Type Of Trauma Research Articles

An exploration of the social creation of mental illness

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the concept “the social creation of mental illness”, consider whether there is enough research evidence to support the thesis that mental illness can be socially caused, compare the social model to the medical model of the creation of mental illness and explore what may be necessary for the social causation model of mental health to be widely adopted and acted upon. Design/methodology/approach This study conducts a literature review seeking to identify the likely candidates for socially caused mental illness and explores whether there was research or other evidence for “the social creation of mental illness”. Findings Each area that was examined, from the literature, supported the notion of social factors being linked to, and predictive of, the social creation of mental illness; there appears to be a prima facie case for mental illness being predominantly socially created. Research limitations/implications It is one thing to identify risk factors, links with and predictors of mental ill health. It is quite another to prove the chain of causality between particular types of social trauma and the emergence specific mental dysfunctions. In the same way that tobacco was widely known to be dangerous to physical health, yet it took decades to collate enough evidence to persuade physicians and politicians to act, it is likely that it will be some time before the causal link between social factors and emerging mental dysfunction can be demonstrated with enough rigour to encourage politicians and mental health professionals to act. This paper seeks to make a contribution to that process. Practical implications If social factors are found to be the primary creators of mental illness, then more appropriate methods of helping those afflicted can be developed. Social implications Currently, the mental health system is based on the medical model. Vast and increasing resources are being allocated to mental health, yet the numbers of people disabled by mental health problems continues to increase. It appears that the medical model is false and failing. If the most common causes of mental ill health are social, then more appropriate help can be provided, and preventative measures can be developed. Originality/value By laying out some of the evidence that social factors are a primary predictor or cause of mental illness, it is hoped that future researchers can devise mechanisms to identify the causal route between various forms of social harm and the development of mental illness.

Repetitive Mild but Not Single Moderate Brain Trauma Is Associated with TAR DNA-Binding Protein 43 Mislocalization and Glial Activation in the Mouse Spinal Cord

Background/Objectives: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs after a sudden mechanical force to the skull and represents a significant public health problem. Initial brain trauma triggers secondary pathophysiological processes that induce structural and functional impairment of the central nervous system, even in the regions distant to the lesion site. Later in life, these changes can be manifested as neurodegenerative sequalae that commonly involve proteinopathies, such as transactive DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43). The progression of pathophysiological changes to the spinal cord motor neurons has been detected after repetitive TBI, while such changes have been less investigated after single TBI. Methods: Single TBI was applied over the left parietal cortex of mice by using the lateral fluid percussion injury apparatus and a separate cohort of animals received repetitive mild TBI by weight drop apparatus, with two mild injuries daily, for five days in a row. Mice were sacrificed 14 days after single moderate or last mild TBI and their spinal cords were prepared for the analyses. For both types of injury, sham-injured mice were used as a control group. Results: Here, we found an early formation of toxic phosphorylated TDP-43 species on the 3rdday post-injury which, together with TDP-43 cytoplasmic translocation, remained present in the subacute period of 14 days after repetitive mild but not single moderate TBI. During the subacute period following a repetitive brain trauma, we found an increased choline acetyltransferase protein expression and significant microgliosis in the cervical part of the spinal cord, which was not detected after single TBI. Astrogliosis presented similarly after both experimental procedures. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the differences in the spinal cord TDP-43 pathology and inflammation, depending on the brain trauma type, and may contribute to the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.

Trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress symptoms: Associations with self-reported dietary and exercise changes.

Exposure to trauma and subsequent posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) increase the risk of poor physical health outcomes. Yet, the nuances of the paths from trauma to poor health are largely theoretical, and research regarding how trauma types relate to specific trauma-related changes to diet and exercise is needed. The present study examined the associations between noninterpersonal and interpersonal trauma and PTSS with several novel dietary and exercise changes (i.e., perceived trauma-related diet changes in intake of calories, comfort food, refined carbohydrates, and sugar as well as changes in exercise amount and intensity). Participants were 430 Midwestern University trauma-exposed students (Mage = 23.87, SD = 6.90, range = 18-63; 81.1% female; 56.9% White). Higher PTSS corresponded to increased perceived trauma-related changes in consumption of calories, comfort foods, carbohydrates, and sugar (Bs = 0.1-.02). Interpersonal trauma was not tied to dietary changes, and noninterpersonal traumas were linked to decreased sugar intake. For trauma-related exercise changes, higher PTSS was associated with both increased likelihood of lower intensity exercise (B = .02) and higher intensity exercise (B = .03), yet neither trauma types were related. Further, neither trauma exposure nor PTSS was associated with perceptions in trauma-related increases in exercise amount. PTSS, as opposed to types of trauma exposure, may be the primary driver of perceived trauma-related diet and exercise changes. The identification of trauma-related health modifications may help improve health outcomes of trauma survivors, and ongoing work should examine whether trauma-focused treatment reduces maladaptive changes to diet and exercise. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Influence of Conservative or Invasive Treatments on the Occurrence of Sequelae in Permanent Successors After Injuries in the Support Tissues of Incisors Deciduous Teeth: A Cohort Study.

