Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: current issues in awareness, prevention and intervention

This paper reviews the research and current policy surrounding prenatal alcohol exposure and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Alcohol use during pregnancy is linked to a spectrum of adverse fetal outcomes. This spectrum of abnormalities is collectively termed fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and may include physical, cognitive and/or developmental symptoms. The aim of this paper is to inform practitioners and other professionals working in a range of fields about the implications of FASD for children and their families. Current research on interventions or programs to work with families affected by FASD is also explored. Key messages Prenatal alcohol exposure can cause a range of cognitive and physical abnormalities in embryos that can lead to impairments in a range of functions: sensory systems, language and communication, processing pace, learning and memory, abstract thinking, and executive functioning. Misunderstanding and labelling of those with FASD can lead to a poor self-concept, disrupted peer relationships, fractured educational and placement experiences and contact with youth justice services. The prevalence of FASD is likely to be underestimated by current measures. Certain populations, including children in out-of-home care and children in contact with youth justice services are thought to include an over-representation of individuals living with an undetected FASD. Tackling FASD requires focused and coordinated multidisciplinary and cross sector approaches. More information about the prevalence and nature of FASD will allow for improved service planning and implementation. Policy directions are needed that prioritise the screening and prevention of FASD in the community. Current and future professionals, including those in traditionally adult-focused services, need awareness and knowledge about the significance of FASD and prenatal alcohol exposure on children\u27s lives

Complete genome sequences of two feline Leukemia virus subgroup B isolates with novel recombination sites

It is generally accepted that all primary isolates of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) contain a subgroup A virus (FeLV-A) that is essential for transmission. In contrast, FeLV-B is thought to arise de novo in the infected animal through RNA recombination events with endogenous FeLV transcripts, presumably through copackaging of RNA from endogenous FeLV and exogenous FeLV-A. Here, we report the complete genome sequences of two novel strains of FeLV-B (FeLV-2518 and FeLV-4314) that were isolated in the absence of FeLV-A. The env genes of these isolates have been characterized previously, and the 3′ recombination sites have been identified. We describe herein the 5′ recombination breakpoints of each virus. These breakpoints were found to be within the signal peptide of the env gene and the reverse transcriptase-coding region, respectively. This is the first report of a recombination site within the pol gene of an FeLV-B genome and the first genetic characterization of multiple independently arising FeLV-B isolates that have been identified without a functional FeLV-A ancestral virus

Enhancing the implementation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle: policy and practice considerations

Overview The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle ("the Principle") was developed in recognition of the devastating effects of forced separation of Indigenous children from families, communities and culture. The Principle exists in legislation and policy in all Australian jurisdictions, and while its importance is recognised in many boards of inquiry and reviews into child protection and justice systems, there are significant concerns about the implementation of the Principle. Recent estimates suggest the Principle has been fully applied in as few as 13% of child protection cases involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. The purpose of this paper is to explore the contemporary understanding of the Principle, and review the multiple and complex barriers at the policy and practice levels which are impeding its implementation. Promising approaches that might address these barriers are also examined. Key messages The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle was developed in response to the trauma experienced by individuals, families and communities from government policies that involved the widespread removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. „ The fundamental goal of the Principle is to enhance and preserve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s connection to family and community, and sense of identity and culture. „ The Principle is often conceptualised as the “placement hierarchy”, in which placement choices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children start with family and kin networks, then Indigenous non-related carers in the child’s community, then carers in another Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community. If no other suitable placement with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander carers can be sought, children are placed with non-Indigenous carers as a last resort, provided they are able to maintain the child’s connections to their family, community and cultural identity

Monolithic Colliding Pulse Mode-Locking of AlGaAs/GaAs and InGaAs/InGaAsP Quantum Well Lasers

The fabrication of T-section colliding pulse mode-locked (T-CPM) GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well lasers is described. These devices have MOVPE grown ridge waveguide laser structures, with monolithically integrated side-injection waveguides, orthogonal to the laser waveguide, passing through the saturable absorber from the edge of the laser chip. This orthogonal waveguide is included to enable synchronisation applications which involve the injection of external optical pulse streams into mode-locked diode lasers. Intensity autocorrelations are performed on these devices, the first time for monolithic CPM lasers in this material system, showing a 400 mum long device mode-locked at a repetition rate of 175 GHz producing near transform-limited 1 ps pulses at wavelengths around 0.87 mum. A new technique for measuring the gain and absorption spectra in semiconductor material is presented, which utilises the multi-section laser fabrication technology developed for the CPM lasers. Using this new technique the TE and TM absorption spectra of the MOVPE grown T-CPM laser saturable absorber is measured in situ under the influence of increasing reverse bias, showing large exciton absorption features, which shift and broaden in accordance with the QCSE. With the measurement of the forward bias gain spectra, the sub-linear form of the gain - current density relationship was directly measured for the mode-locked laser wafer. The crucial role of quantum well doping in the achievement of high repetition rate monolithic mode-locking has been demonstrated by the realisation of short cavity CPM and multiple colliding pulse (MCPM) lasers in MBE grown GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well material only through background doping of the active region to simulate the effects of the residual carbon impurities incorporated in MOVPE grown AlGaAs. By inspection of the absorption spectra, it is shown that a distinct broadening of the exciton absorption peaks occur with the presence of background doping in MBE material. This indicates that the corresponding decease in the exciton lifetime has a beneficial effect on saturable absorber recovery, allowing high repetition mode-locking to take place. Low damage dry etching and wet etching techniques have been developed to enable the successful fabrication of ridge waveguide CPM lasers in InP/InGaAs/InGaAsP laser material. Spectral measurements show the mode-locked operation of CPM and T-CPM lasers in strained and lattice-matched material at wavelengths around 1.5 mum. Also, spectral results are presented showing harmonic CPM operation at repetition rates of 150 GHz and 300 GHz (two and four pulse CPM action), from a 600 mum MCPM laser (emitting at a wavelength of 1.53 mum). This is the first reported demonstration of an MCPM laser diode in the long wavelength region around 1.55 mum

