Male Adolescents Research Articles

Influence of Food Habits and Participation in a National Extracurricular Athletics Program on Body Weight within a Pair-Matched Sample of Polish Adolescents after One Year of Intervention-#goathletics Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic reduced the physical activity level and commitment in adolescents, which has resulted in a body weight increase, and the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that this negative trend must be now counteracted. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of food habits and participation in a national extracurricular athletics program (Athletics for All) on body weight within a pair-matched sample of Polish adolescents after one year of intervention. The #goathletics Study was conducted in a population of Polish adolescents within two pair-matched groups: 506 adolescents aged 10-14, including 281 female and 225 male adolescents, regularly participating in Athletics for All program for at least 9 months (one school year) (intervention group), and a pair-matched control group (matched taking into account city, gender, and age). The #goathletics Study included the assessment of the body weight, which was conducted based on the growth reference charts for Body Mass Index (BMI), and waist circumference to verify central fatness. Athletics for All participation and food habits were verified as determinants of body weight, while food habits were assessed using the validated Adolescents' Food Habits Checklist (AFHC). While compared the intervention group and control group, statistically significant differences were observed for body weight, BMI, and waist circumference, both for crude and relative values, with adolescents participating in the Athletics for All program presenting a lower risk of excessive body weight and central fatness (p < 0.05), while, compared to sub-groups stratified by AFHC score, no statistically significant differences in general anthropometric characteristics were observed (p > 0.05). While the body weight centile, height centile, BMI centile and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were assessed as the resultant variables, it was revealed that participation in the Athletics for All program is the only influencing factor in multi-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) for body weight centile (F = 21.44; p < 0.0001) and BMI centile (F = 47.98; p < 0.0001), but for height centile and WHtR, none of the assessed factors influenced these variables. It was concluded that regularly participating in the Athletics for All program for at least 9 months was the only determinant of a lower risk of excessive body weight in adolescents, with declared food habits and gender not being significant.

Relations among Parental Acceptance-Rejection and Forgiveness and Vengeance: A Comparison between Pakistani Madrassa and Public School Students

This study investigated relations among adolescents’ perceptions of parental acceptance and rejection, psychological (mal)adjustment, forgiveness, and vengeance in the predominantly Muslim country of Pakistan. Participants included adolescent males (M age = 17, SD = 1.4, range = 15–19) from madrassas (educational institutions for Islamic instruction; n = 355) and public schools (n = 355). They responded to short forms of the maternal and paternal Adult Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaires (PARQ), the Adult Personality Assessment Questionnaire (PAQ), the Heartland Forgiveness Scale (HFS), the Vengeance Scale (VS-10), and a Personal Information Form (PIF). Findings revealed that both the madrassa students and the public school students perceived their mothers (but not their fathers) to be warm and loving. The adolescents also reported fair psychological adjustment, and on average, were forgiving and non-vengeful. However, madrassa students reported perceiving their parents—especially their mothers—as more loving and accepting than did public school students. Additionally, madrassa students reported better psychological adjustment, a greater tendency to be forgiving, and a lesser tendency to be vengeful than did public school students. Maternal and paternal rejection were positively correlated with psychological maladjustment and vengeance, whereas maternal and paternal acceptance were associated with psychological adjustment and forgiveness among both groups of students. Psychological adjustment was a significant mediator of the relation between parental acceptance and the disposition toward forgiveness for both groups. Psychological maladjustment was not a significant mediator between paternal rejection and vengeance among madrassa students, but not public school students. Implications of the findings and future research directions are discussed.