To assess the influence of conservative or invasive treatments on the appearance of sequelae in permanent successor teeth (SPT) after injuries in the support tissues of anterior deciduous teeth (ISTDT). This cohort study accompanied 52 children with ISTDT up to the complete eruption of the permanent successor to investigate the presence or not of SPT. Trauma was clinically evaluated according to the International Association for Dental Traumatology. Sex, age at the time of trauma (ATT), type and severity of trauma, sequelae in anterior deciduous teeth (SDT), treatment type (conservative-without exodontia/ invasive-with exodontia), seeking care (immediate/late), and the caregiver's education level (CEL) were collected. Regression models were performed (p = 0.05). Of the children (ATT = 3.6 ± 1.5 years), boys (52/57.1%) were the majority. The teeth (n = 91) injuries were lateral luxation (26/28.6%), intrusion (22/24.1%), concussion (20/22.0%), subluxation (19/20.9%), and extrusion (4/4.4%), that affected only incisors. Most teeth (63/69.2%) received late care, presented SDT (62/68.1%) and were treated conservatively (73/80.2%). There was no association of sex (p = 0.611), SDT (p = 0.705) and seeking care (p = 0.800) with SPT. The treatment type did not influence the SPT occurrence (p = 0.923), independent of the ATT, trauma severity and the educational level of the caregiver. The lower the ATT (p = 0.026) and the more severe the trauma (p = 0.009), the higher the number of SPT. The treatment type of anterior deciduous teeth, mainly considering incisors, did not influence the appearance of SPT, which leads us to always choose the most conservative treatment, independent of the child's age, the injury severity, and the caregiver's educational level.

Radiology resident competency in orthopedic trauma detection in simulated on-call scenarios.

To evaluate radiology residents' ability to accurately identify three specific types of orthopedic trauma using radiographic imaging within a simulated on-call environment. We utilized the Wisdom in Diagnostic Imaging Emergent/Critical Care Radiology Simulation (WIDI SIM) to assess residents' preparedness for independent radiology call. The simulation included 65 cases, with three focusing on orthopedic trauma: sacral ala, femoral neck, and pediatric tibial/Toddler's fractures. Faculty graded residents' responses using a standardized 10-point rubric and categorized errors as observational (failing to identify key findings) or interpretive (incorrect conclusions despite correct identification of findings). 321 residents evaluated sacral ala fracture radiographs and received an average score of 1.29/10, with 8.71 points lost to observational errors. Only 6% produced effective reports (scores ≥ 7), while 80% made critical errors (scores < 2). For femoral neck fracture CT images (n = 316 residents), the average score was 2.48/10, with 6.71 points lost to observational errors. 25% produced effective reports, and 66% made critical errors. Pediatric tibial/Toddler's fracture radiographs (n = 197 residents) yielded an average score of 2.94/10, with 6.60 points lost to observational errors. 29% generated effective reports, while 71% made critical errors. Radiology residents demonstrated significant difficulty in identifying these orthopedic trauma cases, with errors primarily attributed to observational deficiencies. These findings suggest a need for targeted educational interventions in radiology residency programs to improve the identification of these fractures.

Injury induced endotheliopathy: overview, diagnosis, and management.

