Exploring Parent and Peer Support as a Predictor of Adolescent Adjustment During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Research has demonstrated that adolescents’ social relationships have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic (Ayers et al., 2021). Considering adolescence is characterized by a need for peer belonging and autonomy from parents, isolation from peers has been particularly challenging (Magson et al., 2021). Prior literature has noted the ability of parent connectedness to promote resiliency and instill self-care practices (Bender & Ingram, 2018), and for peers to provide additional necessary support and feelings of belongingness (Brown & Larson, 2009). Information on whether the same outcomes can result during the pandemic remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to determine the impacts of adolescent peer and parent connectedness on health-related outcomes, specifically, exercise, alcohol use, cannabis use, and internalizing symptoms. Participants for this study included 493 students aged 15-19 (79.1% female) residing in Ontario, Canada who completed a survey in June 2021, a year after the initial COVID-19 lockdown and at the end of another stay-at-home order. It was hypothesized that adolescents with weaker parent connectedness would engage in less exercise, more alcohol use, more cannabis use, and would report higher levels of internalizing symptoms. Further, the adolescent-parent relationship would be moderated by peer connectedness in that negative health outcomes would be significantly reduced when teens have stronger peer connectedness. Findings indicated that, in line with hypotheses, weaker parent connectedness only predicted more cannabis use when peer connectedness was also low, and peer and parent support independently predicted internalizing symptoms. Strengths, limitations, implications, and future directions are discussed

The Second International Conference on Sentinel Node Biopsy in Mucosal Head and Neck Cancer

Background: The Second International Conference on Sentinel Node Biopsy in Mucosal Head and Neck Cancer was hosted by the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery of the University Hospital in Zurich, Switzerland, from September 12 to 13, 2003. The aims of this conference were to present the results of validation studies and to achieve a consensus on methodological requirements. Methods: More than 80 delegates from 20 countries attended the conference. The presented validation studies were summarized and compared with the literature. Consensus was achieved concerning requirements for lymphatic mapping and histopathologic work-up. Results: Twenty centers presented results on 379 patients with cN0 disease. Sentinel nodes were identified in 366 (97%) of 379. Of these 366, 103 (29%) were positive for occult metastasis, and 263 (71%) were negative. Of those 263 patients, 11 patients (4%) showed nodal disease not revealed by the sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB). The negative predictive value of a negative sentinel node for the remaining neck was 96%. The consensus conference resulted in the use of a radiotracer, lymphoscintigraphy, and a handheld gamma probe for lymphatic mapping as minimal requirements. The use of conventional hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry for cytokeratin is mandatory. Step-sectioning of the entire node at intervals of 150μm is recommended. Conclusions: The conference attracted delegates from all over the world, thus underscoring the high interest in the topic. With regard to the presented data and the data from the literature, SNB for early oral and oropharyngeal cancer is sufficiently validated. The consensus conference resulted in the definition of minimal methodological requirements for accurate SN

Lockdown, bottoms up? Changes in adolescent substance use across the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic notably altered adolescent substance use during the initial stage (Spring 2020) of the pandemic. The purpose of this longitudinal study is to examine trajectories of adolescent substance use across the pandemic and subsequent periods of stay-at-home orders and re-opening efforts. We further examined differences as a function of current high school student versus graduate status. Adolescents (n = 1068, 14–18 years, Mage = 16.95 years and 76.7% female at T1) completed 4 different self-report surveys, starting during the first stay-at-home order and ending approximately 14 months later. Negative binomial hurdle models predicted: (1) the likelihood of no substance use and (2) frequency of days of substance use. As hypothesized, results demonstrated significant increases in adolescents’ likelihood of alcohol use, binge drinking, and cannabis use once initial stay-at-home orders were lifted, yet few changes occurred as a result of a second stay-at-home order, with rates never lowering again to that of the first lockdown. Further, graduates (and particularly those who transitioned out of high school during the study) demonstrated a greater likelihood and frequency of substance use and were more stable in their trajectories across periods of stay-at-home orders than current high school students. Unexpectedly, however, there was a strong increase in current high school students’ likelihood of e-cigarette use and a significant linear increase in participants’ frequency of e-cigarette use over the study. Results suggest adolescent substance use, and in particular, e-cigarette use among current high school students, may be of increasing concern as the pandemic evolves

Silicon isotopes in an Archaean migmatite confirm seawater silicification of TTG sources