RURAL URBAN DISPARITY OF CONDOM USE AT THE LAST SEX AMONG INDONESIAN MALE ADOLESCENTS

Introduction: Several studies has established the urgency to use condom, however in Indonesia, condom use remains low and the gap is more distinct in different living setting. Since condom at the last sex is a predictor for frequency due to its recency, this research aims to understand condom use at the last sex. Methods: This study uses data from Indonesian Demographic Health Survey (IDHS) 2017, the latest survey to capture sexual behaviour. The population for this study is Indonesian male adolescents. The data is analysed using logistics regression using complex-sample approach. In addressing the disparity, this research will separate the result according to rural-urban areas. Results: Internet use is associated with condom use at the last sex for adolescents in rural areas (p-value= 0.013, aOR= 3.851 (1.332—11.128)). Age (p-value= 0.005, aOR= 2.004 (1.232—3.257)), education (p-value= 0.001, aOR= 2.672 (1.493—4.784)), and read newspaper/magazine (p-value= 0.044, a0R= 0.449 (0.238—0.847) and 0.669 (0.405—1.106)) are associated with condom use at the last sex for adolescents in urban areas. Attitude towards condom use is found to be significant in both living setting (p-values= 0.03, a0R= 4.360 (1.661—11.446) for rural areas and p-values= 0.011, aOR= 2.058 (1.184—3.576) for urban areas) and acts as the strongest predictor in both rural-urban areas. Conclusion: Further intervention should address the disparity of rural-urban areas and taking mass media consumption, age, and education into an account as well as shaping a better attitude towards condom.

Analysis of QRS complex morphology in children and adolescents with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) leads to many cardiovascular, neurologic, metabolic, and neurocognitive consequences. Conduction deficits, deviations in electrical axis, and changes in QRS morphology reflect the impairments in cardiac muscle activity and underlie the cardiovascular complications of OSAS. Here we aimed to determine the relationship between OSAS and changes in the cardiac conduction system in children and adolescents. During the 6-month duration of the study, all children having the diagnosis of OSAS in Sleep and Disorders Unit following a full-night polysomnography (PSG) were consecutively evaluated. ECGs were performed and analyzed in the Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics. The maximum spatial vector size (QRSmax), QRS electrical axis (EA), left and right ventricular hypertrophy, and the presence of fragmented QRS (fQRS) or prolonged R or S wave were examined in detail. A total of 17 boys with OSAS and 13 healthy boys participated in the study. The mean QRSmax and the QRSmax on V5 derivative were significantly lower in the patient group compared to those in the control group (p = 0.011 and p = 0.017, respectively). EA was similar between the two groups. While none of the patients with OSAS nor the control group had left ventricular hypertrophy, only one boy with OSAS had right ventricular hypertrophy according to ECG-derived analysis. The percentage of fQRS or notched R or S waves was significantly higher in patients with OSAS compared to healthy controls (p = 0.035), especially in children below the age of 5years (p = 0.036). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that male children and adolescents with OSAS have a combination of QRS complex changes characterized by low QRS voltages, and increased frequency of fragmented QRS. These findings reflect that the electrical remodeling and structural remodeling of the myocardium are considerably affected by OSAS in children and adolescents, leading to ventricular changes and intraventricular conduction problems. What is Known: • Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) characterized by recurrent intermittent hypoxemia, hypercapnia, and sleep fragmentation results in sympathetic nervous system activation, increased inflammation, and hypoxic endothelial dysfunction. When left untreated, OSAS leads to many cardiovascular, neurologic, metabolic and neurocognitive consequences, and also to sudden infant death syndrome in young children, probably due to the involvement of the cardiac conduction system. What is New: • This study demonstrated that mean QRSmax was significantly lower in male children and adolescents with OSAS, reflecting the structural and electrical remodeling of the myocardium, and one boy with OSAS had RVH according to ECG-derived analysis. The percentage of fQRS or notched R or S waves was much higher in boys with OSAS, especially in children below the age of five years. These finding showed that myocardium was considerably affected to impair the intraventricular conduction in younger children with OSAS.

