Photovoice and Youth on Violence and Related Topics: A Systematic Review

Background and Purpose: Photovoice is a qualitative method that empowers youth to identify community issues and assets through photo-taking and photo discussions. The purpose of this systematic review was to explore the characteristics of studies using photovoice in violence and related topics among youth, and the rationale, strengths and limitations of the photovoice methodology when applied to youth. Methods: Inclusion criteria, search strategy, and data extraction and analysis plan were specified in advance and documented in a protocol (Registration: PROSPERO-CRD42018087290). The search strategy included three search concepts: photovoice, youth, and violence-related topics. Two rounds of formal searches were executed across the following electronic databases: PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, and Web of Science, using the predefined search terms and strings in the registered protocol. Searching records were screened and selected based on inclusion criteria. Included studies were extracted to a predefined spreadsheet and synthesized narratively. Results: A total of 23 studies were included in this systematic review, of which, 17 studies described the cameras used for photo taking, 15 studies used the SHOWeD framework for photo discussions, 12 studies provided an in-depth description of the thematic analysis process, and 11 studies addressed dissemination activities and social actions. Most studies mentioned the rationale of using photovoice, stating that it empowered youth to express their concerns on community issues while inspiring their critical thinking for social action in youth participatory action research (YPAR) and community-based participatory research (CBPR). The strengths and limitations of the photovoice methodology were also discussed from the perspective of youth participants, researchers, and communities. Discussion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review that provides thorough summaries on the characteristics of photovoice studies on violence and related topics among youth, as well as the strengths and limitations of using the photovoice methodology in these studies

Genetic variants associated with fasting blood lipids in the U.S. population: Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The identification of genetic variants related to blood lipid levels within a large, population-based and nationally representative study might lead to a better understanding of the genetic contribution to serum lipid levels in the major race/ethnic groups in the U.S. population.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Using data from the second phase (1991-1994) of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), we examined associations between 22 polymorphisms in 13 candidate genes and four serum lipids: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TG). Univariate and multivariable linear regression and within-gene haplotype trend regression were used to test for genetic associations assuming an additive mode of inheritance for each of the three major race/ethnic groups in the United States (non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Mexican American).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Variants within <it>APOE </it>(rs7412, rs429358), <it>PON1 </it>(rs854560), <it>ITGB3 </it>(rs5918), and <it>NOS3 </it>(rs2070744) were found to be associated with one or more blood lipids in at least one race/ethnic group in crude and adjusted analyses. In non-Hispanic whites, no individual polymorphisms were associated with any lipid trait. However, the <it>PON1 </it>A-G haplotype was significantly associated with LDL-C and TC. In non-Hispanic blacks, <it>APOE </it>variant rs7412 and haplotype T-T were strongly associated with LDL-C and TC; whereas, rs5918 of <it>ITGB3 </it>was significantly associated with TG. Several variants and haplotypes of three genes were significantly related to lipids in Mexican Americans: <it>PON1 </it>in relation to HDL-C; <it>APOE </it>and <it>NOS3 </it>in relation to LDL-C; and <it>APOE </it>in relation to TC.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We report the significant associations of blood lipids with variants and haplotypes in <it>APOE</it>, <it>ITGB3, NOS3</it>, and <it>PON1 </it>in the three main race/ethnic groups in the U.S. population using a large, nationally representative and population-based sample survey. Results from our study contribute to a growing body of literature identifying key determinants of plasma lipoprotein concentrations and could provide insight into the biological mechanisms underlying serum lipid and cholesterol concentrations.</p

Recommendations for breast cancer surveillance for female survivors of childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer given chest radiation: a report from the International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group

Female survivors of childhood, adolescent, and young adult (CAYA) cancer who were given radiation to fields that include breast tissue (ie, chest radiation) have an increased risk of breast cancer. Clinical practice guidelines are essential to ensure that these individuals receive optimum care and to reduce the detrimental consequences of cancer treatment; however, surveillance recommendations vary among the existing long-term follow-up guidelines. We applied evidence-based methods to develop international, harmonised recommendations for breast cancer surveillance among female survivors of CAYA cancer who were given chest radiation before age 30 years. The recommendations were formulated by an international, multidisciplinary panel and are graded according to the strength of the underlying evidenc

Late hepatic toxicity surveillance for survivors of childhood, adolescent and young adult cancer: Recommendations from the international late effects of childhood cancer guideline harmonization group

