Single Family Group Research Articles

Implementation of guidelines on family involvement for persons with psychotic disorders in community mental health centres (IFIP): protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial

BackgroundFamily involvement for persons with psychotic disorders is under-implemented in mental health care, despite its firm scientific, economic, legal and moral basis. This appears to be the case in Norway, despite the presence of national guidelines providing both general recommendations on family involvement and support in the health- and care services, and specific guidance on family interventions for patients with psychotic disorders. The aim of this project is to improve mental health services and the psychosocial health of persons with psychotic disorders and their relatives, by implementing selected recommendations from the national guidelines in community mental health centres, and to evaluate this process.MethodsThe trial is cluster randomised, where 14 outpatient clusters from community mental health centres undergo stratified randomisation with an allocation ratio of 1:1. The seven intervention clusters will receive implementation support for 18 months, whereas the control clusters will receive the same support after this implementation period. The intervention consists of: 1. A basic level of family involvement and support. 2. Family psychoeducation in single-family groups. 3. Training and guidance of health care personnel. 4. A family coordinator and 5. Other implementation measures. Fidelity to the intervention will be measured four times in the intervention arm and two times in the control arm, and the differences in fidelity changes between the arms constitute the primary outcomes. In each arm, we aim to include 161 patients with psychotic disorders and their closest relative to fill in questionnaires at inclusion, 6 months and 12 months, measuring psychosocial health and satisfaction with services. Clinicians will contribute clinical data about patients at inclusion and 12 months. Use of health and welfare services and work participation, for both patients and relatives, will be retrieved from national registries. We will also perform qualitative interviews with patients, relatives, health care personnel and leaders. Finally, we will conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis and a political economy analysis.DiscussionThis project, with its multilevel and mixed methods approach, may contribute valuable knowledge to the fields of family involvement, mental health service research and implementation science.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03869177. Registered 11.03.19.

Family Relations after the Emergence of Social Media: A Comparative Analysis of Single-Family and Joint Family Systems

This study's main aim is to explore the impact of social media on family ties. A quantitative method of survey is used to gather data. The survey is conducted both face-to-face and through emails. One hundred respondent take part in this research through a survey while media displacement theory implemented on present research. Statistics indicate that people living in a single-family group use more social media than people living together. Findings also say people are using social media to escape family problems. There is a small disparity between the people who live in both family systems on whether or not social media eliminates the original family. The present research suggests more awareness in better usage of social media to avoid family values destruction.

Historia de la Amazonía: contribución de la paleoecología al debate de ocupación precolombina y sus efectos en el ecosistema

Montoya, E. 2018. Amazonia history: Contribution of palaeoecology to the scientific debate of pre-Columbian occupation and its effects on the ecosystems. Ecosistemas 27(1): 18-25. Doi.: 10.7818/ECOS.1444 The Amazon basin is considered nowadays amongst the lasts “green lungs” on Earth. This region has been subjected to a variety of studies aimed to improve the understanding of the ecological dynamics that govern such a diverse location. From a socio-ecological point of view, several hypotheses have been proposed about pre-Columbian human populations and their effects on biodiversity. Thus, some of these debates deal with: i) The extent and density of inhabitants (i.e., from nomadic single-family groups to over populated cities), ii) Human population contribution to diversity (e.g., is current diversity human-driven or a relic of surviving species), and iii) The impact occurred on plant communities (including hypotheses ranging from natural parklands to pristine landscapes). This work presents the history of some of these hypotheses resulting from disciplines such as archaeology, sociology, ecology and biogeography. Specifically, I will try to highlight how palaeoecology has contributed to support or reject some of these thoughts from a holistic and empirical approach. In addition, some future directions for multidisciplinary research are proposed.

