Orphan Group Research Articles

Effects of early adversity on the brain: Larger-volume anterior cingulate cortex in AIDS orphans.

Multiple studies have revealed that adolescent AIDS orphans have more psychosocial problems than healthy adolescents. However, little is known about whether and how the brain structures of adolescent AIDS orphans differ from those of healthy adolescents. Here, we used magnetic resonance imaging to compare adolescent AIDS orphans reared in institutions (N = 20) with a sex- and age-matched group of healthy adolescents reared in families (N = 20) in China using a voxel-based morphometry analysis. First, we found that both total gray- and white-matter volumes did not differ between groups. Second, after correcting for age, sex, and total gray-matter volume, the AIDS orphan group demonstrated smaller hippocampal volumes, larger anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) volumes, and no differences in the amygdala. Third, a whole-brain analysis identified higher gray-matter volume of the ACC in the AIDS orphan group than in the control group. The preliminary findings of this study highlight the need for future research to confirm the sensitivity of the hippocampus and ACC to early adversity.

The evolution of ependymin-related proteins

BackgroundEpendymins were originally defined as fish-specific secreted glycoproteins involved in central nervous system plasticity and memory formation. Subsequent research revealed that these proteins represent a fish-specific lineage of a larger ependymin-related protein family (EPDRs). EPDRs have now been identified in a number of bilaterian animals and have been implicated in diverse non-neural functions. The recent discoveries of putative EPDRs in unicellular holozoans and an expanded EPDR family with potential roles in conspecific communication in crown-of-thorns starfish suggest that the distribution and diversity of EPDRs is significantly broader than currently understood.ResultsWe undertook a systematic survey to determine the distribution and evolution of EPDRs in eukaryotes. In addition to Bilateria, EPDR genes were identified in Cnidaria, Placozoa, Porifera, Choanoflagellatea, Filasterea, Apusozoa, Amoebozoa, Charophyta and Percolozoa, and tentatively in Cercozoa and the orphan group Malawimonadidae. EPDRs appear to be absent from prokaryotes and many eukaryote groups including ecdysozoans, fungi, stramenopiles, alveolates, haptistans and cryptistans. The EPDR family can be divided into two major clades and has undergone lineage-specific expansions in a number of metazoan lineages, including in poriferans, molluscs and cephalochordates. Variation in a core set of conserved residues in EPDRs reveals the presence of three distinct protein types; however, 3D modelling predicts overall protein structures to be similar.ConclusionsOur results reveal an early eukaryotic origin of the EPDR gene family and a dynamic pattern of gene duplication and gene loss in animals. This research provides a phylogenetic framework for the analysis of the functional evolution of this gene family.

Inherited Disorders of Neurotransmitters: Classification and Practical Approaches for Diagnosis and Treatment.

Neurotransmitter deficiencies are rare neurological disorders with clinical onset during childhood. The disorders are caused by genetic defects in the enzymes involved in synthesis, degradation, or transport of neurotransmitters or by defects in the cofactor biosynthesis such as tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4). With the newly described DNAJC12 deficiency, a chaperon-associated neurotransmitter disorder, the pathophysiological spectrum has been broadened. All deficiencies result in a lack of monoamine neurotransmitters, especially dopamine and its products, with a subset leading to decreased levels of serotonin. Symptoms can occur already in the neonatal period. Classical signs are hypotonia, movement disorders, autonomous dysregulations, and impaired development. Diagnosis depends on quantitative detection of neurotransmitters in cerebrospinal fluid, since peripheral markers in blood or urine are less reliable. Treatment is based on supplementation of the missing neurotransmitter precursors or restoring deficient cofactors for endogenous enzymatic synthesis. In recent years, knowledge about this orphan group of diseases increased substantially among clinicians. However, the difficult task of integrating clinical symptoms and laboratory values still leads to a critical delay in diagnosis and therapy for patients. This review aims at enhancing the understanding of neurotransmitter disorders and should help practicing clinicians to choose useful diagnostic steps on the way to a valid diagnosis.

