Using a mobile health app in a weight management program for overweight and obese adolescents and young adults with spina bifida.

Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with spina bifida (SB) are more susceptible to obesity due to impaired mobility There is limited access to physical activity for this population. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a mobile health app in a weight management program for AYA with SB. This was determined by measuring program adherence, active use of the app (defined as ≥3 uses per week), and user rating of the Pt Pal™ mobile app.

Closing the gap between science and management of cold-water refuges in rivers and streams.

Human activities and climate change threaten coldwater organisms in freshwater ecosystems by causing rivers and streams to warm, increasing the intensity and frequency of warm temperature events, and reducing thermal heterogeneity. Cold-water refuges are discrete patches of relatively cool water that are used by coldwater organisms for thermal relief and short-term survival. Globally, cohesive management approaches are needed that consider interlinked physical, biological, and social factors of cold-water refuges.

Exploratory study of the provision of academic and health-related accommodations to transition-age adolescents and emerging adults with spina bifida.

Purpose: The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate the types of academic and health-related accommodations provided to adolescents and emerging adults with spina bifida aged 9-20 years.

Methods: Data were extracted from the paper and electronic records of transition-age youth enrolled in the study. Four open ended items involved content analysis.

Risk factors for unanticipated hospitalizations in children and youth with spina bifida at an urban children's hospital: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Spina bifida (SB) is a condition resulting from the improper closure of the neural tube and vertebral column during fetal development. While patients' life expectancy and quality of life have improved dramatically due to medical advances, children continue to experience health-related issues that often require hospitalizations.

Objective: The association among sociodemographic and clinical characteristics with potentially preventable hospitalizations (PPH) in children and youth with myelomeningocele type SB was investigated in this cross-sectional study.

Plant peroxisome proteostasis-establishing, renovating, and dismantling the peroxisomal proteome.

Plant peroxisomes host critical metabolic reactions and insulate the rest of the cell from reactive byproducts. The specialization of peroxisomal reactions is rooted in how the organelle modulates its proteome to be suitable for the tissue, environment, and developmental stage of the organism. The story of plant peroxisomal proteostasis begins with transcriptional regulation of peroxisomal protein genes and the synthesis, trafficking, import, and folding of peroxisomal proteins.

Improved pyrrolysine biosynthesis through phage assisted non-continuous directed evolution of the complete pathway.

Pyrrolysine (Pyl, O) exists in nature as the 22 proteinogenic amino acid. Despite being a fundamental building block of proteins, studies of Pyl have been hindered by the difficulty and inefficiency of both its chemical and biological syntheses. Here, we improve Pyl biosynthesis via rational engineering and directed evolution of the entire biosynthetic pathway.

Incidence of Urinary Tract Infections in Newborns with Spina Bifida-Is Antibiotic Prophylaxis Necessary?

Purpose: Urinary tract infections commonly occur in patients with spina bifida and pose a risk of renal scarring. Routine antibiotic prophylaxis has been utilized in newborns with spina bifida to prevent urinary tract infections. We hypothesized that prophylaxis can safely be withheld in newborns with spina bifida until clinical assessment allows for risk stratification.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Behavioral Problems and Medication Use Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders.

We examined racial and ethnic differences in the prevalence of behavioral problems measured by the Child Behavioral Checklist (CBCL), sleep disturbances measured by the Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), and medication use among children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). We analyzed data from the Autism Treatment Network (ATN) dataset for 2,576 children ages 6 to 18 years of age diagnosed with ASD. Multivariable logistic regression accounting for age, gender, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th Edition - Text Revision), diagnosis (Autistic Disorder, PDD-NOS, Asperger's Disorder), and parents' education did not show any racial or ethnic differences in behavioral challenges, conduct problems, or sleep disturbances for any of the groups, but Black children had lower odds of Total Problem Behaviors and Asian children had lower odds of Hyperactivity compared to White children.

Psychosocial outcomes for adults with spina bifida: a scoping review protocol.

Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to explore the evidence on psychosocial needs and related outcomes for adults with spina bifida.

Introduction: Individuals with spinal bifida have complex service needs that can lead to the emergence of secondary conditions and health complications, which can result in serious, life-threatening illnesses. While much is known about the biological impact of spina bifida, there is a dearth of information regarding its psychological and social impact.

Deciphering the Role of Colicins during Colonization of the Mammalian Gut by Commensal .

Colicins are specific and potent toxins produced by that result in the rapid elimination of sensitive cells. Colicin production is commonly found throughout microbial populations, suggesting its potential importance for bacterial survival in complex microbial environments. Nonetheless, as colicin biology has been predominately studied using synthetic models, it remains unclear how colicin production contributes to survival and fitness of a colicin-producing commensal strain in a natural environment.

Disparities in Service Use Among Children With Autism: A Systematic Review.

Context: Research reveals racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in autism diagnosis; there is limited information on potential disparities related to other dimensions of services.

Objective: We reviewed evidence related to disparities in service use, intervention effectiveness, and quality of care provided to children with autism by race, ethnicity, and/or socioeconomic status.

Data Sources: Medline, PsychInfo, Educational Resources Informational Clearinghouse, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature were searched by using a combination of Medical Subject Headings terms and keywords related to autism, disparities, treatment, and services.

Philosophy of care delivery for spina bifida.

The multidisciplinary model (MCM) is described as one that utilizes skills and experience from practitioners belonging to various disciplines, each treating patients from a specific clinical perspective. The Spina Bifida Association (SBA) supports and recommends that clinical care for people with Spina Bifida (SB) be provided in specialty clinics of which the MCM is an example; that care be coordinated; and that there be a plan for transitional care. This paper explores the challenges the MCM faces with a transitioning and aging population in a care system that calls for a positive patient experience, engaged health care professionals, desired outcomes, with consideration of cost.

An exploratory study of adolescents and emerging adults with spina bifida knowledge of their individual education program: Implications for health care transition planning.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore adolescents and emerging adults (AEA) with spina bifida (SB) understanding of their Individualized Education Program (IEP) and to identify factors related to their knowledge about their own IEP.

Methods: Data were collected from January 2015 to July 2016 from 79 adolescents with SB. A ten-item questionnaire including demographics and questions specifically addressing IEPs was used.

Differences in continence rates in individuals with spina bifida based on ethnicity.

Background: Ethnic disparities in continence rates in spina bifida (SB) have been studied regionally but not nationally. National SB Patient Registry (NSBPR) data were analyzed to explore differences in prevalence of bowel and bladder continence and interventions between Hispanics/Latinos and others.

Methods: Participants 5 to 21 years were categorized into Hispanic/Latino and non-Hispanic/non-Latino.

Baseline Urinary Tract Imaging in Infants Enrolled in the UMPIRE Protocol for Children with Spina Bifida.

Purpose: The lifetime risk of renal damage in children with spina bifida is high but only limited baseline imaging data are available for this population. We evaluated a large prospective cohort of infants with spina bifida to define their baseline imaging characteristics.

Materials And Methods: The UMPIRE Protocol for Young Children with Spina Bifida is an iterative quality improvement protocol that follows a cohort of newborns at 9 United States centers.

Selecting a Structural Analog as an Internal Standard for the Quantification of 6-Methylmercaptopurine by LC-MS/MS.

Background: When choosing an analog internal standard (IS) in a quantitative LC-MS/MS assay, careful selection and thorough verification are important for developing an accurate quantitative assay. The IS is a critical component in quantitative mass spectrometry because it is used to normalize results by compensating for variations in sample preparation and instrument performance. Here we present the results of our investigation in the selection process for a structural analog IS (SA-IS) to be used in the quantification of 6-methylmercaptopurine (6-MMP) in cytolysed red blood cell (RBC).

