Group Of Adolescents Research Articles

Focusing on autism symptoms masks sex-specific needs of autistic children: An example from the Sydney Child Neurodevelopment Research Registry.

Studies have shown that there is a difference between biological sex at birth in autism spectrum disorder. There remains a lack of understanding about how the symptoms of autism differ between assigned males at birth and assigned females at birth. We looked at the presence of sex differences in a large group of autistic toddlers, children and adolescents, who were seen in a large diagnosis and assessment clinic. They participated in measures of intelligence/development, social/communication skills and behaviour. Their adaptive skills were evaluated and other clinical and information were collected. Assigned males at birth displayed more autism characteristics and greater symptom autism severity than assigned females at birth. There were no statistically significant differences between assigned males at birth and assigned females at birth on any measure of intellectual assessment. Assigned females at birth showed better nonverbal performance than assigned males at birth on formal developmental assessments. Children assigned males at birth received assessments 6 months earlier than children assigned females at birth. Externalising behaviour problems were more evident in assigned males at birth. This study provides evidence to show that autistic children assigned females at birth and assigned males at birth differ in terms of autism symptoms and severity and age at diagnosis based on a sample recruited in a real-world clinic. It highlights the importance of the growing debate between balancing assessments of symptoms with assessment of adaptive function.

Clinical features of Tibetan adolescent tuberculosis at high altitudes: a retrospective study

BackgroundAdolescent pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is considered inadequately recognized and underreported at high altitudes. This study aimed to investigate the clinical features of adolescent pulmonary TB patients at high altitudes in China.MethodA retrospective analysis was performed at Linzhi People’s Hospital. Patients recruited were newly diagnosed with pulmonary TB. Detailed information, including demographics, medical history, presenting symptoms, laboratory results and pulmonary images, was collected. Sputum samples were collected to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis via the GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay.ResultA total of 63 adolescents and 192 adults were recruited. Compared with those in the adult group, typical TB-related manifestations were significantly less common in the adolescent group (all P < 0.05). The adolescent group had significantly more subclinical TB (23.8% vs. 8.3%, P = 0.001) and a higher previous tuberculosis exposure rate (38.8% vs. 8.3%, P < 0.001) than did the adult group. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was significantly higher in the adolescent group than in the adult group (P = 0.026). Compared with adult patients, adolescent patients presented a lower rate of pleural thickening (P < 0.01). Compared with active adolescent patients, there were more female than male in the adolescent subclinical TB group (12/15 vs 27/48) and the positive rate of the sputum GeneXpert test was higher in subclinical TB group (6/15 vs 8/48).ConclusionAdolescent patients with pulmonary TB at high altitudes were prone to subclinical TB and have a higher previous TB exposure rate. Sputum GeneXpert test and ESR were important for the diagnosis of subclinical pulmonary TB.

Biological links between psychological factors and adolescent depression: childhood trauma, rumination, and resilience

BackgroundThe psychosocial factors play an important role in the development of depression in adolescents. we used metabolomics techniques to explore the links among childhood trauma, rumination, resilience, and adolescent depression.MethodsWe selected 57 adolescent depression patients and 53 healthy adolescents. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and Redundant Thinking Response Scale (RRS) were employed for the purpose of psychological assessment. The patients were regrouped according to their scores using the 27% high-low grouping method. Blood specimens were collected from all adolescents and metabolic data were obtained using LC–MS.ResultsWe found no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). HAMD, CTQ, and RRS scores were significantly higher in the adolescent depression group (MDD) than in the adolescent healthy control group (HC), and CD-RISP scores were significantly lower than in the HC group (P < 0.001). There were significant differences between the low childhood trauma group (LCT) and high childhood trauma group (HCT), the low rumination group (LRR) and high rumination group (HRR), and the low resilience group (LPR) and high resilience group (HPR) (P < 0.001). RRS, CTQ and HAMD scores were positively correlated, RRS and CTQ scores were positively correlated, CD-RIS was negatively correlated with HAMD, RRS and CTQ scores (P < 0.01). More importantly, we found that DHEAS and LPA (22:6) were identified as significant differential metabolites in both the depressed and normal groups, as well as in the high and low childhood trauma groups. N-Acetyl-L-aspartic acid and DHEAS were identified as significant differential metabolites in both the depressed and normal groups, as well as in the high and low childhood rumination groups. Pseudouridine and LPA(22:6) were identified as significant differential metabolites in both the depressed and normal groups, as well as in the high and low childhood resilience groups.ConclusionPsychological factors (childhood trauma, rumination, resilience) are biologically linked to the development of depression in adolescents. The impact of rumination on adolescent depression may be associated with DHEA. The impact of childhood trauma and resilience on adolescent depression may be associated with LPA (22:6).

