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Early childbearing is associated with high maternal stress and family violence. However, the long-term effects of rapid repeat pregnancy (RRP) in young motherhood on child outcomes remain largely unknown. This study examined the pathways between maternal RRP at young ages and child psychosocial problems and emergency room visits in later years. A total of 232 Chinese mother-child dyads provided baseline data in 2015 (Time 1; T1) and follow-up data 6 years later in 2021 (Time 2; T2). At T1, mothers completed questionnaires about child physical abuse frequency and family cohesion and reported their own stress levels. At T2, mothers were re-surveyed with the same questionnaires about child physical abuse frequency and family cohesion. Children's psychosocial problems were assessed through parent proxy-reports and records of emergency room visits were retrieved from hospital databases. After adjusting for demographic information, maternal history of RRP was associated with child physical abuse at T1 ([beta] = 0.15, p < 0.05) and in turn linked to child physical abuse recurrence ([beta] = 0.22, p < 0.01) and emergency room visits at T2 ([beta] = 0.22, p < 0.001). Improved family cohesion over time did not break the link between maternal RRP and child physical abuse recurrence. Poor family dynamics can lead to child physical abuse recurrence and worsen developmental outcomes in children, particularly when coupled with other risk factors such as maternal RRP at young ages. Early interventions to enhance support and reduce vulnerabilities are important for preventing child physical abuse in at-risk families.

Abstract Aims The association between a pregnant mother’s vitamin D status and depressive symptoms has yielded inconsistent results. It is possible that other factors play a role in this association, as depression can have multiple causes. Recognizing the significance of the husband’s participation in antenatal care, this study aimed to examine whether the husband’s involvement moderates the link between the mother’s vitamin D status and depressive symptoms during pregnancy. Methods A total of 2983 Chinese married pregnant women, in their 25–35 weeks of pregnancy, completed questionnaires to assess their levels of depressive symptoms and the involvement of their husbands in their antenatal care appointments. Additionally, their serum levels of vitamin D were measured. Results After adjusting for maternal age, parity, and socio-economic status, the husband’s involvement in antenatal care moderated the association between maternal vitamin D status and depressive symptoms during pregnancy (β = 2.03, p = 0.035). Specifically, when their husbands were not regularly present for antenatal care appointments, mothers with suboptimal vitamin D levels experienced more depressive symptoms than those with optimal levels. However, there were no noticeable differences in depressive symptoms between vitamin D groups for mothers whose husbands attended all antenatal care appointments. Conclusions Pregnant women who have suboptimal vitamin D levels and lack support from their spouses are most vulnerable to experiencing depression. It is crucial to holistically assess the social and physiological needs of expectant mothers to reduce their risk of antenatal depression.

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is the most common congenital motility disorder of the intestine, characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the myenteric and submucosal plexuses, leading to functional bowel obstruction. Short-segment Hirschsprung disease (SS-HSCR) accounts for the majority of cases, with surgical resection being the cornerstone of treatment. Despite advances in surgical techniques, considerable variability exists in practice regarding the timing of surgery, the choice of technique, and the length of aganglionic rectal cuff to resect. This review synthesizes the current evidence surrounding surgical management of SS-HSCR, discussing technique-specific outcomes and areas for future research, with a focus on optimizing patient care and functional outcomes.

Background Growing evidence indicates an association between disordered eating and a range of mental health problems, including anxiety, depression and emotional dysregulation. Aims This study aimed to explore whether reducing risk factors for eating disorders, such as body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem, through school-based programmes can enhance adolescent mental health. Method We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE and Web of Science from the date of inception to 15 October 2023. Data were synthesised by using a systematic narrative synthesis framework, and formal assessments were conducted to assess the quality of the included studies. Results After title/abstract screening and full-text assessment, 13 articles met the pre-specified inclusion criteria, comprising a total of 14 studies (n = 5853). Notably, three studies encompassed multiple programmes, leading to the identification of 17 eating disorder prevention programmes. Among these programmes, seven (41%) employed dissonance-based approaches. Topics covered in the programmes included psychoeducation, body acceptance, sociocultural issues, nutrition and physical activities, self-esteem and stress coping. Ten (59%) of the programmes were effective in improving adolescent mental health. Six of the 14 studies (43%) did not specify follow-up time, and quality assessments found the majority to be of either high (five studies, 36%) or fair (eight studies, 57%) quality. Conclusions The findings from the ten effective programmes consistently support the use of body acceptance strategies in improving the mental health of adolescent students. Brief interventions delivered by trained, non-licensed facilitators appear good for the sustainable implementation of in-school psychological services to support well-being among adolescents.

