Effective Prevention of Adolescent Substance Abuse – Educational versus Deterrent Approaches

Substance abuse, especially among adolescents, has long been an important issue in society. In light of the adverse impact of substance abuse, scholars, educators, and policy-makers have proposed different approaches to prevent and reduce such abuse. This paper investigates the effectiveness of the two prominent approaches—educational and deterrent—in preventing and reducing adolescent substance abuse. The educational approach (e.g., school-based prevention programming) tends to be more comprehensive and better grounded in theories than the deterrent approach (e.g., drug testing). The educational approach not only targets multiple psychosocial factors contributing to substance abuse, but it is also supported by empirical studies showing that school-based prevention programming is effective in preventing substance abuse and has long-lasting positive influences on adolescent development. Practical implications of implementing school-based prevention programming are also discussed. L'abus d'alcool ou d'autres drogues, surtout chez les adolescents, constitue depuis longtemps une préoccupation importante de la société. À la lumière de l'impact défavorable de cet abus, les chercheurs, enseignants et décideurs ont proposé différentes approches pour le prévenir et le limiter. Cet article porte sur l'efficacité de deux approches importantes, l'une pédagogique, l'autre dissuasive, visant la prévention et la réduction de l'abus d'alcool ou d'autres drogues chez les adolescents. L'approche pédagogique (par ex. les programmes de prévention en milieu scolaire) est, de façon générale, plus globale et mieux fondée sur les théories que l'approche dissuasive (par ex. dépistage des drogues). Non seulement l'approche pédagogique cible-t-elle les divers facteurs psychosociaux qui contribuent à cet abus, elle est de plus appuyée par des études empiriques indiquant que les programmes de prévention en milieu scolaire sont des outils efficaces dans la prévention de l'abus d'alcool ou d'autres drogues et qu'ils ont un impact positif à long terme sur le développement des adolescents. Nous discutons des répercussions pratiques de la mise en œuvre des programmes de prévention en milieu scolaire

Enhancing Learning Environments for Students Affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: an Exploratory Study of Canadian Pre-service Teacher Knowledge and Conceptions

There is a pressing need for enhancing the learning environment for students affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs). To develop relevant professional learning opportunities for teachers, a logical initial step is to explore the extent to which pre-service teachers accurately understand the unique neuropsychological functioning associated with FASDs and can apply their knowledge of how learning and development influence functions in the affected child. This research builds upon a theoretical framework operationalizing understanding as a composite of factual knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of students with FASD and conceptions of how this underlying impairment impacts daily functions and the consequent potential for intervention by a classroom teacher (Job et al., 2013). The analysis of questionnaire data from 77 pre-service teachers revealed a limited knowledge of FASD and its associated deficits and a lack of ability for applying knowledge to classroom practice. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications for teacher education. In pre-service teacher education, knowledge about the causes and impairments associated with FASD can be taught, yet these are not useful in the absence conceptions that facilitate purposeful targeting of root issues for the individual in practice. Finally, we discuss the need for enhanced individualizing of programs for students with disabilities within an inclusive learning environment

Hacia una Mejor Colaboración en la Educación de Estudiantes con Desordenes por Síndrome Alcohólico Fetal: Integrando las Voces de Profesores, Administradores, Cuidadores y Otros Profesionales

This exploratory study addresses the call for an increased presence of key stakeholders’perspectives in educational research involving students with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) (Duquette, Stodel, Fullarton, & Hagglund, 2006a). Specifically, greater understandings are necessary to support the educational success of students with FASDs. The analysis of 11 focus groups and 3 interviews with teachers, administrators, caregivers, and allied professionals (total n = 60) revealed three themes: fostering relationships, reframing practices, and accessing supports. These findings have important implications for the use of a qualitaitve approach in generating evidenced-based educational practices for stakeholders reflective of enhanced communication and collaboration that better meet the needs of students with FASDs.Este estudio exploratorio aborda la necesidad de una mayor presencia de las partes interesadas en la investigación educativa que implica a estudiantes con Desordenes por Síndrome Alcohólico Fetal (DSAF) (Duquette, Stodel, Fullarton, & Hagglund, 2006a). En concretoe, para un mayor entendimiento es necesario apoyar el éxito esolar de estudiantes con DSAF. En el análisis de 11grupos de discusión y 3 entrevistas con profesores, administradores, cuidadores y otros profesionales (total n = 60) se revelaron tres temas: relaciones de acogida, nuevas prácticas de referencia y acceso a ayudas. Estos resultados tienen importantes implicaciones para el uso de un enfoque cualitativo en la generación basada en evidencias sobre las prácticas educativas que reflejan una mayor comunicación y colaboración que mejor satisfagan las necesidades de los estudiantes con DSAF

Disparities in the timing of antenatal care initiation and associated factors in an ethnically dense maternal cohort with high levels of area deprivation.