Impact of Parenting Practices and Family Functioning on Psychological Adjustment of Adolescents with ADHD: Role of Early Maladaptive Schemas

Aim: The main objective of this study was to measure the impact of early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) in parenting practices, family functioning and psychological adjustment of adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study also explored gender differences on study variables and differences based on age group. &#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional research design, including a sample of 100 adolescents (Male=50, Female=50) was selected from different special education institutions, schools and colleges of government and private sector in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The age of the sample ranged from 12 to 20 years (M=14.73, SD=1.82). The data was collected using Alabama Parenting Questionnaire, Family Assessment Device, Young's Schema Questionnaire, and Personality Assessment Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using Pearson Product Moment, t-test, One-Way ANOVA, and Hayes process macro for mediation analysis.&#x0D; Results: A simple mediation analysis confirmed the significant partial mediation. The indirect effect of healthy family functioning was found to be significant. The direct and indirect effect of positive dimensions of parenting practices was significant. The negative dimensions of parenting practices were also found to have significant direct and indirect effect on psychological adjustment. EMSs significantly partially mediated the relationship between parenting practices, family functioning and psychological adjustment.&#x0D; Conclusion: According to the results, it was concluded that parenting practices and family functioning significantly influence the psychological adjustment of adolescents with ADHD. In addition, the EMSs play a significant role in the psychological adjustment of adolescents with ADHD. Gender differences were found on subscale of inconsistent discipline in parenting practices and subscale of emotional instability in psychological adjustment. Similarly, on EMSs these differences were found on six subscales including emotional deprivation, emotional inhibition, defectiveness/shame, social inhibition, vulnerability to harm, and self-sacrifice of EMSs.&#x0D; Recommendations: The results suggest broader treatment strategies, considering the parents and family of adolescents with ADHD. The finding can also be incorporated with interactive session for children, parents and family members to develop understanding of the nature of problem, related complexities within families and sorting strategies for adolescents with ADHD. Furthermore, in educational set up these finding may help in training workshops for the teachers to improve the understanding of the needs of adolescents with ADHD.

Effects of neighborhood disadvantage and peer deviance on adolescent antisocial behavior: Testing potential interactions with age-of-onset

Abstract Research has suggested that childhood-onset conduct problems (CPs) are more strongly related to individual predispositions, whereas adolescent-onset CP is more strongly associated with social factors, such as peer delinquency. Neighborhood disadvantage (ND) increases the risk for associating with deviant peers. Thus, peer delinquency could mediate the relationship between ND and adolescent-onset CP. This mediational hypothesis has not been tested previously. We tested this hypothesis in 1,127 justice-involved adolescent males using self-reported delinquency and official arrest records over 3 years after the youth’s first arrest as outcomes. Predictors were self-reported and census-derived indicators of ND and self-reported peer delinquency. Age of onset moderated the associations between self-reported ND and arrests and between self-report of peer delinquency and arrests. In both cases, the association was stronger for those with adolescent-onset CP. Peer delinquency mediated all relationships between ND and CP. Our results also showed some unexpected differences in associations depending on whether self-reported ND or census-derived indicators were used as predictors. Specifically, census-derived ND was negatively related to self-reported offending, which could be due to the use of an arrested sample and the need for youth in more advantaged neighborhoods to show a more severe pattern of antisocial behavior to be arrested.

A Large Recurrent Retroperitoneal Lymphangioma in a Previously Healthy Adolescent Male: A Case Report

Lymphangiomas are uncommon benign lymphatic vessel tumors that can affect any area of the body served with the lymphatic system. Intra-abdominal lymphangiomas are considered rare, accounting for less than 5 percent of all lymphangioma cases. In this case report, we present a recurrent large retroperitoneal lymphangioma in a previously healthy 15-year-old boy. The patient presented to the Emergency Department with abdominal pain lasting for one week. The pain, described as diffuse, crampy, and non-radiating, gradually increased with time and was aggravated by movement. A large retroperitoneal fluid collection was found on the Computed Tomography (CT) scan. Subsequently, the patient underwent CT-guided drainage, at which 700ml of bloody fluid was extracted. After three months, the patient was readmitted to the hospital for a similar presentation of abdominal fullness and pain. Complete blood count analysis indicated an unremarkable profile, except for a left shift of 82.2% neutrophils and a white blood cell count of 11,300/mcl. A CT scan of the abdomen reported a large, thin-walled cystic lesion in the right hemi-abdomen with minimal thin internal septations, resulting in moderate right hydronephrosis/hydroureter.