Parental Bereavement in Young Children Living in South Africa and Malawi: Understanding Mental Health Resilience

Parental loss is a major stressful event found to increase risk of mental health problems in childhood. Yet, some children show resilient adaptation in the face of adversity across time. This study explores predictors of mental health resilience among parentally bereaved children in South Africa and Malawi and their cumulative effect. The study also explores whether predictors of resilience differed between orphaned and nonorphaned children. Consecutive attenders of community-based organizations (children; 4-13 years, and their caregivers) were interviewed at baseline and 15- to 18-month follow-up (n = 833). Interviews comprising inventories on demographic information, family data, child mental health, bereavement experience, and community characteristics. Mental health screens were used to operationalize resilience as the absence of symptoms of depression, suicidality, trauma, emotional, and behavioral problems. Almost 60% of children experienced parental loss. One-quarter of orphaned children showed no mental health problems at either wave and were classified as resilient. There were equal proportions of children classified as resilient within the orphaned (25%) versus nonorphaned group (22%). Being a quick learner, aiding ill family members, positive caregiving, household employment, higher community support, and lower exposure to domestic violence, physical punishment, or stigma at baseline predicted sustained resilience. There were cumulative influences of resilience predictors among orphaned children. Predictors of resilience did not vary by child age, sex, country of residence or between orphaned and nonorphaned children. This study enhances understanding of resilience in younger children and identifies a number of potential environmental and psychosocial factors for bolstering resilience in orphaned children.

Orphan Three-Finger Toxins Bind at Tissue Factor-Factor VIIa Interface to Inhibit Factor X Activation: Identification of Functional Site by Docking.

Three-finger toxins (3FTxs) contribute to toxicity of venomous snakes belonging to the family Elapidae. Currently, functions of a considerable proportion of 3FTxs are still unknown. Here, we describe the function of orphan group I 3FTxs consisting of four members. We also identified a new member of this group by sequencing a transcript isolated from Naja naja venom. This transcript, named najalexin, is identical to that previously described 3FTx from Naja atra venom gland, and shared high sequence identity with ringhalexin from Hemachatus haemachatus and a hypothetical protein from Ophiophagus hannah (here named as ophiolexin). The three-dimensional structure, as predicted by molecular modeling, showed that najalexin and ophiolexin share the same conserved structural organization as ringhalexin and other 3FTxs. Since ringhalexin inhibits the activation of factor X by the tissue factor–factor VIIa complex (TF-FVIIa), we evaluated the interaction of this group of 3FTxs with all components using in silico protein–protein docking studies. The binding of orphan group I 3FTxs to TF-FVIIa complex appears to be driven by their interaction with TF. They bind to fibronectin domain closer to the 170-loop of the FVIIa heavy chain to inhibit factor X activation. The docking studies reveal that functional site residues Tyr7, Lys9, Glu12, Lys26, Arg34, Leu35, Arg40, Val55, Asp56, Cys57, Cys58, and Arg65 on these 3FTxs are crucial for interaction. In silico replacement of these residues by Ala resulted in significant effects in the binding energies. Furthermore, these functional residues are not found in other groups of 3FTxs, which exhibit distinct pharmacological properties.

Dictionary Tradition vs. Pictorial Corpora: Which Vocabulary Thematic Fields Should Be Illustrated?

The latest research conducted by De Jong (2014) indicated that only a few European academic dictionaries, among over one hundred and fifty, use pictorial illustrations. On the other hand, it has been mentioned several times in the literature (related to both printed and electronic reference works) that visual content makes a general dictionary more attractive for the user. Therefore a new methodology, enhancing graphical strategy in lexicography, would be proposed. Firstly, a thematic division of meanings will be applied to the authentic multimodal explanations taken from two general dictionaries (verbal definition and graphical facility). As a result, commonly illustrated thematic fields will be shown along with the ones used by lexicographers in a restrained way, as well as the fields left without illustrations for some reasons. The exemplary meanings from these latest, orphan groups will be confronted with the query results from the authentic multimodal corpora. Such a procedure will give us some more detailed information about the obstacles connected with illustrating this particular set of senses (for example multimodal denotation and connotation problems).

Nocturnal behavior of orphaned Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) calves in Sri Lanka.