Genetic insights into family group co-occurrence inCryptocercus punctulatus, a sub-social woodroach from the southern Appalachian Mountains

The wood-feeding cockroach Cryptocercus punctulatus Scudder (Blattodea: Cryptocercidae) is an important member of the dead wood (saproxylic) community in montane forests of the southeastern United States. However, its population biology remains poorly understood. Here, aspects of family group co-occurrence were characterized to provide basic information that can be extended by studies on the evolution and maintenance of sub-sociality. Broad sampling across the species’ range was coupled with molecular data (mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences). The primary questions were: (1) what proportion of rotting logs contain two or more different mtDNA haplotypes and how often can this be attributed to multiple families inhabiting the same log, (2) are multi-family logs spatially clustered, and (3) what levels of genetic differentiation among haplotypes exist within a log, and how genetically similar are matrilines of co-occurring family groups? Multi-family logs were identified on the premise that three different mtDNA haplotypes, or two different haplotypes among adult females, is inconsistent with a single family group founded by one male–female pair. Results showed that of the 88 rotting logs from which multiple adult C. punctulatus were sampled, 41 logs (47%) contained two or more mtDNA haplotypes, and at least 19 of these logs (22% overall) were inferred to be inhabited by multiple families. There was no strong evidence for spatial clustering of the latter class of logs. The frequency distribution of nucleotide differences between co-occurring haplotypes was strongly right-skewed, such that most haplotypes were only one or two mutations apart, but more substantial divergences (up to 18 mutations, or 1.6% uncorrected sequence divergence) do occasionally occur within logs. This work represents the first explicit investigation of family group co-occurrence in C. punctulatus, providing a valuable baseline for follow-up studies.

Estimation of total genetic effects for survival time in crossbred laying hens showing cannibalism, using pedigree or genomic information.

Mortality of laying hens due to cannibalism is a major problem in the egg-laying industry. Survival depends on two genetic effects: the direct genetic effect of the individual itself (DGE) and the indirect genetic effects of its group mates (IGE). For hens housed in sire-family groups, DGE and IGE cannot be estimated using pedigree information, but the combined effect of DGE and IGE is estimated in the total breeding value (TBV). Genomic information provides information on actual genetic relationships between individuals and might be a tool to improve TBV accuracy. We investigated whether genomic information of the sire increased TBV accuracy compared with pedigree information, and we estimated genetic parameters for survival time. A sire model with pedigree information (BLUP) and a sire model with genomic information (ssGBLUP) were used. We used survival time records of 7290 crossbred offspring with intact beaks from four crosses. Cross-validation was used to compare the models. Using ssGBLUP did not improve TBV accuracy compared with BLUP which is probably due to the limited number of sires available per cross (~50). Genetic parameter estimates were similar for BLUP and ssGBLUP. For both BLUP and ssGBLUP, total heritable variance (T2 ), expressed as a proportion of phenotypic variance, ranged from 0.03±0.04 to 0.25±0.09. Further research is needed on breeding value estimation for socially affected traits measured on individuals kept in single-family groups.

Single versus multiple-family intervention in childhood overweight—Finnmark Activity School: a randomised trial

ObjectiveTo compare a new comprehensive lifestyle programme performed in groups of families with overweight (included obese) children with a more conventional single-family programme. The study design and interim anthropometrical results...

Spatial and Temporal Activity Patterns of the Free-Living Giant Mole-Rat (Fukomys mechowii), the Largest Social Bathyergid

Despite the considerable attention devoted to the biology of social species of African mole-rats (Bathyergidae, Rodentia), knowledge is lacking about their behaviour under natural conditions. We studied activity of the largest social bathyergid, the giant mole-rat Fukomys mechowii, in its natural habitat in Zambia using radio-telemetry. We radio-tracked six individuals during three continuous 72-h sessions. Five of these individuals, including a breeding male, belonged to a single family group; the remaining female was probably a solitary disperser. The non-breeders of the family were active (i.e. outside the nest) 5.8 hours per 24h-day with the activity split into 6.5 short bouts. The activity was more concentrated in the night hours, when the animals also travelled longer distances from the nest. The breeding male spent only 3.2 hours per day outside the nest, utilizing less than 20% of the whole family home range. The dispersing female displayed a much different activity pattern than the family members. Her 8.0 hours of outside-nest activity per day were split into 4.6 bouts which were twice as long as in the family non-breeders. Her activity peak in the late afternoon coincided with the temperature maximum in the depth of 10 cm (roughly the depth of the foraging tunnels). Our results suggest that the breeding individuals (at least males) contribute very little to the work of the family group. Nevertheless, the amount of an individual's activity and its daily pattern are probably flexible in this species and can be modified in response to actual environmental and social conditions.

