant challenge to the quality of stallion semen used in artificial insemination. The bacterial content of insemination doses arises from various sources, such as the healthy stallion, environment, and collection equipment, and is implicated in fertility problems as well as reduced sperm quality during storage. The conventional approach of adding antibiotics to semen extenders raises concerns about antimicrobial resistance and potential negative effects on sperm characteristics, and may not be effective in inhibiting all bacteria. The objective of this study was to determine whether an innovative alternative to antibiotic usage – centrifugation through a single layer of a low density colloid (SLC) – could reduce the bacterial load in stallion semen, and to compare sperm characteristics in samples arising from this procedure, or simple extension of the ejaculate in semen extender, or from sperm washing, i.e. adding extender and then centrifuging the sample to allow the removal of most of the seminal plasma and extender. Eighteen semen samples were collected from six stallions. The semen samples were split and extended prior to washing or SLC, or received no further treatment other than extension. After preparation aliquots from each type of sample were sent for bacteriological examination; the remaining samples were stored for up to 72 h, with daily checks on sperm quality. The low density colloid SLC outperformed sperm washing or extension for bacterial reduction, effectively removing several bacterial species. The bacterial load in the samples was as follows: extended semen, 16 ± 6.7 × 105; washed, 5.8 ± 2.0 × 105; SLC, 2.3 ± 0.88 × 105, p < 0.0001. In addition, SLC completely removed some bacterial species, such as Staphylococcus xylosus. Although there is no selection for robust spermatozoa with the low density colloid, sperm motility, membrane integrity, and DNA fragmentation were not different to washed sperm samples. These findings suggest that SLC with a low density colloid offers a promising method for reducing bacterial contamination in stallion semen without resorting to antibiotics. • Stallion ejaculates were prepared without antibiotics by extension, washing or SLC. • Bacterial load was highest in extended semen and lowest in SLC samples. • Sperm characteristics were not different between the three treatments. • Total motility was less in extended samples than in other treatments at 72 h. • SLC through a low density colloid could be an alternative to antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In two studies, we establish the association between different assessments of character strengths (i.e., traits, habitual and daily behavior at school) with school-related well-being and achievement. Study 1 (N = 414, mean age = 14.14 years) demonstrated that habitual strengths-related behavior at school accounted for unique variance in well-being at school and in achievement beyond the influence of the respective character strength trait. Further, the desirability of certain strengths (e.g., perseverance, fairness, forgiveness, and humor) at the classroom level accounted for additional variance in students' well-being. Study 2 (N = 186, mean age = 14.27 years) used a diary design across five days to replicate the between-person associations and study within-person associations. Results revealed that daily strengths-related behavior predicted well-being on the following day. Overall, the results underline the importance of strengths-related behavior at school and suggest that all 24 character strengths are relevant for well-being at school. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Research on the associations between cognitive and noncognitive personality traits has widely neglected character strengths, that means positively and morally valued personality traits that constitute good character. Method: The present study aimed to bridge this gap by studying the associations between character strengths and fluid intelligence using different operationalizations of character strengths (including self‐ and informant‐reports) and fluid intelligence in children, adolescents, and adults. Results: The results, based on four samples (N = 193/290/330/324), suggested that morally valued personality traits are independent of fluid intelligence, with the exception of love of learning, which showed small but robust positive relationships with fluid intelligence across all samples. Conclusions: Nonetheless, we argue for further research on the associations with other cognitive abilities and interactions between character strengths and intelligence when examining their relationships with external criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While character strengths are expected to contribute to the 'good life,' they also may serve specific purposes (e.g., the strength of curiosity should support the acquisition and use of knowledge). This study explored the potential functions of character strengths from a within-person perspective. We used a literature review and qualitative and quantitative surveys to determine potential functions. This resulted in 17 distinguishable functions (e.g., 'feeling free and independent'). We used a diary study that included N = 196 participants (84.4% women, mean age: 25.68 years) who reported their daily character strength enactments and their experiences of the functions for 14 consecutive days. Our results suggested that the enactment of character strengths was positively related to several functions. However, the character strengths also showed distinguishable patterns of relationships with the functions, which were largely in line with – but not limited to – the functions suggested in the VIA classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Did the COVID-19 pandemic promote character growth? Studies using sequential samples suggest that collective life events can result in character growth, but their conclusions have been questioned. This study used three approaches to examine character growth during the first wave of the pandemic: perceived changes in oneself and in a close other, and a longitudinal analysis of changes. In addition, we tested whether character strengths assessed before the pandemic predicted specific instances of growth, that is, engagement in volunteering and compliance with regulations during the pandemic. German-speaking participants (N = 366, 76.5% female, mean age: 45.33 years) who had completed an assessment of character strengths before the pandemic reported on perceived changes in character strengths, engagement in volunteering, and compliance with regulations. A subsample also completed a second assessment of character strengths. The results showed that (a) participants reported perceived changes for most character strengths in both themselves and close others, while (b) longitudinal increases were only observed for humility and prudence. Pre-pandemic character strengths predicted (c) engagement in volunteering and (d) compliance with regulations. We conclude that actual character growth was smaller than the perceived changes but that the character strengths did predict relevant behaviors related to the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intergenerational interactions outside of family relationships are relatively rare. In a time of political and economic divisions, limited intergenerational interactions may foster intergenerational misunderstandings and discord. Generation to Generation, a course for older (age 55+) and younger (18 to 30-year-old) adults, was designed to promote positive intergenerational contact. Pre- and post-course questionnaires assessing allophilia, liking for another group, were distributed so that all students in the course rated both younger and older targets. Pre-course, both older and younger students reported greater comfort and kinship for their own age group but greater engagement with the other age group. Post-course, younger students showed significant increases in affection, comfort, kinship, engagement and enthusiasm for older people, whereas older students' ratings for younger adults remained stable. Results suggest intergenerational interactions in a classroom setting may increase younger adults' liking for older adults. It is imperative