Associations between EEG power and coherence with cognition and early precursors of speech and language development across the first months of life.

The neural processes underpinning cognition and language development in infancy are of great interest. We investigated EEG power and coherence in infancy, as a reflection of underlying cortical function of single brain region and cross-region connectivity, and their relations to cognition and early precursors of speech and language development. EEG recordings were longitudinally collected from 21 infants with typical development between approximately 1 and 7 months. We investigated relative band power at 3-6Hz and 6-9Hz and EEG coherence of these frequency ranges at 25 electrode pairs that cover key brain regions. A correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between EEG measurements across frequency bands and brain regions and raw Bayley cognitive and language developmental scores. In the first months of life, relative band power is not correlated with cognitive and language scales. However, 3-6Hz coherence is negatively correlated with receptive language scores between frontoparietal regions, and 6-9Hz coherence is negatively correlated with expressive language scores between frontoparietal regions. The results from this preliminary study contribute to the existing literature on the relationship between electrophysiological development, cognition, and early speech precursors in this age group. Future work should create norm references of early development in these domains that can be compared with infants at risk for neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Qualitative and Quantitative Measures of Joint Attention Development in the First Year of Life: A Scoping Review.

Joint attention (JA) is the purposeful coordination of an individual's focus of attention with that of another and begins to develop within the first year of life. Delayed, or atypically developing, JA is an early behavioral sign of many developmental disabilities and so assessing JA in infancy can improve our understanding of trajectories of typical and atypical development. This scoping review identified the most common methods for assessing JA in the first year of life. Methods of JA were divided into qualitative and quantitative categories. Out of an identified 13,898 articles, 106 were selected after a robust search of four databases. Frequent methods used were eye tracking, electroencephalography (EEG), behavioral coding and the Early Social Communication Scale (ECSC). These methods were used to assess JA in typically and atypically developing infants in the first year of life. This study provides a comprehensive review of the past and current state of measurement of JA in the literature, the strengths and limitations of the measures used, and the next steps to consider for researchers interested in investigating JA to strengthen this field going forwards.

Ecological Considerations When Designing Mitigation Translocations: An Australian Reptile Case Study.

Translocation science has made considerable progress over the last two decades; however, reptile translocations still frequently fail around the world. Major knowledge gaps surround the basic ecology of reptile species, including basic factors such as habitat preference, which have a critical influence on translocation success. The western spiny-tailed skink (Egernia stokesii badia) is used here as a case study to exemplify how empirical research can directly inform on-ground management and future translocation planning. A combination of studies, including LiDAR scanning of microhabitat structures, camera trapping, plasticine replica model experiments and unbounded point count surveys to assess predation risk, and visual and DNA analysis of dietary requirements, were all used to better understand the ecological requirements of E. s. badia. We found that the skinks have specific log pile requirements, both native and non-native predator management requirements, and a largely herbivorous, broad diet, which all influence translocation site selection and management planning. The use of E. s. badia as an Australian case study provides a clear strategic framework for the targeted research of meaningful ecological factors that influence translocation decision-making. Similar approaches applied to other reptile species are likely to fundamentally increase the capacity for effective management, and the likelihood of future successful translocations.

Associations between EEG power and coherence and cognitive and language development across the first months of life.