The relationships between short video addiction, subjective well-being, social support, personality, and core self-evaluation: a latent profile analysis

BackgroundThe proportion of short video addiction (SVA) is increasing among different populations, and its impact on the adolescent group has attracted research attention in recent years. To better explore the heterogeneity of individuals addicted to short videos and the antecedents of their addiction, the present study used quantitative research to conduct a latent profile analysis (LPA) of college students’ SVA from the perspective of internal and external resources.MethodsReferring to the Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution (I-PACE) theory, this study explores the relationship between subgroups of SVA on the one hand and subjective well-being (SWB), social support (SS), core self-evaluation (CSE), and extraversion on the other using latent profile analysis. The research participants consisted of 694 college students aged between 18–25 years. The research tools used were the SVA Scale for College Students, Subjective Well-Being Scale, Perceived Social Support Scale, Core Self-Evaluation Scale, and the Big Five Personality Traits Scale.ResultsThe results revealed three subtypes of adolescent SVA: high (28.8%), medium (56.6%), and low (14.6%), demonstrating significant heterogeneity among groups. These groups also showed significant differences in terms of their internal and external resource scores. Specifically, the high-addiction group scored significantly lower on extraversion and SS than the other two groups. The medium-addiction group had the lowest score on CSE among the three groups. The low-addiction group scored significantly higher on SS, CSE, and SWB compared with the high-addiction and medium-addiction groups.ConclusionThis study reveals that students with low extraversion, low SS and CSE scores tend to become addicted to short videos. SVA has negatively affected these personal traits. Our study explored the heterogeneity of SVA among college students from an individual-centered perspective, providing empirical support for scientifically and reasonably guiding the use of short videos among college students.

Adult-based genetic risk scores for insulin resistance associate with cardiometabolic traits in children and adolescents.

Insulin resistance (IR) is a key factor in the development of cardiometabolic diseases. While genetic risk scores (GRSs) for IR have been developed and validated in adult population, it is unclear if they can be used for risk assessment in youth. Our objective was to investigate whether adult-derived genetic risk scores (GRSs) for insulin resistance (IR) associate with cardiometabolic traits in children and adolescents. We studied a group of children and adolescents with obesity (n= 1,680) and a group without obesity (n=1,804). We constructed three GRSs based on fasting (IR-GRS27), oral glucose tolerance test (IR-GRS8), and IR-related phenotypes (IR-GRS51) from previous genome-wide association studies. Using an additive genetic model, we calculated weighted GRSs and analysed their associations with cardiometabolic traits using linear and logistic regression models. The IR-GRS27 was associated with higher serum concentrations of fasting insulin, C-peptide, triglyceride (TG), gamma-glutamyl transferase and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance. The IR-GRS27 was furthermore associated with higher prevalence of IR and ALT. IR-GRS51 was associated with higher TG and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, while IR-GRS8 associated with lower total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and increased ALT. IR-GRS27 and IR-GRS8 were additionally associated with higher prevalence of IR and steatotic liver disease respectively. Adult-derived GRSs for IR are significantly associated with cardiometabolic traits in children and adolescents. If validated in independent study samples, our findings suggest the contribution of adult-based GRSs in assessing IR-related cardiometabolic risk in youth.