that the generations work together to solve pressing societal issues such as how to support an aging population or protect the changing planet. A course like Generation to Generation may be a first step in facilitating quality intergenerational interactions that promote greater understanding and cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the role of character strengths in peer relationships among early adolescents. A sample of students (N = 339; X ¯ age = 12.84 years, 53.1% female) nominated friends in the classroom and completed assessments of character strengths, the desirability and importance of character strengths in a friend, and friendship quality. Results indicate that the character strengths of honesty, humor, kindness, and fairness were most desirable and important in a friend. Perspective, love, kindness, social intelligence, teamwork, leadership, and humor were associated with higher peer acceptance. Dyadic analyses of mutual best friends suggested that a number of character strengths were also positively related to friend-rated friendship quality. Overall, the results demonstrate the relevance of character strengths for positive peer relationships in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High progesterone concentrations in the early luteal phase support pregnancy, whereas subphysiological progesterone concentrations delay embryonic development at least until placentation. In this study, fetal growth and development of pregnancy was investigated in pregnancies with prostaglandin F 2α -induced low progesterone concentrations (PGF) in the early luteal phase and control pregnancies (CON) in the same mares (n = 12). Mares were inseminated and in PGF pregnancies received the prostaglandin F 2α analogue cloprostenol (62.5 µg) on days 0–3 after ovulation to induce subphysiological progesterone concentrations; CON pregnancies remained untreated. Mares were assigned to PGF or CON treatments in alternating order and received the opposite treatment in the following year. Blood was collected and conceptus size determined repeatedly by transrectal (≤day 101) and transabdominal (>day 101) ultrasonography. After birth, foals were weighed, measured and submitted to a clinical examination. Treatment PGF resulted in fewer pregnancies than CON treatment. All foals born from CON pregnancies were healthy and mature, whereas 4/7 PGF pregnancies were either lost (one embryonic death, one abortion) or resulted in the birth of compromised foals (P = 0.018). Size of the conceptus (e.g., diameter day 49: PGF 6.6 ± 0.7, CON 7.7 ± 0.7 cm, P = 0.006) and embryo proper (e.g., crown rump length day 54; PGF 4.4 ± 0.8, CON 5.8 ± 0.6 cm, P = 0.015) differed between treatments. These size differences decreased over time and at birth PGF foals did not differ significantly from CON foals. In conclusion, reduced progesterone concentration in the early luteal phase leads to delayed conceptus growth beyond placentation and increased pregnancy loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrodynamic features are very important to find an optimal reactor design for the hydroformylation of long-chain alkenes. For this purpose, and for the validation of theoretical reactor concepts, velocity measurements in a model reactor system are necessary. Due to the difficult reaction conditions found in reality (toxic thermomorphic organic solvent system, high pressure, high temperature, limited fields of view in typically used model reactors) such measurements are not an easy task. In this work, comparative particle-image-velocimetry (PIV) measurements have been used to find out if (1) the substitution of the solvent with water, and (2) reducing operation pressure still lead to similar results. For this purpose, PIV measurements have been performed in a stirred tank reactor under reaction conditions (organic solvents, high pressure, high temperature), but also with water at reduced pressure levels. It is found that pressure (as expected) and also the employed solvents do not have a significant influence on the observed flow structures, although density and viscosity are rather different. Therefore, further systematic experiments are now carried out in a model reactor, completely built out of glass, with water filling, and at atmospheric pressure. A complete hydrodynamic characterization is thus possible, opening the door for optimization of the resulting hydrodynamic field and for detailed comparisons with theoretical reactor design as well as numerical predictions. Graphical abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volumetric mass transfer coefficients ( k L a ) and Bodenstein numbers ( Bo ) for the elongated bubble flow regime in horizontal helically-coiled tube reactors are reported using two different measurement techniques (oxygen optodes, and optical observation of an oxygen-sensitive dye). Additionally, the gas-liquid mass transfer and the residence time behavior of the two-phase flow were described with a 3D Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model, and also with a one-dimensional two-phase model. For this study, 16 cases involving different gas and liquid volumetric flow rates were employed to generate air-water flows through two helically coiled tubes with curvature ratios of δ 1 = 0.093 and δ 2 = 0.3 , respectively. The superficial gas and liquid Reynolds numbers ( Re s , G and Re s , L ) and the gas hold-up ( ∊ G ) are varied from 494 to 2483, from 1456 to 2713, and from 0.46 to 0.81, respectively. The mass transfer measurements show an increasing gas-liquid mass transfer rate with increasing superficial velocity of the liquid-phase and Re s , G . The Bodenstein number decreases with increasing gas-phase Reynolds number and increases with increasing superficial velocity of the liquid-phase. Correlations describing the mass transfer and backmixing behavior are proposed. The CFD results are in excellent agreement with the experimental data. With the 1D two-phase model it is possible to describe the residence time behavior of the two-phase flow through the helically coiled tube. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term situationism refers to an individual's belief about the importance of a behaviour's context. This study tested whether the degree of situationism expressed by individuals in various regions of Europe was consistent with self-regulation and cross-cultural theories. The English version of a Situationism Scale (measuring beliefs about the relation between the environment and one's own behaviour) was translated into five additional languages: Dutch, German, Hungarian, Italian and Slovenian. Young adults ( N = 1106, MAge = 22.9 years, 79% female) across Europe responded to one of the six language versions of the scale as part of a larger survey. Results indicated that: new language versions were psychometrically valid; there was a positive relation between situationism and the use of situation-control strategies; and situationism was higher for individuals from regions that are Eastern European and relatively more interdependent, compared with individuals from regions that are Western European and relatively less interdependent. As the first evaluation of the Situationism Scale outside America, this study supports the Scale's validity and suggests not only may some effects of situationism be universal, but between- and within-culture differences in situationism exist. Overall, when making judgments and decisions about the self, cultural background and individual differences in situationism may come into play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immunoproteasome (iP) represents a specialized type of proteasomes, which plays an important role in the clearance of oxidant-damaged proteins under inflammatory and pathological conditions determining the outcome of various diseases. In Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like APPPS1 mice Aβ-deposition is paralleled by iP upregulation, most likely mediated through type I interferon induction. To define the impact of increased iP expression we crossed APPPS1 mice with mice deficient in the iP subunit LMP7 resulting in impaired iP function. While LMP7 deficient APPPS1 mice showed no major change in cerebral Aβ-pathology, we observed an altered