Author(s): Rosa S. Wong [sup.1] , Keith T. S. Tung [sup.1] , Kristy H. T. Chow [sup.1] , Abigail R. M. Law [sup.1] , Frederick K. W. Ho [sup.2] , [...], Although research shows that family dinner is associated with adolescent psychological well-being, it is unclear whether this association still exists when parent-adolescent communication is limited particularly in today&apos;s high-tech society where frequent family meals may not necessarily co-exist with frequent family communication. We therefore examined the relationships among adolescent psychological distress, parent-adolescent dinner frequency, and parent-adolescent communication time using data from 826 parent-adolescent dyads. Adolescents self-reported symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress in the preceding month using the validated Chinese version of the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 (DASS-21). Their parents reported the frequency of breakfasts and dinners, duration of daily communication with the adolescent, and other family sociodemographic characteristics. Moderated regression analysis was used to examine associations of adolescent psychological distress with parent-adolescent dinner frequency and parent-adolescent non-conflictual communication time. We found that parent-adolescent non-conflictual communication time was independently and significantly associated with adolescent DASS Depression ([beta] = -1.31, p < 0.001), Anxiety ([beta] = -0.84, p < 0.001), and Stress ([beta] = -1.00, p < 0.001) scores, but parent-adolescent dinner frequency was not. Furthermore, adolescents reported lower levels of depression and stress only when they concurrently engaged in both everyday dinner and regular non-conflictual communication with parents. Findings emphasize the importance of regular dinner and non-conflictual communication with parents for adolescent psychological well-being.

Abstract Background Despite the preventive policies adopted, reduction in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) has been limited. The risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has increased among the most vulnerable population groups, including MSM. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HCV infection and to assess risky practices among MSM from 12 Brazilian cities. Methods This study was carried out from June to December 2016 using respondent driven sampling (RDS). Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire to collect behavioral, socioeconomic, and demographic variables. In addition, the rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for HCV was offered. Positive results were sent to Instituto Adolfo Lutz for confirmation. Results A total of 4,176 participants were recruited and 23 samples were sent for confirmation. Of these, 16 were confirmed, resulting in a prevalence of 0.7% (95% CI: 0.3%—1.7%). The Southeast region showed a prevalence of 0.9% (95% CI: 0.3—2.6), followed by the South region, with 0.6% (95% CI: 0.2—2.1). The Northeast region had a prevalence of 0.3% (95% CI: 0.1—1.0) and the Midwest 0.1% (95% CI: 0.0—0.7). No positive cases were found in the North. Single men aged 40 years or older were the majority of participants exposed to HCV. High levels of alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, irregular condom use, in addition to infection with other STIs, were associated with exposure to HCV. Conclusions STIs continue to be important health problems in Brazil and globally. Many STIs are inapparent for many years until they bring more serious consequences. Extra investment in HCV is also warranted, given that it can be eliminated. Relying solely on clinical data to provide information about inapparent infection, especially in stigmatized populations, will make that goal more difficult to achieve. Surveillance studies, such as the one reported here need to be repeated over time to demonstrate trends and to provide information for evaluation, program and policies. Investments in the most vulnerable populations are critical to achieve the World Health Organization global health goals including the elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030.

