Challenges and strengths experienced by fetal alcohol spectrum disorder diagnostic clinics in Canada.

Background: The Canadian fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) diagnostic guideline provides clinicians with the process and procedure to reach an accurate diagnosis. However, organisational structure, culture, and resource utilisation vary. The objectives of this study were to identify the key challenges and strengths of successful FASD diagnostic clinics.

Caregiver approaches, resiliencies, and experiences raising individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A study protocol paper.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disability characterized by a range of brain- and body-based difficulties which, when left unsupported, can lead to experiences of significant adversity across the lifespan. Caregivers of individuals with FASD play a critical role in advocating and supporting healthy outcomes for individuals with FASD, and most caregiver research to date has been focused on stressors and challenges. Very few studies have been conducted to systematically capture the full experience of caring for someone with FASD across the lifespan, including perspectives, concerns, as well as strengths and successes of caregivers and their families.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide promotes epithelial reparative and anticolitic functions of IL-4 educated human macrophages.

Interleukin-4 activated human macrophages [M(IL4)s] promote epithelial wound healing and exert an anticolitic effect in a murine model. Blood monocyte-derived M(IL4)s from healthy donors and individuals with Crohn's disease had increased mRNA expression of the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor chain, receptor activity modifying protein-1 (RAMP1), raising the issue of neural modulation of the M(IL4)s reparative function. Thus, human M(IL4)s were treated with CGRP and the cells' phagocytotic, epithelial wound repair and anticolitic functions were assessed.

Integrated service delivery for individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Background: Individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) experience complex needs that often necessitate support from multiple systems. There is growing evidence that people with FASD may benefit from integrated service delivery (ISD), but little is known about ISD elements and processes for this population.

Method: Using a multi-method approach involving a literature review, analysis of programme data, and staff interviews, we examined how ISD is enacted at a rural Canadian FASD centre, and identified facilitators, barriers, and potential impacts of ISD at the centre.