Tick infestations of wildlife and companion animals in Ontario, Canada, with detection of human pathogens in Ixodes scapularis ticks.

The growing risk of transmission of tick-borne zoonotic pathogens to humans in Ontario, Canada, warrants investigations into regional tick distribution, tick burdens of local peridomestic animals, and prevalence of tick-borne pathogens. The objectives of this study were to investigate the geographic distribution and magnitude of tick infestations in opportunistically sampled mammalian wildlife and companion animals (i.e.

Maternal beliefs about autism: A link between intervention services and autism severity in White and Latino mothers.

Variation in parental beliefs about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may impact subsequent service use profiles. This study aimed to examine (1) variation in beliefs about ASD among English language proficient White (EP-W) mothers, English language proficient Latino (EPL) mothers, and limited English language proficient Latino (LEP-L) mothers of children with ASD; (2) variation in beliefs about ASD in the context of the child's ASD severity, among EP White mothers, EP Latino others, and LEP Latino mothers; and (3) potential links between maternal beliefs about ASD and children's current ASD treatment. This multi-site study included 305 English or Spanish-speaking parents of children with ASD, ages 2-10 years, who completed a survey about their beliefs about their child's ASD, their child's ASD severity, and treatments used by their children.

Parent Perceptions of Community Autism Spectrum Disorder Stigma: Measure Validation and Associations in a Multi-site Sample.

In this study we developed a brief, English/Spanish bilingual parent-reported scale of perceived community autism spectrum disorder (ASD) stigma and tested it in a multi-site sample of Latino and non-Latino white parents of children with ASD. Confirmatory factor analysis of the scale supported a single factor solution with 8 items showing good internal consistency. Regression modeling suggested that stigma score was associated with unmet ASD care needs but not therapy hours or therapy types.

A RETROSPECTIVE SUMMARY OF RAPTOR MORTALITY IN ONTARIO, CANADA (1991-2014), INCLUDING THE EFFECTS OF WEST NILE VIRUS.

The causes of mortality of free-ranging raptors range from anthropogenic (e.g., trauma) to dynamic environmental conditions that may affect habitat suitability and prey availability.

Design and Methodological Considerations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Urologic and Renal Protocol for the Newborn and Young Child with Spina Bifida.

Purpose: Care of children with spina bifida has significantly advanced in the last half century, resulting in gains in longevity and quality of life for affected children and caregivers. Bladder dysfunction is the norm in patients with spina bifida and may result in infection, renal scarring and chronic kidney disease. However, the optimal urological management for spina bifida related bladder dysfunction is unknown.

Movin' On Up: An Innovative Nurse-Led Interdisciplinary Health Care Transition Program.

This article provides an overview of an innovative nurse-led interdisciplinary health care transition (HCT) model of care entitled Movin' On Up for adolescents and emerging adults (AEAs) with spina bifida (SB) that was originally implemented in 2011. The components of the HCT service model include an HCT nursing specialist, who is an advanced practice nurse; interdisciplinary health care transition plans based on the individualized needs of AEAs; an interdisciplinary HCT team that meets on a weekly basis; direct HCT services provided in the weekly SB clinic; and telephonic follow-up with AEAs, families, and providers. The characteristics of this nurse-led HCT program can be described as an integrated, interdisciplinary, and comprehensive model of care based on a life span approach.

Testing the Transition Preparation Training Program: Well-being of relationships outcomes.

Purpose: To determine the impact of the availability of everyday relationships and types of social support among adolescents with spina bifida on overall satisfaction/well-being of relationships and whether these adolescents differ in their ratings of relationships, social support and overall satisfaction, as measured by the My Family and Friends Scale: Teenage Version, social support scale after their participation in a health care transition intervention program, entitled the Transition Preparation Training Program.

Methods: A mixed design ANOVA was conducted. There were 31 eligible adolescents randomly assigned to the treatment group and 34 were assigned to the control group for a total sample size of 65 adolescents (investigator-blinded randomization).