The neural processes underpinning cognition and language development in infancy are of great interest. We investigated EEG power and coherence in infancy, as a reflection of underlying cortical function of single brain region and cross-region connectivity, and their relations to cognition and language development. EEG recordings were longitudinally collected from 21 infants with typical development between 1 and 7 months. We investigated relative band power at theta (3-6Hz) and alpha (6-9Hz) and EEG coherence of these frequency bands at 25 electrode pairs that cover key brain regions. A correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between EEG measurements (frequency bands and brain regions) and raw Bayley cognitive and language developmental scores. In the first months of life, relative band power is not correlated with changes in cognitive and language scales. However, theta coherence is negatively correlated with receptive language scores between frontoparietal regions, and alpha coherence is negatively correlated with expressive language scores between frontoparietal regions. The results from this preliminary study are the first steps in identifying potential biomarkers of early cognitive and language development. In future work, we will confirm norm references of early cognitive and language development that can be compared with infants at risk for neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Maternal perceived stress and infant behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Maternal stress has negative consequences on infant behavioral development, and COVID-19 presented uniquely stressful situations to mothers of infants born during the pandemic. We hypothesized that mothers with higher levels of perceived stress during the pandemic would report higher levels of infant regulatory problems including crying and interrupted sleep patterns. METHODS: As part 6 sites of a longitudinal study, mothers of infants born during the pandemic completed the Perceived Stress Scale, the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire, and an Infant Crying survey at 6 (n = 433) and 12 (n = 344) months of infant age. RESULTS: Maternal perceived stress, which remained consistent at 6 and 12 months of infant age, was significantly positively correlated with time taken to settle infants. Although maternal perceived stress was not correlated with uninterrupted sleep length, time taken to put the infant to sleep was correlated. Perceived stress was also correlated with the amount of infant crying and fussiness reported at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Mothers who reported higher levels of perceived stress during the pandemic reported higher levels of regulatory problems, specifically at 6 months. Examining how varying levels of maternal stress and infant behaviors relate to overall infant developmental status over time is an important next step. IMPACT: Women giving birth during the COVID-19 pandemic who reported higher levels of stress on the Perceived Stress Scale also reported higher levels of infant fussiness and crying at 6 months old, and more disruptive sleep patterns in their infants at 6 months and 12 months old. Sleeping problems and excessive crying in infancy are two regulatory problems that are known risk factors for emotional and behavioral issues in later childhood. This paper is one of the first studies highlighting the associations between maternal stress and infant behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Revealing microhabitat requirements of an endangered specialist lizard with LiDAR.

A central principle of threatened species management is the requirement for detailed understanding of species habitat requirements. Difficult terrain or cryptic behaviour can, however, make the study of habitat or microhabitat requirements difficult, calling for innovative data collection techniques. We used high-resolution terrestrial LiDAR imaging to develop three-dimensional models of log piles, quantifying the structural characteristics linked with occupancy of an endangered cryptic reptile, the western spiny-tailed skink (Egernia stokesii badia). Inhabited log piles were generally taller with smaller entrance hollows and a wider main log, had more high-hanging branches, fewer low-hanging branches, more mid- and understorey cover, and lower maximum canopy height. Significant characteristics linked with occupancy were longer log piles, an average of three logs, less canopy cover, and the presence of overhanging vegetation, likely relating to colony segregation, thermoregulatory requirements, and foraging opportunities. In addition to optimising translocation site selection, understanding microhabitat specificity of E. s. badia will help inform a range of management objectives, such as targeted monitoring and invasive predator control. There are also diverse opportunities for the application of this technology to a wide variety of future ecological studies and wildlife management initiatives pertaining to a range of cryptic, understudied taxa.

Mitigation translocation as a management tool.

Mitigation translocation is a subgroup of conservation translocation, categorized by a crisis-responsive time frame and the immediate goal of relocating individuals threatened with death. However, the relative successes of conservation translocations with longer time frames and broader metapopulation- and ecosystem-level considerations have been used to justify the continued implementation of mitigation translocations without adequate post hoc monitoring to confirm their effectiveness as a conservation tool. Mitigation translocations now outnumber other conservation translocations, and understanding the effectiveness of mitigation translocations is critical given limited global conservation funding especially if the mitigation translocations undermine biodiversity conservation by failing to save individuals. We assessed the effectiveness of mitigation translocations by conducting a quantitative review of the global literature. A total of 59 mitigation translocations were reviewed for their adherence to the adaptive scientific approach expected of other conservation translocations and for the testing of management options to continue improving techniques for the future. We found that mitigation translocations have not achieved their potential as an effective applied science. Most translocations focused predominantly on population establishment- and persistence-level questions, as is often seen in translocations more broadly, and less on metapopulation and ecosystem outcomes. Questions regarding the long-term impacts to the recipient ecosystem (12% of articles) and the carrying capacity of translocation sites (24% of articles) were addressed least often, despite these factors being more likely to influence ultimate success. Less than half (47%) of studies included comparison of different management techniques to facilitate practitioners selecting the most effective management actions for the future. To align mitigation translocations with the relative success of other conservation translocations, it is critical that future mitigation translocations conform to an established experimental approach to improve their effectiveness. Effective mitigation translocations will require significantly greater investment of time, expertise, and resources in the future.

