Mentalizing partially mediates the association between attachment insecurity and global stress in preservice teachers

ObjectiveConsidering the fact that the teaching profession is a highly stressful occupation and that teachers’ ineffective coping strategies contribute to higher levels of stress, the objective of the present study was to investigate whether insecure attachment is related to global stress experiences in preservice student teachers. Furthermore, it was examined whether this link is mediated by the preservice teachers’ mentalizing—the capacity to perceive and consider one’s own and others’ behavior based on intentional mental states.MethodsData of this cross-sectional study came from 202 preservice student teachers using self-report instruments (attachment: Expectation in Close Relationships; mentalizing: Reflective Functioning Questionnaire; stress: Trier Inventory of Chronic Stress). The hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling.ResultsAnxious attachment was positively related to stress and impairments in mentalizing. In addition, the link between attachment-related anxiety and stress was partially mediated by mentalizing. Avoidant attachment was not associated with stress or mentalizing.DiscussionResults indicate that anxious attachment is associated with higher perceived stress in preservice student teachers. Consequently, attachment-related anxiety may be a risk factor which, in turn, may foster perceptions of higher global stress experiences.ConclusionAdditional research needs to focus on exploring the link between attachment insecurity and global stress experiences among preservice student teachers. An examination of preservice student teachers’ own attachment experiences proves to be useful, for example in the context of mentalization-based supervision or reflective practice

Insights into replicative senescence of human testicular peritubular cells

There is evidence for an age-related decline in male reproductive functions, yet how the human testis may age is not understood. Human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs) transport sperm, contribute to the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) niche and immune surveillance, and can be isolated and studied in vitro. Consequences of replicative senescence of HTPCs were evaluated to gain partial insights into human testicular aging. To this end, early and advanced HTPC passages, in which replicative senescence was indicated by increased cell size, altered nuclear morphology, enhanced beta-galactosidase activity, telomere attrition and reduced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), were compared. These alterations are typical for senescent cells, in general. To examine HTPC-specific changes, focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM) tomography was employed, which revealed a reduced mitochondrial network and an increased lysosome population. The results coincide with the data of a parallel proteomic analysis and indicate deranged proteostasis. The mRNA levels of typical contractility markers and growth factors, important for the SSC niche, were not significantly altered. A secretome analysis identified, however, elevated levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), which may play a role in spermatogenesis. Testicular DPP4 may further represent a possible drug target

ERNICA guidelines for the management of rectosigmoid Hirschsprung's disease

Background Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is a serious congenital bowel disorder with a prevalence of 1/5000. Currently, there is a lack of systematically developed guidelines to assist clinical decision-making regarding diagnostics and management. Aims This guideline aims to cover the diagnostics and management of rectosigmoid HSCR up to adulthood. It aims to describe the preferred approach of ERNICA, the European Reference Network for rare inherited and congenital digestive disorders. Methods Recommendations within key topics covering the care pathway for rectosigmoid HSCR were developed by an international workgroup of experts from 8 European countries within ERNICA European Reference Network from the disciplines of surgery, medicine, histopathology, microbiology, genetics, and patient organization representatives. Recommendation statements were based on a comprehensive review of the available literature and expert consensus. AGREE II and GRADE approaches were used during development. Evidence levels and levels of agreement are noted. Results Thirty-three statements within 9 key areas were generated. Most recommendations were based on expert opinion. Conclusion In rare or low-prevalence diseases such as HSCR, there remains limited availability of high-quality clinical evidence. Consensus-based guidelines for care are presented.Peer reviewe

ERNICA guidelines for the management of rectosigmoid Hirschsprung's disease

Background Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is a serious congenital bowel disorder with a prevalence of 1/5000. Currently, there is a lack of systematically developed guidelines to assist clinical decision-making regarding diagnostics and management. Aims This guideline aims to cover the diagnostics and management of rectosigmoid HSCR up to adulthood. It aims to describe the preferred approach of ERNICA, the European Reference Network for rare inherited and congenital digestive disorders. Methods Recommendations within key topics covering the care pathway for rectosigmoid HSCR were developed by an international workgroup of experts from 8 European countries within ERNICA European Reference Network from the disciplines of surgery, medicine, histopathology, microbiology, genetics, and patient organization representatives. Recommendation statements were based on a comprehensive review of the available literature and expert consensus. AGREE II and GRADE approaches were used during development. Evidence levels and levels of agreement are noted. Results Thirty-three statements within 9 key areas were generated. Most recommendations were based on expert opinion. Conclusion In rare or low-prevalence diseases such as HSCR, there remains limited availability of high-quality clinical evidence. Consensus-based guidelines for care are presented.Peer reviewe

Food Literacy while Shopping: Motivating Informed Food Purchasing Behaviour with a Situated Gameful App

Establishing healthy eating patterns early in life is critical and has implications for lifelong health. Situated interventions are a promising approach to improve eating patterns. How- ever, HCI research has emphasized calorie control and weight loss, potentially leading consumers to prioritize caloric in- take over healthy eating patterns. To support healthy eating more holistically, we designed a gameful app called Pirate Bri’s Grocery Adventure (PBGA) that seeks to improve food literacy—meaning the interconnected combination of food- related knowledge, skills, and behaviours that empower an individual to make informed food choices—through a situated approach to grocery shopping. Findings from our three-week field study revealed that PBGA was effective for improving players’ nutrition knowledge and motivation for healthier food choices and reducing their impulse purchases. Our findings highlight that nutrition apps should promote planning and shopping based on balance, variety, and moderation

Der blinde Fleck im griechischen Reformprogramm: Voraussetzung für Modernisierungserfolge ist die Entflechtung von Parteien und Staatssektor

Nach der zweiten Parlamentswahl binnen sechs Wochen regiert in Athen seit Juni 2012 eine Dreierkoalition. Die gute Nachricht ist, dass sie aus Parteien besteht, die sich einem Verbleib in der Eurozone und der Fortsetzung der Reformen verschrieben haben. Die schlechte Nachricht ist, dass die beiden großen Koalitionspartner Nea Dimokratia und PASOK die ungünstigsten Voraussetzungen dafür mitbringen, eines der schwierigsten Probleme Griechenlands anzugehen: die grundlegende Erneuerung der Verwaltung und die Entflechtung von Parteien und öffentlichem Sektor. Beide Parteien, die Griechenland seit Ende der Militärdiktatur 1974 abwechselnd regieren, haben wenig Anreize, ihre sorgsam gepflegte Machtbasis zu beschneiden und der Selbstbedienungsmentalität der vergangenen Jahrzehnte ein Ende zu setzen. Wichtige Schritte auf dem Weg zur erfolgreichen Modernisierung Griechenlands sind die Professionalisierung und Entpolitisierung des Staatssektors, die Freisetzung des ökonomischen Potentials und die Erneuerung der politischen Klasse. Partner dafür können neue politische Kräfte sein, die an der Überwindung des klientelistischen Systems der herrschenden Eliten interessiert sin