BACKGROUND: Late access to antenatal care is a contributor to excess mortality and morbidity among ethnic minority mothers compared to White British in the UK. While individual ethnicity and socioeconomic disadvantage are linked to late antenatal care initiation, studies have seldom explored patterns of late initiation and associated factors in ethnically dense socially disadvantaged settings. This study investigated disparities in the timing of antenatal care initiation, and associated factors in an ethnically dense socially disadvantaged maternal cohort. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study using routinely collected anonymous data on all births between April 2007-March 2016 in Luton and Dunstable hospital, UK (N = 46,307). Late initiation was defined as first antenatal appointment attended at > 12 weeks of gestation and further classified into moderately late (13-19 weeks) and extremely late initiation (≥ 20 weeks). We applied logistic and multinomial models to examine associations of late initiation with maternal and sociodemographic factors. RESULTS: Overall, one fifth of mothers (20.8%) started antenatal care at > 12 weeks of gestation. Prevalence of late initiation varied across ethnic groups, from 16.3% (White British) to 34.2% (Black African). Late initiation was strongly associated with non-White British ethnicity. Compared to White British mothers, the odds of late initiation and relative risk of extremely late initiation were highest for Black African mothers [adjusted OR = 3.37 (3.05, 3.73) for late initiation and RRR = 4.03 (3.51, 4.64) for extremely late initiation]. The odds did not increase with increasing area deprivation, but the relative risk of moderately late initiation increased in the most deprived ([RRR = 1.53 (1.37, 1.72)] and second most deprived areas [RRR = 1.23 (1.10, 1.38)]. Late initiation was associated with younger mothers and to a lesser extent, older mothers aged > 35 years. Mothers who smoked during pregnancy were at higher odds of late initiation compared to mothers who did not smoke. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to intensify universal and targeted programmes/services to support mothers in ethnically dense socially disadvantaged areas to start antenatal care on time. Local variations in ethnic diversity and levels of social disadvantage are essential aspects to consider while planning services and programmes to ensure equity in maternity care provision

Benefits of early treatment with natalizumab: A real-world study

BACKGROUND: The impact of early versus later high-efficacy disease-modifying therapy (DMT) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is uncertain. This study reported the association of early versus later natalizumab treatment with real-world clinical outcomes in MS patients. METHODS: The study included 661 participants diagnosed with MS in 1994 or later from 7 US centers participating in the MS Partners Advancing Technology for Health Solutions (MS PATHS) network. Time to natalizumab treatment between diagnosis and first infusion (TTNT) was determined from the Tysabri Outreach: Unified Commitment to Health (TOUCH) registry. Clinical outcomes were defined using neuroperformance tests included in the Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test. Associations were tested using TTNT as a categorical and continuous variable. Linear mixed models addressed within-subject and within-site clustering. RESULTS: TTNT varied from 0.1 to 19.8 years (median [interquartile range] 4.2 [1.8, 9.0] years). A significant association between later natalizumab use and worse outcomes was demonstrated for walking speed (p \u3c 0.001), processing speed (p \u3c 0.001), manual dexterity (p \u3c 0.001), brain atrophy (p = 0.001), and T2 lesion volume (p = 0.02). Covariate-adjusted modelling of a sensitivity population diagnosed with MS in 2006 or later (n = 424) demonstrated significant associations between longer TTNT and worse walking speed (p \u3c 0.05), processing speed (p \u3c 0.001), and manual dexterity (p \u3c 0.001). CONCLUSION: Later initiation of natalizumab was associated with worse clinical and radiologic imaging outcomes. Thus, high-efficacy DMT may have greater benefit when started earlier in MS patients. These results provide a rationale for randomized controlled trials to further assess the impact of early highly-effective DMT use versus later escalation of therapy

