The Aim The aim of this study was to examine the effects of Animal Assisted Therapies with Farm Animals (AATF) with domesticated ducks on depression, anxiety, and self-efficacy in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) . Furthermore, the following hypothesis was tested: Engaging in AATF with domesticated ducks will be associated with decrease in depression, anxiety, and an increase in self-efficacy. Methods The study examined the effects of AATF on anxiety and depression among patients with TBI. Time series quasi-experimental design structure was utilized. At the beginning of the study participants received Hospital Anxiety and Depression Survey (HADS) and General Self Efficacy (GSE) questionnaires to evaluate the depression, anxiety, and self-efficacy. After that AAFT intervention started. AAFT intervention included two one-hour sessions interacting with ducks every week for 12 weeks. At the end of 12-week period participants received the same questioners. This was repeated in four weeks after the intervention ended to evaluate the residual effects of the intervention on anxiety and depression. Results General Linear Model was employed to examine changes in anxiety, depression, and self-efficacy. Participants presented with anxiety level decrease when means of pre and post intervention anxiety levels were compared. We discovered that these differences were significant based on an alpha value of .05, p = .009. There were no statistically significant differences between anxiety levels immediately post intervention and in four weeks the intervention was complete. There were no statistically significant differences discovered between depression levels pre, post, and retest. Also, there were no statistically significant differences discovered between self-efficacy levels pre, post, and retest. Conclusions Our study supported the part of hypothesis regarding an inverse association between time spent working with ducks and anxiety. Mastery of skills, vicarious experiences, and verbal persuasion may be the factors that contribute to the beneficial outcomes of the interactions between persons with TBI and domesticated ducks.

International and national research has shown that the use of complementary therapies (often referred to in the scientific literature as either alternative therapies or unconventional therapies) is widespread. However, there is little in the scientific literature about the use of complementary therapies in the treatment regime of people with dementia. Specifically, there have been no published results of investigations into the use of Reiki, a holistic complementary therapy, in the treatment regime of people with dementia. Before proceeding with an in-depth examination into the use of Reiki in the care of people with dementia, a questionnaire containing both closed and open-ended questions was distributed to 162 South Australian High Care Residential Facilities (formerly called Nursing Homes) in 2002. The return rate was 58.0% (n=94) of which 50.0% of the mail out (n=81) was available for analysis. Findings from the questionnaires suggested that a wide range of complementary therapies including aromatherapy, massage, music, behaviour therapy, healing touch, Reiki and Therapeutic Touch (Krieger/Kunz method) were used regularly within South Australian High Care Residential Facilities. Complementary therapies were reportedly used to calm residents, improve behaviour management, enhance the quality of life of residents, promote 1:1 interaction, stimulate the senses, and reduce the need for medication. Due to 15 facilities reporting the use of Reiki, a series of semi-structured interviews with Reiki practitioners caring for people with dementia was conducted in 2004/2005. Interview participants (n=10) included a representative range of people providing care for people with dementia in eight Nursing Homes in Adelaide, South Australia. Data reduction methods included a quasi-statistical counting of key words and repeated re-readings of the transcripts to discover the essences, abstract the meanings and arrange them into themes and sub-themes. The results of the interviews suggested that Reiki is an easy to learn and easy to use holistic complementary therapy which has the potential to enhance the quality of life of the persons with dementia, their family members, and their carers. The interview participants reported improved physical, psychological, mental and emotional well-being as well as enhanced relationships and a reduction in negative behaviours following the use of Reiki. The receipt of the first Jack Loader Scholarship from the Rosemary Foundation for Memory Support Inc. in early 2005 enabled the researcher to transfer to full-time studies from April 2005. Key Words: aged care; alternative therapies; complementary therapies; dementia; early onset dementia; one to one interaction; quality of life; Reiki; therapeutic touch; unconventional therapies.