Many animals exhibit circadian variation in behavior; thus, studying nocturnal behavior is important to fully understand species activity patterns. The nocturnal behavior of Asian elephants, and specifically calves, has received little previous study. We carried out observational study of the nocturnal behavior of orphaned Asian elephant calves at three age groups: "infant" (0-24 months), "young juvenile" (25-36 months) and "old juveniles" (over 36 months). Project aims were to build a nocturnal activity budget, to investigate key age differences, and whether calves exhibited synchronous behavior patterns. We carried out focal animal sampling and instantaneous group scan sampling on 34 calves for 18 nights using an infra-red camera. Focal results indicated that calves spent the highest percentage of scans in lying rest (46.2%) and feeding (28.4%). There was no significant difference between lying rest in the three age groups. Calves spent the majority of time within 5 m of their nearest neighbor, with infants remaining in closest proximity to conspecifics compared to older calves. Synchronous behavior could not be proved statistically but two distinct lying rest periods between 2300 and 0100, and 0330 and 0530, were noted. We found that calves spent more time in lying rest than previously observed in adult elephants. Activity patterns observed suggest that the orphaned group behavior is similar to that reported in the wild and captive zoological collections, and appears to be in concordance with "natural" behavior patterns, a defining feature of animal welfare. This research provides valuable data as a preliminary study.

Vulnerability of street-involved children and youth in semi-rural Kenya: does orphan status matter?

ABSTRACTThe vulnerability of street-involved children and youth (SICY) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to adverse childhood events is well documented. Associations between orphanhood and multiple types of vulnerability have also been demonstrated. Whether type of orphanhood is associated with adverse events experienced during childhood or is predictive of psychosocial health is still unclear. Maua Methodist Hospital conducted a cross-sectional survey of 53 semi-rural SICY. Multiple indicators of vulnerability, including educational attainment, income, food security, adverse childhood events and psychosocial health (resilience, self-esteem, depression and self-efficacy), were analysed to determine differences between orphan status groups. Though not statistically significant, paternal and double orphans reported several factors that suggested greater vulnerability to adverse experiences and outcomes on the streets. Maternal and double orphans reported significantly more adverse childhood experiences than paternal orphans, suggesting survival of the mother may be a protective factor. Double orphans had significantly higher depression scores than each of the other orphan groups. Within a rescue and rehabilitation program, children who have lost both parents may need extra psychological support and intervention. Paternal and double orphans still living on the street may face greater obstacles to escaping street life and are a high priority for both prevention and intervention programming.

留守儿童、孤儿的共情特点研究

为了解留守儿童与孤儿的共情特点，本研究以IRI-C和共情投射测验为工具对34名农村留守儿童和52名孤儿和51名正常儿童的共情能力进行了测查，结果显示留守儿童组、孤儿组以及正常儿童组在IRI-C (F = 10.563, p < 0.000)和共情投射测验(F = 26.639, p < 0.000)上存在不同程度差异，在IRI-C中观点采择维度上被试间存在显著差异(F = 121.33, p < 0.05), 正常儿童组和留守儿童组得分显著高于孤儿组，在想象(F = 326.98, p < 0.000)和同情关心(F = 670.62, p < 0.000)维度上被试间存在显著差异，正常儿童组得分最高，孤儿组次之，留守儿童组最低；投射测试也有相似的结果。说明相对于正常儿童而言孤儿与留守儿童的共情能力有不同程度的损伤。 In this research, to understand the characteristics of the empathy of left-behind children and or-phans, the IRI-C and the empathy projective test were surveyed in 34 left-behind children in rural areas and 52 orphans. The result shows that there are significant differences in the sample of left-behind children, orphans and normal children in the IRI-C (F = 10.563, p < 0.000) and the empathic projective test (F = 26.639, p < 0.000). In the perspective-taking dimension, there were significant differences (F = 121.33, p < 0.05) in the different groups of subjects. The normal children group and the left-behind children group scored significantly higher than the orphaned group. Different subjects groups in the Fantasy (F = 326.98, p < 0.000) and the Empathic Concern (F = 670.62, p < 0.000) have significant differences. The normal children group scored the highest, followed by group of orphans and the left-behind children group scored the lowest; projective test has the similar results. In conclusion, the orphans’ and left-behind children's empathy ability than normal children have different degrees of damage.

Palliative medicines for children - a new frontier in paediatric research.