Sex Differences in Branched-chain Amino Acid and Tryptophan Metabolism and Pathogenesis of Youth-onset Type 2 Diabetes.

Insulin resistance is associated with elevations in plasma branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). BCAAs compete with aromatic amino acids including tryptophan for uptake into β cells. To explore relationships between BCAAs and tryptophan metabolism, adiposity, and glucose tolerance, we compared urine metabolites in overweight/obese youth with type 2 diabetes (T2D) with those in nondiabetic overweight/obese and lean youth. Metabolites were measured in 24-hour and first-morning urine samples of 56 nondiabetic adolescents with overweight/obesity, 42 adolescents with T2D, and 43 lean controls, aged 12 to 21 years. Group differences were assessed by Kruskal Wallis or ANOVA. Groups were comparable for age, pubertal status, and ethnicity. Youth with T2D were predominantly female and had highest percent body fat. BCAAs, branched-chain ketoacids (BCKAs), tryptophan, and kynurenine were higher in urine of subjects with T2D. There were no differences between lean controls and nondiabetic youth with overweight/obesity. T2D was associated with diversion of tryptophan from the serotonin to the kynurenine pathway, with higher urinary kynurenine/serotonin ratio and lower serotonin/tryptophan and 5-HIAA/kynurenine ratios. Urinary BCAAs, BCKAs, tryptophan, and ratios reflecting diversion to the kynurenine pathway correlated positively with metrics of body fat and hemoglobin A1c. Increases in these metabolites in the obese T2D group were more pronounced and statistically significant only in adolescent girls. Increases in urinary BCAAs and BCKAs in adolescent females with T2D are accompanied by diversion of tryptophan metabolism from the serotonin to the kynurenine pathway. These adaptations associate with higher risks of T2D in obese adolescent females than adolescent males.

Child sexual abuse by different classes and types of perpetrator: Prevalence and trends from an Australian national survey

BackgroundLittle evidence exists about the prevalence of child sexual abuse (CSA) inflicted by different relational classes of perpetrators (e.g., parents; institutional adults; adolescents), and by individual types of perpetrators (e.g., fathers and male relatives; male teachers and male clergy; known and unknown adolescents). ObjectiveTo generate evidence of the prevalence of CSA by different perpetrators, and trends by victim gender and age group. Participants and settingThe Australian Child Maltreatment Study collected information about CSA victimisation from a nationally-representative sample of 8503 individuals aged 16 and over. MethodsWe analysed data about 42 perpetrator types, collapsed into eight classes. We generated national prevalence estimates of CSA inflicted by each perpetrator class and individual perpetrator type, and compared results by victim gender and age group. ResultsAustralian CSA prevalence was 28.5%, with the following prevalence by perpetrator classes: other known adolescents (non-romantic): 10.0%; parents/caregivers in the home: 7.8%; other known adults: 7.5%; unknown adults: 4.9%; adolescents (current/former romantic partners): 2.5%; institutional caregivers: 2.0%; siblings: 1.6%; unknown adolescents: 1.4%. Women experienced more CSA by all perpetrator classes except institutional caregivers. Age group comparison showed significant declines in CSA by parents/caregivers, and other known adults; and increases in CSA by adolescents (current/former romantic partners). Individual perpetrator type comparison showed declines in CSA by fathers, male relatives living in the home, non-resident male relatives, and other known male adults; and increases in CSA by known male adolescents, current boyfriends, and former boyfriends. ConclusionsCSA by adults has declined, indicating positive impacts of prevention efforts. However, CSA by adolescents has increased. Further declines in CSA by adults are required and possible. Targeted prevention of CSA by adolescents must be prioritised.