This review aims to examine recent advances in the understanding of injury-induced endotheliopathy and therapeutics to mitigate its development in critically injured patients. Clinical studies have clearly demonstrated that syndecan-1 ectodomains can be found in circulation after various types of trauma and injury and correlates with worse outcomes. As the mechanisms of endotheliopathy are better understood, pathologic hyperadhesive forms of von Willebrand factor, along with a relative deficiency of its cleaving enzyme, a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type I motifs, member 13 (ADAMTS13), have emerged as additional biomarkers. Therapeutics to date have focused primarily on the protective effects of fresh frozen plasma and its constituents to restore the glycocalyx. Human recombinant ADAMTS13 holds promise, as do synthetic variants of heparan sulfate and activated protein C, although all data to date are preclinical. Injury-induced endotheliopathy represents an important pathologic response to trauma. Key biomarkers, such as syndecan-1, can aid in the diagnosis, but testing is not yet available clinically. As the mechanisms of endotheliopathy are better understood, therapeutics are being identified and show promise. To date, plasma has been the most widely studied; however, like all therapeutics for injury-induced endotheliopathy, it has primarily been studied in the preclinical setting.

The Role of Mindfulness Decompression Therapy in Managing Acute Stress Disorder in Traumatic Fracture Patients.

Traumatic fractures are common orthopedic injuries with higher incidence globally, leading to acute stress disorder (ASD). Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the clinical outcomes of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) therapy in patients with traumatic bone fractures suffering from ASD. This study included 135 patients who underwent trauma and fracture treatment at The 305th Hospital of the PLA between August 2021 and August 2023. Based on their participation in MBSR therapy, they were categorized into a conventional group (n = 62) and a combined group (n = 73). We comparatively analyzed the ASD Scale (ASDS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Self-Rating Sleep Status Scale (SRSS), and World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) measurement-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) scores between these two experimental groups. Furthermore, we assessed the incidence of ASD after treatment between these two groups. There were no significant differences in gender, age, body mass index, education, income, type of expense, trauma type, marital status, fracture site, diabetes status, hypertension status, and the pain visual analog scale (VAS) score, activities of daily living (i.e., modified Barthel index) score, and Social Support Rating Scale score between the two experimental groups (p > 0.05). Moreover, no significant differences were found in the prevalence of ASDS before treatment between these two groups (p > 0.05). However, after treatment, the ASDS score was significantly lower in the combined group than in the conventional group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, post-management analysis revealed that the incidence rate of ASD was 24.19% in the conventional group and 8.22% in the combined group. Moreover, the incidence of ASD was significantly lower in the combined group compared to the conventional group (p < 0.05). Before intervention, the difference in the SAS or SDS between patients was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). However, following treatment, the SAS and SDS scores of patients were significantly lower in the combined group than in the conventional group (p < 0.05). Similarly, after treatment, the SRSS scores of patients were substantially lower in the combined group than in the conventional group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the WHOQOL-BREF score of patients was significantly greater in the combined group than in the conventional group (p < 0.05). MBSR therapy can significantly alleviate ASD in trauma and fracture patients. Furthermore, this approach can alleviate the incidence of ASD and reduce anxiety, depression, and negative emotions in patients. These positive effects collectively improve sleep quality and overall well-being of patients.

Emotion Regulation in the Association Between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Substance Use: A Systematic Review With Narrative Synthesis

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use commonly co-occur and represent a unique clinical challenge. Current interventions show modest effect sizes and high rates of dropout highlighting the need to better understand the mechanisms underlying the PTSD-substance use association. Evidence suggests emotion regulation may be an important factor underlying this association. This systematic review aims to examine the role of emotion regulation in the association between PTSD and substance use and to provide an understanding of differences in emotion regulation based on gender, trauma type, and social factors. Systematic searches of Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, ASSIA, CINAHL, and Web of Science identified 33 studies that met the review inclusion criteria. While findings were mixed, the results largely suggest difficulties regulating negative and positive emotions are important in the PTSD-substance use association. Emotion regulation was elevated in individuals with PTSD-substance use disorder (SUD) compared to SUD only and among individuals with more severe PTSD and substance use symptoms. A small number of studies highlighted the role of emotion regulation difficulties over time and in relation to treatment outcomes. Preliminary findings suggested there may be differences in emotion regulation in PTSD-substance use based on gender, trauma type, and social factors, though this requires further examination. Limitations of the included studies include small sample sizes, cross-sectional designs, and a predominant focus on alcohol use. The findings largely support self-medication and negative reinforcement models of substance use and highlight the possible utility of integrated interventions focusing on emotion regulation for PTSD-substance use. Recommendations for further research are discussed.