cytokine response in microglia isolated from LMP7 deficient APPPS1 mice compared to LMP7 expressing APPPS1 control mice. The altered microglial cytokine profile upon iP deficiency in the presence of extracellular Aβ-pathology was associated with an improvement of Aβ-associated cognitive deficits typically present in APPPS1 mice. Our findings suggest a role for iP in the regulation of the innate immune response towards extracellular Aβ-pathology and indicate that inhibition of iP function can modulate the cognitive phenotype upon overexpression of Aβ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meaningful intergenerational interactions between older and younger adults are rare outside of family relationships. Interventions to increase positive intergenerational interactions are growing, but finding appropriate measures of attitudes toward both younger and older age groups is difficult. Many measures assessing attitudes toward older adults can remind participants of negative stereotypes of aging and are rarely used to assess attitudes toward younger adults. We adapted Pittinsky, Rosenthal, and Montoya’s allophilia measure to assess attitudes toward younger (18–25 years old) and older (over age 65) adults. In the first study, 94 traditional college age and 52 older adults rated older and younger adults. The allophilia measure distinguished between younger and older adults’ attitudes toward each age group. In the second study, we compared the age-related allophilia measures with seven traditional measures of attitudes toward older adults. Forty-seven traditional college age students completed measures. As predicted, correlations between allophilia toward older adults and the traditional semantic differential measures were weak (i.e.,r = |0.15|or less), whereas correlations with general attitudes toward older adults were more moderate (r = 0.59 or less). Correlations between allophilia toward younger adults and the traditional measures were primarily non-significant as predicted. The allophilia measure differentiated between the five domains of positive attitudes toward younger and older adults and was not highly correlated with measures of more negative attitudes toward older adults. Results suggest that the allophilia measure can fill a need for a measure of positive attitudes toward older and younger adults. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We study stable matching problems with locality of information and control. In our model, each agent is a node in a fixed network and strives to be matched to another agent. An agent has a complete preference list over all other agents it can be matched with. Agents can match arbitrarily, and they learn about possible partners dynamically based on their current neighborhood. We consider convergence of dynamics to locally stable matchings|states that are stable with respect to their imposed information structure in the network. In the two-sided case of stable marriage in which existence is guaranteed, we show that the existence of a path to stability becomes NP-hard to decide. This holds even when the network exists only among one partition of agents. In contrast, if one partition has no network and agents remember a previous match every round, a path to stability is guaranteed and random dynamics converge with probability 1. We characterize this positive result in various ways. For instance, it holds for random memory and for cache memory with the most recent partner, but not for cache memory with the best partner. Also, it is crucial which partition of the agents has memory. Finally, we present results for centralized computation of locally stable matchings, i.e., computing maximum locally stable matchings in the two-sided case and deciding existence in the roommates case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research (Ruch, Platt, & Hofmann, 2014) identified four dimensions of class clown behavior (identifying as a class clown, comic talent, disruptive rule-breaker, and subversive joker). This study investigates whether these dimensions show differential relationships with school achievement, self-reported school satisfaction, positive experiences at school, and teacher-rated classroom behavior in a sample of 157 secondary school children (mean age: 15.4 years). School achievement showed a negative relation to two of the four dimensions of class clown behavior. Class clown behavior was related to less positive classroom behavior and with lower school satisfaction, which was mediated by the dimensions of school experiences. While class clowns experience positive emotions at school, their negative relationship with teachers might impair their school satisfaction and achievement. Positive psychology concepts give new insight into the field of class clown behavior and may also be able to offer some solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The ability to determine the relationship between selective motor control and upper extremity function in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP), and to measure the functional outcome and efficacy of interventions designed to improve selective motor control, has been limited by the lack of an objective, validated tool. The primary objective of this study is to describe the development of a clinical tool entitled Selective Control of the Upper Extremity Scale (SCUES), and present evidence of its validity and reliability.Method: Content validity was established through an expert panel (eight clinicians, mean and median of 17y of clinical experience, range 2-30y). Intra- and interrater reliability was determined by six occupational therapists who scored 10 participant studies. Construct validity of the SCUES was established by comparison to the spontaneous functional analysis section of the Shriners Hospitals Upper Extremity Evaluation, the Manual Ability Classification System, and the Box and Block test for 25 children with unilateral CP.Results: The content validity ratio values were greater than 0 (indicating >50% agreement) for 33 of the 34 items (97%), and equal or greater than 0.5 (indicating ≥75% agreement) for 26 of the 34 items (76%). Intrarater reliability was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] >0.75) for all segments and joints of the affected extremity. Interrater reliability was excellent for all segments and joints of the affected extremity except the shoulder (ICC=0.72). The SCUES was strongly correlated with the SHUEE (Spearman's rho=0.69, p=0.003). The SCUES was not correlated with the Manual Ability Classification System (rho=-0.24, p=0.369) or the Box and Block test (rho=0.47, p=0.066).Interpretation: Psychometric analysis of the SCUES revealed comparable validity to other accepted video-based clinical assessment tools for the upper extremity in children with CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to examine the relationships between students' character strengths, school-related affect, positive school functioning (i.e., motivation to learn, interest, and engagement at class), and school achievement following the 'engine model of well-being' that is focusing on inputs (e.g., personality traits), processes (e.g., moods, emotions), and outcomes (e.g., engagement, accomplishments) within the context of well-being research. A sample of 196 children completed the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths for Youth, which assesses 24 character strengths, and the PANAS-C that assesses school-related positive and negative affect. Additionally, homeroom teachers rated students' positive school functioning (i.e., motivation, engagement, and interest at school) and their overall school achievement. The character strengths of zest, love of learning, perseverance, and social intelligence showed the strongest positive correlations with school-related positive affect. Teamwork, hope, self-regulation, and love were substantially negatively correlated with school-related negative affect. Certain character strengths showed positive relationships with positive school functioning and overall school achievement. A path model, testing the 'engine model of well-being', found-additionally to direct effects-indirect relationships between character strengths and positive school functioning (through school-related positive affect), which in turn leads to higher school achievement. The presented findings show character strengths as meaningful resources in the schooling context. Character strengths emerge to be crucial for students to experience school-related positive affect, which in turn supports students' positive school functioning and their overall school achievement. The results demonstrate the complex interplay between students' personality traits, affect, school functioning, and achievement at school. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined the associations of implicit and explicit power motives with the well-being of teachers. Teachers ( N = 170) participated in an online assessment, which included measures for implicit motives (assessed by the operant motive test), explicit motives, and well-being. We expected congruently high power motives to be linked with the highest levels of well-being. We tested this assumption using polynomial regressions with response surface analysis. Results were consistent with our hypothesis. Additionally, there was an effect of directional motive incongruence (a combination of a low implicit and a high explicit power motive was associated with higher well-being than a high implicit/low explicit combination), which did not hold when controlling for emotional stability. Results for achievement were comparable, but weaker, and there was no effect for motive incongruence. No significant associations were found for motive (in)congruence in the affiliation domain. Our findings underline the importance of the power motive in understanding individual differences in teachers' well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors elaborate on the role of playfulness as a preferred characteristic in potential long-term partners recently espoused by Garry Chick and others. They aim to replicate the findings of such research by studying a different culture (that of German-speaking countries) and to develop them further by taking into account the participants' relationship status and individual differences in their playfulness. A sample of 327 students completed a rating scale for desired characteristics in potential partners and a questionnaire for playfulness as a personality trait. Their findings do indeed lend support to the notion that being playful is a desirable trait of potential long-term mates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinicians interested in assessment and outcome measurement of upper extremity (UE) function and performance in children with cerebral palsy (CP) must choose from a wide range of tools. Questions/purposes: We systematically reviewed the literature for UE assessment and classification tools for children with CP to compare instrument content, methodology, and clinical use. Methods: We searched Health and Psychosocial Instruments (HaPI), US National Library of Medicine (PubMed), and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL Plus) databases (1937 to the present) to identify UE assessment and outcomes tools. We identified 21 tools for further analysis and searched HaPI, PubMed, CINAHL Plus, and Google Scholar () databases to identify all validity and reliability studies, systematic reviews, and original references for each of the 21 tools. Results: The tools identified covered ages birth to adulthood. International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health domains addressed by these tools included body function, body structure, activities and participation, and environmental factors. Eleven of the tools were patient or family report, seven were clinician-based observations, and three tools could be used in either fashion. All of the tools had published evidence of validity. Nine of the tools were specifically designed for use in subjects with CP. Two of the tools required formal certification before use. Ten of the tools were provided free of charge by the investigators or institution who developed them. Conclusions: Familiarity with the psychometric and clinometric properties of assessment and classification tools for the UE in children with CP greatly enhances a clinician's ability to select and use these tools in daily clinical practice for both clinical decision-making and assessment of outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comparative study of naturally occurring apologies in Cuernavaca and Panamanian Spanish investigates the apology strategies community members employ most often, and the types of positive- and negative-politeness strategies they use to perform this speech act. The authors calculate the frequency with which speakers use positive- and negative-politeness strategies in their apology acts and investigate whether members of these two speech communities demonstrate a preference for positive or negative politeness when apologizing. Instead of using a language-specific parameter such as “Spanish Language” and assuming that all native speakers of this language have and will use a closed set of linguistic strategies in the same way when they apologize, the authors argue that speech acts, politeness and face are socio-culturally sensitive variables whose values and effects vary between communities of practice. To support this claim, they show how the communities of Cuernavaca, Mexico and Panama City, Panama differ from previous findings on apologizing within different communities of practice in the Spanish-speaking world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: The number of simultaneous liver–kidney transplants (SLK) has increased since the MELD era. Data on short- and long-term outcomes of hepatitis C virus positive (HCV+) SLK compared to HCV+ liver transplant alone (LTA) recipients are limited. Methods: A case-control study comparing outcomes of HCV+SLK versus transplant year-matched HCV+ LTA (1:1) was performed. Results: 38/142 (26.7%) SLK recipients were HCV+. LTA controls had lower MELD (17.4±8.6) at transplant than SLK (34.5±6.6) (p =0.001). There were increased early post-transplant infection episodes in SLK (56.3%) versus LTA (21.6%) (p =0.001) and a trend towards increased early mortality in the SLK group (p =0.08). However, there was no difference in long-term patient and graft survival, time to HCV recurrence, %⩾ stage 2 fibrosis, renal function, and graft function between the groups. Ten SLK recipients were treated for HCV recurrence with pegylated interferon+ribavirin: two had sustained virologic response, five stopped due to side effects, and three had no response. None had liver or kidney rejection on treatment. Conclusion: Our data represent the largest analysis of HCV+ SLK outcomes to date. We demonstrate increased early complications in SLK versus LTA recipients, likely due to being more critically ill at transplant (higher MELD) and complications unrelated to HCV within the first year. However, long-term outcomes, i.e. HCV recurrence, graft/renal dysfunction, are similar to LTA. In addition, while data are limited, treatment of HCV recurrence with interferon appeared safe in our SLK recipients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