Author(s): Rosa S. Wong [sup.1] [sup.2] [sup.3] , Keith T. S. Tung [sup.1] , Hugo E. Leung [sup.1] , Reena Chow [sup.1] , Gilbert T. Chua [sup.1] , Macro H. [...], A growing body of research suggests an association between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and allergic disorders, but little work has been done to explore the role of external factors such as parental smoking at home in the development of comorbid ADHD and allergic disorders. This study aimed to examine the association between allergic diseases and ADHD adjusted for exposure to parental smoking at home in early adolescents. We recruited 250 male (41.7%) and 350 female (58.3%) adolescents (mean [SD] age, 13.29 [0.52] years) via chain-referral sampling. Their ADHD symptoms were assessed by the parent proxy-report version of the Chinese Strengths and Weaknesses of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity-symptoms and Normal-behaviours (SWAN) rating scale. Data on the participants&apos; history of clinician-diagnosed allergic diseases, family socio-demographics, and parental smoking habit were collected using a parent-completed questionnaire. Regression analyses were performed to examine the associations of interest. The levels of ADHD symptoms were comparable between allergic and non-allergic participants after controlling for child and family demographics and parental smoking at home. Notably, the risk of probable ADHD was particularly high in participants with food allergies (odd ratio = 4.51, p = 0.011) but not in those with allergic rhinitis after adjusting for parental smoking at home. Our findings suggest that second-hand smoke exposure at home is a potential risk factor underlying the link between ADHD and allergic diseases. Current management guidelines should emphasize the importance of early identification and cessation of tobacco smoke exposure for prevention of comorbidity of ADHD and allergic disorders. Clinical Trial Registration (if any): NA.

BackgroundEvidence supports the effectiveness of serious games in health education, but little is known about their effects on the psychosocial well-being of children in the general population. ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the potential of a mobile game–based safety education program in improving children’s safety and psychosocial outcomes. MethodsSafe City is a mobile roleplaying game specifically designed to educate children in Hong Kong about safety. This randomized controlled trial included 340 children in grades 4 through 6. Intervention arm participants (n=170) were instructed to play the Safe City mobile game for 4 weeks, whereas control arm participants (n=170) received a safety booklet. All participants completed a survey on safety knowledge and behaviors and psychosocial problems at baseline (T1), 1 month postintervention (T2), and 3 months postintervention (T3). Cumulative game scores and mini-game performance were analyzed as a proxy for the extent of exposure to the game. Outcome data were analyzed using 2-sample 2-tailed t tests to compare mean change from T1 to T2 and to T3 for intervention versus control arm participants. The association of game use with outcome changes postintervention was analyzed using generalized additive models. ResultsNo significant differences were found in mean changes between the intervention and control arms. However, use analyses showed that higher game scores were associated with improvements in safe behavior (P=.03) and internalizing problems (P=.01) at T3. Matching and Spot the Danger mini-game performance significantly predicted improvements in safety knowledge at T2 and T3. ConclusionsAnalysis of use has shown that playing the Safe City mobile game can result in significant improvements in safety knowledge and reductions in unsafe behavior and internalizing problems. These findings provide evidence for the positive impact of serious games on psychological and social well-being, highlighting the potential of technology-driven interventions to assist children in learning about safety and preventing injuries. Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.org NCT04096196; https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT04096196 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)RR2-10.2196/17756

