Iowa Beef Center

The Iowa Beef Center (IBC) is Iowa State University’s extension and outreach program to cattle producers. Our center has a dedicated group of faculty and staff from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Veterinary Medicine, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. We work together to develop and deliver the latest research-based information to improve the profitability and vitality of Iowa’s beef industry

Characterisation of progressive motor deficits in whisker movements in R6/2, Q175 and Hdh knock-in mouse models of Huntington's disease

BACKGROUND: Motor dysfunction is a major component of the Huntington's disease (HD) phenotype, both in patients and animal models. Motor function in mice is usually measured using tests that involve a novel environment, or require a degree of learning, which creates potential confounds in animals, such as anxiety and/or learning. NEW METHOD: We propose that studying whisker control provides a more naturalistic way to measure motor function in HD mice. To this end we tested three strains of HD mice; R6/2 (CAG250), zQ175 and Hdh (CAG50, 150 and 250) mice. RESULTS: We discovered a clear and progressive whisking deficit in the most severe model, the R6/2 CAG250 mouse. At 10 weeks, R6/2 mice showed an increase in whisking movements, which may be a correlate of the hyperkinesia seen in HD patients. By 18 weeks the R6/2 mice showed a reduction in whisking movements. Hdh Q250 mice showed a hyperkinetic profile at 10 weeks, approximately 4 months before other motor deficits have previously been reported in these mice. Q175 mice showed very little change in whisking behaviour, apart from a transient increase in retraction velocity at 10 weeks. COMPARISONS WITH EXISTING METHODS: Our findings suggest that whisking may be a more sensitive test of motor function in HD mice than more commonly used methods, such as the rotarod. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that whisking deficits represent a novel way of assessing the progression of the motor phenotype, and are early indicators for reversal of phenotype studies, such as drug trials.All work was funded via internal grants from the University of Cambridge and Manchester Metropolitan University

Helping children overcome trauma

Background: After being exposed to trauma, some children will develop emotional and behavioural symptoms. Consequently, we set out to identify which interventions can support children to recovery from these experiences and their sequalae.        Methods: We used systematic review methods to identify interventions aimed at addressing childhood trauma. Applying our inclusion criteria, we accepted one systematic review that reviewed 21 randomized controlled trials (RCTs).  Results: Among the 21 RCTs, 12 evaluated cognitive-behavioural interventions (CBT). Ten CBT interventions resulted in statistically significant improvements for children, including reduced depressive, behavioural and posttraumatic stress symptoms. As well, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing also reduced posttraumatic stress symptoms according to two RCTs. Overall, however, CBT produced a larger effect size than all other interventions.   Conclusions: CBT is the most effective psychotherapy for traumatized children. By providing CBT to children in need, recovery from trauma is both possible and probable.&nbsp

Preventing suicide in children and youth

Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death among young people. Interventions to reduce youth suicide include both primary prevention programs as well as targeted treatments. We set out to evaluate the effectiveness of both types of interventions. Methods: We used systematic review methods to identify randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluations of interventions designed to prevent or treat suicidal thoughts or attempts among young people. Applying our inclusion criteria, we accepted four RCTs. Results: The one primary prevention program, Signs of Suicide (SOS), resulted in significantly fewer suicide attempts among high school students. One treatment program, Multisystemic Therapy (MST), was also effective in reducing suicide attempts.  Conclusions: There is solid evidence that suicide rates among young people can be significantly reduced with effective prevention programs like SOS. MST may be particularly effective for high-risk youth.&nbsp

How can foster care help vulnerable children?