Factors influencing JUUL e-cigarette nicotine vapour-induced reward, withdrawal, pharmacokinetics and brain connectivity in rats: sex matters

Though vaping likely represents a safer alternative to smoking, it is not without risks, many of which are not well understood, especially for vulnerable populations. Here we evaluate the sex- and age-dependent effects of JUUL nicotine vapour in rats. Following passive nicotine vapour exposures (from 59 mg/ml JUUL nicotine pods), rats were evaluated for reward-like behaviour, locomotion, and precipitated withdrawal. Pharmacokinetics of nicotine and its metabolites in brain and plasma and the long-term impact of nicotine vapour exposure on functional magnetic resonance imaging-based brain connectivity were assessed. Adult female rats acquired conditioned place preference (CPP) at a high dose (600 s of exposure) of nicotine vapour while female adolescents, as well as male adults and adolescents did not. Adult and adolescent male rats displayed nicotine vapour-induced precipitated withdrawal and hyperlocomotion, while both adult and adolescent female rats did not. Adult females showed higher venous and arterial plasma and brain nicotine and nicotine metabolite concentrations compared to adult males and adolescent females. Adolescent females showed higher brain nicotine concentration compared to adolescent males. Both network-based statistics and between-component group connectivity analyses uncovered reduced connectivity in nicotine-exposed rats, with a significant group by sex interaction observed in both analyses. The short- and long-term effects of nicotine vapour are affected by sex and age, with distinct behavioural, pharmacokinetic, and altered network connectivity outcomes dependent on these variables.

Cues associated with a single ethanol exposure elicit conditioned corticosterone responses in adolescent male but not female Sprague-Dawley rats.

It has been shown that ethanol-induced interleukin-6 (IL-6) in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats was sensitized by environmental stimuli paired with ethanol and was accompanied by a conditioned increase in corticosterone (CORT). Adolescent males showed ethanol-induced IL-6 conditioning more readily than adults. The present studies examined whether female adolescents display IL-6 conditioning and whether adolescents of either sex show CORT conditioning. Male and female (N=212, n=6-10) adolescent (postnatal day 33-40) rats were given ethanol (2g/kg intraperitoneal injection; the unconditioned stimulus), either paired with a lavender-scented novel context (the conditioned stimulus) or explicitly unpaired from context. Rats were tested in the context without ethanol and brains/blood were collected. Adolescent females did not show signs of neuroimmune (Experiment 1) or CORT conditioning (Experiments 2-4). Paired males showed enhanced CORT to the scented context relative to unpaired counterparts when the interoceptive cue of a saline injection was used on test day (Experiment 2). Experiment 5 used a delayed conditioning procedure and showed that male paired adolescents showed significantly higher CORT in response to context, showing that classically conditioned CORT response was precipitated by environmental cues alone. These findings indicate that adolescent males may be predisposed to form conditioned associations between alcohol and environmental cues, contributing to adolescent vulnerability to long-lasting ethanol effects.