Introduction: Vaccination against influenza is indicated in children at risk of complications or severe disease. The objective of this study was to describe the percentage of children aged less than 15 years with risk conditions vaccinated against influenza in the Community of Madrid, and to analyze the factors associated with adherence to vaccination throughout 3 vaccination campaigns. Materials and methods: Population-based cross-sectional observational study of children aged 6 months to 14 years with conditions that indicated influenza vaccination at the beginning of the 2018−2019 campaign. Electronic population registers were used. We described the percentage of children vaccinated in 3 consecutive campaigns, and assessed the association of adherence to vaccination with demographic and socioeconomic variables and risk conditions using bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results: The vaccination coverage was 15.6% in the 2018−2019 campaign. The adherence to vaccination was 65.9%. The variables associated with greater adherence were age greater than 2 years, especially in the 6−10 years group (aOR = 1.63; 95% CI, 1.43−1.85) and presenting more than one risk condition, especially 3 or more diseases (aOR = 1.80; 95% CI, 1.00−3.26). Diabetes mellitus was the disease associated most strongly with adherence (aOR = 2.15; 95% CI, 1.74–2.65). Adherence was lower in the immigrant population (aOR = 0.43; 95% CI, 0.36−0.51). We found no association between vaccination adherence and sex or socioeconomic status. Conclusions: Vaccination coverage and adherence were suboptimal. Adherence to vaccination against influenza is associated with demographic and clinical conditions. Strategies need to be established to increase vaccination in children, with greater involvement of professionals and education of parents. Resumen: Introducción: La vacunación antigripal está especialmente indicada en población infantil con riesgo de complicaciones o enfermedad grave. El objetivo de este estudio es describir el porcentaje de vacunación frente a la gripe en menores de 15 años con condiciones de riesgo en la Comunidad de Madrid, así como analizar los factores asociados a la adherencia vacunal a lo largo de tres campañas de vacunación. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional transversal de base poblacional de niños/as de 6 meses a 14 años y con condiciones de riesgo que fueran indicación de vacunación antigripal al inicio de la campaña 2018−2019. Se emplearon registros poblacionales electrónicos. Se describió el porcentaje de vacunados durante tres campañas consecutivas. Se analizó mediante análisis bivariado y multivariado la asociación de la adherencia vacunal con variables demográficas, socioeconómicas y condiciones de riesgo. Resultados: La cobertura vacunal fue del 15,6% en la campaña 2018−2019. La adherencia a la vacunación fue del 65,9%. Se asociaron a una mayor adherencia edad ≥3 años, fundamentalmente de 6−10 años (ORa = 1,63; IC 95% [1,43−1,85]) y presentar más de una condición de riesgo, especialmente ≥3 (ORa = 1,80; IC 95% [1,00–3,26]). Diabetes mellitus fue la enfermedad más asociada (ORa = 2,15; IC 95% [1,74−2,65]). Las personas extranjeras presentaron menor adherencia (ORa = 0,43; IC 95% [0,36−0,51]). No se encontraron diferencias en la adherencia según sexo ni nivel socioeconómico. Conclusiones: La adherencia y cobertura vacunal se encuentran en niveles subóptimos. La adherencia a la vacunación antigripal se asocia a características demográficas y clínicas. Es necesario establecer estrategias para incrementar la vacunación en población infantil, con mayor implicación de profesionales y formación de progenitores.

The evaluation of different methods for kafirin extraction was made to obtain techno-functional concentrates from two sorghum cultivars. The concentrates were rheologically evaluated in a “dough-like” resin system to assess their potential as a gluten substitute. Under acidic extractions (ethanol 70%, pH 2.5), yields of 56.98% and 46.31% for white (WS) and red sorghum (RS) were obtained, with the highest purity for WS (74.54%). A characteristic electrophoretic pattern was obtained for kafirins, including fractions α1, α2, β and γ. The WS protein was used to prepare resins with lactic acid (LA) as a plasticizing agent, showing similar extensibility to zein (11.37 vs. 11.89 mm respectively) but below wheat gluten (42.61 mm). The microstructure of kafirin resins showed air encapsulation and alignment as fibers. This study allowed to explore new food-compatible extractions for kafirin and evaluate how they will perform rheologically at the kneading stage using a simple resin method.

Abstract Background The prevalence and consequences of child maltreatment are alarming, but evidence from studies with long follow-up intervals are limited. This study examined the long-term consequences of child maltreatment in relation to age of onset and follow-up interval. Methods The exposed group comprised 63 individuals (aged 13–34 years) with a first-time diagnosis of child maltreatment between 2001 and 2010, whereas the unexposed group comprised 63 individuals who were matched upon gender, age of onset, follow-up period, and poverty status at the index hospital admission but had no medical records of maltreatment in Hong Kong. The participants completed a set of questionnaires on executive functions and mental health and provided blood samples for measurement of IL-6 and IL-10 levels during a health assessment session. Results Compared with the unexposed group, the exposed group reported poorer maternal care during childhood (β = −4.64, p