Background: Children who enter foster care often face significant obstacles beyond not being able to reside with their parents. These include higher rates of mental disorders, such as conduct disorder, as well as a reduced likelihood of completing high school.       Methods: We used systematic review methods to identify studies evaluating treatment foster care, where children are cared for by foster parents who have specialized training and extra support, to determine if this type of care improved children’s outcomes relative to typical foster care.  Applying our inclusion criteria, we accepted five randomized controlled trials.  Results: Most forms of Treatment Foster Care produced statistically significant benefits. Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care proved to be effective for adolescents with behaviour problems. A less intensive version of this intervention for younger children resulted in greater placement stability. Fostering Individualized Assistance Program also resulted in fewer behaviour problems among youth. Conclusions: Treatment Foster Care is a promising intervention for children and youth experiencing emotional and behavioural problems and in need of protective care. &nbsp

Preventing prenatal alcohol exposure

Background: It is well recognized that alcohol impairs fetal development. Both binge drinking and moderate to heavy drinking during pregnancy puts children at risk for lifelong developmental disabilities.        Methods: We used systematic review methods to identify interventions aimed at reducing alcohol consumption in pregnancy. Applying our inclusion criteria, we accepted four randomized controlled trials. Results: All four programs were brief, consisting of a single 10- to 60-minute session. Three of the interventions – Brief Intervention, Brief Intervention with Partners, and Motivational Interviewing – led to positive outcomes among specific subgroups of women. Among women who had committed to being abstinent during pregnancy, those assigned to Brief Intervention were significantly more likely to remain abstinent than those in the control group. Women with higher levels of alcohol use before enrolling in Brief Intervention with Partners were significantly more likely to reduce the frequency of their drinking compared to women in the control group. Similarly, women with the highest pre-intervention intoxication levels had lower peak blood alcohol concentration levels two months after completing Motivational Intervention relative to women in the control group.  Conclusions: For women drinking at low or moderate levels during pregnancy, participating in short-term interventions may be beneficial

Intervening after intimate partner violence

Background: Many children witness their parents or caregivers experiencing physical and emotional violence by an intimate partner. Exposure to IPV harms children, including leading to emotional and behavioural problems. Methods: We used systematic review methods to identify interventions aimed at helping children exposed to IPV. Applying our inclusion criteria, we accepted five randomized controlled trials evaluating four programs. Results: Three programs — Advocacy, Child-Parent Psychotherapy and Project Support — all produced at least one beneficial outcome for children. Advocacy reduced children’s contact with the perpetrator of the abuse and also increased children’s self-confidence. Child-Parent Psychotherapy significantly reduced children’s behaviour problems. Project Support reduced diagnoses of oppositional defiant and conduct disorders, behaviour problems and  emotional problems. As well, it reduced mother’s perpetration of physical abuse. In contrast, Nurse Case Management did not improve children’s outcomes. Conclusions: This review finds that much can be done to help women help their children after they have experienced IPV. The three successful programs achieved positive outcomes for children by helping their mothers access needed resources, by providing mother with parenting education and by providing children with direct support.&nbsp

Addressing parental depression

Background: When parents suffer from depression, children can be substantially impacted. These offspring can have an increased risks for social problems, cognitive delays and mental disorders. Consequently, we set out to determine if addressing parental depression can improve children’s outcomes. Methods: We used systematic review methods to identify randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluations of interventions aimed at supporting children of depressed parents. Applying our inclusion criteria, we accepted six RCTs. Results: While the six interventions were highly diverse, ranging a home visiting program for mothers of infants to a group cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) family intervention, most interventions involved both parents and children. Among interventions for young children and their mothers, Clinician Home Visiting improved many aspects of the mother-child relationship, including maternal sensitivity and infant responsiveness. Psychodynamic Therapy and Non-Directive Counselling also both reduced behaviour problems in very young children. Among the interventions for school-age children and their parents, a group CBT family intervention and a group cognitive therapy (CT) program for youth both reduced depressive symptoms. The former also reduced parental depression symptoms and child anxiety symptoms while the latter reduced youth suicidality and improved youth’s overall functioning.   Conclusions: There are a range of options for helping families when a parent experiences depression. For mothers of young children, it is helpful to focus on parenting skills and healthier ways of viewing themselves as parents. For older children and families, CBT and BT interventions can support children’s mental wellbeing.&nbsp