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Young People’s Perspectives on Parents Helping Young People Exposed to Trauma
No full textAbstract
Background
The prevalence of trauma among young people is alarming due to its considerable effects on their wellbeing and development. Parents can provide crucial support for young people exposed to trauma, however, there is limited research on how parents can help young people exposed to trauma from a youth perspective.
Objective
This study explored the perspectives of young people regarding strategies and approaches parents can take to assist young people to cope with traumatic events.
Methods
An anonymous online survey created in Australia was distributed to young people aged 15 to 18 years to identify what parents can do to help young people exposed to trauma. A total of 159 young people completed the survey.
Results
Qualitative thematic analysis revealed that young people felt parents could listen to and validate the experiences of young people and provide them with help and guidance. Young people recommended that parents should support those who have experience trauma by adopting a non-confrontational, empathetic, and understanding approach, and refrain from expressing anger, judgment, dismissiveness, ridicule, or blame. Young people also recommended parents encourage, empower, and provide guidance to young people exposed to trauma. Participants spoke about the importance of parents spending time with young people and ensuring that young people have access to mental health support. However, participants highlighted that parents should not pressure young people to engage in counselling.
Conclusions
Implications from this study emphasise the importance of education and resources to help parents support, promote recovery and prevent further harm and re-traumatisation of young people exposed to trauma. This study has implications for mental health professionals working with parents to help them effectively support young people exposed to trauma. Results from this study inform the development of trauma-informed parenting programs to ensure that young people exposed to trauma receive adequate parental support
A companion to the preclinical common data elements for rodent models of pediatric acquired epilepsy: A report of the TASK3-WG1B, Pediatric and Genetic Models Working Group of the ILAE/AES Joint Translational Task Force
No full textEpilepsy syndromes during the early years of life may be attributed to an acquired insult, such as hypoxic-ischemic injury, infection, status epilepticus, or brain trauma. These conditions are frequently modeled in experimental rodents to delineate mechanisms of epileptogenesis and investigate novel therapeutic strategies. However, heterogeneity and subsequent lack of reproducibility of such models across laboratories is an ongoing challenge to maintain scientific rigor and knowledge advancement. To address this, as part of the TASK3-WG1B Working Group of the International League Against Epilepsy/American Epilepsy Society Joint Translational Task Force, we have developed a series of case report forms (CRFs) to describe common data elements for pediatric acquired epilepsy models in rodents. The "Rodent Models of Pediatric Acquired Epilepsy" Core CRF was designed to capture cohort-general information; while two Specific CRFs encompass physical induction models and chemical induction models, respectively. This companion manuscript describes the key elements of these models and why they are important to be considered and reported consistently. Together, these CRFs provide investigators with the tools to systematically record critical information regarding their chosen model of acquired epilepsy during early life, for improved standardization and transparency across laboratories. These outcomes will support the ultimate goal of such research; that is, to understand the childhood onset-specific biology of epileptogenesis after acquired insults, and translate this knowledge into therapeutics to improve pediatric patient outcomes and minimize the lifetime burden of epilepsy
Venetoclax and azacitidine in untreated patients with therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia, antecedent myelodysplastic syndromes or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
No full textPsychosocial functioning and determinants of the health-related quality of life in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 and cognitive impairments
No full textPURPOSE: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic condition associated with cutaneous and neoplastic manifestations and other physical manifestations, as well as cognitive, psychosocial, and behavioural difficulties. NF1 negatively impacts the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children. There is limited evidence regarding the determinants of HRQoL of children with NF1. The aim of this study was to (i) compare the HRQoL of children with NF1 and cognitive impairments to published data of healthy children and children with cancer and (ii) identify specific determinants of child and parent-proxy reports of psychosocial HRQoL. METHODS: Children with NF1 and cognitive impairments (n = 135, 8-15 years 11 months) and their parents completed standardized measures assessing children's HRQoL, behavioral and emotional functioning. Children completed a brief intelligence test. Correlations and multiple linear regressions were conducted to identify determinants of psychosocial HRQoL. RESULTS: Children with NF1 had significantly poorer HRQoL for all domains than published data of healthy children and significantly poorer HRQoL for Psychosocial Health, School and Social Functioning than published data of children with cancer. For child self-report, attention problems and increased social stress predicted their psychosocial HRQoL. For parent-proxy reports, activities of daily living and depression were significant predictors of children's psychosocial HRQoL. Social stress and depression were the strongest predictors of Psychosocial HRQoL. CONCLUSION: Routine screening and early identification of depressive symptoms and interventions that promote social support, coping and resiliency may improve the HRQoL of children with NF1
