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Restorative justice practices (RJP) in schools is an increasingly popular approach to responding to discipline showing modest effectiveness. However, there is little research within the school consultation literature that examines the use of RJP. In over a decade, there have been only six studies. These studies are reviewed and directions for future research are discussed. Over the next 30 years, researchers need to pursue "restorative justice science" with a social justice vision focusing on restorative consultation, anti-racism, and advocacy.

Background/Aims: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). This study aimed to investigate the association between genetic polymorphisms, specifically AGTR1 (rs5186) and TGF-β1 (rs1800470), and the risk of developing Diabetic nephropathy (DN) in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, compared to those without DN and healthy controls. Methods: A case-control study was conducted on 165 diabetic patients (59 with diabetic nephropathy (DN) and 54 without DN (DM)), and 52 healthy controls (HC). The genotyping was done using amplification refractory mutation system method (ARMS-PCR). Age, gender, and duration of diabetes were matched across groups. Clinical parameters including FBS, RBS, HbA1C, creatinine, urea, SBP, DBP, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and BMI were assessed. Results: Diabetic patients with nephropathy exhibited significantly higher levels of clinical parameters compared to those without nephropathy and healthy controls. The risk allele of AGTR1, C (p <0.0001), and risk allele containing genotypes AC (p <0.0001) and CC (p-0.0010) were significantly higher in DN patients compared to DM and HC groups. Similarly, the TGF-β1 risk allele C (p- 0.0001), and corresponding genotypes TC (p- 0.0038) and CC (p- 0.0027) were significantly associated with increased risk of diabetic nephropathy compared to DM and HC groups. Conclusion: The data showed significant association of AGTR1 (rs5186) and TGF-β1 (rs1800470) polymorphism with an increased risk of diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. More investigation will be required to disseminate the results, while increasing the samples size and using whole genome sequencing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic health records (EHR) are becoming a part of college counseling centers. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of clinicians (N = 5) who recently underwent the transition from paper files to an EHR system. A grounded theory methodology was used to analyze the interview data, and a member check was conducted to verify the accuracy of the results. Finally, the authors discuss implications for clinicians and offer suggestions to assist with the transition to an EHR system based on the data collected.

Objective: To determine if a single brain biopsy utilizing a freeze-core needle harvest system Cassi II under ultrasound guidance provides a diagnostic sample; to evaluate the technique's efficacy in procuring diagnostic samples in comparison with "open" surgical biopsies; and to describe intraoperative complications associated with the technique. Study design: Experimental clinical study. Animals: Seventeen dogs and four cats with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnoses of readily surgically accessible intracranial masses. Methods: Immediately prior to surgical biopsy (SB), freeze-core biopsy (FCB) sample was obtained from each patient under ultrasound guidance. Results: Histopathology results from single FCB samples were found to be in 100% agreement with the SB samples. Freezing artifact was minimal and did not interfere with histopathologic interpretation. There were no intraoperative complications specifically attributable to the use of the FCB system. Conclusion: Based on the results of this small experimental study, the FCB system is expected to safely yield diagnostic quality intracranial masses biopsy specimens. Clinical significance: This system has the potential of obtaining diagnostic biopsies of more deeply seated brain lesions (i.e., intra-axial tumors considered inaccessible or with large risks/difficulties by standard surgical means) which would provide a definitive diagnosis to guide appropriate therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In September 2015, the New York Times published articles alleging U.S. forces stood idly by as Afghan Police and Militia members sexually assaulted little boys and girls. According to the articles, there was a U.S. policy of non-intervention in Afghanistan. If these allegations prove true, they present several potential issues. They raise Leahy amendment concerns, including whether U.S. forces followed established reporting requirements, whether Afghans who engaged in these sexual acts committed war crimes, and whether there are potential interoperability concerns with our European allies because of their human rights obligations. To confront instances of sexual assault in the future, U.S. forces should follow established reporting requirements with a new directive to report human rights violations, promulgate Rules of Engagement ('ROE') allowing forces to intervene accompanied with appropriate ROE training, and the United States must engage with the offending country to stop the criminal behavior., I. INTRODUCTION 223 II. APPLICABLE LAWS AND REGULATIONS 226 III. INTEROPERABILITY CONCERNS 235 IV. OPERATIONAL CONCERNS 240 V. ADDRESSING THE ISSUE OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE FOR U.S. FORCES AND THE [...]