Nutritional Risks of Heavy Metals in the Human Diet—Multi-Elemental Analysis of Energy Drinks

Background: In recent years, the consumption of energy drinks (EDs) by adolescents and young adults has increased significantly, so concerns have been raised about the potential health risks associated with excessive ED consumption. Most analyses on EDs focus on the caffeine content. Research on the content of minerals (essential and toxic) in energy drinks can be considered scarce. Therefore, there is a need for research stating the actual status of heavy metal content in commercially available energy drinks. Methods: This research presents the determination of the total concentrations of macro-elements and trace elements (TEs), such as Na, K, Mg, Ca, Al, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, B, Zn, V, Sr, Ba, Pb, Cd, and As in nine samples of energy drinks using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) techniques. Results: The order in the content of macro-minerals in the EDs was as follows: Na &gt; K &gt; Mg &gt; Ca. The results showed that ED 1, ED 3, and ED 7 samples had the highest micro-mineral concentrations. All the samples had a hazard quotient and hazard index &lt; 1, indicating no non-carcinogenic risk from exposure to single or multiple heavy metals in both the adolescent and adult age groups. Some samples exceeded the threshold limit of acceptable cancer risk for As, Ni, and Cr in both adolescents and adults. Conclusions: This assessment showed that in addition to health implications based on the caffeine content of EDs, there might be a carcinogenic risk associated with the toxic element content of these beverages. This research also highlights notable differences in the TE levels among various ED brands, which may have important implications for consumer well-being and health.

Нейропсихологическое исследование когнитивных функций у подростков с сахарным диабетом 1 типа

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) is a complex disease, in the model of responsible attitude to the treatment of which it is important to take into account cognitive characteristics that determine the ability to take responsibility for treatment in order to achieve glycemic control. Cognitive impairments can affect the quality of patients' self-control: they can be the reason for skipping injections, incorrect calculation of bread units, the required dose of insulin etc. The purpose of this research was to establish the features of the cognitive status of adolescents with DM1 in comparison with healthy adolescents from the point of view of the neuropsychological approach being developed in Russian psychology. Methods used: a single-center cross-sectional study of 38 patients with DM1 (13 boys/25 girls) and 30 conditionally healthy children (20 boys/10 girls) aged 12 to 17 y/o was conducted. The study was conducted on the bases of the Endocrinology Department No. 1 of the Russian Children's Clinical Hospital with the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russia (Moscow, Russia) and General Education School No. 1321 “Kovcheg” (Moscow, Russia) in May-Nov. 2023. The method of medical documentation analysis coupled with the psychodiagnostics method (battery of neuropsychological tests by A.R. Luria with a quantitative assessment of the results according to J.M. Glozman (2012)) were used. The duration of the examination was 60 to 75 minutes. Results: in the group of adolescents with DM1 compared with adolescents in the control group there were deficits in the domains of thinking (p≤0.05), memory (p≤0.01), neurodynamic indicators of mental activity (p=0.001), regulation and control (p=0.026), manual praxis (p=0.030) and spatial representations (p=0.001). Conclusion: the study results showed the need for timely correctional psychological classes for children with DM1 aimed at improving their cognitive functions. In the future, such classes could lead to an improvement in the quality of implementing a responsible attitude to health, improving glycemic control and DM1 compensation in general as well as reducing the number of complications in future life.

Anime club in the public library

Aim: The popularity of Japanese animation (anime) has increased worldwide in recent years. The paper aims to represent an anime club as an opportunity for public libraries to draw in young fans by offering them a place where they can exchange experiences and find like-minded peers. It reflects on the definition of anime and the reasons for its popularity, offers an insight into possible ways of using anime in public libraries and presents a case study of a successful anime club. Methodology: This case study investigates the role of an Anime Club for High Schoolers in attracting an often hard-to-reach user group of adolescents back to public libraries. The observed anime club is specific for adopting a book club structure. To answer the questions how and why the club worked, data had been collected through archival record research and observation with participation during two program years (from October 2021 to July 2023). Findings: Despite the difficulties due to epidemiological measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, 20 teenagers joined the club: 7 individuals per session on average and 8 adolescents regularly attending meetings held twice a month. During the second year, even more participants regularly attended individual meetings. The club managed to gather an interested, engaged and positive community, whose members then started participating in other library programs. Applicability: The work showcases anime clubs as effective and valuable means for public libraries worldwide to attract young fans by offering them a place to cultivate their interests. It can serve librarians as an incentive for the development of a similar activity.