This paper seeks to highlight from a UK perspective the current lack of a research evidence base in paediatric palliative care that has resulted in a paucity of available medicines with appropriate formulations (strength and dosage form) to provide symptom management for children with life-limiting illnesses and to raise awareness of this group of 'therapeutic orphans'. Currently, clinicians have limited, often unsuitable medication choices for their paediatric palliative care patients, with little hope of moving away from the status quo. Most medicines used in children receiving palliative care are old and off-patent drugs, developed for and tested in an adult population. Many are not available in suitable formulations (dosage form and strength) for administration to children, and there are often no age-related profiles of adverse drug reactions or for safe dosing. Existing regional paediatric palliative care networks and support organisations should lobby funding bodies and the academic community to support appropriate research for this group of therapeutic orphans. Support must also be provided to pharmaceutical companies in the development of suitable products with appropriate formulations.

The orphan nuclear receptor RORα and group 3 innate lymphoid cells drive fibrosis in a mouse model of Crohn's disease.

Fibrosis is the result of dysregulated tissue regeneration and is characterized by excessive accumulation of matrix proteins that become detrimental to tissue function. In Crohn's disease, this manifests itself as recurrent gastrointestinal strictures for which there is no effective therapy beyond surgical intervention. Using a model of infection-induced chronic gut inflammation, we show that Rora-deficient mice are protected from fibrosis; infected intestinal tissues display diminished pathology, attenuated collagen deposition, and reduced fibroblast accumulation. Although Rora is best known for its role in group 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2) development, we find that Salmonella-induced fibrosis is independent of eosinophils, signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 signaling, and T helper 2 cytokine production, arguing that this process is largely ILC2-independent. Instead, we observe reduced levels of ILC3- and T cell-derived interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and IL-22 in infected gut tissues. Furthermore, using Rorasg/sg /Rag1-/- bone marrow chimeric mice, we show that restoring ILC function is sufficient to reestablish IL-17A and IL-22 production and a profibrotic phenotype. Our results show that RORα (retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor α)-dependent ILC3 functions are pivotal in mediating gut fibrosis, and they offer an avenue for therapeutic intervention in Crohn's-like diseases.

Early developmental milestones and age of independent walking in orphans compared with typical home-raised infants

AimEarly gross motor development is a major indicator of global milestones in the first year of life, affecting the walking ability of a child. There has been limited research reporting on early motor development and the age of independent walking of orphaned infants compared to typical home-raised infants. The purpose of this study was to compare the mean scores of early gross motor movement at 4, 6 and 8months of age and at the age of walking attainment of typically raised infants and orphaned infants. In addition, we looked to compare the walking age between these same infants. Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional study recruited 59 typical home-raised infants and 62 orphans. Their gross motor development was assessed using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS). The age of walking attainment was also prospectively monitored and ascertained. The Student's independent t-test was used to analyse the differences of the AIMS scores at 4, 6 and 8months of age and at the age of independent walking between the two groups. ResultsThe orphans showed significantly lower AIMS scores at 4, 6 and 8months of age and the age of independent walking (P-value<0.05). The orphan group had a 5-month older mean age of walking attainment (15.0±4.2months) compared with typical home-raised infants (9.9±1.4months). ConclusionOrphans have delays in early gross motor development and walk independently at an older age, compared with home-raised infants.

Toxicovenomics and antivenom profiling of the Eastern green mamba snake (Dendroaspis angusticeps)