Family Socialization of Adolescents Convicted of Crimes of Varying Severity

Features of family functioning and parent-child interaction affect the success of the socialization process, because parental attitudes and habitual ways of behavior are subsequently reproduced by children in further interaction in society. Aspects of family socialization of adolescents who have committed crimes of varying severity have been little studied in Russia. The purpose of the study is to determine the nature of interaction with parents and the features of family socialization of male adolescents convicted of crimes of varying severity. The study involved 280 adolescents, of whom 120 were serving sentences in juvenile correctional facilities, 80 were given and were registered with the penitentiary inspection, 80 were studying in educational institutions in Moscow and had never been held brought before the law for offenses. The average age of the participants was 15.8±0.8 years, all the respondents were male. As main methods the authors used interviews and analysis of personal files as well as a number of psychodiagnostic methods, including: The Scale of Tactics of Behavior in Parent-Child Conflict (adapted by I.A. Furmanova); A Questionnaire on Family Emotional Communications (A.B. Kholmogorova, S.V. Volikova, M.G. Sorokova); Unfinished Sentences Sacks - Sidney Variant (modified by T.A. Zaeko). The results of the study revealed the following reliably significant characteristics of the family socialization of convicted adolescents: living in an incomplete family, dissatisfaction with the financial situation, narcotization and alcoholization of parents, deprivation of parental rights of one of the parents, problems with the law of one of the family members, and fewer children in the family. In the families of adolescents convicted of serious crimes, there was a high level of cruelty and violence against the child on the part of the parents manifested. In the families of probationers, there was a lack of clear rules and methods of discipline, neglect of the child’s needs. The families of all the adolescents with unlawful behavior were characterized by a dysfunctional nature of communication (communication on the part of the parents was dominated by criticism, causing anxiety, prohibiting the expression of emotions, fixating on negative experiences, etc.). The information obtained in the study can be used by employees of the psychological and educational services of the penitentiary system.

Diskusi Komunitas Remaja Laki-Laki Untuk Meningkatkan Pemahaman Kesehatan Reproduksi Dan Kekerasan Seksual

Adolescents are not yet aware of the importance of maintaining sexual and reproductive health, while teenagers are very vulnerable to various problems related to sexual and reproductive health. So far, programs to improve reproductive health and prevent sexual violence have been mostly directed at women. As a result, issues of reproductive health, gender, sexual violence, maternal and child health and family planning are often considered women's affairs. This situation makes men isolated from reproductive health issues and sexual violence. On the other hand, achieving gender justice and equality, fulfilling reproductive health rights and the right to be free from sexual violence against women is progressing slowly without the involvement of men as part of the issue itself. Method The first activity carried out is training and coaching of cadres and health workers which will be carried out over 2 meetings, followed by REMAKI DISCO with participants from the Jabon Village Youth Organization, Kec. Mojoanyar, Mojokerto Regency for 1 week in improving reproductive health behavior and preventing sexual violence. There is a fairly good understanding of reproductive health behavior and prevention of sexual violence among male adolescents in the village of Jabon sub-district. Mojoanyar District. Mojokerto. The role of village government, cadres and health workers as well as facilitators in DISKO REMAKI is expected to be able to provide the support needed for adolescent boys to be able to maintain healthy reproductive behavior and prevent sexual violence in their environment.

The association between delinquent peer affiliation and disruptive behavior interacts with functional brain correlates of reward sensitivity: a biosocial interaction study in adolescent delinquents.

Affiliating with delinquent peers may stimulate the development of antisocial behavior, especially for adolescents who are sensitive to social rewards. The current study examines whether the association between delinquent peer affiliation (DPA) and disruptive behavior interacts with functional brain correlates of reward sensitivity in early onset male adolescents delinquents. Childhood arrestees (n = 126, mean age = 17.7 [s.d. 1.6]) completed a DPA questionnaire, and participated in an fMRI study in which reward sensitivity was operationalized through responsiveness of the ventral striatum (VS), amygdala, and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) during the monetary incentive delay paradigm (reward anticipation and outcome). Symptoms of disruptive behavior disorders (DBD) were assessed through structured psychiatric interviews (Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children) with adolescents. DPA had a main effect on DBD symptoms. Adolescents with high VS reward responses showed a stronger significant positive association between DPA and DBD symptoms compared to low VS responders. No evidence for an interaction effect was found for the amygdala and mPFC. Post-hoc analyses revealed the positive association between DPA and DBD was only present in males, with a diminishing effect as age increased. We found evidence for a biosocial interaction between DPA and reward sensitivity of the VS in relation to DBD symptom severity. This study provides the first evidence of an interaction effect between a brain mechanism and an environmental factor in relation to DBD symptoms, implying that susceptibility to influences of delinquent peers may intertwine with individual biological differences.