As many as half of children with unilateral congenital transverse forearm total deficiency (UCTFTD) choose not to wear a prosthesis. In a multicenter study, 489 children and young adults aged 2 to 20 years with UCTFTD and their parents were tested for satisfaction, quality of life, and function. One hundred sixty-eight (34%) of those tested had chosen not to wear a prosthesis. Subjects and parents were asked the open-ended question ‘What are the reasons for not wearing a prosthesis?’ and were allowed to give more than one response. Of the 135 subjects who had chosen not to wear a prosthesis and who responded to the question, the reason most frequently (53%) given was that the prosthesis did not help function. Forty-nine percent reported they stopped wearing it because the prosthesis was uncomfortable. Currently, upper-extremity prosthetic management for children with UCTFTD is a matter of controversy, with some clinicians advocating the need for prostheses to accomplish bilateral hand tasks, particularly in the scheme of normal development. Responses from children who do not wear a prosthesis may aid practitioners in re-evaluating the prosthetic role and potentially improve prosthetic options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is substantial controversy concerning the prosthetic management of children with unilateral congenital below-elbow deficiency. The optimal age at the time of the initial fitting, the value of intensive prosthetic training, and the preferred prosthetic design for these children have not been established. Methods: The outcomes of prosthetic management for 260 children with unilateral congenital below-elbow deficiency, treated between 1954 and 2004, were analyzed with respect to ongoing clinic attendance and self-reported prosthetic use. A successful prosthetic outcome was defined as a child and parents who continued to attend the limb-deficiency clinic and claimed at the time of the most recent follow-up that the prosthesis had been worn for any period of time. An unsuccessful prosthetic outcome was defined as a child and parents who were lost to follow-up or who claimed at the time of the most recent follow-up that the child never wore the prosthesis. Survival analysis was performed. Results: An unsuccessful prosthetic outcome was noted for 127 children (49%). Initial fitting prior to the age of three years was associated with improved prosthetic outcome (p < 0.001). With the numbers studied, there was no additional benefit noted for fitting before one year of age (p = 0.60). Improved prosthetic outcomes were noted in children who had received intensive training at the time of fitting with an active terminal device (p = 0.005). Provision of a variety of prosthetic designs over the growing years was also associated with improved prosthetic outcome (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study supports the initial prosthetic fitting for a child with unilateral congenital below-elbow deficiency prior to the age of three years, the provision of intensive training under the direction of an occupational therapist when an active terminal device is applied, and utilization of a variety of prosthetic designs over the child's years of growth. Further analysis of outcomes for the prosthetic management of these children will require more precise definitions of outcome in multiple domains and the development and validation of specific outcome instruments. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the 1970s, remarkable advances have been made in the early diagnosis, treatment, and survival rates of patients with cancer. This has coincided with rapid changes in the healthcare industry. As cancer has been transformed into a chronic disease that generally is treated in the outpatient setting, the financial burden on patients with cancer and their families has grown. Insurance premiums, deductibles, copayments, transportation, lost income, and miscellaneous out-of-pocket expenses are just some of the hidden, nonreimbursable costs that significantly affect the financial stability of families over time. In addition, certain populations are at greater risk of financial burden, which may affect compliance with treatment as well as patient outcomes. This article presents an overview of these hidden costs, with implications and referral resources for oncology nurses. Healthcare providers have a responsibility to assess their patients for financial need and assist them in accessing resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of conversational abilities in the second language depends upon the appropriation of both cognitive and communicative skills, in addition to overall linguistic improvement. In terms of needed skills, speaking is often considered at the expense of listening, which has long been thought of as a passive exercise. However, listening and speaking must be developed together as active discursive practice, that is, in the same way in which they are used in conversation. The focus of the present project is to investigate whether or not students can be taught to use a specific linguistic tool, a feature of private speech known as repetition, as a cognitive and communicative resource in order to facilitate their interactions with other learners. Analysis of students’ production in several different classroom tasks suggests that learners are able to use repetition for a number of communicative and cognitive functions, in response to instruction and extended practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which evaluate whether a health information intervention had a differential effect for people of different ages. Sample characteristics; Health information use and age; Use of different informational media by older adults; Assessment of how different age groups responded to the intervention.

Focuses on the need to increase the HIV knowledge and testing among homeless youth in Seattle, Washington. Availability of peer counselling, youth shelters and street outreach; Determination of the risky behavior of homeless adolescents; Use of bivariate analyses in determining the differences in behavioral characteristics.

Research concerning rebuttal analogy suggests that communicators using this argument form are perceived unfavorably by message receivers. To further understand the effects of rebuttal analogy, the present investigation examines respondents' perceived likability of rebuttal analogy users, respondents' cognitive responses to the message, and their reported attitudes toward messages using rebuttal analogy. Respondents were either exposed to one of four persuasive messages employing rebuttal analogy or to one of the same four messages with a nonanalogy version of the argument. As predicted, results revealed that respondents rated the communicator using rebuttal analogy as less likable. Cognitive responses and argument recall showed the message-processing effects of rebuttal analogy. However, no significant difference for attitude was detected between groups. Implications of the findings are discussed and research directions concerning persuasion are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to describe the presenting features, genetic factors, and outcomes of 23 adults who developed liver injury after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccination. METHODS: Patients with suspected COVID-19 vaccine hepatitis were enrolled into the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network. Causality was assessed using the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network expert opinion score. High-resolution HLA sequencing was undertaken using Illumina platform. RESULTS: Amongst the 16 high causality cases, median time to onset was 16 days, median age was 63 years, and 75% were female. The injury was hepatocellular in 75% with a median alanine aminotransferase of 497 U/L, and 37% had jaundice. An antinuclear antibody and smooth muscle antibody were detectable in 27% and 36%, but only 12% had an elevated immunoglobulin G level. During follow-up, 37% received a short course of corticosteroids, and 88% fully recovered by 6 months with no deaths observed. HLA alleles associated with autoimmune hepatitis were not overrepresented compared with controls, but an ERAP-2 variant (rs1263907) and the ERAP-1 Hap6 haplotype were significantly overrepresented in the high causality cases vs controls (P = 0.026 and 5 x 10-5, respectively). DISCUSSION: Acute liver injury may arise within 8 weeks of COVID-19 mRNA vaccination that is generally mild and self-limited in most patients. The absence of an association with the AIH HLA alleles combined with the significant ERAP-2 and ERAP-1 Hap6 haplotype associations implicates a unique but very rare host immune response to vaccine-derived antigens in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 vaccine hepatotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assesses the factors associated to the evolution of second medical opinions (SMO) in the United States managed mental health care. Effect of legislation on Medicare and Medicaid managed care plans; List of legislation on SMO; Association between the use of SMO and insurance type, socio-cultural factors, health needs and perceptions of the health care system.

Studies germination, establishment and survival in Medicago polymorpha. Dormancy in spring and summer; Autumn recruitment of seedlings; Seedling emergence.