Analysis of the sensitization characteristics and changes trend of common allergens in a hospital of pediatric in Beijing City from 2019 to 2023

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the test results and changing trend of specific IgE (sIgE) for common allergens in children in the hospital from 2019 to 2023, so as to provide a basis for the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases in children. Methods: The test results of children who were admitted to Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University and underwent serum allergen sIgE quantitative detection (Immuno CAP system) from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2023 were retrospectively included. According to the allergen type, the allergens were divided into food allergens and inhaled allergens (dust mite group, mold group, animal dander group and pollen group). The trends in sIgE positive rates across different years, age-related differences, and monthly distribution characteristics were analyzed. Results: A total of 44 633 allergen sIgE quantitative test results were included in the study. Among them, 23 024 samples were tested for food allergen sIgE and 21 609 samples were tested for inhaled allergen sIgE. The positive rates of food allergens (egg white, milk, wheat, peanut, soybean, shrimp) sIgE increased year by year, and the differences were statistically significant (χ2=97.3, 78.9, 95.6, 122.4, 84.7, 24.5, P<0.001). The positive rate of inhaled allergen sIgE also increased year by year, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=36.2, 326.2, 432.2, 973.2, P<0.001). There were significant differences in the sensitization patterns of food and inhaled allergens among different age groups. The most common food allergen was egg white in infant group (<1 year old) (23.0%), milk in young children group (1-2 years old) (40.7%), and egg white in preschool group (3-6 years old) (28.8%). Peanut was the most common allergen in school-age group (7-12 years old) and adolescent group (13-18 years old) (16.9% and 14.1%, respectively). Among the inhaled allergens, animal dander (3.6%) was the most common allergen in the infant group (<1 year old), and mold (15.3%) was the most common allergen in the young child group (1-2 years old). The most common allergens in preschool group (3-6 years old), school-age group (7-12 years old) and adolescent group (13-18 years old) were pollen (39.7%, 53.0%, 53.5%). There were significant differences in the positive rates of inhaled allergens (dust mite, mold, animal dander, pollen) sIgE in the 12 months of 2023 (χ2=26.9, 26.7, 56.7, 55.5, P=0.005, 0.005,<0.001,<0.001). The positive rate of pollen sIgE was the highest, with peaks in April (54.8%) and September (60.5%). The positive rate of sIgE for molds peaks in June (46.4%). Conclusion: The trends in sIgE levels among children visiting Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, from 2019 to 2023, suggests to a certain extent that the prevalence of allergic diseases among children in Beijing City is increasing annually. There were significant age differences in sIgE sensitization patterns among children of different ages, and the distribution of sIgE positive rates for inhaled allergens was also different in different months. In clinical practice, the allergen test report is interpreted comprehensively according to the patient's medical history, age, visit month and other factors.

Spectrum of neurological manifestations, existence of diabetes mellitus, and 5-year mortality and cancer association outcomes in a cohort of Omani patients with positive anti- GAD autoimmunity

ABSTRACT Objectives There is scarce data in the literature concerning the anti-GAD65 antibodies (GAD-Abs) autoimmunity in the Omani population. Methods Retrospective cohort study included GAD-Abs positive patients (n = 444) presented to a tertiary referral center in Oman from January 2005 until January 2018, with a five-year follow-up to study the cancer association and mortality outcomes. Results Out of 444 patients, 27 patients (6.1%) showed GAD-Abs related neurological disorders. Adult age group was significantly associated with more GAD-Abs related neurological manifestations compared to pediatric and adolescents age group (P = 0.045). There was no association between the presence or absence of neurological manifestations with diabetes mellitus nor the titer level of GAD-Abs. Refractory status epilepticus and stiff person syndrome were the main causes of death in patients with neurological manifestations over five years and none of them found to have associated cancer. Conclusion The GAD-Abs autoimmunity represents a spectrum of neurological manifestations with variable severity and outcome among Omanis with positive GAD-Abs testing. The results of this study will serve as a platform for future studies to address the impact of GAD-Abs autoimmunity on the morbidity, mortality and treatment efficacy in the Omani population.