BACKGROUND: Survivors of childhood, adolescent and young adult (CAYA) cancer may develop treatment-induced chronic liver disease. Surveillance guidelines can improve survivors' health outcomes. However, current recommendations vary, leading to uncertainty about optimal screening. The International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group has developed recommendations for the surveillance of late hepatotoxicity after CAYA cancer. METHODS: Evidence-based methods based on the GRADE framework were used in guideline development. A multidisciplinary guideline panel performed systematic literature reviews, developed evidence summaries, appraised the evidence, and formulated recommendations on the basis of evidence, clinical judgement, and consideration of benefits versus the harms of the surveillance while allowing for flexibility in implementation across different health care systems. RESULTS: The guideline strongly recommends a physical examination and measurement of serum liver enzyme concentrations (ALT, AST, gGT, ALP) once at entry into long-term follow-up for survivors treated with radiotherapy potentially exposing the liver (moderate- to high-quality evidence). For survivors treated with busulfan, thioguanine, mercaptopurine, methotrexate, dactinomycin, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), or hepatic surgery, or with a history of chronic viral hepatitis or sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, similar surveillance for late hepatotoxicity once at entry into LTFU is reasonable (low-quality evidence/expert opinion, moderate recommendation). For survivors who have undergone HSCT and/or received multiple red blood cell transfusions, surveillance for iron overload with serum ferritin is strongly recommended once at long-term follow-up entry. CONCLUSIONS: These evidence-based, internationally-harmonized recommendations for the surveillance of late hepatic toxicity in cancer survivors can inform clinical care and guide future research of health outcomes for CAYA cancer survivors

Late hepatic toxicity surveillance for survivors of childhood, adolescent and young adult cancer: Recommendations from the international late effects of childhood cancer guideline harmonization group

Background: Survivors of childhood, adolescent and young adult (CAYA) cancer may develop treatment-induced chronic liver disease. Surveillance guidelines can improve survivors’ health outcomes. However, current recommendations vary, leading to uncertainty about optimal screening. The International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group has developed recommendations for the surveillance of late hepatotoxicity after CAYA cancer. Methods: Evidence-based methods based on the GRADE framework were used in guideline development. A multidisciplinary guideline panel performed systematic literature reviews, developed evidence summaries, appraised the evidence, and formulated recommendations on the basis of evidence, clinical judgement, and consideration of benefits versus the harms of the surveillance while allowing for flexibility in implementation across different health care systems. Results: The guideline strongly recommends a physical examination and measurement of serum liver enzyme concentrations (ALT, AST, gGT, ALP) once at entry into long-term follow-up for survivors treated with radiotherapy potentially exposing the liver (moderate- to high-quality evidence). For survivors treated with busulfan, thioguanine, mercaptopurine, methotrexate, dactinomycin, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), or hepatic surgery, or with a history of chronic viral hepatitis or sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, similar surveillance for late hepatotoxicity once at entry into LTFU is reasonable (low-quality evidence/expert opinion, moderate recommendation). For survivors who have undergone HSCT and/or received multiple red blood cell transfusions, surveillance for iron overload with serum ferritin is strongly recommended once at long-term follow-up entry. Conclusions: These evidence-based, internationally-harmonized recommendations for the surveillance of late hepatic toxicity in cancer survivors can inform clinical care and guide future research of health outcomes for CAYA cancer survivors

Bone mineral density surveillance for childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors: Evidence-based recommendations from the International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group

Childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors are at increased risk of reduced bone mineral density. Clinical practice surveillance guidelines are important for timely diagnosis and treatment of these survivors, which could improve bone mineral density parameters and prevent fragility fractures. Discordances across current late effects guidelines necessitated international harmonisation of recommendations for bone mineral density surveillance. The International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group therefore established a panel of 36 experts from ten countries, representing a range of relevant medical specialties. The evidence of risk factors for very low and low bone mineral density and fractures, surveillance modality, timing of bone mineral density surveillance, and treatment of very low and low bone mineral density were evaluated and critically appraised, and harmonised recommendations for childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors were formulated. We graded the recommendations based on the quality of evidence and balance between potential benefits and harms. Bone mineral density surveillance is recommended for survivors treated with cranial or craniospinal radiotherapy and is reasonable for survivors treated with total body irradiation. Due to insufficient evidence, no recommendation can be formulated for or against bone mineral density surveillance for survivors treated with corticosteroids. This surveillance decision should be made by the survivor and health-care provider together, after careful consideration of the potential harms and benefits and additional risk factors. We recommend to carry out bone mineral density surveillance using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at entry into long-term follow-up, and if normal (Z-score > −1), repeat when the survivor is aged 25 years. Between these measurements and thereafter, surveillance should be done as clinically indicated. These recommendations facilitate evidence-based care for childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors internationally

Systematic review and updated recommendations for cardiomyopathy surveillance for survivors of childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer from the International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group

International audienceSurvivors of childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer, previously treated with anthracycline chemotherapy (including mitoxantrone) or radiotherapy in which the heart was exposed, are at increased risk of cardiomyopathy. Symptomatic cardiomyopathy is typically preceded by a series of gradually progressive, asymptomatic changes in structure and function of the heart that can be ameliorated with treatment, prompting specialist organisations to endorse guidelines on cardiac surveillance in at-risk survivors of cancer. In 2015, the International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group compiled these guidelines into a uniform set of recommendations applicable to a broad spectrum of clinical environments with varying resource availabilities. Since then, additional studies have provided insight into dose thresholds associated with a risk of asymptomatic and symptomatic cardiomyopathy, have characterised risk over time, and have established the cost-effectiveness of different surveillance strategies. This systematic Review and guideline provides updated recommendations based on the evidence published up to September, 2020