Rewired type I IFN signaling is linked to age-dependent differences in COVID-19
No full textAdvanced age is the most important risk factor for severe disease or death from COVID-19, but a thorough mechanistic understanding of the molecular and cellular underpinnings is lacking. Multi-omics analysis of 164 samples from SARS-CoV-2-infected persons aged 1 to 84 years reveals a rewiring of type I interferon (IFN) signaling with a gradual shift from signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) to STAT3 activation in monocytes, CD4+ T cells, and B cells with increasing age. Diversion of IFN signaling is associated with increased expression of inflammatory markers, enhanced release of inflammatory cytokines, and delayed contraction of infection-induced CD4+ T cells. A shift from IFN-responsive germinal center B (GCB) cells toward CD69high GCB and atypical B cells during aging correlates with immunoglobulin (Ig)A production in children, whereas complement-fixing IgG predominates in adults. Our data provide a mechanistic basis for inflammation-prone responses to infections and associated pathology during aging
Mindfulness-Based Art Interventions for Promoting Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Well-being: A Systematic Review
No full textAbstract
Objectives
Mindfulness-Based Art Interventions (MBAIs) have demonstrated potential in promoting psychosocial well-being in individuals. This review systematically investigated MBAIs in younger populations to explore participant demographics, intervention components, adaptations to participants’ characteristics, and mental health and well-being outcomes.
Methods
A systematic review was conducted across 18 electronic databases to identify both published and unpublished studies in English from January 2000 to August 2024 focusing on MBAIs for children and adolescents under 18. Twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria and were selected for analysis.
Results
The reviewed studies illustrated the adaptability and positive impact of MBAIs for children and adolescents facing diverse psychosocial challenges across various socioeconomic statuses and settings, guided by facilitators with different trainings. The lack of a standardized MBAI protocol led to varied practices, structures, and durations among studies, complicating direct comparisons. Moreover, limited efforts were made to tailor interventions to participants’ characteristics. Despite this heterogeneity, core practices were identified across programs. Quantitative data predominantly showed significant reductions in internalizing symptoms and PTSD, along with improvements in attention. Qualitative findings also indicated improvements in psychosocial well-being among participants.
Conclusions
The review suggests that a variety of MBAI activities can be successfully designed and implemented, underscoring the program’s multidimensional nature, broad applicability, and potential impact across childhood and adolescence. Selecting, tailoring, and structuring the activities can be guided by the specific needs of the population by employing methods such as participatory approaches and co-design
Applying multispecies justice in nature-based solutions and urban sustainability planning: Tensions and prospects
No full textWhile substantial efforts have been made to identify and address issues of environmental justice in urban areas, the question of how to consider and plan for the concerns of humans and other species remains a major challenge. This paper provides a conceptualisation of what 'justice' might mean from a multispecies justice (MSJ) perspective within the contexts of nature-based solutions (NBS) and urban sustainability planning. We offer a wider conceptualisation of representation, distribution and agency compared with dominant framings in NBS scholarship and provide exemplar cases on how to integrate these concepts in planning discourse. We critically discuss some of the challenges and opportunities of considering MSJ when confronted by established procedures and practices in NBS science and decision-making, focusing on (i) moving beyond existing standards for biodiversity conservation; (ii) embracing MSJ as a process and practice; and (iii) building the capacity of NBS planners to work with MSJ
Differentiating homicidal, suicidal, and autoerotic neck compression deaths