The effects of acute exercise on emotional pattern separation in adolescents and young adults

Acute exercise has been associated with cognitive improvements, particularly in memory processes linked to the hippocampus, such as the ability to discriminate between similar stimuli, called hippocampal pattern separation. This can be assessed behaviorally with a mnemonic discrimination task and neurally with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Additionally, previous research has shown an emotional modulatory effect on pattern separation, involving the amygdala. In this randomized between-subject study, we investigated whether a 10-minute bout of moderate-intensity exercise, compared to rest, could enhance pattern separation of neutral and emotional images in a group of healthy adolescents and young adults (n=53). Our results showed no significant effects of exercise on either mnemonic discrimination performance or neural activity in the hippocampus and amygdala. Additionally, arterial spin labeling (ASL) confirmed that there were no significant differences in cerebral blood flow between exercise and rest. We did observe worse discrimination for images with a higher similarity level and worse discrimination for highly similar positive images compared to negative and neutral images. However, there were no significant correlations between behavioral outcomes and neural activity. Exploratory analysis revealed a neural signal consistent with pattern completion in the bilateral CA1 and left CA3, but no evidence of pattern separation. Future studies should optimize the exercise characteristics necessary to robustly enhance pattern separation.

Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Cuban Adolescents After COVID-19

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Introduction&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: After COVID-19, an increase in the reporting of STIs in adolescent populations is observed. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Objective&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: To characterize some behaviors related to sexual and reproductive health and STI prevention in a group of Cuban adolescents. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Method&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: a cross-sectional quantitative study was carried out with adolescents from 15 municipalities selected from the three regions of the country. Non-probabilistic quota sampling was applied due to the epidemiological conditions and restrictive measures imposed by the pandemic. An instrument with 77 closed and open questions was designed and validated to output the identified variables. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Results&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: The use of any contraceptive method is not always part of the context of the first sexual relationship; it is often used after a first unwanted pregnancy, interrupted or not, or after suffering from an STI. Among the main reasons for not protecting yourself are trust in your partner and stability. Information and knowledge about STIs is insufficient. Some prefer to hide their diagnosis to avoid rejection or accusations. Discriminatory manifestations are observed towards people with STIs or HIV. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conclusions&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: COVID-19 constituted an adverse scenario related to the prevention of STIs in adolescents. Risky sexual practices were incorporated into this scenario of isolation and restriction of movement. It is imperative to incorporate innovative and attractive ways to protect sexual health and prevent STIs in Cuban adolescents.

The Contribution of Perceptual-Cognitive Skills to Reactive Agility in Early and Middle Adolescent Soccer Players.

Horníková, H, Hadža, R, and Zemková, E. The contribution of perceptual-cognitive skills to reactive agility in early and middle adolescent soccer players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-Agility performance increased from childhood to mid-adolescence, followed by a plateau until early adulthood. Because adolescence is crucial for the development of perceptual-cognitive skills, the question is whether and to what extent its contribution to reactive agility increases during developmental periods of adolescence in invasive sports athletes. This study investigated the association of reactive agility with the speed of decision making, sprint speed, and explosive strength in early and middle adolescent soccer players. They performed reactive and preplanned Y-shaped agility tests, choice reaction time test, modified half T-test, 30-m sprint (10 m split), and countermovement jump (CMJ). The reactive agility time in both age groups significantly correlated with 30-m sprint time (r = 0.839, p < 0.001, and r = 0.745, p = 0.001, respectively), pre-planned Y-shaped agility time (r = 0.828, p < 0.001, and r = 0.644, p = 0.007, respectively), 10-m sprint time (r = 0.823, p < 0.001, and r = 0.775, p < 0.001, respectively), time in modified half T-test (r = 0.723, p < 0.001, and r = 0.630, p = 0.009, respectively), and CMJ height (r = -0.744, p < 0.001, and r = -0.615, p = 0.013, respectively), although with the index of reactivity in middle adolescent soccer players only (r = 0.615, p = 0.011). Based on R2, the explained proportion of variance was 53.6% for linear sprint speed and 30.1% for a change of direction speed in early adolescence, whereas it was 54.6% for acceleration speed and 31.8% for decision-making in middle adolescence. This indicates the significant contribution of speed factors to reactive agility in both adolescent groups, whereas perceptual-cognitive factors in middle adolescent soccer players only. It seems that even during the relatively short period of adolescence, the changes occur in the contribution of perceptual-cognitive skills to reactive agility in athletes practising invasive sports.