A toxicovenomic study was performed on the venom of the green mamba, Dendroaspis angusticeps. Forty-two different proteins were identified in the venom of D. angusticeps, in addition to the nucleoside adenosine. The most abundant proteins belong to the three-finger toxin (3FTx) (69.2%) and the Kunitz-type proteinase inhibitor (16.3%) families. Several sub-subfamilies of the 3FTxs were identified, such as Orphan Group XI (Toxin F-VIII), acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (fasciculins), and aminergic toxins (muscarinic toxins, synergistic-like toxins, and adrenergic toxins). Remarkably, no α-neurotoxins were identified. Proteins of the Kunitz-type proteinase inhibitor family include dendrotoxins. Toxicological screening revealed a lack of lethal activity in all RP-HPLC fractions, except one, at the doses tested. Thus, the overall toxicity depends on the synergistic action of various types of proteins, such as dendrotoxins, fasciculins, and probably other synergistically-acting toxins. Polyspecific antivenoms manufactured in South Africa and India were effective in the neutralization of venom-induced lethality. These antivenoms also showed a pattern of broad immunorecognition of the different HPLC fractions by ELISA and immunoprecipitated the crude venom by gel immunodiffusion. The synergistic mechanism of toxicity constitutes a challenge for the development of effective recombinant antibodies, as it requires the identification of the most relevant synergistic toxins. Biological significanceEnvenomings by elapid snakes of the genus Dendroaspis, collectively known as mambas, represent a serious medical problem in sub-Saharan Africa. The development of novel antivenoms and of recombinant neutralizing antibodies demands the identification of the most relevant toxins in these venoms. In this study, a bottom-up approach was followed for the study of the proteome of the venom of the Eastern green mamba, D. angusticeps. Forty-two different proteins were identified, among which the three-finger toxin (3FTx) family, characteristic of elapid venoms, was the most abundant, followed by the Kunitz-type proteinase inhibitor family. In addition, several other protein families were present in the venom, together with the nucleoside adenosine. No α-neurotoxins were identified within the family of 3FTxs in the venom of D. angusticeps, in contrast to the venom of Dendroaspis polylepis, in which α-neurotoxins are largely responsible for the toxicity. With one exception, HPLC fractions from D. angusticeps venom did not kill mice at the doses tested. This underscores that the toxicity of the whole venom is due to the synergistic action of various components, such as fasciculins and dendrotoxins, and probably other synergistically-acting toxins. Thus, the venoms of these closely related species (D. angusticeps and D. polylepis) seem to have different mechanisms to subdue their prey, which may be related to different prey preferences, as D. angusticeps is predominantly arboreal, whereas D. polylepis lives mostly in open bush country and feeds mainly on mammals. It is therefore likely that the predominant clinical manifestations of human envenomings by these species also differ, although in both cases neurotoxic manifestations predominate. Polyspecific antivenoms manufactured in South Africa and India were effective in the neutralization of venom-induced lethality in mice and showed a pattern of broad immunorecognition of the various venom fractions. It is necessary to identify the toxins responsible for the synergistic mode of toxicity in this venom, since they are the targets for the development of recombinant antibodies for the treatment of envenomings.

HIV infection and related risk behaviors: does school support level the playing field between orphans and nonorphans in Zimbabwe?

Research is limited on whether providing school support to female adolescent orphans mitigates their HIV risk disadvantage compared to other female adolescents. This paper examines 2011 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) HIV-related biomarker and behavior data for orphaned and nonorphaned rural adolescent females to compare findings from a similar sample participating in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) testing school support as HIV prevention. HIV status, marriage, pregnancy, sexual debut, school dropout, years of schooling, and socioeconomic status were analyzed with the combined data-sets. Bivariate analyses compared variables between RCT comprehensive intervention and delayed partial intervention conditions, and between ZDHS orphan and nonorphan groups. Multivariable analyses included a series of group comparisons as follows: ZDHS orphans vs. ZDHS nonorphans; RCT orphans in each condition vs. ZDHS nonorphans; RCT orphans in each condition vs. ZDHS orphans. Analyses methods accounted for the complex survey sampling design within each data-set. A total of 751 observations were included. All orphan groups had consistently higher odds of HIV infection than ZDHS nonorphans. ZDHS orphans had higher odds of marriage, pregnancy, and sexual debut than ZDHS nonorphans. Comprehensive intervention participants had lower odds of marriage, sexual debut, and school dropout than ZDHS nonorphans. RCT participants in both conditions had lower odds of marriage, sexual debut, and school dropout than ZDHS orphans. The findings indicate that orphans are at a distinct disadvantage to HIV risk compared to nonorphans, and much of this is likely related to vertical transmission. We found no evidence that provision of school fees to orphans will reduce their risk of HIV infection relative to nonorphans but further evidence that such programs may reduce risk behaviors including early sexual debut, child marriage, and school dropout. Further research is needed to determine how these programs can be sustainably scaled-up in resource-limited settings.