EVALUATING ASSOCIATION OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES IN PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH MAXILLOFACIAL FRACTURES: AN INSIGHT FROM LADY READING HOSPITAL, KPK

WHO recognized Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major global contributor to mortality, impacting over 50 million people annually.2 Traumatic brain injuries often accompany maxillofacial fractures due to their close proximity and may present with or without neurological symptoms. Objective: This study aims to evaluate indicators of traumatic brain injury and its severity in conjunction with maxillofacial fractures. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Department of Lady Reading Hospital, KPK. A non-probability, consecutive sampling technique was used to gather a sample of 184 participants (95% confidence interval and a 5% margin of error, population 0.8).8 Patient’s aged 10-60 who presented with traumatic brain injury along with maxillofacial fractures were included in study. Patients with pre-existing neurological disorders were excluded from the study. Data was collected in a specified Performa and was analyzed using SPSS 22. Results: The mean age group recorded was 21.46 ±13.2. The ratio of males to females was 3:1. The most common traumatic brain injury was amnesia (38%), followed by an altered level of consciousness (37. 1%).The most common mechanism of trauma was Road Traffic Accidents (70.6%) followed by falls (16. 8%).combination of ZMC, Mid-facial and mandibular fractures (panfacial) was most common type of maxillofacial trauma (55%). There was a statistically significant association for TBI along with Facial fractures (P=0.001).Conclusion: Traumatic brain injuries in patients with maxillofacial trauma are life-threatening, requiring early detection to enhance survival and recovery. A multidisciplinary approach, involving maxillofacial surgeons and neurosurgeons, is essential for effective management.

Measurement invariance of the PTSD Checklist for DSM‐5 across eight countries and samples with diverse trauma experiences

AbstractThe PTSD Checklist for DSM‐5 (PCL‐5) is a well‐known tool for measuring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Although the tool has been translated into many different languages, only one study, conducted in European countries, has examined measurement invariance (MI) across these versions. The present study aimed to verify PCL‐5 MI in eight countries: Argentina, Ireland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Poland, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States. All samples included at least 200 participants. Regarding trauma type, the highest number of individuals reported experiencing a traffic accident (n = 3,128) and/or physical assault (n = 2,609), and the fewest reported captivity (n = 575) and/or contributing to someone else's harm, injury, or death (n = 559). A symptom structure model based on DSM‐5 criteria showed a satisfactory fit to the data, χ2(164, N = 4,064) = 2,571.18, p &lt; .001, robust CFI = .931, robust RMSEA = .078, 90% CI [.075, .081], robust TLI = .920, SRMR = .037. Data fit and invariance were obtained with regard to identical structure and factor loadings (configural and metric invariance) as well as for the partial scalar invariance (equal intercepts). In all samples, PTSD symptoms were strongly or moderately positively correlated with levels of depressive, anxiety, and stress‐related symptoms and moderately or weakly positively correlated with COVID‐19–related stressors, emotional stability/neuroticism, and emotional reactivity. The results indicate that the PCL‐5 is a generally effective measure of universal indicators of PTSD across different countries.

High-Pressure Injection Injury of the Hand-A Rare but True Surgical Emergency.

Background/Objectives: The aim is to bring attention to the existence of a rare type of trauma of the hand, high-pressure injection injury, that appears to be minor with negligible signs and symptoms within the first hours after the accident, but in reality, produces significant tissue destruction with severe consequences. Recognizing this type of trauma by medical personnel, understanding the mechanisms involved, and knowing the etiological and prognostic factors can lead to early treatment initiation and avoid severe mutilating sequelae. Methods: A retrospective study on 16 patients diagnosed with high-pressure injection injuries, including water, air, paint, paint mixed paint with thinner, petroleum jelly, and lime (washable paint containing calcium oxide). The patients' epidemiological data, the time from accident to diagnosis, reasons for delayed diagnosis, treatments applied, and outcomes were recorded and evaluated. Results: All injuries occurred at the workplace due to negligence. Oil-based paint was implicated in 31.25% of cases. The most frequently affected anatomical region was the volar surface of the distal phalanx of the nondominant hand index finger. In one case, delayed presentation to medical care and diagnosis resulted in a compartment syndrome, requiring amputation. Conclusions: It is crucial to recognize and understand this type of trauma, as it constitutes an emergency due to its rapid progression. Delayed diagnosis can result in massive tissue destruction, potentially leading to the loss of limb segments and debilitating functional sequelae, which may severely impact a patient's socio-professional life.