Beef Intake Is Associated with Higher Nutrient Intake and Nutrient Adequacy in U.S. Adolescents, NHANES 2001-2018.

Nutrient adequacy among adolescents is of concern due to higher nutrient requirements for their developing bodies as well as the gap between the current nutrient intake and the recommendations. The objective of this study was to determine beef intake and assess the relationship between beef consumption and nutrient intake and nutrient adequacy in male and female adolescents, 14-18 years of age. Dietary recalls collected during the What We Eat in America (WWEIA) portion of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles 2001-2018 were utilized to determine beef intake. Usual nutrient intakes were determined with the National Cancer Institute method in conjunction with day 1 and day 2 total nutrient files. Nutrient adequacy was assessed by calculating the percentage of the population below the estimated average requirement (EAR) or above the adequate intake (AI). The average beef intake of male and female adolescent beef consumers was 57.9 ± 2.4 and 46.8 ± 2.2 g with a 90th percentile of 82.3 ± 4.3 and 67.8 ± 3.5 g, respectively. Compared to non-consumers, beef consumers had a 10% or higher intake of calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, total choline, vitamin B12, and zinc. Over 50% of the adolescent population (regardless of beef consumption) had intakes below the EAR for calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, D, and E. The percentage of the beef-consuming population below the EAR was lower for calcium, copper, folate, iron, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamins B12 and B6 as compared to non-consumers. Additionally, the portion of the population above the AI for sodium was higher in female beef consumers as compared to non-consumers. We estimate approximately 900,000 to 1,400,000, 400,000-700,000, 200,000-600,000, and 200,000-400,000 fewer adolescents to be below the EAR for zinc, phosphorus, vitamin B12, and iron, respectively if beef non-consumers were to consume beef. This study suggests beef can help increase the nutrient intake and nutrient adequacy in the diets of adolescents, helping to close important gaps for this nutritionally vulnerable population. While recommendations to reduce beef intake are widely prevalent, this could result in unintended nutritional consequences regarding under-consumed nutrients including those of public health concern important for adolescent health.

Body Mass Index Profile and Its Association with Social Determinants Among Adolescents from Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

Assess adolescents' body mass index (BMI) profile and the association between BMI category and social determinants. This cross-sectional study targeted adolescents aged between 12 and 19 from Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Data was collected via an online self-administered questionnaire during 2023. The tailored questionnaire measured items related to student demographics, their history of diagnosed chronic conditions, their familial history of chronic diseases, and their eating behavior. A standard chi-square test investigated the relationship between BMI category and social determinants. Five hundred and seventy students completed the study's questionnaire. The mean age of the sample was 16 (SD: 1.9), and most of the respondents were female (60%). Among the recruited sample, 107 students (20%) are categorized as underweight, while 121 students (22%) are classified as either overweight or obese according to their age. The respondents' eating behavior indicated that the most frequently consumed meal was dinner, and the majority skipped breakfast some days of the week. Nearly one-third of the sample exhibited emotional eating. Low consumption of healthier food options, such as fruits, vegetables, low-fat products, and whole grain products among the adolescents was noted. An assessment of BMI level distribution among the respondents according to their demographic characteristics indicated a higher frequency of overweight and obesity among male adolescents, students in the secondary level, students living with a lower number of siblings, and students with a parental history of diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia (p values < 0.05). A high frequency of BMI abnormality among adolescents was detected. Dietary behavior among the respondents suggests the presence of several unhealthy behaviors. The results of the current study detected an important influence of the family on weight status among these adolescents.

Aromatase inhibitors: a useful additional therapeutic option for slowing down advanced bone age in boys with growth hormone deficiency.