Portrayal of Orphans in Mainstream Hindi Films

Art does not exist in a vacuum. Artistic expressions find their genesis in the social concerns of individuals and the community at large. The artist endeavors to establish an emphatic connection with his fellow human beings by giving expression to societal issues that disturb him. The condition of orphans is one such area. It requires the attention of the welfare state, society and art alike, not only because of the need for a humanistic approach but also because of its long term repercussions on society. The sense of abandonment makes these children more vulnerable, socially and psychologically. Institutions like orphanages provide succor to such children but their role and whether they are able to heal the wounds fully is a matter of debate. Many experts feel that institutionalized children develop behavioural disorders, which are not present if they get family care and support. Hindi films have also taken up cudgels on behalf of many peripheral groups, and orphans are one of them. In mainstream Hindi cinema like Dosti, Bootpolish, Brahmchari, Mr. India and many others have depicted the problems of institutionalized children and their emotional turmoil's in different ways. The fate of orphans in Hindi films, however, is generally quite predictable, representing themes of petty crime or helping other such deprived children. Rarely has a mainstream Hindi film delved deep into the general existence of this orphan group, nor have they endeavoured to find effective solutions towards making these children respected and responsible citizens. Since mainstream Hindi cinema has been a vehicle for the projection of many social causes, children should also be a centre of focus with an emphatic portrayal of their situation.

Depression among AIDS-orphaned children higher than among other orphaned children in southern India

BackgroundSystematic data on mental health issues among orphaned children are not readily available in India. This study explored depression and its associated risk factors among orphaned children in Hyderabad city in south India.Methods400 orphaned children drawn equally from AIDS and non-AIDS orphan groups aged 12–16 years residing in orphanages in and around Hyderabad city in southern India were recruited to assess depression and associated risk factors using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-DC). Variation in the intensity of depression was assessed using multiple classification analysis (MCA).Results397 (99%) orphans provided complete interviews in the study of whom 306 (76.5%) were aged 12 to 14 years, and 206 (51.8%) were paternal orphans. Children orphaned by AIDS were significantly more likely to report being bullied by friends or relatives (50.3%) and report experiencing discrimination (12.6%) than those orphaned due to other reasons (p < 0.001). The overall prevalence of depression score >15 with CES-DC was 74.1% (95% CI 69.7-78.4) with this being significantly higher for children orphaned by AIDS (84.4%, 95% CI 79.4 – 89.5) than those due to other reasons (63.6%, 95% CI 56.9 – 70.4). Mean depression score was significantly higher for children orphaned by AIDS (34.6) than the other group (20.6; p < 0.001). Among the children orphaned by AIDS, the bulk of depression score was clustered in 12–14 years age groups whereas in the children orphaned by other reasons it was clustered in the 15–16 years age group (p = 0.001). MCA analysis showed being a child orphaned by AIDS had the highest effect on the intensity of depression (Beta = 0.473).ConclusionsChildren orphaned by AIDS had significantly higher depressive symptoms than the other orphaned children. These findings could be used for further planning of mental health interventions to meet the mental health needs of orphaned children, that could include preventive, diagnostic and treatment services.

INFLUENCE OF THE KING AND QUEEN ON THE DIFFERENTIATION OF SOLDIERS IN KALOTERMES FLAVICOLLIS FABR. (ISOPTERA)

SUMMARY When a group of pseudergates or nymphs of K. flavicollis is separated from the soldiers, some termites are differentiated into soldiers. In the orphan groups only a small percentage of termites are differentiated into soldiers and their differentiation is probably due both to the influence of the other members of the group and to influences sustained before their separation from the reproductives and soldiers. Soldiers are produced with much greater frequency when reproductives are present in the pseudergate groups, but varying according to whether one king, one queen, two reproductives of the same sex or a pair of reproductives are present. The effect of the reproductives can be graded as follows: pair of reproductives > two queens = one queen = two kings > one king. The influence of one king alone is very small; that of two kings, on the other hand, is considerable and similar to the sum of the influences exerted by each alone. The influence of the queen alone is also considerable, but the prese...