The tongue is a unique muscular organ situated in the oral cavity where it is involved in taste sensation, mastication, and articulation. As a barrier organ, which is constantly exposed to environmental pathogens, the tongue is expected to host an immune cell network ensuring local immune defence. However, the composition and the transcriptional landscape of the tongue immune system are currently not completely defined. Here, we characterised the tissue-resident immune compartment of the murine tongue during development, health and disease, combining single-cell RNA-sequencing with in situ immunophenotyping. We identified distinct local immune cell populations and described two specific subsets of tongue-resident macrophages occupying discrete anatomical niches. Cx3cr1+ macrophages were located specifically in the highly innervated lamina propria beneath the tongue epidermis and at times in close proximity to fungiform papillae. Folr2+ macrophages were detected in deeper muscular tissue. In silico analysis indicated that the two macrophage subsets originate from a common proliferative precursor during early postnatal development and responded differently to systemic LPS in vivo. Our description of the under-investigated tongue immune system sets a starting point to facilitate research on tongue immune-physiology and pathology including cancer and taste disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of the evaluation of a federal initiative to integrate HIV medical and housing data at four local jurisdictions in the U.S., we estimated the financial costs of implementing data integration occurring from June 2016 to August 2018. We collected data on labor, non-labor, and overhead expenses based on invoices and surveys of staff time, staff compensation, and non-labor expenses. Non-labor expenses were directly charged or allocated to the project using the number of full-time equivalents as the allocation basis. Reported indirect cost rates were used to estimate overhead expenses. Demonstration sites spent an average of $273,656 over the full 27-month period, with an average monthly spending of $10,010 in 2018 U.S. dollars. There was sizable variation in the data integration costs across sites, implementation phases, and data integration models. Findings may help policymakers and potential adopters of similar data integration efforts customize parameters for local conditions and estimate resources required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Rates of suicide in the Active Component of the military have significantly increased since 2010, with particularly high rates among Army service members. One element of the Army's approach to suicide prevention relies on noncommissioned officers (NCOs) as gatekeepers who have regular contact with soldiers. NCOs receive suicide prevention training, but there is limited evidence that such training leads to behavior change. Methods: We surveyed 2468 Army NCOs participating in leadership development courses to determine (a) if training on suicide prevention and soft skills (e.g., active listening) was associated with gatekeeper behavior and use of soft skills; and (b) whether that association was explained by two potential barriers, stigma and perceptions of efficacy. Results: Both the number of suicide prevention training topics and soft skills trained were associated with increased gatekeeper behavior; these relationships were explained in part by lower stigma and higher efficacy for use of soft skills. The use of interactive training methods and receiving coaching after training were not associated with stigma or efficacy, though both methods were associated with more frequent use of soft skills. Conclusion: Results suggest that the content and format of training is important to preparing NCOs to fulfill a gatekeeper role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Resumption of testicular function after gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) immunisation varies among individual animals and some stallions regain fertility only after a prolonged time. Aims: This study evaluated endocrine effects of GnRH immunisation and early subsequent re-stimulation with a GnRH agonist. We hypothesised that GnRH agonist treatment advances resumption of normal endocrine function in GnRH-vaccinated stallions. Methods: Shetland stallions were assigned to an experimental and a control group (n = 6 each). Experimental stallions were GnRH-immunised twice, 4 weeks apart. Each experimental stallion was hemicastrated together with an age-matched control animal when testosterone concentration decreased below 0.3 ng/mL. Three weeks later, daily treatment with the GnRH agonist buserelin was initiated (4 μg/day for 4 weeks followed by 8 μg/day). The remaining testicle was removed when testosterone concentration exceeded 0.5 ng/mL in vaccinated stallions. Blood was collected for LH, FSH, oestradiol and anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) analyses, and testicular and epididymal tissue were conserved for real-time qPCR and histology. Key results: GnRH vaccination reduced blood concentrations of LH and FSH, with a structural deterioration of testicular tissue and disruption of spermatogenesis. Daily buserelin treatment for approximately 60 days partially restored gonadotropin secretion and induced a recovery of the functional organisation of the testicular tissue with effective spermatogenesis. Conclusions: Endocrine testicular function can be restored in GnRH-vaccinated stallions by daily low-dose buserelin treatment. The buserelin treatment protocol may potentially be improved regarding the dose, interval and duration. Implications: Daily buserelin treatment can be recommended for treatment of GnRH-vaccinated stallions with prolonged inhibition of testicular function. GnRH vaccination is used in male horses to reduce sexual behaviour and gonadal function, but the time to regain fertility varies considerably among individual animals. Daily GnRH agonist treatment for approximately 60 days in stallions vaccinated against GnRH successfully stimulated the production of sex steroid hormones and spermatogenesis. This treatment may be recommended for GnRH-vaccinated stallions with persistent inhibition of testicular function and fertility. Image by Camille Gautier. This article belongs to the Collection Dedication to Jim Cummins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Premature birth is responsible for approximately 38% of infant deaths as well as a host of complications, including abnormal lung development, infection, and long-term disabilities. For women with a history of spontaneous preterm birth in a singleton pregnancy, use of 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHP) can reduce the risk of a recurrent preterm birth by up to 42%. However, less than half of eligible women currently receive 17-OHP.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to understand the barriers to access and acceptability of 17-OHP use from the patient perspective.Study design: A qualitative study was conducted of women with a history of a prior spontaneous, singleton preterm birth who were eligible for 17-OHP during a subsequent singleton pregnancy. Researchers recruited 118 eligible women during the Spring and Summer of 2018 from a safety-net hospital in Denver, CO, USA, a hospital that provides healthcare for individuals regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Responses from 35 participants were analyzed, looking at themes surrounding knowledge of and counseling received regarding 17-OHP, hesitations, and barriers toward receiving the treatment.Results: Among respondents (34.0% response rate), the mean age was 31.5 years and mean gestational age at delivery was 32.1 weeks. Major themes from interviews included reasons that encouraged women to use 17-OHP, such as the desire to do anything for the health of their baby and reasons that women felt discouraged from using 17-OHP, including unknown complications and lack of information. Other barriers to this treatment method included the time commitment, specifically the length of clinic appointments and concerns about the safety of the 17-OHP injection.Conclusions: One of the strongest reasons for women choosing to use 17-OHP was a desire to do anything possible to support their