Closed Cardiac Trauma: Literature Review and Case Series of Combat Trauma

The aim. Analysis of the causes, diagnosis and treatment methods of closed heart injuries through the examples of literary sources and our own clinical cases. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine led to massive hostilities. This war not only changed the geopolitical situation in Europe, but also presented new challenges to the medical community, particularly in the field of military medicine. Among many types of combat injuries, heart injury, which can be both open and closed, requires special attention. Although both types of injuries are life-threatening, the closed heart injury becomes more relevant in the conditions of modern warfare. A closed heart injury often accompanies any chest injuries, has a hidden course, and its real prevalence exceeds the number of diagnosed cases. Among the closed injuries of the heart, concussion is accompanied by the least damage to the structures and the mildest consequences, while heart rupture has an intensive clinical manifestation, an extremely difficult course, and often fatal consequences. Most often, a heart bruise occurs with a chest injury. The proper diagnosis of heart bruise at the pre-hospital stage is accompanied by difficulties. They are associated with the conditions of the history taking and physical examination of the wounded person. The mentioned conditions include the lack of time, impaired consciousness of the victim (for example, when combined with a craniocerebral injury), lack of additional laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods as well as different levels of training of medical personnel. The article presents a detailed description of the types of closed heart trauma, clinical, laboratory and instrumental characteristics of each type, as well as a generalized scheme of treatment tactics. In addition, three clinical cases of heart bruise with different severity of clinical manifestation are provided. Conclusion. In the conditions of modern warfare, a closed heart injury is more relevant than an open type of the combat heart trauma. This requires military and civilian physicians to pay more attention to the possible presence of this type of injury, to improve diagnostics and treatment approaches, and to develop effective field care protocols.

Effects of Early Psychological Trauma on Limbic System Structure and Function

This paper aims to review the subtypes of childhood trauma and its effects on brain structures and function, especially the hippocampus and amygdala within the limbic system, in the context of clinical psychology. For this purpose, original articles published between 1996 and 2024 were systematically searched in major databases such as PubMed, PsycArticles, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using keywords such as early childhood trauma, psychological trauma, limbic system, hippocampus, amygdala, and neuroimaging. The articles were initially screened based on their titles, and those meeting the search criteria, including study population, investigated brain regions, and types of traumas, were further assessed for relevance. Ultimately, 136 articles were selected and discussed in this review. Trauma experiences in early life can have a significantly negative influence on a person's psychological health by causing neurodevelopmental impairments, especially in the limbic system. While it is understood that trauma influences how individuals think, behave, and feel, the results of neuroimaging studies reveal variations in the amygdala and hippocampus based on different trauma subtypes. These changes merit deeper investigation in future research to fully understand the reasons behind the diverse findings in existing literature.

Vicarious Trauma via the Observation of Extremist Atrocities: A Rapid Evidence Assessment.

Researchers are increasingly conducting research using primary source data involving observation of, and exposure to, violent extremist individuals, their acts, their online content, and the ideologies that they act in support of. Of concern is that this increased use of primary source material has not occurred alongside a serious investigation of the traumatic outcomes that may result from constant exposure to such materials within the process of conducting academic research. As such, the goal of this review is to conduct a rapid evidence assessment to identify (a) What theories currently exist that conceptualize trauma stemming from vicarious observation of extremist atrocities? (b) In what similar domains (if any) have researchers conceptualized the trauma that stems from vicarious observation of extremist atrocities? (c) What is the current evidence base for these theories? And (d) What are the immediate research needs to extend this research and support the research workforce? Articles were identified using search strings related to types of trauma, and relevant domains of work (e.g., criminal justice, healthcare, national security, content moderation). In total 34 articles were screened and assessed in full. The work domains of these articles ranged from drone warfare to digital forensics and interrogation interpreters. Overall, exposure to traumatic images, videos, and events is associated with burnout, secondary traumatic stress, turnover intentions, and a host of wider negative psychosocial outcomes. Furthermore, this process is impacted by several factors including the nature of the content, the wider organizational culture, and individual differences.