The concerted action of ion channels and pumps establishing a resting membrane potential has been most thoroughly studied in the context of excitable cells, most notably neurons, but emerging evidences indicate that they are also involved in controlling proliferation and differentiation of nonexcitable somatic stem cells. The importance of understanding stem cell contribution to tissue formation during embryonic development, adult homeostasis, and regeneration in disease has prompted many groups to study and manipulate the membrane potential of stem cells in a variety of systems. In this paper we aimed at summarizing the current knowledge on the role of ion channels and pumps in the context of mammalian corticogenesis with particular emphasis on their contribution to the switch of neural stem cells from proliferation to differentiation and generation of more committed progenitors and neurons, whose lineage during brain development has been recently elucidated.

Introduction: Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese treatment. It is difficult to know what role the nurse performs during acupuncture in Sweden since no guidelines exist. Indications that patients appreciate receiving acupuncture justifies investigating nurses’ work in China. Good practice may be uncovered that could provide the basis for understanding, defining and promoting the nurses’ role in acupuncture in other countries. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the nurses’ conception of their role in acupuncture therapy in an acupuncture clinic in Chengdu, China. Method: A descriptive qualitative study. Data collection by methodological triangulation from observations and interviews. Result: Results show that the role of the nurse is to perform practical procedures, support patients and have responsibility for hygiene. Conclusion: Nurses have an important role in acupuncture therapy to carry out treatment as well as caring for the patients and treating them as individuals.

A test of standing broad jump ability was administered to ninety-three sixth grade boys to compare the kinesthetic and demonstration methods of instruction. The subjects were classified on the Neilson-Cozens Classification Index and divided into three groups. The first group received the kinesthetic method of instruction, the second group was instructed using the demonstration method, and the third group did not receive any formal instruction. The data were examined by computing the mean and standard deviation of each pre-test and post-test group. The mean and standard deviation of the pre-test scores were 60.61 and 7.589. The mean and standard deviation of the post-test scores were 61.31 and 7.397. When each pre-test score was subtracted from its corresponding post-test score it was revealed that the demonstration group showed an increase in performance of eighteen boys, the kinesthetic group increased by sixteen boys and the group receiving no formal instruction increased by seven boys. Analysis of variance of matched groups revealed an F ratio of 2.68 which was not significant at the .05 level. An alternate approach was attempted in which the effect of the pre-test scores were partialled out from the post-test scores. Subjected to matched group analysis of variance design indicated an F ratio of 2.68 which was not significant at the .05 level. The resu1ts of a randomized group analysis without matching revealed an F ratio of 2.68 which was quite similar to the previous results and also insignificant at the .05 level. Randomized group analysis without matching between post-test scores and the regression equation indicated an F ratio of 2.72 which again was found insignificant at the .05 level of significance. It was found that no statistically significant difference could be obtained by use of one instructional technique exclusively in preference to another.

The objective of this pilot study was to examine the feasibility of using Bowenwork as a complementary intervention for symptom management of breast cancer treatment-related lymphedema in women breast cancer survivors. The aims of the investigation were to 1) determine recruitment and retention rates 2) determine adherence to the intervention, 3) assess the safety and comfort level of the intervention 4) describe the effects of the six week intervention on lymphedema symptoms. A quasi-experimental, repeated measure design was chosen for this pilot study. Twenty-one community-dwelling women breast cancer survivors were recruited from three cities in Arizona, United States. The intervention was delivered in four consecutive sessions five to ten days apart. Baseline and post-intervention questionnaires were completed by the participants. Quality of life was measured with the SF-36 and the FACT-B questionnaires. The FACT-B was also used to measure functional status. Pain was measured with the Brief Pain Inventory. A paired t-test analysis was performed on the baseline and post intervention data. An ANOVA was performed on repeated physical measures (arm circumference and range of motion).Ninety-five percent of the women who enrolled completed the study. Adherence to the intervention and home exercises was high, at 100% and 95% respectively. The intervention was evaluated as safe without any reported major changes in medical condition or level of discomfort that required discontinuation from the study. A paired t-test analysis on the scores from SF-36 (mental health) and the FACT-B (quality of life and functional status) improved significantly following the Bowenwork intervention (p<.05). An ANOVA revealed a statistical significantly improvement in arm circumference and range of motion (p<.05).Bowenwork was shown to be an effective management strategy that improved mental health, increased quality of life and daily functional status, in addition to reducing arm circumference and increasing range of motion in women breast cancer survivors with lymphedema. A future full-scale study is needed to further explore these findings.

