Attitudes of mental health care professionals toward the provision of tobacco dependence treatment in the transition to a smoke-free mental health unit: An exploratory mixed method study.

Smoking rates among people with a mental illness have not declined and remain a significant and preventable risk factor contributing to increased morbidity and reduced life expectancy. This study aimed to measure commitment, thus underlying attitude of mental health professionals towards provision of tobacco dependence treatment and enablers and barriers to implementing routine tobacco dependence treatment and smoke-free policy in an acute inpatient mental health setting. A convenience sample of health professionals from an acute inpatient mental health unit were surveyed. This exploratory mixed method study included the Tobacco Treatment Commitment Scale (TTCS), smoking status, the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) and open-ended questions. Group differences were tested using t tests, ANOVA, chi square or the non-parametric alternative and relationships explored using the General Lineal Model (GLM). Open-ended questions of barriers and enablers to routine treatment of tobacco dependence and operating within smoke-free policy complete ban were thematically coded. Mental health professionals were ambivalent (TTCS) with males scoring higher (t=3.03, p=.003) than females, and current smokers scoring higher (t=2.70, p=.008) than nonsmokers (M=2.66, SD=0.62). Major barriers were related to mental health acuity and choice of patients to quit smoking, and staff belief that the smoke-free policy should have a partial ban (exemption). Education and training resources was the main enabler theme with additional themes of smoke-free policy (complete ban) and tobacco specialist nurses. The implementation of smoke-free policy (partial ban) was seen by majority respondents as an enabler for patient care, but in practice is a barrier to smoke free-policy (complete ban) implementation. Mental Health professionals need empirical evidence on tobacco dependence treatment benefits and smoke-free facilities to empower them to take a leading role in shifting long-standing cultural norms around smoking

Attitudes of mental health care professionals toward the provision of tobacco dependence treatment in the transition to a smoke-free mental health unit: An exploratory mixed method study.

Smoking rates among people with a mental illness have not declined and remain a significant and preventable risk factor contributing to increased morbidity and reduced life expectancy. This study aimed to measure commitment, thus underlying attitude of mental health professionals towards provision of tobacco dependence treatment and enablers and barriers to implementing routine tobacco dependence treatment and smoke-free policy in an acute inpatient mental health setting. A convenience sample of health professionals from an acute inpatient mental health unit were surveyed. This exploratory mixed method study included the Tobacco Treatment Commitment Scale (TTCS), smoking status, the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) and open-ended questions. Group differences were tested using t tests, ANOVA, chi square or the non-parametric alternative and relationships explored using the General Lineal Model (GLM). Open-ended questions of barriers and enablers to routine treatment of tobacco dependence and operating within smoke-free policy complete ban were thematically coded. Mental health professionals were ambivalent (TTCS) with males scoring higher (t=3.03, p=.003) than females, and current smokers scoring higher (t=2.70, p=.008) than nonsmokers (M=2.66, SD=0.62). Major barriers were related to mental health acuity and choice of patients to quit smoking, and staff belief that the smoke-free policy should have a partial ban (exemption). Education and training resources was the main enabler theme with additional themes of smoke-free policy (complete ban) and tobacco specialist nurses. The implementation of smoke-free policy (partial ban) was seen by majority respondents as an enabler for patient care, but in practice is a barrier to smoke free-policy (complete ban) implementation. Mental Health professionals need empirical evidence on tobacco dependence treatment benefits and smoke-free facilities to empower them to take a leading role in shifting long-standing cultural norms around smoking

A PROTOCOL OR A SET OF STANDARDS TO GUIDE AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS RESEARCH

This article examines some difficult decisions that agricultural economists must confront in doing research. Over many years, rules and standards have developed in agricultural economics that guide researchers, providing an underlying framework for research methods. This article deals with applying these seldom discussed guidelines to specific research situations confronted by agricultural economists. With this article, we hope to stimulate a dialogue among agricultural economists about the need for additional, appropriate methodological guidelines in agricultural economics research.Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies,

Integration of service, education, and research in local official public health agencies

Chambers et al discuss improved education for future public health practitioners. continuing education of existing staff, and research and evaluations activities in local official public health agencies in Ontario Canada

Undertaking Doctoral Research with Children and Young People with Life-limiting or Life-threatening Conditions