Pilot Study of Ethnically Sensitive Family Psychoeducation for Chinese-American Patients With Schizophrenia

This pilot study tested the feasibility and receptivity of a family psychoeducation protocol for Chinese-American adult schizophrenic patients and their caregivers. Although family psychoeducation had been proven a robust intervention, little empirical evidence is available on minority groups in the United States. This ethnically sensitive treatment adapted to Chinese immigrants had a shorter 6-month treatment and involved both multifamily group for caregivers and single-family group for individual families. Twelve families were recruited, nine in the intervention group and three in the comparison group. Four waves of data were collected at baseline, 3-month, termination, and 3-month follow-up. Most changes in outcome measures at termination and follow-up for the intervention group compared to baseline and relative to the comparison group were in the expected direction. Patient symptomatology and quality of life, and caregiver knowledge of the illness, treatment and community resources, and social support improved significantly. The protocol was found to be well received by the participants. Various considerations in terms of format, structure and duration proved to serve its purpose. However, flexibility in carrying out the protocol in order to cater for the specific needs of the families and their circumstance was found to be of paramount importance.

Family-tank interactions on early growth performance of yellow perch reared in single-family tanks versus mixed-family tanks as inferred using microsatellite pedigrees

From 17 families, 400 fingerlings were evenly stocked into four replicates of each of five groups: single family from an Ohio strain, single family from a North Carolina strain, three families from the cross of five strains, 12 families from the cross of five strains and a combination of all 17 families. After rearing for 27 weeks, the progeny from the 17 families could be confidently assigned to their family of origin at the rate of 97.9%. The cross-bred multi-families (12-family and 3-family groups) from different strains gained significantly more weight than both single-family groups in separate tanks throughout most of the experiment (P<0.05), but no significant differences were detected in body weight among the four groups in the all-family communal tanks (P>0.05). Both single families grew significantly faster in the all-family communal tanks than in single-family tanks by the end of the experiment (P<0.05). In addition, no correlation was detected between family mean weight obtained from the multi-family tanks (12-family and 3-family groups) and the family mean weight in the all-family tanks. These results indicated that there were strong effects of genotype by environment interactions on early growth performance of yellow perch.

The Family Behavior of California Quail: A Molecular Analysis

AbstractDuring the breeding season, California Quail (Callipepla californica) form two types of groups: those with a single associated adult female (single family groups), and those with more than one associated female (communal family groups). Although single family groups are assumed to be the result of a monogamous pairing of the associated male and female, additional males often associate with these groups. I conducted a preliminary investigation of the genetic relationship among the adults and young in California Quail families using three single-locus microsatellite markers. Both male and female adults were excluded as being the parents of some proportion of the associated young. Females had higher exclusion rates in communal than in single families, while there was no difference for males. A limited number of young were excluded from being the offspring of any of the adults associated with their family. In the first of three study years, adults were more related to one another in families than they were to the population; this relationship disappeared in subsequent years, possibly as a result of disturbance on site. These results suggest that families form, in part, as a result of factors other than direct genetic parentage. These factors might include selection for increasing group size, intermittent kin selection, and proximate factors related to the gregarious behavior of California Quail.