Abstract There has been a lack of high-quality evidence concerning the association between childhood maltreatment and psychiatric diagnoses particularly for Axis II disorders. This study aimed to examine the association between childhood maltreatment exposure and Axis I and Axis II psychiatry disorders using electronic health records. In this study, the exposed group (n = 7473) comprised patients aged 0 to 19 years with a first-time record of maltreatment episode between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2010, whereas the unexposed group (n = 26,834) comprised individuals of the same gender and age who were admitted into the same hospital in the same calendar year and month but had no records of maltreatment in the Hong Kong Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System (CDARS). Data on their psychiatric diagnoses recorded from the date of admission to January 31, 2019 were extracted. A Cox proportional hazard regression model was fitted to estimate the hazard ratio (HR, plus 95% CIs) between childhood maltreatment exposure and psychiatric diagnoses, adjusting for age at index visit, sex, and government welfare recipient status. Results showed that childhood maltreatment exposure was significantly associated with subsequent diagnosis of conduct disorder/ oppositional defiant disorder (adjusted HR, 10.99 [95% CI 6.36, 19.01]), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (7.28 [5.49, 9.65]), and personality disorders (5.36 [3.78, 7.59]). The risk of psychiatric disorders following childhood maltreatment did not vary by history of childhood sexual abuse, age at maltreatment exposure, and gender. Individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment are vulnerable to psychiatric disorders. Findings support the provision of integrated care within the primary health care setting to address the long-term medical and psychosocial needs of individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment.

The similarity of quantum-mechanical solutions for central potentials is analytically determined and numerically explored for arbitrary dimensionalities. The study here provided focuses on hydrogenic systems and the harmonic oscillator, in respective non-relativistic frameworks. A diversity of analytical expressions for the quantum similarity measure (QSM) and index (QSI) are provided. Relevant conclusions are derived from the analyses grounded on state quantum numbers, space dimensionality and on the role played by the main characteristic parameters of these systems, namely the nuclear charge in the hydrogenic case, and the angular frequency for the oscillator. For this purpose, a statistical analysis of the QSI values has been performed for a large number both of states and combinations of them in each system. Considering the factorization of QSI into a radial and an angular part, particular attention is paid to the individual contribution of each part in both systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process tracing of the relationship between Christianity and politics in Korea versus Kenya led to the discovery of similar trajectories that are based on two underlying conditions: a) a large portion of the country's population is Christian, and b) religious groups have historically invested in the democratization processes. These two conditions led to: 1) government or political parties' desire to co-opt the religious group or leaders to increase its voting power or political influence, 2) religious leaders or churches proposing to provide stewardship or governance to the government, and 3) some mainstream churches trying to stay neutral upholding separation between the church and state in the aftermath of democratization. After democratization, a trend of church partisan political polarization has intensified. Kenya's polarization has aggregated along interethnic/tribal fault lines. The partisan polarization of the South Korean church has intensified with left-oriented social change advocacy condemned by right-wing actors as threatening South Korean sovereignty in the face of the North Korean continuing threat. South Korean political actors utilize sectarian movements to mobilize activists and voters, while South Korean sectarian leaders in turn utilize this political relationship to legitimize their civil society existence and activity. The Kenyan and South Korean cases provide further evidence of the global resurgence of religious identity as a vehicle for political activism to direct the governance capacities of the sovereign state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited research has been conducted to examine the factors during early childhood that may contribute to conduct problems in later stages of life. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between family and school environments during early childhood and conduct problems in adolescence. In Wave 1 (W1), the study recruited 502 participants, aged 5–6 years, from Hong Kong local kindergartens, with 51.4% boys. One of their parents provided information about family socioeconomic status (SES), parent–child recreational activities, and child screen time, whereas the class teacher rated their school readiness using the Chinese version of the Early Development Instrument. Data on the number of special facilities were obtained from the kindergartens. In Wave 2 (W2), the same parents of 395 participants were asked about their involvement in their children's education. Finally, in Wave 3 (W3), the parents of 206 participants completed the Conduct Problem scale of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire to evaluate the level of conduct problems in the participants. The results of the path analysis revealed that higher W1 family SES was associated with fewer W3 conduct problems through an increase in W1 and W2 parental involvement in children's learning and play activities. Findings have implications for understanding the impact of early‐life family and school environments on adolescent conduct problems. Early childhood interventions that promote family resources and positive parent–child interactions have the potential to reduce adolescent conduct problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]