ARF GTPases and their GEFs and GAPs: concepts and challenges

Detailed structural, biochemical, cell biological, and genetic studies of any gene/protein are required to develop models of its actions in cells. Studying a protein family in the aggregate yields additional information, as one can include analyses of their coevolution, acquisition or loss of functionalities, structural pliability, and the emergence of shared or variations in molecular mechanisms. An even richer understanding of cell biology can be achieved through evaluating functionally linked protein families. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of three protein families: the ARF GTPases, the guanine nucleotide exchange factors (ARF GEFs) that activate them, and the GTPase-activating proteins (ARF GAPs) that have the ability to both propagate and terminate signaling. However, despite decades of scrutiny, our understanding of how these essential proteins function in cells remains fragmentary. We believe that the inherent complexity of ARF signaling and its regulation by GEFs and GAPs will require the concerted effort of many laboratories working together, ideally within a consortium to optimally pool information and resources. The collaborative study of these three functionally connected families ( \u3e /=70 mammalian genes) will yield transformative insights into regulation of cell signaling

Australian cultures of Botryosphaeriaceae held in Queensland and Victoria plant pathology herbaria revisited

The Botryosphaeriaceae is one of the most widespread and cosmopolitan endophytic group of fungi. However, the species of this group can cause severe disease when the hosts are under stressful conditions. The aim of this study was to identify living cultures from the Botryosphaeriaceae family preserved in the Queensland and Victorian Plant Pathology Herbaria using DNA sequence analyses. The 51 isolates were collected between 1971 and 2017, from 35 different host genera, with the dominant host genera being Mangifera (11 isolates), Acacia (10), and Persea (5). Multilocus sequence analyses resulted in the re-identification of 41 isolates to the genera Botryosphaeria (2 isolates), Diplodia (4), Dothiorella (1), Lasiodiplodia (19), and Neofusicoccum (15), as well as some that belonged to genera outside of the Botryosphaeriaceae (10). New records for Australia were Botryosphaeria sinensis, Diplodia alatafructa, Lasiodiplodia gonubiensis, Neofusicoccum cryptoaustrale, and N. mangroviorum. These were identified as a result of a workshop organised by the Subcommittee on Plant Health Diagnostics. The results of this study provide the fundamental information regarding the diversity of Botryosphaeriaceae species present in Australian.Plant Health Australia (PHA) who provided funds for the workshop on the identification and classification of Botryosphaeriaceae species. PHA sourced funding from the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources through a grant from the Modern Diagnostics initiative.http://link.springer.com/journal/133132020-01-01hj2019Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI

Nuclear-localized human respiratory syncytial virus NS1 protein modulates host gene transcription

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of lower respiratory tract infections in the pediatric, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. RSV non-structural protein NS1 is a known cytosolic immune antagonist, but how NS1 modulates host responses remains poorly defined. Here, we observe NS1 partitioning into the nucleus of RSV-infected cells, including the human airway epithelium. Nuclear NS1 coimmunoprecipitates with Mediator complex and is chromatin associated. Chromatin-immunoprecipitation demonstrates enrichment of NS1 that overlaps Mediator and transcription factor binding within the promoters and enhancers of differentially expressed genes during RSV infection. Mutation of the NS1 C-terminal helix reduces NS1 impact on host gene expression. These data suggest that nuclear NS1 alters host responses to RSV infection by binding at regulatory elements of immune response genes and modulating host gene transcription. Our study identifies another layer of regulation by virally encoded proteins that shapes host response and impacts immunity to RSV

TWISTED DWARF1 mediates the action of auxin transport inhibitors on actin cytoskeleton dynamics

Plant growth and architecture is regulated by the polar distribution of the hormone auxin. Polarity and flexibility of this process is provided by constant cycling of auxin transporter vesicles along actin filaments, coordinated by a positive auxin-actin feedback loop. Both polar auxin transport and vesicle cycling are inhibited by synthetic auxin transport inhibitors, such as 1-N-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA), counteracting the effect of auxin; however, underlying targets and mechanisms are unclear. Using NMR, we map the NPA binding surface on the Arabidopsis thaliana ABCB chaperone TWISTED DWARF1 (TWD1). We identify ACTIN7 as a relevant, although likely indirect, TWD1 interactor, and show TWD1-dependent regulation of actin filament organization and dynamics and that TWD1 is required for NPA-mediated actin cytoskeleton remodeling. The TWD1-ACTIN7 axis controls plasma membrane presence of efflux transporters, and as a consequence act7 and twd1 share developmental and physiological phenotypes indicative of defects in auxin transport. These can be phenocopied by NPA treatment or by chemical actin (de)stabilization. We provide evidence that TWD1 determines downstream locations of auxin efflux transporters by adjusting actin filament debundling and dynamizing processes and mediating NPA action on the latter. This function appears to be evolutionary conserved since TWD1 expression in budding yeast alters actin polarization and cell polarity and provides NPA sensitivity