Understanding DOHaD Concepts Among New Zealand Adolescents: A Qualitative Exploration of Knowledge, Intervention Windows, and Information Accessibility

The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) framework has highlighted the role of maternal and paternal health on disease risk in offspring and across generations. Although adolescence is increasingly recognised as a key DOHaD window where interventions may have the greatest impact in breaking the cycle of non-communicable diseases, data around the recognition of this concept in adolescents remain limited. Previous work by our group found that the understanding of DOHaD-related concepts among adolescents in New Zealand was low, including some adolescents showing disagreement with key DOHaD concepts. This qualitative study aimed to explore DOHaD perspectives and understandings among a group of adolescents who responded to the survey using semi-structured focus groups and interviews (n = 12). Four core themes were identified: 1. knowledge of DOHaD and DOHaD-related terminology; 2. understanding different life course windows for DOHaD interventions; 3. recognising that DOHaD-related information needs to be accessible for adolescents; and 4. the importance of developing context-specific resources for adolescents. Adolescents in this study indicated that they had not heard of DOHaD or related terminology. Although the majority recognised that there were many important life stages for potential interventions, there was a strong emphasis on adolescence as a key window of opportunity. Adolescents suggested that more could be done in schools to help promote awareness and understanding of DOHaD-related concepts during the later years of schooling. The development of future resources needs to be contextually specific for adolescents to ensure increased uptake of information during this important developmental window.

Application of surface landmark positioning in assisting cone-beam CT scanning of temporomandibular joint

Objective: To quantitatively measure the spatial relationship between the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surface landmarks such as the tragus and lateral canthus using cone-beam CT (CBCT), as to provide guidance for accurate positioning of CBCT scanning of the TMJ. Methods: DICOM format data from 112 patients (35 males and 77 females with 224 TMJs) were included in this study. The patients were between 12 and 66 years old, with a mean age of (25.6±9.81) years and they underwent initial visits at the Department of Stomatology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital. CBCT images were imported into Mimics Medical 21.0 software for three-dimensional reconstruction. The distance between selected surface landmarks and corresponding projection points on the same side of the TMJ were measured in both the sagittal and coronal planes. In the frontal view, the distance from the lateral canthus to the perpendicular line passing through the center of the condyle (dx); in the lateral view, the vertical distance from the horizontal line through the rear edge convex of tragus to the roof of glenoid fossa (dy1); the vertical distance from the horizontal line through the rear edge convex of tragus to sigmoid notch (dy2); the distance from the tragus to the perpendicular line through the center of the condyle (dz). The results were compared between different genders and age groups (adolescent group aged 12 to 18 years, 33 cases; adult group aged>18 years, 79 cases). To verify the reliability and stability of the body surface landmarks obtained in this study, a comparison was made between the use of scout view positioning and the auxiliary positioning method that utilizes body surface landmarks to capture the mandibular condyle in a small field of view CBCT of the TMJ (scout view group, 25 cases; surface landmark-assisted positioning group, with 25 cases aged 12-18 years and 25 cases older than 18 years, totaling 50 cases), with regard to the deviation distance from the central point of the field of view to the central point of the mandibular condyle. Results: A total of 112 patients with 224 TMJs were included in this study. In the frontal view, dx was (8.59±3.13) mm, with no significant difference between the left and right sides, between males and females (P>0.05). Notably, the dx in the adolescent group [(7.43±3.02) mm] was significantly smaller than that in the adult group [(9.07±3.06) mm] (t=-3.68, P<0.001). In the lateral view, dy1 was (14.80±3.90) mm, showing no significant difference between the left and right sides, males and females, or different age groups(P>0.05). Similarly, dy2 was (6.82±3.95) mm, with no significant differences between the left and right sides or between males and females(P>0.05). However, the dy2 in the adolescent group [(5.88±4.13) mm] was significantly smaller than that in the adult group [(7.22±3.83) mm] (t=-2.33, P=0.021). Regarding dz, the measurement was (11.73±3.16) mm, with no significant difference between the left and right sides, between males and females (P>0.05). Meanwhile, the dz in the adolescent group[(10.92±2.74) mm] was also significantly smaller than that in the adult group [(12.07±3.27) mm] (t=-2.52, P=0.012). The verification results showed that both positioning methods could fully display the TMJ. The eccentricity in the scout view group [(8.84±3.79) mm ]was slightly greater than that in the body surface landmark-assisted positioning group[ (6.50±2.88) mm], and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (t=4.20, P=0.032). Conclusions: The TMJ can be accurately positioned using stable surface landmarks such as the tragus and lateral canthus for reference.