No full textNeck compression occurs when a mechanical force is applied to the anterior or anterolateral aspect of the neck. This can occur in various circumstances, including homicide, suicide, and autoerotic accidents. While forensic medical specialties effectively determine the cause of death in such cases, establishing the manner of death remains challenging. Previous research has highlighted a need for differentiation that goes beyond contextual information and autopsy findings. This study employs epidemiological methods to examine injury prevalence and statistical differentiation of neck compression deaths, aiming to quantify the likelihood of injury across various homicidal, suicidal, and accidental neck compression scenarios. Using data from 266 cases across homicidal ligature and manual strangulation, suicidal neck compression, and autoerotic neck compression, the study investigates injury and associated findings, prevalence, patterns, and probabilities across anatomical regions commonly injured due to neck compression. Results indicate that the odds of injury to various regions of the head and neck are influenced by the manner of death, with homicidal intent often presenting a higher prevalence of injury as well as increased odds of injury. Such statistical differentiation could assist in determining the manner of death in cases of masked homicide, when remains are alternatively preserved, or where there are no reliable witnesses. This research highlights the role of epidemiology in complementing forensic medical specialties, offering quantifiable evidence to assist in medico-legal investigations and expert testimony
Characterisation of localised pigment accumulation in brains of eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) after clinical disease due to chronic Phalaris species toxicosis
No full textA progressive tremorgenic syndrome characterised by ataxia and head nodding is well documented in sheep and cattle affected by chronic Phalaris toxicosis (CPT), and is increasingly documented in the eastern grey kangaroo {(EGK), Macropus giganteus} in southeastern Australia. It is characterised on gross necropsy by areas of acquired localised pigment deposits within the brain. This pigment was previously considered a storage disease, but more recently has been determined to be a metabolic breakdown product of tryptamine alkaloids within Phalaris species (spp) of introduced grasses. The study included 61 EGKs that were euthanased after a diagnosis of clinically advanced CPT, histopathological studies were performed on all cases and transmission electron microscopic studies on six brains. Histological examination of the brains from EGKs revealed brown pigmentation of neurons, particularly of large motor neurons, with accumulations of discrete granules in the cytoplasm that stained positive with stains used to identify melanin. This feature and the characteristic ultrastructural appearance of the pigment granules leaves little doubt that the pigment is primarily melanin in nature. Specifically, ultrastructural detail of the granules was consistent with neuromelanin present in the brains of higher order primates and humans and has been associated with susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases in man including Parkinson's disease. Given greater urbanisation and reduced access to native pasture a greater understanding of pathogenesis of CPT is of major importance not only for kangaroo welfare but potentially as a model for neurodegenerative diseases in humans
A systematic review and meta-analysis on gene-environment interaction effects on the associations of vitamin D and sun exposure with multiple sclerosis risk
No full textBACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurological disease influenced by genetic and environmental factors, including low vitamin D and sun exposure. However, whether these interact with genetic loci is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated gene-environment interaction (GxE) studies on vitamin D and sun exposure in MS risk. METHODS: We searched relevant databases including Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science from conception until 8 June 2024. We included observational studies assessing GxE related to vitamin D and/or sun exposure with MS risk. Environmental and genetic exposure and other relevant data were extracted and additive interaction statistics including four-level interactions, synergy index (SI), relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), and attributable proportion due to interaction (AP) were meta-analysed for comparable studies. All included studies were assessed for quality and risk of bias using recommended checklists. RESULTS: We included 11 studies (10,857 cases;11,842 controls), of which three examined gene-vitamin D, four gene-sun, and four both gene-vitamin D and gene-sun interactions. Studies used varied measures to assess vitamin D status, most commonly serum 25(OH)D levels, while sun exposure was primarily based on self-reported data. HLA-DRB1×15:01 variant was the most common genotype evaluated. Consistently, the joint effects of either low vitamin D or low sun exposure with the HLA-DRB1×15:01 risk variant were stronger than any individual factor. Under stringent inclusion criteria, our meta-analysis focused on assessing additive interactions between low sun exposure and HLA-DRB1×15:01 with MS risk. We observed that carriers of both risk factors had a five-fold higher MS risk than those exhibiting neither factor (aOR=5.17;(95 %CI=4.39-6.17), SI=1.49, RERI=1.42, AP=0.28). No publication bias: heterogeneity was moderate. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly half of MS risk was super-additive for low sun and HLA-DRB1×15:01 interactions and GxE was also evident for low vitamin D and MS risk genes, underscoring the importance of gene-environment interplay in MS risk prediction