THE FAMILY BEHAVIOR OF CALIFORNIA QUAIL: A MOLECULAR ANALYSIS

Abstract During the breeding season, California Quail (Callipepla californica) form two types of groups: those with a single associated adult female (single family groups), and those with more than one associated female (communal family groups). Although single family groups are assumed to be the result of a monogamous pairing of the associated male and female, additional males often associate with these groups. I conducted a preliminary investigation of the genetic relationship among the adults and young in California Quail families using three single-locus microsatellite markers. Both male and female adults were excluded as being the parents of some proportion of the associated young. Females had higher exclusion rates in communal than in single families, while there was no difference for males. A limited number of young were excluded from being the offspring of any of the adults associated with their family. In the first of three study years, adults were more related to one another in families than the...

CLASSIFICATION OF AFRICAN ELEPHANT LOXODONTA AFRICANA RUMBLES USING ACOUSTIC PARAMETERS AND CLUSTER ANALYSIS

ABSTRACT It has been suggested that African savanna elephants Loxodonta africana produce 31 different call types (Langbauer 2000). Various researchers have described these calls by associating them with specific behavioural contexts. More recently Leong et al. (2003) have attempted to classify elephant call types based on their physical properties. They classified 8 acoustically distinct call types from a population of captive elephants. This study focuses on one of these call types, the rumble, in a wild population of elephants in Kruger National Park, South Africa. A single family group of elephants was followed to record group behaviours and vocalizations from January through August 2001. By measuring the physical properties of 663 rumbles and subjecting these to cluster analysis, we present evidence that shows that rumbles can be categorized by their physical properties and that the resulting rumble types are associated with specific group behaviours. We characterize three types of rumbles that differ significantly by ten acoustic parameters. Two rumble types were associated with the elephant group feeding and resting, while the third was associated with socializing and agitation.

Biomolecular study of the human remains from tomb 5859 in the Etruscan necropolis of Monterozzi, Tarquinia (Viterbo, Italy)

Archaeological excavation in an Etruscan room tomb, from the Monterozzi necropolis in Tarquinia led to the recovery of four individuals. It was hypothesized that they could be members of a single family group. As both archaeological data and classical anthropological analysis provided little information in this direction, ancient DNA (aDNA) was extracted from bone and tooth fragments of the individuals. For each subject HVR-I of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was cloned and sequenced. To identify the sex of the individuals, amelogenine and SRY genes were analysed. Short tandem repeat (STR) characterization was also performed. DNA studies were preceded by the evaluation of amino acids racemization extent and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), to evaluate, respectively, degradation and quantity of organic matter preserved in the samples. Results show that two subjects are males, whereas two are females. Furthermore, three of them share the same mtDNA sequence, and, as such, they could be related by maternal lineage. This evidence supports the hypothesis that the occupants of the tomb can be considered members of a family group composing two parents and their son and daughter. Molecular study supplies new data to better define the reconstruction previously proposed, based only on a morphological and archaeological approach. Multidisciplinary investigation also allows comparison of the different methods and integration of their contributions.

Early intervention outpatient clinic for psychotic patients (EOP)

Many authors have argued that it is important to give patients with schizophrenia specialized treatment an (re‐)habilitation as early as possible to reduce the number of chronic patients. And there are some studies supporting this. At Telemark Hospital a specialized EOP was started in January 1998. We treat patients with nonaffective psychosis and with affective psychosis with positive psychotic symptoms. The catchment area has 120 000 inhabitants. We have developed a programme for evaluation and follow up that will be presented. The EOP consists of a psychologist, psychiatric nurse, social worker and psychiatrist. Our programme consists of individual supportive psychoterapy/CBT, medical treatment, social and work/school (re‐)habilitation and psychoeducation in single family groups. The plan is to follow most patients for 2 years and make a thorough evaluation of how the follow up shall be in primary and secondary care. About 30% of our patients will be followed up until 5 years by the EOP. The first 3 years we have included 76 patients and preliminary data will be presented.