babies. Somewhat surprisingly, there was not a significant relationship with the participants between gestational age of prior preterm deliveries and subsequent use of 17-OHP. There were two important reasons women cited most frequently for choosing not to use 17-OHP. One was feeling that they lacked information or knowledge about 17-OHP to make an informed decision, which is crucial because the study also showed that all eligible women are not being appropriately counseled on the option of 17-OHP. In terms of time commitment, it was the length of individual appointments, rather than frequency that was a barrier to receiving weekly injections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Character strengths are morally valued trait-like personality characteristics which contribute to fulfillments that comprise the good life, for oneself and for others. In two studies, we tested the assignment of the 24 character strengths of the VIA classification to the 6 virtues. In Study 1 (N = 225), participants gave descriptions of situations where they applied their highest character strength in an excellent manner and rated each of these situations with respect to the six virtues. In Study 2 (N = 146) participants judged the degree to which each character strength fulfills the six functions associated with the virtues. The results converged with the theoretical model for most of the 24 character strengths. Additionally, we consider both dichotomous and polytomous assignments of character strengths to virtues and compare the results with earlier findings and factor analyses of the VIA-IS. Further research using different approaches is suggested to proposealternative assignments of character strengths to virtues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: End-stage liver disease (ESLD) and heart failure (HF) often coexist and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, the true incidence of HF among patients with ESLD remains understudied. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the association between ESLD and incident HF in a real-world clinical cohort. Design and Participants: A retrospective electronic health records database analysis of individuals with ESLD and frequency-matched controls without ESLD in a large integrated health system. Main Measures: The primary outcome was incident HF, which was defined by the International Classification of Disease codes and manually adjudicated by physician reviewers. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate the cumulative incidence of HF. Multivariate proportional hazards models adjusted for shared metabolic factors (diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, coronary heart disease, body mass index) were used to compare the risk of HF in patients with and without ESLD. Key Results: Of 5004 patients (2502 with ESLD and 2502 without ESLD), the median (Q1–Q3) age was 57.0 (55.0–65.0) years, 59% were male, and 18% had diabetes. Over a median (Q1–Q3) follow-up of 2.3 (0.6–6.0) years, 121 incident HF cases occurred. Risk for incident HF was significantly higher for patients with ESLD compared with the non-ESLD group (adjusted HR: 4.67; 95% CI: 2.82–7.75; p < 0.001), with the majority of the ESLD group (70.7%) having HF with preserved ejection fraction (ejection fraction ≥ 50%). Conclusion: ESLD was significantly associated with a higher risk of incident HF, independent of shared metabolic risk factors, with the predominant phenotype being HF with preserved ejection fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matching and coalition formation are fundamental aspects in the organization of many multi-agent systems. In large populations, the emergence of coalitions is often restricted by structural constraints under which agents can reorganize, e.g., local visibility or externality constraints among the agents. We study this aspect using a novel framework for dynamics with constraints within the popular domain of hedonic coalition formation games. We analyze the effects of structural constraints on the convergence of matching and coalition formation processes to stable states. Our main result are tight characterizations for the constraint structures based on which dynamic coalition formation can stabilize quickly. We show a variety of convergence results for matching and coalition formation games with different forms of locality and externality constraints. In particular, we propose and analyze a new model of graph-based visibility for coalition formation games and tightly characterize the graph structures that allow polynomial-time convergence – it can be achieved if and only if coalition formation is based on complete or star graphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proteins separated by gel electrophoresis are commonly quantified by colorimetric analysis of the protein band stain intensity. For the most sensitive stain (silver), the minimal protein amount, needed for the optical visualization of the band, is around 1 ng. This study investigates the use of thermal lens (TL) spectrometry for the quantification of subnanogram protein amounts. The developed dual laser TL sensor is set up in collinear geometry; it includes a HeNe probe beam, a 450 nm diode laser pump beam, and a gel holder. After silver staining, the polyacrylamide gel is scanned by the sensor while kept soaked in water, and in 50% (v/v) methanol/water. During scanning, the TL signal of each band is recorded in function of its position. The TL sensor can detect protein amounts as low as 0.1 ng in water, and 0.05 ng in 50% methanol/water. The limit of detection ranges from 8 to 50 pg, depending on the soaking medium and the staining strength. The theoretical results, predicting the sensitivity enhancement in methanol/water, are in agreement with the results. In conclusion, thermal lens spectrometry proves to be a valid method for the detection of subnanogram protein amounts in polyacrylamide gels, and its application can be extended to other soft gel matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Notwithstanding the fact that valuing personality descriptors from the realm of character were deliberately excluded from the Big Five model of personality, in the study of economic games (EGs; e.g., the prisoner's dilemma ) the Big Five were used when predicting outcomes in the field of behaviors that are socially valued in terms of fairness and altruism (i.e., the moral domain). Eventually evaluative traits were introduced and found useful in the study of EGs, namely the HEXACO dimension honesty/humility (H/H). As an extensive list of evaluative traits, the Values In Action classification of character strengths may complement H/H when assessing character and predicting individuals' decisions in EGs. For this study, N = 155 participants completed the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths, a measure of the HEXACO traits, and four different EGs that involved decisions relevant to fairness and altruism. Along with H/H, individuals' positions on a dimension abstracting heart-related vs. mind-related character strengths predicted outcomes in the EGs. These results support earlier findings that evaluative traits predict decisions relevant to fairness and altruism. Furthermore, character strengths can be seen as complementing H/H when predicting behavior in the moral domain by character. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since inappropriate and illegal behaviour by officers in criminal justice agencies seriously undermines their ability to achieve their roles and maintain public trust, identifying problematic officers to enable early intervention has become a priority in both departmental management and agency oversight. Events such as officer use of force incidents have been widely used as indicators to flag officers by such systems. Though officers who use force frequently or receive many citizen complaints are a concern, such counts are unlikely to be sufficient to address the full range of officer behaviours of concern. This article describes development of an early intervention system seeking to take this broader view. The system uses data from officers severely disciplined or terminated for various reasons and examines a range of indicators associated with these outcomes. The effort includes officers in both law enforcement and corrections roles, exploring the application of such systems in corrections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compares the German versions of the original measure of character strengths (VIA-IS) with its latest revision (VIA-IS-R) regarding reliability and convergent, discriminant, and criterion-related validity. A sample of 499 German-speaking adults (79% women, mean age: 33.3 years) provided self-reports of character strengths (VIA-IS, VIA-IS-R) and several criteria: Core virtues, thriving, and moral behaviors. Results suggested that both measures showed satisfactory internal consistency and converged well in a multitrait-multimethod analysis. Further, both measures were comparable regarding their relationships with the criteria. Overall, the results of the current study suggest that both questionnaires are reliable and valid, and that findings based on these instruments can be considered highly comparable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In stallions temporarily not intended for breeding, reversible suppression of testicular function by vaccination against GnRH can be of interest. In the present study, effects of GnRH agonist treatment on the resumption of testicular function after GnRH vaccination were investigated. Testis size, testosterone release, semen characteristics and behavior were evaluated. We hypothesized that GnRH agonist treatment would restore testicular function. Shetland stallions were assigned to an experimental and a control group (n = 6 each). Experimental stallions were GnRH-immunized twice, four weeks apart. Ejaculates for semen analysis and blood for analysis of testosterone concentration and GnRH antibody titers were collected. Each experimental stallion was hemicastrated together with an age-matched control animal when testosterone concentration decreased below 0.3 ng/mL. Three weeks thereafter, daily treatment with the GnRH agonist buserelin was initiated (4 μg/day for 4 weeks followed by 8 μg/day). The remaining testicle was removed when testosterone concentration exceeded 0.5 ng/mL in vaccinated stallions. Time from exposure to a mare until mounting increased in GnRH-vaccinated stallions and decreased with buserelin treatment. Total sperm count decreased after vaccination but increased only slightly in response to buserelin. Sperm motility and percentage of membrane-intact spermatozoa decreased after vaccination and returned to pre-vaccination values with buserelin treatment. Testosterone concentration and testis volume decreased after GnRH vaccination and started to increase with buserelin treatment. In conclusion, the downregulation of testicular function by GnRH vaccination can be counteracted with buserelin. This approach may be useful in GnRH-vaccinated stallions with prolonged suppression of testicular function. • Resumption of testicular function after GnRH immunization varies among stallions. • Daily low dose buserelin for 10 weeks supports resumption of testicular function. • Sexual behavior resumed in the majority of GnRH immunized stallions with daily buserelin treatment. • Buserelin treatment improved semen characteristics after GnRH vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinicians interested in assessment and outcome measurement of upper extremity (UE) function and performance in children with cerebral palsy (CP) must choose from a wide range of tools.Questions/purposes: We systematically reviewed the literature for UE assessment and classification tools for children with CP to compare instrument content, methodology, and clinical use.Methods: We searched Health and Psychosocial Instruments (HaPI), US National Library of Medicine (PubMed), and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL Plus) databases (1937 to the present) to identify UE assessment and outcomes tools. We identified 21 tools for further analysis and searched HaPI, PubMed, CINAHL Plus, and Google Scholar ( http://scholar.google.com/schhp?tab=ws ) databases to identify all validity and reliability studies, systematic reviews, and original references for each of the 21 tools.Results: The tools identified covered ages birth to adulthood. International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health domains addressed by these tools included body function, body structure, activities and participation, and environmental factors. Eleven of the tools were patient or family report, seven were clinician-based observations, and three tools could be used in either fashion. All of the tools had published evidence of validity. Nine of the tools were specifically designed for use in subjects with CP. Two of the tools required formal certification before use. Ten of the tools were provided free of charge by the investigators or institution who developed them.Conclusions: Familiarity with the psychometric and clinometric properties of assessment and classification tools for the UE in children with CP greatly enhances a clinician's ability to select and use these tools in daily clinical practice for both clinical decision-making and assessment of outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Shriners Hospital for Children Upper Extremity Evaluation (SHUEE) is a video-based tool for the assessment of upper extremity function in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. This tool includes spontaneous functional analysis and dynamic positional analysis and assesses the ability to perform grasp and release. The purpose of the present study was to assess the reliability, concurrent validity, and construct validity of this instrument. Methods: The Shriners Hospital for Children Upper Extremity Evaluation studies for eleven subjects with hemiplegic cerebral palsy were selected for the evaluation of intraobserver and interobserver reliability. Concurrent validity was determined through analysis of the Shriners Hospital for Children Upper Extremity Evaluation, Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory, and Jebson-Taylor Test of Hand Function scores for twenty children. Construct validity was determined through analysis of Shriners Hospital for Children Upper Extremity Evaluation scores for eighteen children before and after flexor carpi ulnaris to extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon transfer. Results: The absolute mean differences between the two scoring sessions for three raters were 1.2 and 1.0 for the spontaneous functional analysis and the dynamic positional analysis, respectively. Although the mean differences were significantly different from 0 (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003), the differences were small and not clinically important with regard to the total possible score. There was excellent intraobserver reliability between the two sessions with regard to both spontaneous functional analysis (r = 0.99) and dynamic positional analysis (r = 0.98). Assessment of interobserver reliability revealed absolute mean differences between four raters of 3.8 and 3.7 for the spontaneous functional analysis and the dynamic positional analysis, respectively. These differences were significantly different from 0 (p < 0.001); however, the magnitudes of these differences were not important with regard to total score or clinical interpretation. There was excellent interobserver reliability for both the spontaneous functional analysis (r = 0.90) and the dynamic positional analysis (r = 0.89). There was 100% agreement within and between examiners for the grasp-and-release section. The Shriners Hospital for Children Upper Extremity Evaluation showed fair correlation with the self-care scaled score from the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (r = 0.47) and good inverse correlation with the non-dominant total time section of the Jebson-Taylor test (r = -0.76). The Shriners Hospital for Children Upper Extremity Evaluation wrist score improved for all eighteen subjects after the flexor tendon transfer, and the mean improvement was significant (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The present study establishes the clinical reliability, concurrent validity, and construct validity of the Shriners Hospital for Children Upper Extremity Evaluation for the assessment of upper extremity function in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]