La Translocación para Mitigación como una Herramienta de Gestión Resumen La translocación para mitigación es un subgrupo de la translocación para la conservación, caracterizada por un marco de tiempo que responda a la crisis y la meta inmediata de reubicar a individuos amenazados de muerte. Sin embargo, el éxito relativo de las traslocaciones para conservación con marcos de tiempo mayores y consideraciones a nivel metapoblación y ecosistema más amplias han sido utilizadas para justificar la implementación de translocaciones para mitigación sin monitoreo post hoc adecuado para confirmar su efectividad como herramienta de conservación. Las translocaciones para mitigación ahora son más numerosas que otras translocaciones, por lo que es fundamental entender la efectividad de las translocaciones para mitigación debido a las limitaciones en el financiamiento para la conservación global - especialmente si las translocaciones para mitigación socavan la conservación de la biodiversidad al fallar en salvar individuos. Evaluamos la efectividad de translocaciones para mitigación mediante una revisión cuantitativa de la literatura global. Revisamos un total de 59 translocaciones para mitigación para analizar su adhesión al método científico adaptativo esperado de otras translocaciones de conservación y para probar las opciones de gestión para mejorar las técnicas en el futuro. Encontramos que las mitigaciones para translocación no han alcanzado su potencial como una ciencia aplicada efectiva. La mayoría de las translocaciones se centraron predominantemente en preguntas relacionadas con el establecimiento y nivel de persistencia de la población, como se observa en translocaciones más generales, y menos en resultados a nivel metapoblación y ecosistema. Aspectos relacionados con los impactos a largo plazo sobre el ecosistema recipiente (12% de los artículos) y la capacidad de carga de los sitios de translocación (24% de los artículos) fueron poco abordados, no obstante que es más probable que estos factores influyan en el éxito final. Menos de la mitad (47%) de los estudios incluyó la comparación de métodos de gestión diferentes para facilitar que los practicantes selecciones las acciones de gestión más efectivas para el futuro. Para alinear las translocaciones para mitigación con el éxito relativo de otras translocaciones para conservación, es crítico que las futuras translocaciones para mitigación se apeguen a un método experimental establecido para incrementar su efectividad. Para ser efectivas, las translocaciones para mitigación requerirán una inversión de tiempo, conocimientos técnicos y recursos significativamente mayores.

Shifting the Mindset: Incorporating Mindfulness Practice in the Graduate Online Nursing Classroom and Beyond.

ABSTRACT: The concept of using mindfulness techniques in an online nursing education environment is an idea that has limited research. We have utilized some mindfulness exercises to facilitate course interaction and guide how faculty and students can foster an engaged, mutually beneficial environment in the classroom and beyond to leadership positions in the clinical setting. Faculty utilize these techniques to enhance teaching in the online environment. This article provides examples of how faculty can engage students in these behaviors.

Refocusing the Lens: Caring and Compassion in an Online Nursing Environment.

The concept of compassionate caring in an online nursing education environment is an idea that has limited research. The College of Nursing at Sacred Heart University has adopted a caring model and philosophy to foster an engaged, mutually beneficial environment and guide how faculty and students interact in the online environment. Examples of how faculty engage students in these behaviors are offered.

Health professions faculty beliefs, confidence, use, and perceptions of organizational culture and readiness for EBP: A cross-sectional, descriptive survey.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is an essential skill and ethical obligation for all practicing health professions clinicians because of its strong association with improved health outcomes. Emerging evidence suggests that faculty who prepare these clinicians lack proficiency to teach EBP. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to describe; 1) health profession faculty beliefs about and confidence in their ability to teach and implement EBP, 2) use of EBP for education, 3) organizational culture and readiness for EBP; and to determine whether relationships exist among these variables. DESIGN: This study used a cross-sectional, descriptive survey design. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: College of Nursing (CON) and College of Health Professions (CHP) faculty from a university located in the Northeast, United States. Faculty were defined as anyone teaching a course for the CON or CHP during the fall of 2016. METHODS: Faculty were invited to complete an electronic survey measuring EBP beliefs, EBP use, and EBP organizational culture and readiness. The survey was comprised of three tools developed specifically for health professions educators in 2010 by Fineout-Overholt & Melnyk. RESULTS: Sixty-nine faculty returned usable surveys (25.5% response rate). Mean EBP beliefs score was 89.49 (SD = 10.94) indicating respondents had a firm belief in and confidence in their ability to implement and teach EBP. Mean EBP use was 32.02 (SD = 20.59) indicating that respondents taught and implemented EBP between 1 and 3 times in the last 8-weeks. Mean EBP culture and readiness score was 90.20 (SD = 15.23) indicating essential movement toward a sustainable culture of college-wide integration of EBP. Mean scores for beliefs/confidence were higher for full-time clinical faculty compared to other groups [F(2, 55) = 0.075, p = 0.928; ηp2 = 0.003)]. Adjunct faculty reported higher EBP behaviors expected by health profession educators in the last 8-weeks compared to other groups [F(2, 55) = 0.251, p = 0.779; ηp2. =0.009)]. Adjunct faculty had the highest mean scores on OCRSIEP-E followed by full-time clinical faculty. These group differences in OCRSIEP-E were statistically significant [F(2, 49) = 7.92, p = 0.001; ηp2 = 0.244)]. OCRSIEP-E was significantly different between full-time tenure/tenure track faculty (M = 78.0, SD = 12.58) and full-time clinical faculty (M = 91.37, SD = 14.79, p = 0.027) and between full-time tenure/tenure track faculty and adjunct faculty (M = 97.19, SD = 12.39, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Faculty adoption of EBP as a foundational pillar of teaching is essential. Research is needed to define the scope of the problem internationally. Organizations need to set standards for faculty teaching in the health professions to be EBP proficient. Programs preparing faculty to teach in nursing and other health professions must include educator EBP competencies.