There is agreement among researchers that phonological awareness deficits are one of the main causes of dyslexia. Some researchers support the view that phonological awareness can be improved by teaching reading through a topdown approach (whole word) or a bottom-up approach (grapheme-phoneme); others claim that the combination of these two complementary approaches is more successful. The goal of this research combined reading intervention programme was to enhance the six 'dyslexic students' phonological awareness and to improve their reading in English in the inclusive English as a foreign language classroom. The research studied the effects the reading intervention programme, which systematically combines the two complementary approaches for the same duration of time in each session, had on the six Israeli research 'dyslexic students'. The present study is an inductive action research applying a case study design using qualitative research tools. Data from in-depth pre- and post-intervention interviews is triangulated with the participants' diaries, the practitioner's journal and the documentation of the pre- and post-intervention participants' assessments. Thematic data analysis indicated an improvement in the participants' phonological awareness, reading in English and functioning in the inclusive EFL classroom as a result of the combined reading intervention programme. The contribution to knowledge points to the fact that while a four-month cognitive intervention programme with 'dyslexic students' in Israel, studying English as a foreign language may improve students' cognitive functioning in English, it is insufficient in enabling students to allay their fears regarding the expectations of Israeli society, and their ability to succeed in life. Propositions suggest conducting a further action research study which examines the implementation of an additional emotional intervention to the cognitive one. The development of the emotional intervention will enable evaluation of the effects of a combined programme on 'dyslexic students' in Israel.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) management is challenging. This pilot study investigated parents/caregivers’ perception of therapies and other interventions in their ASD children. Information for children attending NDS department of MATC in Winnipeg was collected from participants through questionnaire-guided interviews. Mixed quantitative/qualitative methods were employed to analyze data. A total of 12 participants completed the study and data from14 children were collected. All children attended school, 88% were males, and more than 50% reported eating/sleeping difficulties. ADHD comorbidity was reported in 69%. The prescription drug most commonly tried was risperidone 56%, which found effective in controlling aggressive behaviours. Melatonin mostly tried in children for sleep. Behavioural therapy was rated as the most effective intervention, but was often limited by coverage and waiting period’s issues. Common concerns voiced by participants were the lack of trained professionals, the limited understanding of ASD children’s needs and the uncertainty for the future of their children (financial/service support at older age). Future studies should be conducted in a larger population and a longer observation time to document the changing needs of ASD children. / May 2016

Parents are best able to identify their own support needs, and professionals can assist parents in receiving supports to assist with these needs. There has been an increase of children diagnosed with autism, which has resulted in a major concern for education professionals. Teachers, therapists, and medical personnel are better able to assist families of children with autism in obtaining supports because they are able to view the family and child objectively and are not emotionally tied to the situation. The focus of this study was to identify the forms of social support that mothers and fathers of children recently diagnosed with autism perceive as being important. Twenty couples (father-mother dyads) of children between the ages of three to five and diagnosed no more than a year and a half with autism participated in this study. Before the study began a social validation process with professionals and parents of children with autism was used to validate the usefulness of the 16 support items. Once the validation was complete, twenty families completed a Q-sort with the items, which allowed for a ranking from "most" to "least" important. Results indicated that both fathers and mothers ranked "information on how I can help my child" as the most important support and "help with transportation" as the least important support. Overall, fathers' preferred instrumental (goods, services, financial assistance, and information) types of supports, such as, "financial help for expenses." Mothers' preferred emotional (someone to talk to about problems, feelings, and attitudes) types of supports, such as, "contact with other parent(s) who experienced the same situation." T-tests, correlations, and a factor analysis were performed to analyze the data. Significant correlations were from on five support items. "Involvement with a church or strong religious beliefs", "special equipment to help meet my child's needs", "financial help for expenses", "participation in an organized parent support group", and "information on how I can help my child" were significant at the.05 level. From the findings, implications for professionals who work with families of children with autism and recommendations for future research are discussed.