Funding: This work was made possible by PhD funding to MM by the University of St Andrews School of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Handsel scheme, in addition to NERC grant NE/R002134/1 to PS.Unraveling ancient melting processes is key to understanding how the earliest, tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG)-dominated continental crust formed from partial melting of amphibolite. Application of silicon isotope analysis to ancient crust reveals that Archaean TTGs exhibit consistently high Si isotope values (δ30Si) compared to modern granitoids, attributed to seawater-derived silica introduced by either (a) partial melting of variably silicified basalts or (b) assimilation of authigenic silica-rich marine lithologies in the melt source. However, both mechanisms can introduce highly variable δ30Si, conflicting with the strikingly consistent δ30Si compositions of Archaean TTGs. This study investigates an alternative model, whereby the distinct mineralogy and chemistry of TTG melt sources impart a distinct silicon isotope composition to the melt, compared with “modern” granitoids. We measured δ30Si in component parts (melanosome and leucosome) of an Archaean (2.7 Ga) mafic migmatite and coeval amphibolites and mafic granulites from the Kapuskasing uplift, Canada, to explore how Si isotopes fractionate during incipient TTG melt formation. Our data reveal leucosome (i.e., melt) exhibits consistently high δ30Si values compared to a relatively isotopically lighter melanosome (i.e., residuum). We also derive inter-mineral silicon isotope fractionation factors for mineral separates that agree well with those of ab initio estimates for the same minerals and show that the magnitude of equilibrium fractionation between TTG source rock and melt replicates that in Phanerozoic granitoids. We conclude the effects of magmatic differentiation on δ30Si have remained consistent throughout Earth history, meaning that Archaean TTGs must require a source isotopically heavier than unaltered basalt, as reflected by our amphibolites and mafic migmatite components. The consistently heavy δ30Si of seawater through Earth history, and the high SiO2 content of amphibolites relative to coeval leucosome-free granulites in our study area, imply seawater silicification is the source of the observed high δ30Si. Thus, the consistently heavy Si isotope compositions measured in Archaean melt products define a unique aspect of ancient crust formation: that of the silicification of TTG source rock, implying the intrinsic involvement of a primeval hydrosphere.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Changes in physical activity, sitting and sleep across the COVID-19 national lockdown period in Scotland

We examine the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak and concomitant restrictions (i.e., lockdown) on 24-hour movement behaviors (i.e., physical activity, sitting, sleep) in a purposive sample of people (n = 3230) reporting change recruited online. Participants’ self-reported time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), walking, sitting and sleep prior to lockdown (T1), during the first national lockdown (T2) and as restrictions initially started to ease (T3). For each 24-hour movement behavior, category-shifts are reported (positive, negative or did not change), as well as the percentage of participants recording positive/negative changes across clusters of behaviors and the percentage of participants recording improvement or maintenance of change across time. From T1 to T2 walking decreased, whereas MVPA, sitting and sleep increased, from T2 to T3 levels returned to pre-lockdown for all but MVPA. Participants who changed one behavior positively were more likely to report a positive change in another and 50% of those who reported positive changes from T1 to T2 maintained or improved further when restrictions started to ease. The current study showed that a large proportion of the sample reported positive changes, most notably those displaying initially poor levels of each behavior. These findings will inform salutogenic intervention development.</p

What have we learned about positive changes experienced during COVID-19 lockdown? Evidence of the social patterning of change

Background Multiple studies have highlighted the negative impact of COVID-19 and its particular effects on vulnerable sub-populations. Complementing this work, here, we report on the social patterning of self-reported positive changes experienced during COVID-19 national lockdown in Scotland. Methods The CATALYST study collected data from 3342 adults in Scotland during weeks 9–12 of a national lockdown. Using a cross-sectional design, participants completed an online questionnaire providing data on key sociodemographic and health variables, and completed a measure of positive change. The positive change measure spanned diverse domains (e.g., more quality time with family, developing new hobbies, more physical activity, and better quality of sleep). We used univariate analysis and stepwise regression to examine the contribution of a range of sociodemographic factors (e.g., age, gender, ethnicity, educational attainment, and employment status) in explaining positive change. Results There were clear sociodemographic differences across positive change scores. Those reporting higher levels of positive change were female, from younger age groups, married or living with their partner, employed, and in better health. Conclusion Overall our results highlight the social patterning of positive changes during lockdown in Scotland. These findings begin to illuminate the complexity of the unanticipated effects of national lockdown and will be used to support future intervention development work sharing lessons learned from lockdown to increase positive health change amongst those who may benefit.</p