Overlapping Traumas: Revisiting Trauma in Post-apocalyptic World of Anna Kavan’s Ice

This article offers a critical exploration of Anna Kavan’s Ice which includes a literary representation of trauma and its correlation with the concept of post-apocalypse. Establishing a preliminary dialogue between post-apocalyptic and trauma narratives, it investigates the individual and post-apocalyptic trauma both separately and holistically through a single text. The abandonment trauma and the traumatic glacial apocalypse create an interrelated discourse of post-apocalyptic trauma that encompasses changes on the protagonist of the novel and collectivities. Following Hobbesian discussion of social contract together with Golding’s Lord of the Flies, apocalyptic trauma and its symptoms are traced as disturbing demonstration of humanity’s primitive urges in the absence of social, religious, political, and moral orders. The analysis of the protagonist’s unrelenting quest and obsessive psychology through Lacanian concept objet a allows the discussion to diversify to address the individual trauma. Instead of casting Kavan’s novel as purely trauma narrative or post-apocalyptic account, this article reads her novel in a focused attentiveness to analyse different types of trauma and their merge with each other.

Trauma-related moderators of associations between sex hormones and PTSD symptoms: a replication-extension

ABSTRACT Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) disproportionately affects women and recent evidence suggests that unique associations between sex hormones (e.g. estradiol and progesterone) and PTSD symptoms may contribute to this difference. In addition, trauma characteristics such as age at trauma and trauma type may influence this association. We aimed to replicate and extend the findings of a prior study that identified trauma characteristics (sexual trauma and age at trauma) as moderators of associations between estradiol and PTSD symptoms. Methods: Sixty-five trauma-exposed individuals assigned female at birth were included (M age = 31.45). Participants provided blood samples for estradiol and progesterone assays. The Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) was used to assess trauma characteristics and PTSD symptoms. Results: There were no significant correlations between estradiol, progesterone, and PTSD symptom severity. Regression analyses revealed no moderation effects by sexual trauma or age at trauma for estradiol. However, age at trauma significantly moderated the relationship between progesterone and total PTSD severity. Discussion: Contrary to expectations, our results did not replicate prior research, as estradiol was not associated with PTSD severity in our sample. Progesterone was not directly associated with PTSD symptoms, but this relationship was moderated by age at trauma onset. Our findings suggest that trauma characteristics may influence the relationship between sex hormones and PTSD symptoms. While we didn't replicate previous associations between estradiol and PTSD symptoms, our study emphasizes the importance of considering trauma characteristics in understanding the relationship between sex hormones and PTSD.

Childhood Trauma Across the Schizophrenia Spectrum: A Comparison of Schizotypal Personality Disorder and Schizophrenia.

The etiology of schizophrenia involves both biological and environmental risk factors. Studying childhood trauma in disorders along the schizophrenia spectrum, including schizotypal personality disorder (SPD), can inform early risk and protective factors for psychosis. However, no study has directly compared childhood trauma between SPD and schizophrenia. One hundred twenty-four participants (schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder [SZ] n = 45, SPD n = 32, and healthy controls [HCs] n = 47) matched on age and gender were assessed for different types of childhood abuse and neglect as well as clinical symptoms. Kruskal-Wallis H-tests examined group differences in childhood trauma severity and logistic regression modeled childhood trauma types that were associated with an SZ vs SPD diagnosis. SZ and SPD had greater severity than HC on total trauma score and all types of childhood trauma assessed (all P-values < .05). SZ and SPD only differed on childhood sexual abuse, which was greater in SZ (P = .039). Childhood sexual abuse (odds ratio [OR] = 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-1.27, P = .02) and emotional abuse (OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.71-0.95, P = .01) were independent predictors of an SZ vs SPD diagnosis. Sensitivity analysis indicated that a cutoff at mild sexual abuse was significant in predicting SZ vs SPD when compared with none/minimal sexual abuse. In SZ, greater sexual abuse was associated with positive schizotypal traits and in SPD, greater emotional abuse was associated with depressive symptoms. Findings suggest that childhood sexual and emotional abuse may be important factors that influence illness trajectory across the severity of disorders on schizophrenia spectrum. These findings have implications for understanding disease mechanisms and early prevention.