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have been used to slow down estrogen-dependent skeletal maturation in pubertal boys with short stature. In the literature, few data evaluate the effectiveness and safety of AIs in boys with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). This study aimed to evaluate the auxologic effects and short-term laboratory profiles of combined AI and rhGH therapy for 1year in adolescent males with GHD. Male subjects between the ages of 10 and 16 with GHD from two different centers were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: (i) those who only used recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy (Group I; G-I) and (ii) those who also used AI therapy (anastrozole or letrozole) along with rhGH (Group II; G-II). Forty-one patients (G-I, 46%; G-II, 54%) were included in the study. All the subjects had isolated GHD. At the beginning of the treatment, the chronological ages (CAs) of the patients in the G-I and G-II groups were 11.8 (10.9-13.7) and 12.8 (12.0-14.3) years, respectively. The ratios of bone age (BA)/CA for the two groups were 0.8 (0.8-0.9) and 1.0 (0.9-1.1), respectively (p < 0.001). After the treatment, the height standard deviation (SD) scores and predicted adult height (PAH) significantly increased from baseline in all subjects in the G-I and G-II groups (p < 0.001; p < 0.001, respectively). There was no significant change in the ratio of BA/CA post-therapy in the G-I group (p = 0.1), while there was a significant decrease in the G-II group (p < 0.001). The growth velocities of the patients in the G-I and G-II groups were 9.1 (7.4-10.1) cm/year [1.5 (0.8-5.0) SD score] and 8.7 (7.5-9.9) cm/year [1.1 (0.3-3.1) SD score], respectively (p = 0.6). While post-therapy serum testosterone concentrations were seen to increase in the G-II group, none of the patients exhibited hematocrit above 50 percent, and the fasting glucose concentrations were normal. When used in addition to rhGH therapy in boys with GHD and advanced BA, AIs were observed to slow down the tempo of BA maturation after 1year, compared to those who received rhGH treatment alone. AI therapy was found to be safe during the 1-year observation period and thus could be considered for preserving growth potential in these patients.

A rare case of Lafora body disease: Progressive myoclonic epilepsy in adolescent male

A rare case of Lafora body disease: Progressive myoclonic epilepsy in adolescent male

A rare presentation of migraine in an adolescent male

A rare presentation of migraine in an adolescent male

Identifying disparities in suicidal thoughts and behaviors among US adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundSuicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) became more common among racial and ethnic minorities and sexual and gender minorities (SGM) during the COVID-19 pandemic relative to White and non-SGM adolescents. This study examines associations between pandemic-related stressors and STBs among a nationally representative sample of adolescents to identify vulnerable subpopulations. MethodsWe analyzed data from 6769 high school students using the 2021 Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey. Pandemic-related stressors were assessed via seven items related to negative experiences (e.g., parent job loss; food insecurity) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Logistic regression analyses estimated the association between pandemic-related stressors and four outcomes: (1) sadness/hopelessness; (2) suicidal ideation; (3) suicide planning; and (4) recent suicide attempt (i.e., past 12 months). Interactions were modeled by sex, race/ethnicity, and sexual identity. ResultsA greater number of pandemic-related stressors was associated with higher odds for sadness and hopelessness (aOR: 1.55; 95% CI:1.44–1.67), suicidal ideation (aOR: 1.48; 95% CI:1.39–1.57), suicide planning (aOR:1.47; 95% CI: 1.36–1.59), and recent suicide attempt (aOR: 1.64; 95% CI:1.42–1.88). Pandemic-related stressors were also more strongly associated with some types of STBs in males (relative to females) and SGM females (relative to heterosexual females). ConclusionStudy findings indicate that pandemic-related stressors are associated with STBs within the US adolescent population, particularly among male and SGM female adolescents. Researchers are encouraged to use this knowledge to ensure nationwide suicide prevention efforts adequately address inequities in suicide risk.