Time contracts and temporal precision declines when the mind wanders

Our perception of time varies considerably from moment to moment but how this variability relates to endogenous fluctuations in attentional states remains poorly understood. Here we tested the hypothesis that perceptual decoupling during mind wandering would distort interval timing. In two studies with different visual interval timing paradigms, we found that mind wandering states were characterized by underestimation of intervals and a decline in temporal discrimination. Further analyses suggested that temporal contraction during mind wandering, but not a decline in temporal discrimination, could be attributed in part to attentional lapses. These results highlight the role of transient fluctuations in attentional states in intra-individual variability in time perception and have implications for the behavioral markers, and costs and benefits, of mind wandering

West End Walkers 65+: using programme theory to enhance outcome assessment in a randomised controlled trial

Background: Walking has great potential to engage people in physical activity (PA), and could address health problems associated with sedentary living. Previous research showed increasing walking behaviour in inactive adults aged 18-65 years is feasible 1. However, a systematic review showed that evidence on how to encourage older adults to increase walking is lacking 2. This study aims to test a pedometer-based walking programme in combination with a PA consultation with adults aged 65 years+ in a primary care setting and to design a study protocol that enables shared learning outcomes. Methods: Over 12 months, West End Walkers 65+ will recruit 46 participants, aged 65 years+. Participants will be allocated to: Group 1 PA consultation, individualised walking programme and pedometer; or Group 2 a waiting list control group. Step counts, activity patterns and psychological measures will be assessed pre and post intervention. Focus groups and interviews will be completed with participants and stakeholders post intervention. Programme Theory: Feasibility of the intervention will be assessed using a programme theory. A programme’s theory conceptualises what must be done to bring about desired outcomes. This allows comparison between project planning and design and programme processes3. A triangulation of qualitative and quantitative research measures will inform this assessment. Feasibility will be assessed using goals designed to promote shared and transferrable learning outcomes

West End Walkers 65+: a randomised controlled trial of a primary care-based walking intervention for older adults:study rationale and design

&lt;p&gt;Background: In Scotland, older adults are a key target group for physical activity intervention due to the large proportion who are inactive. The health benefits of an active lifestyle are well established but more research is required on the most effective interventions to increase activity in older adults. The 'West End Walkers 65+' randomised controlled trial aims to examine the feasibility of delivering a pedometer-based walking intervention to adults aged ≥65 years through a primary care setting and to determine the efficacy of this pilot. The study rationale, protocol and recruitment process are discussed in this paper.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Methods/Design: The intervention consisted of a 12-week pedometer-based graduated walking programme and physical activity consultations. Participants were randomised into an immediate intervention group (immediate group) or a 12-week waiting list control group (delayed group) who then received the intervention. For the pilot element of this study, the primary outcome measure was pedometer step counts. Secondary outcome measures of sedentary time and physical activity (time spent lying/sitting, standing or walking; activPAL™ monitor), mood (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule), functional ability (Perceived Motor-Efficacy Scale for Older Adults), quality of life (Short-Form (36) Health Survey version 2) and loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale) were assessed. Focus groups with participants and semi-structured interviews with the research team captured their experiences of the intervention. The feasibility component of this trial examined recruitment via primary care and retention of participants, appropriateness of the intervention for older adults and the delivery of the intervention by a practice nurse.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Discussion: West End Walkers 65+ will determine the feasibility and pilot the efficacy of delivering a pedometer-based walking intervention through primary care to Scottish adults aged ≥65 years. The study will also examine the effect of the intervention on the well-being of participants and gain an insight into both participant and research team member experiences of the intervention.&lt;/p&gt

What have we learned about positive changes experienced during COVID-19 lockdown? Evidence of the social patterning of change

Background: Multiple studies have highlighted the negative impact of COVID-19 and its particular effects on vulnerable sub-populations. Complementing this work, here, we report on the social patterning of self-reported positive changes experienced during COVID-19 national lockdown in Scotland. Methods: The CATALYST study collected data from 3342 adults in Scotland during weeks 9-12 of a national lockdown. Using a cross-sectional design, participants completed an online questionnaire providing data on key sociodemographic and health variables, and completed a measure of positive change. The positive change measure spanned diverse domains (e.g., more quality time with family, developing new hobbies, more physical activity, and better quality of sleep). We used univariate analysis and stepwise regression to examine the contribution of a range of sociodemographic factors (e.g., age, gender, ethnicity, educational attainment, and employment status) in explaining positive change. Results: There were clear sociodemographic differences across positive change scores. Those reporting higher levels of positive change were female, from younger age groups, married or living with their partner, employed, and in better health. Conclusion: Overall our results highlight the social patterning of positive changes during lockdown in Scotland. These findings begin to illuminate the complexity of the unanticipated effects of national lockdown and will be used to support future intervention development work sharing lessons learned from lockdown to increase positive health change amongst those who may benefit