Os movimentos contraculturais, desencadeados principalmente nos anos de 1960/70, ao questionarem a sociedade tecnocrata-capitalista e incentivarem uma maior politização da vida social, possibilitaram ampliação da abertura para debates e tensões que afetaram as instituições sociais vigentes, contestando paradigmas consagrados. Tal fato permitiu uma (re)valorização e, até mesmo, reapropriação (ou criação) de perspectivas holísticas em relação ao corpo e à saúde, e a inclusão de outras dimensões explicativas, além das oferecidas pela racionalidade biomédica. Com a maior aceitação das práticas alternativas ou complementares, abriu-se espaço para a retomada de antigos métodos de cura através das mãos, entre elas, as que não necessitam de toque direto entre \"curador\" e paciente, como reiki e o johrei da Igreja Messiânica Mundial. Este estudo teve como objetivo apreender e interpretar os significados de reiki e johrei, considerando os arcabouços técnicos e conceituais sobre os quais estão alicerçados. Assim como, compreender como elas afetam o comportamento de seus praticantes e suas relações sociais. Para interpretar tais significados e experiências foram adotados os referenciais da antropologia interpretativa de Clifford Geertz e o método etnográfico. A pesquisa realizou-se em dois campos distintos, um Núcleo de Reiki e a Igreja Messiânica Mundial, ambos em Ribeirão Preto,SP , no período de outubro de 2009 a janeiro de 2012. Participaram deste estudo 15 reikianos como sujeitos principais e 5 frequentadores da Núcleo, como sujeitos secundários; mais 14 messiânicos, sujeitos principais e 5 frequentadores da Igreja, como sujeitos secundários. Os dados foram coletados por meio de observação participante, entrevistas semiestruturadas e diário de campo. Os principais resultados indicam que a crença no poder curativo nessas energias, reiki e johrei, aparece como principal sustentação de sua eficácia. Tanto os ensinamentos da Igreja Messiânica, como os ensinamentos e teorias associados ao reiki, foram capazes de fornecer novos sentidos para questões ou problemas desses sujeitos, modificando comportamentos como humor, agressividade, tolerância e sociabilidade, possibilitando a emergência de uma \"identidade holística\" e a configuração de novas \"comunidades de encantamento\" em torno dessas duas práticas. / Countercultural movements, initiated mainly in the 60\'s and 70\'s, questioned the capitalist- technocratic society and encouraged greater politicization of social life, enabling the extension of the debates and tensions that affected the existing social institutions, refuting established paradigms. This fact allowed a (re)valuing and even reappropriation (or creation) of holistic perspectives regarding the body and health, and the inclusion of other explanatory dimensions, beyond the ones offered by biomedical rationality. With an increased acceptance of alternative or complementary practices, there was more space for the return of ancient healing methods through hands, among them, those that do not require direct touch between \"healer\" and patient, such as reiki and johrei, of the World Messianic Church. This study aimed to recognize and interpret the meanings of reiki and johrei, considering the technical and conceptual frameworks upon which they are based, as well as to understand how they affect the behavior of its practitioners and their social relations. In order to interpret these meanings and experiences, Clifford Geertz\'s interpretive anthropology and the ethnographic method were adopted as frameworks. The research was carried out in two sites, a Reiki Center and the World Messianic Church, both in Ribeirão Preto, state of São Paulo, Brazil, from October 2009 to January 2012. The study included 15 reiki practitioners as main subjects and 5 frequenters of the Center, as secondary subjects; 14 messianic as main subjects, and 5 frequenters of the Church, as secondary subjects. Data were collected through participant observation, semi-structured interviews and field diary. The main results indicate that belief in the healing power of these energies, reiki and johrei, is the main support of their effectiveness. Both the Messianic Church doctrine as well as the doctrine and theories associated with reiki, were able to provide new meanings to issues or problems of these subjects, modifying behaviors such as mood, aggressiveness, tolerance and sociability, allowing for the emergence of a \"holistic identity\" and the setting of new \"communities of enchantment\" regarding these two practices.