Evergreen or seasonal? Quantitative research on the color of urban scenic forests based on stress—attention electroencephalogram feedback

Urban scenic forests provide urban residents with various physical and mental health and wellbeing services. However, in the research on the color quantification and health services of scenic forests, it is still unclear how their color quantification characteristics feedback on the stress - attention of the adolescent group. In this study, visual color elements (green, red and yellow) of three landscape forests were used to generate 48 images of four groups of urban landscape forests according to color combinations and proportions. Virtual images were used to assess the stress indicators and attention indicators of participants before and after viewing. The results showed that the four groups of experimental groups showed varying degrees of α wave reduction and β/α ratio increase after viewing, G1 group showed an extremely significant increase in β wave after image stimulation, G1 and G3 group significantly decreased θ/β power, G4 group and G5 control group had no significant change. Among the 16 channels of absolute α wave and absolute β wave in the brain, the F3 and F4 channels corresponding to the frontal lobe of the G3 group showed the most prominent consistency of β wave in the frontal cortex during highly concentrated mental activities. Our study shows that positive EEG (Electroencephalogram) feedback of arousal and attention recovery can be obtained by using monochromatic or two-color changing color features in urban landscape forest. This study can provide references and methods for urban forest planning, design and visual evaluation.

Narrative abilities of autistic and non-autistic adolescents: The role of mentalising and executive function.

Spoken narrative skills are important for adolescents in their everyday lives. Previous research suggests that producing well-structured and coherent narratives may be challenging for autistic young people. Mentalising, also known as "advanced Theory of Mind" (ToM) and "Executive Function" (EF) are two cognitive abilities frequently explored in relation to autism, both of which may be implicated in narrative ability. The present study investigated these relationships in a group of autistic adolescents (N = 44) aged 11-15 years and a comparable non-autistic group (N = 54) that did not significantly differ on age, sex, nonverbal cognitive ability, or receptive/expressive language skills. Participants were assessed on a video-based spoken narrative task, scored for both overall structure ("story grammar") and narrative coherence. A battery of tasks measuring mentalising and EF (working memory, inhibition, shifting, generativity) was also administered. Relationships between scores on cognitive measures and narrative performance were investigated using hierarchical linear regression analyses. Mentalising scores were found to significantly predict narrative performance across all outcome measures and were a stronger predictor than diagnostic group. Diagnostic group predicted narrative structure ("story grammar") scores but not coherence scores. EF scores were not predictive of narrative ability in this sample. Mentalising skills appear to play an important role for both autistic and non-autistic adolescents in the generation of narrative structure and coherence within spoken accounts.