Doctoral level research can contribute to the evidence base, particularly in under‐researched areas and numerically small fields such as children and young people's palliative care. It is acknowledged that much of what we currently do in children's and young people's palliative care is eminence‐based, rather than evidence‐based (Together for Short Lives, 2018). Whilst sharing experience and wisdom was valuable, particularly when the specialty was in its infancy, it is important now to develop an evidence base to ensure that children, young people and their families receive the highest standard of care. This requires fostering the development of a research culture, including trained clinical and non‐clinical researchers, who will pursue a penetrating and rigorous research agenda (Beecham et al., 2016)

The Ursinus Weekly, November 5, 1970

Committees consider Committee Committee • Shapp elected Governor • Mag Men pave way for future concerts • Chancellorship inauguration • Statement to S.F.A.R.C. • Forum program presents Joan Kerr dance troupe • Editorial: Marketable revolution • Focus: Nancy Hunt • In the spotlight: Cleon Pennypacker • Letters to the editor: Open letter; Answer to Baker • Faculty portrait: Donald J. Hunter • Institutions and change • JV stars boost Hoopmen hopes as practice begins • Geneva topples Bears; Grid record now 1-5https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/weekly/1131/thumbnail.jp

Rhombomere-specific analysis reveals the repertoire of genetic cues expressed across the developing hindbrain

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The Hox family of homeodomain transcription factors comprises pivotal regulators of cell specification and identity during animal development. However, despite their well-defined roles in the establishment of anteroposterior pattern and considerable research into their mechanism of action, relatively few target genes have been identified in the downstream regulatory network. We have sought to investigate this issue, focussing on the developing hindbrain and the cranial motor neurons that arise from this region. The reiterated anteroposterior compartments of the developing hindbrain (rhombomeres (r)) are normally patterned by the combinatorial action of distinct Hox genes. Alteration in the normal pattern of Hox cues in this region results in a transformation of cellular identity to match the remaining Hox profile, similar to that observed in <it>Drosophila </it>homeotic transformations.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>To define the repertoire of genes regulated in each rhombomere, we have analysed the transcriptome of each rhombomere from wild-type mouse embryos and not those where pattern is perturbed by gain or loss of Hox gene function. Using microarray and bioinformatic methodologies in conjunction with other confirmatory techniques, we report here a detailed and comprehensive set of potential Hox target genes in r2, r3, r4 and r5. We have demonstrated that the data produced are both fully reflective and predictive of rhombomere identity and, thus, may represent some the of Hox targets. These data have been interrogated to generate a list of candidate genes whose function may contribute to the generation of neuronal subtypes characteristic of each rhombomere. Interestingly, the data can also be classified into genetic motifs that are predicted by the specific combinations of Hox genes and other regulators of hindbrain anteroposterior identity. The sets of genes described in each or combinations of rhombomeres span a wide functional range and suggest that the Hox genes, as well as other regulatory inputs, exert their influence across the full spectrum of molecular machinery.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We have performed a systematic survey of the transcriptional status of individual segments of the developing mouse hindbrain and identified hundreds of previously undescribed genes expressed in this region. The functional range of the potential candidate effectors or upstream modulators of Hox activity suggest multiple unexplored mechanisms. In particular, we present evidence of a potential new retinoic acid signalling system in ventral r4 and propose a model for the refinement of identity in this region. Furthermore, the rhombomeres demonstrate a molecular relationship to each other that is consistent with known observations about neurogenesis in the hindbrain. These findings give the first genome-wide insight into the complexity of gene expression during patterning of the developing hindbrain.</p

The Ursinus Weekly, December 10, 1970

Faculty action approves Student Life Committee • Student Union plans drag as committees deliberate • 33rd Messiah tonight • U.C. Forum features only Japanese mime performing in West • Frosh auction slaves • Ursinus tops $2.9 million loyalty drive • Fast planned for Pakistan • Editorial: Towards a brighter tomorrow • Letters to the editor: Over-sexed roommate; Scientist\u27s reply; Reign of terror; Love is just a four-letter word • S.F.A.R.C. minutes • The Super Bowl • Administration answers: Richard Whatley • Insight: The Academic Council • Fidler on the wax: Home by Procul Harum • Harriers place third in Middle Atlantic Conference • Injuries cramp style of Ursinus hoopmenhttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/weekly/1134/thumbnail.jp