Application of real time PCR determination to assess interanimal variabilities in CYP1A induction in the European flounder (Platichthys flesus)

In both laboratory experiments and field investigations with fish a large interanimal variability in CYP1A expression has been observed which may be attributed to variations in environmental inducer exposure and/or inducer response. We are carrying out laboratory investigations to assess the contribution of a potential genetic component in inducer response of flounder (Platichthys flesus) CYP1A to PCB exposure and in this paper we report development of a sensitive quantitative RT-PCR procedure (real time PCR) where accumulation of the intercalated dye SYBR Green I is followed during cycling. Preliminary experiments using this procedure with artificially reared Arochlor 1254-treated flounders showed large interanimal differences in response for a single family group indicating that variability does have a genetic basis.

Interest in a Support Group Among Individuals Tested for a BRCA1 Gene Mutation

This article explores interest in a support group among 218 individuals tested for a mutation in BRCA1, a breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility gene. When queried 4 to 7 months after receiving the BRCA1 test results, approximately one-fourth of the participants expressed interest in a hypothetical support group. A mixed-carrier status and multiple family group was preferred over a carrier-only and single family group. The information about interest in a support group among individuals tested for a BRCA1 mutation represents an important step in identifying those who are most receptive to psychosocial interventions.

Psychoeducational Multiple-Family Groups

Educating persons with schizophrenia and their families about the nature of the illness and about ways to react to stressful situations has been helpful in managing the disease. When such education is combined with the social networking and problem solving that takes place in a multiple-family group, the incidence of hospitalization and symptomatology can be reduced. This curriculum module, developed to be used in a generalist practice or group work class, demonstrates a way to help students understand the benefits of a problem-solving model of group education for persons with schizophrenia and their families. Information on schizophrenia and the problem-solving process is reviewed in a class discussion, followed by class application of the problem-solving process through the use of a case vignette. Students then role play a second vignette in a multiple family group or a single family group. They conclude the unit by discussing the relative advantages and disadvantages of each method.

Donor insemination programmes with personal donors: issues of secrecy.

This study involved 46 recipients and donors in personal donor programmes interviewed anonymously by postal questionnaire and interview: 38% (30/80) of possible recipients responded. The total number of people told about the donor involvement ranged between two and 78, with no significant gender difference. Relationships had changed for half of the participants in the programmes with 75% reporting that they had developed a closer relationship and 25% reporting a deterioration. Contact between couples and donors was seen as being in the original role of family friend or relative rather than as donor. An equal proportion of recipients (63%) and donors (78%) agreed to the donor being identified to any offspring although this was qualified with regard to the age of the child. Reasons for identification were given as avoidance of family secrets and the rights of the child to have information concerning their conception. Those who did not agree said that the child was better off not knowing, or who wished to preserve donor anonymity. The donor group was more likely than the recipients to say that identification to the child was in the best interests of the social parents because it allowed all those involved to feel part of a single family group. It was found that for both recipients and donors, the advantages given for having a personal donor was openness within the relationship. For the recipients, this focused on knowledge of the donor background and, for related couples, having a common genetic relationship. For donors, the advantages given were: knowing the child's environment, having access to a child and the ability to choose recipients. A disadvantage for donors and recipients was the possibility of a change in the relationship and for donors an added disadvantage was having to share in the emotional stress of the treatment and negative outcomes. More men than women placed importance on having a donor with a similar genetic background.

Familial nasopharyngeal carcinoma

We report 3 cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma occurring in a single family group. All 3 patients are male, caucasian, born in Australia and of Greek origin. Two of the patients are brothers, the third their first cousin.

The Miskito Kings and the Line of Succession

The Miskito Indians dominated eastern Nicaragua during the colonial and republican eras until 1894, when the region came under the control of the Nicaraguan nation. The major native figures of the Miskito Kingdom were the individuals who filled the position of king. These Miskito kings have been portrayed in the literature as puppets of the English, put into and out of office at their whim. During historical research on the Miskito, a different picture of the kings emerged. A single line of succession has been pieced together, from 1655 to 1894, in which most kings were succeeded by the eldest son of their primary wife. In the few exceptional cases, the succession passed from older to younger brother. For at least the last 239 years of the kingdom, the kingship was controlled by a single family group.