The Impact of Environmental Factors on Eye Trauma in Children: A Retrospective Study in Albania

Eye trauma in children can lead to long-term visual impairment and significantly impact their quality of life. Environmental factors play a crucial role in the occurrence of such injuries. This retrospective study aims to investigate the influence of ambiental factors on eye trauma among children in Albania. A retrospective analysis was conducted using data obtained from the Albanian Statistical Center covering the period from January 2017 to December 2023. A total of 317 pediatric patients with eye trauma were included in the study. Data regarding demographics, types of trauma, mechanisms of injury, and environmental factors were collected and analyzed. The study found that environmental factors significantly contributed to eye trauma in children. The most common environmental factors associated with eye injuries included inadequate supervision during outdoor activities, presence of hazardous objects in the environment, and lack of protective eyewear. Seasonal variations were observed, with a higher incidence of eye trauma during the summer months when outdoor activities are more prevalent. This retrospective study highlights the significant impact of environmental factors on eye trauma in children in Albania. Strategies focusing on improving supervision during outdoor activities, implementing safety measures and promoting the use of protective eyewear could help reduce the risk of eye injuries among pediatric populations. Further research and targeted interventions are warranted to address this public health concern effectively. Received: 21 August 2024 / Accepted: 15 November 2024 / Published: 3 December 2024

Analysis of Fatal Blunt Force Head Injuries in cases of Road Traffic Accidents- A study from Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad

Road traffic accidents are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, with significant implications in India due to its vast and diverse population. Post-mortem studies provide crucial insights into the epidemiology, causes and characteristics of fatal head injuries, informing prevention and management strategies in case of road traffic accidents. This study aims to analyse the epidemiological profile of head injury cases subjected to post mortem, identifying patterns in demographic factors, causes of injury and anatomical characteristics of blunt force head trauma. In this study, analysis was done for blunt force head injury in road traffic accident cases brought to the mortuary of Civil Hospital, B.J Medical College, Ahmedabad, over a one year period from January to December (2019). Among 1138 cases of road traffic accidents, 847 cases with head injury were selected. Data on age, gender, cause of injury, type and location of blunt force head trauma and associated injuries were collected, analysed and compared with other similar studies. Of 847 head injury cases, majority were males and age group of 21 – 40 Years. 43 % of study population died within 1 hour. Predominantly two wheeler’s were involved in RTA and without safety measures. 43.5% of cases showed laceration as external injury and 53.4% of study population showed linear fracture of skull. This study on blunt head injury cases reveals critical epidemiological trends, emphasizing the need for enhanced road safety measures and public awareness. The findings underscore the importance of targeted prevention strategies and improved trauma care to reduce fatalities from head injuries in India.

Impact of Patient-Specific Hip Joint Geometry on the Morphology of Acetabular Fractures.

Background: Acetabular fractures continue to pose a major challenge in clinical practice, not least because of the growing geriatric population. While the influence of the force vectors on fracture formation is well established, the impact of anatomical factors on fracture morphology remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate patient-specific hip joint geometry, identify structural risk factors and correlate these with the resulting fracture patterns. Methods: This retrospective cohort analysis included 226 patients (Mdn age = 58 yrs.) with acetabular fracture categorized by Judet/Letournel and the AO/OTA classification. Computed tomography (CT) datasets of the injured and contralateral sides were analyzed using multiplanar reconstruction. Parameters included modified center-edge (CE) angle (Wiberg), rotation angles (Ullmann and Anda), acetabular sector angle (Anda), true caput-collum-diaphyseal (CCD) angle, femoral head diameter and volume, as well as femoral neck length, circumference, and diameter. In addition, intrarater reliability within a subcohort was assessed for the metric measurements and inter-rater analysis for the classification of the entire sample. Results: The primary analysis showed direct effects of femoral head diameter, femoral neck length and femoral head size on the fracture type according to AO/OTA (type A/B/C), whereby this effect was particularly seen between type A and type C fractures (p = 0.001). Ordinal regression identified femoral head diameter as the only significant predictor (p = 0.02), with a 25% increased likelihood of complex fractures per unit of change. Low-energy trauma doubled the risk of severe fractures. Specific findings include a higher acetabular anteversion in anterior column fractures. Age correlated positively with the cause of injury and fracture type. The inter-rater reliability for fracture classification was excellent, as was the intrarater reliability of the measurements. Conclusions: This study suggests that anatomical factors, particularly proximal femoral geometry, have an impact on acetabular fracture morphology-in addition to factors such as trauma type and patient demographics.