The international prevalence of prenatal alcohol use obtained via meconium biomarkers:A systematic literature review

Fetal alcohol exposure is a growing public health concern. However, ascertaining its true extent remains challenging as maternal self-reports may lack validity. Increasingly, interest has turned to more objective measures of prenatal alcohol use (PAU) of which one, meconium, is recognized as a valuable tool. This review assesses both the international prevalence of PAU obtained using meconium biomarkers in general maternity populations and, when feasible, the level of agreement between meconium biomarkers and self-reported PAU. A systematic literature search for studies reporting the prevalence of PAU, as determined by meconium biomarker testing, was conducted using multiple electronic databases from 1990 to 2023. Seventeen studies were identified for inclusion and evaluated for methodological quality. Using fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) meconium biomarkers, PAU prevalence varied from 2.4% to 44%. Rates based on EtG (ethyl glucuronide) analysis ranged from 0% to 16.3%, and EtS (ethyl sulfate) analysis from 7.8% to 16.7%. Studies were of moderate quality with high heterogeneity. Prevalence rates based on self-report data ranged from 0% to 46.4%. When reported, none of the reviewed studies identified agreement between meconium-based and self-report-based PAU prevalence rates. Using both self-reports to detect early pregnancy alcohol use, and meconium biomarkers to detect the occurrence of alcohol use later in pregnancy, may provide a more complete picture of PAU prevalence. Furthermore, research is warranted to develop stringent guidance on the ascertainment, storage, analysis, and reporting required in this field

Differential effectiveness of berry polyphenols as anti-giardial agents

Following previous work on the anti-giardial effect of blueberry polyphenols, a range of polyphenol-rich extracts from berries and other fruits was screened for their ability to kill Giardia duodenalis, an intestinal parasite of humans. Polyphenol-rich extracts were prepared from berries using solid-phase extraction and applied to trophozoites of Giardia duodenalis grown in vitro. All berry extracts caused inhibition at 166 μg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/ml phenol content but extracts from strawberry, arctic bramble, blackberry and cloudberry were as effective as the currently used drug, metronidazole, causing complete trophozoite mortality in vitro. Cloudberry extracts were found to be the most effective causing effectively complete trophozoite mortality at 66 μg GAE/ml. The polyphenol composition of the more effective berry extracts suggested that the presence of ellagitannins could be an important factor. However, the potency of cloudberry could be related to high ellagitannin content but also to the presence of substantial amounts of unconjugated p-coumaric acid and benzoic acid. These in vitro effects occur at concentrations easily achievable in the gut after berry ingestion and we discuss the likelihood that berry extracts could be effective anti-giardial agents in vivo

Tissues and industrial co-products formed during alginate extraction from <i>Laminaria hyperborea</i> provide different metabolite profiles depending on harvest season

The metabolic profiles of different tissues and industrially relevant co-products of alginate extraction from Laminaria hyperborea samples harvested in different seasons were assessed using Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (HILIC-MS). Positive and negative mode MS data, predicted exact mass data and matching with database and literature searches, allowed the putative identification of 57 major metabolites. The metabolites ranged from known and abundant components (e.g., iodide, mannitol, and various betaines) to components not previously noted in this species and 11 major components which could not be identified. The levels of these components varied between tissues and co-products with some metabolites seemingly specific to certain samples. The components also varied between winter and summer harvested material, perhaps reflecting seasonality in their biosynthesis and accumulation in the tissues and co-products. The approach applied in this work could assess when components of potential specific commercial interest were maximally accumulated and help plan the most efficient exploitation of the harvested biomass. It could also be used to define variation in components in L. hyperborea from different locations or potential biotopes of this species. This initial work extends our ability to understand the phenotype of seaweeds whilst also identifying new components and new commercial opportunities