COVID-19 vaccination survey and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG responses in a human cohort from Schistosoma mansoni-endemic villages in Mayuge District, Uganda: a cross-sectional study.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in devastating health and economic consequences worldwide. Vaccination has been a central pillar for COVID-19 prevention and control. Understanding the immunomodulatory effects of helminth infections on COVID-19 vaccine-induced immune responses and vaccine efficacy is crucial to the development and deployment of effective vaccination strategies in low- and middle-income countries with a high prevalence of worms. In September 2022, we conducted a cross-sectional, population-based survey in five Schistosoma mansoni endemic villages in Mayuge District, Uganda (n = 450). The prevalence of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths was determined by the Kato-Katz (KK) technique on two stool samples collected from each participant. A subset of individuals (n = 204) were interviewed in a COVID-19 vaccination survey. IgG levels against the SARS-CoV-2 spike S1 subunit (anti-S1 IgG) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in collected serum samples. The overall schistosomiasis and hookworm prevalence rates in the five villages were 36.4% (166/450) and 36.9% (168/450), respectively. Within the cohort, 69.78% (314/450) of the subjects had a positive anti-S1 IgG response. COVID-19 vaccination coverage among the interviewed participants was 93.14% (190/204; 95% CI, 88.8% - 95.9%). However, 81% (154/190) of COVID-19 vaccinees had an anti-S1 IgG titre ≤200. In an adolescent group receiving a single dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine (n = 23), an inverse correlation was observed between anti-S1 IgG antibody level/titre and faecal egg count. Within the above group, anti-S1 IgG levels/titres were significantly lower in subjects with moderate or heavy S. mansoni infection (n = 5) than those in KK-negative individuals (n = 9). Although the acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccination was high, the majority of participants received only a single vaccine dose and the overall anti-S1 IgG titres in confirmed vaccinees were low. Moderate-to-heavy schistosome infections blunted the antibody responses following vaccination with a single dose of BNT162b2. These observations confirm the necessity for a second COVID-19 vaccine dose for two-dose primary immunization series and call for implementation research that may inform the development of a 'treat and vaccinate' policy during vaccination roll-out in regions with heavy worm burdens.

Mental health, risk behaviors, and social life factors in relation to adolescents' suicide ideation, plans and attempt.

This study investigated differences in mental health and well-being, risk behaviors, and social life factors among adolescents who experienced different forms of suicidality. We examined 18-years-olds in the Danish National Birth Cohort (N = 47,852). Suicidality was defined with mutually exclusive categories ranging from no suicidality, self-reported suicide ideation, plans, and attempt as well as hospital-recorded suicide attempt. The proportion of adolescents with self-reported poor mental health and well-being, risk behaviors, and social life factors were compared across forms of suicidality. Sample weights were applied. Depressive symptoms were reported by 14% (95% CI 13%;14%) of girls with no suicidality, 44% (95% CI 43%;45%) of girls with suicide ideation, and 68% (95% CI 65%;72%) 66% (95% CI 60%;72%) of girls with self-reported suicide attempt or hospital-recorded suicide attempt respectively. Among boys, depressive symptoms were reported by 5% (95% CI 4%;5%) of those with no suicidality, 27% (95% CI 26%;28%) of those with suicide ideation, and 51% (95% CI 45%;57%) and 40% (95% CI 22%;58%) of those with self-reported suicide attempt or hospital-recorded suicide attempt respectively. Likewise, other aspects of poor mental health and well-being gradually increased relative with more severe forms of suicidality, while no notable differences were identified between adolescents with self-reported and hospital-recorded suicide attempt. Similar tendencies were observed for risk behaviors and social life factors. These findings suggest that adolescents with suicidality, including the large proportion with suicide ideation only, faces challenges across several parameters of mental health and well-being, risk behavior, and social life factors. This emphasizes the need for community-based interventions to identify and support the large group of adolescents experiencing both more and less severe forms of suicidality. Clinicians should prioritize comprehensive psychiatric intervention to address the complex needs of suicidal adolescents effectively.

Are social media use and popularity in the peer group linked during adolescence? A meta-analytic review.

Popularity in adolescence has been the subject of considerable empirical inquiry over the last two decades. As research on this dimension of social experience evolved, fundamental shifts occurred in the modalities through which adolescents communicate. Social networking platforms, instant messaging applications, and other forms of social media emerged as organizing features of adolescent peer groups. In the current paper, we present a systematic review and meta-analysis examining evidence that social media activity is associated with both popularity and goals for becoming popular. Syntheses were conducted based on 34 effect sizes from 12 studies (N = 7776; 4037 girls and 3739 boys) using three-level Meta-analytic techniques. Average effect sizes across studies were of small to medium magnitude and were not influenced by Meta-analytic moderators. Although the findings provide support for expected positive associations between social media activity and popularity, unresolved questions remain.