A Paradigm Shift From Brick and Mortar: Full-Time Nursing Faculty Off Campus.

The organizational structure for the Master of Science in Nursing's online program at Sacred Heart University offers a remarkably different innovative faculty model. Full-time, doctorally prepared faculty reside in several different states and teach online but are fully integrated and immersed in all aspects of the college of nursing. This untraditional model, which has proven to be successful over time using best practices for online education, is replicable and offers an innovative option for online learning.

Implementation of a skin cancer screening tool in a primary care setting: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: (a) To explore whether there would be an increase in nurse practitioner (NP) skin cancer screening knowledge following an educational program. (b) To determine whether NPs report enhanced physical assessment skills when applying a screening tool in clinical practice. (c) To determine whether use of a skin cancer screening tool improves NP documentation during student physical exams. DATA SOURCES: Data were gathered in phase one of the study through a pretest, educational intervention, posttest, and program evaluation. Phase two gathered data from a prestudy patient chart analysis, and a poststudy chart analysis following implementation of a skin cancer screening tool. A convenience sample of six female NPs age of 40-64 years was drawn from a single college health center in the northeast. CONCLUSIONS: There is demonstrated efficacy educating NPs in proper documentation/early detection of skin cancer among young adults in a college health, primary care setting. Findings revealed a 223.4% increase in proper documentation of skin cancer screening and skin cancer patient education. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Educating NPs in skin cancer identification, screening and use of a skin cancer screening tool is an effective way to improve quality of services provided to patients and quality of NP documentation.

Interest and participation in support group programs among patients with colorectal cancer.

Previous studies have demonstrated that support intervention improved quality of life and survival for patients with breast, melanoma, prostate, and gastrointestinal cancer. A standardized approach to encourage participation in support group programs among patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) had been initiated at this study site. The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of patients with CRC interested in this type of intervention and to identify barriers to attendance at an established patient support program. Consecutive patients with CRC were informed and encouraged to attend Wellspring, a nonprofit patient support program that offers a wide range of services. A patient survey was conducted and correlated with data on the clinical, social, and demographic characteristics of patients. Factors predictive of interest in the Wellspring support program and barriers to attendance were examined.Fifty-eight patients were eligible for this study. A total of 44 (76%) surveys were completed. Predictors of interest in patient support were age less than 65 years, encouragement from medical staff to attend, level of education, comfort in spiritual beliefs, religious affiliation, and complementary/alternative medicine use. Disease stage, gender, ethnicity, and level of social supports were not significant in this population. Although patients were routinely informed about the program in a standardized fashion, a significant proportion (36.4%) of patients did not recall receiving encouragement. Multiple logistic regression showed that level of education and recollection of encouragement from medical staff were independent predictors of interest. Although 14 patients were interested in attending (32%), only 4 ultimately attended Wellspring programs (9.1%). The most frequently cited barrier to attendance was a perception of adequate support at home, followed by living too far away, no perceived need of supports, and not feeling well.A significant proportion of patients with CRC are interested in structured support programs, but only a minority of patients ultimately participate in such programs. Further participation may be achieved by recognizing common barriers to participation and optimizing strategies to enhance attendance. Optimizing use of support services such as Wellspring has the potential to improve the effectiveness of the multidisciplinary cancer care of patients with CRC.