Joy, Compassion, and Job Satisfaction: Insights into the Canadian Prison Chaplaincy.

This paper presents an exploratory study about the experiences of 25 inter-faith chaplains in five Canadian provinces. It utilizes a focus groups methodology. The goal of this qualitative research was to highlight the voices of the chaplains. Hence, the focus groups explored the unique and challenging experiences of chaplains' work in Canadian prisons. Data from all seven focus groups indicated that despite multiple challenges and obstacles, the correctional chaplains remain dedicated to their work and are committed to making a positive impact on their prisoners. Based on the data provided by the chaplains about the intrinsic rewards and various challenges they face in their day-to-day work, the paper makes several research and policy recommendations. The objective of such recommendations is to maximize the role that religion and/or spirituality could play in prisoners' positive adaptation, and eventual criminal desistance in a context of confinement characterized by loss of personal autonomy and self-identity.

Chemical composition and anti-herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) activity of extracts from Cornus canadensis.

BACKGROUND: Many plants of boreal forest of Quebec have been used by Native Americans to treat a variety of microbial infections. However, the antiviral activities of these plants have been seldom evaluated on cellular models to validate their in vitro efficiencies. In this study, Cornus canadensis L. (Cornaceae), a plant used in Native American traditional medicine to treat possible antiviral infections, has been selected for further examination. METHODS: The plant was extracted by decoction and infusion with water, water/ethanol 1:1 and ethanol to obtain extracts similar to those used by Native Americans. The effects of the extracts were tested on herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) using a plaque reduction assay. Moreover, bioassay-guided fractionation was achieved to isolate bioactive compounds. RESULTS: Water/ethanol 1:1 infusion of C. canadensis leaves were the most active extracts to inhibit virus absorption with EC50 of about 9 µg mL-1, whereas for direct mode, both extraction methods using water or water/ethanol 1:1 as solvent were relatively similar with EC50 ranging from 11 to 17 µg mL-1. The fractionation led to the identification of active fractions containing hydrolysable tannins. Tellimagrandin I was found the most active compound with an EC50 of 2.6 µM for the direct mode and 5.0 µM for the absorption mode. CONCLUSION: Altogether, the results presented in this work support the antiviral activity of Cornus canadensis used in Native American traditional medicine.