An Application of the Sidek Module Development in Rebt Counseling Intervention Module Design for Orphans

This article introduces Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy Self-Concept for Adolescents (REBT-SC-A). The main objective of this REBT-SC-A is to assist orphans in Malaysia to develop a positive and healthy self-concept. The Sidek Module Development Model (SMDM) and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy theory are applied as a guideline in developing REBT- SC-A. A validation stage was carried out by five expert counselors, and Cronbach alpha .80 was obtained. A group of orphans from aged 13 to 17 years was piloted to check the module's reliability and the Cronbach alpha .93 was obtained. Implications of the study are discussed later in the article.

Chimpanzees use multiple strategies to limit aggression and stress during spatial density changes

The regulation of aggression in captive animals is an important welfare concern. Captive environments typically provide limited space for animals and many species exhibit heightened aggression in response to spatial restriction. However, primates appear to regulate aggression under these conditions. These findings have led to the proposal of three models for responses to spatial density changes: the density-intensity, tension-reduction and conflict-avoidance models. Our study aimed to investigate whether spatial restriction in two groups of captive chimpanzees at the Johannesburg Zoo, South Africa, supported the hypotheses of one or more of these models. In addition, a forth model based on the coping hypothesis of stereotypic behaviour was tested. Behavioural observations of both chimpanzee groups were conducted during the nine month reconstruction of the chimpanzee exhibit, and the associated variation in spatial limitation. Both chimpanzee groups used a tension-reduction tactic to limit aggression in the outdoor environments under high spatial density. In the indoor environments, the one (orphan) group of chimpanzees adopted a tension-reduction tactic to limit aggression while the other (family) group adopted a conflict-avoidance tactic. In both groups, indoor high-density conditions generated significant increases in abnormal behaviour. Our findings provide mixed support for the tension-reduction and conflict-avoidance models, while offering no clear evidence for the density-intensity model. The outcomes suggest that the chimpanzees may also have utilised abnormal behaviour as an outlet for the stress of spatial restriction. Together with evidence from other studies, our results suggest that chimpanzees are flexible in their response to the stress of spatial restriction and may employ aggression-mediation tactics in a context dependent manner. With regard to primate welfare, our findings suggest that aggression during spatial restriction may not necessarily be as prominent a welfare concern as previously thought but redirected and abnormal behaviour may still compromise animal wellbeing under spatial restriction.

Final Disposition and Quality Auditing of the Rehabilitation Process in Wild Raptors Admitted to a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Catalonia, Spain, during a Twelve Year Period (1995–2007)

BackgroundVariability in reporting and classification methods in previous published data of the final dispositions in the rehabilitation of wild raptors makes use of this data limited in trying to audit the quality of the rehabilitation process. Crude as well as stratified disposition rates are needed if quality auditing of the rehabilitation process is to be adequately performed.MethodologyFinal dispositions of 6221 hospitalized wild raptors admitted at a wildlife rehabilitation centre (WRC) of Catalonia during 1995–2007 were analyzed. These dispositions were calculated as the euthanasia (Er), unassisted mortality (Mr), release (Rr) and captivity rates (Cr)., time to death (Td) for dead and euthanized raptors, and length of stay for released (Tr) raptors was estimated. Stratified analyses by main causes of admission and clinical signs were performed.ResultsThe disposition for the total population were: Er = 30.6%, Mr = 19.1%, Rr = 47.2%, and Cr = 3%. By main causes of admission, Er was higher in the trauma category (34.2%), whereas Mr was found similar between trauma (37.4%) and non-trauma categories (34.8%). The highest Rr was observed for the orphaned group (77.9%). Furthermore, Cr was low in all the categories (<4%). By clinical signs, the highest Er was found in animals suffering musculoskeletal (37.9%) or skin (32.3%) lesions; Mr was high in infectious/parasitic diseases (66.7%) and in case of neurological symptoms (64.5%). The euthanized birds had a median Td = 1 day (P10 = 0-P90 = 59) for both trauma and non-trauma categories, and Td = 36 days for the orphaned young group (P10 = 0; P90 = 596). The median Td in the unassisted dead birds was 2 days for all the categories (P10 = 0-P90 = 31). Finally, the median Tr in the centre was variable among categories.Conclusions/SignificanceReporting of final dispositions in wildlife rehabilitation should include the crude and stratified rates (Er, Mr, Rr, and Cr), by causes and clinical presentation, as well as Td and Tr, to allow meaningful auditing of the rehabilitation process quality.