Many RNA species have been identified as important players in the development of chronic diseases, including cancer. Over the past decade, numerous studies have highlighted how regulatory RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in the development of a disease state. It is clear that the aberrant expression of miRNAs promotes tumor initiation and progression, is linked with cardiac dysfunction, allows for the improper physiological response in maintaining glucose and insulin levels, and can prevent the appropriate integration of neuronal networks, resulting in neurodegenerative disorders. Because of this, there has been a major effort to therapeutically target these noncoding RNAs. In just the past 5 years, over 100 antisense oligonucleotide-based therapies have been tested in phase I clinical trials, a quarter of which have reached phase II/III. Most notable are fomivirsen and mipomersen, which have received FDA approval to treat cytomegalovirus retinitis and high blood cholesterol, respectively. The continued improvement of innovative RNA modifications and delivery entities, such as nanoparticles, will aid in the development of future RNA-based therapeutics for a broader range of chronic diseases. Here we summarize the latest promises and challenges of targeting noncoding RNAs in disease., Introduction For decades, the central dogma that misregulated DNA, RNA, and proteins can result in disease states such as cancer has dominated our understanding of complex cellular processes. While many [...]

Under what conditions will the public accept homeless-serving housing and social service facilities in their neighborhood? In this paper, we answer this question through a basic descriptive statistical analysis of a brief survey (respondent n=251) and a thematic analysis of seven focus groups with residents of San Diego, California (participant n=34). We find that although residents were not categorically opposed to such facilities, their support was contingent on a particular approach to addressing homelessness, often rooted in misperceptions of the causes of homelessness. Participants classified people experiencing homelessness (PEH) into "deserving" and "undeserving" groups based on these perceptions. Attitudes towards homeless-serving facilities were also shaped by a belief that what is needed most are services such as substance abuse treatment, mental health services, or job training; they focused less on the need to house people who are currently unsheltered. Study participants also took a paternalistic approach to policy design, focusing on rules and regulations to force PEH to make "good" decisions. Participants recognized homelessness as a pressing social problem and were willing to consider homeless-serving facilities in their community. However, their attitudes and beliefs limited which facilities they would support, and under what circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines campaign finance activity in two large school districts: San Francisco, California and Hillsborough County, Florida. Using datasets containing contributions to school board candidates, it explores from whom candidates raise campaign funds. The findings indicate that entities with material interests in school board decisions, such as teachers' unions and businesses with school district contracts, are active contributors but do not dominate fundraising activity. School board candidates typically assemble broad fund-raising coalitions comprising of a diverse range of groups and individuals. Even though established interests are often part of fund-raising coalitions, few candidates rely heavily on them for funds. These groups may exercise substantial influence through other means, but they typically do not use the campaign finance system as a means through which they exert influence. (Contains 6 tables and 10 notes.)

Black, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT), individuals experience higher rates of violent victimization compared to their cisgender heterosexual counterparts over their life course. Among Black LGBT people, witnessing and experiencing violence have been related to poor health outcomes, including depression, risky sexual behavior, substance use, and lower engagement in healthcare services. We engaged in research to better understand the effects of violence experienced by the Black LGBT youth community. We conducted a qualitative, phenomenological study focused on the causes of violence occurring in the lives of Black LGBT youth engaged in a recreation-based community health program. The study consisted of four focus groups with Black LGBT youth (N = 24) and in-depth individual interviews with medical and social service providers who work with Black LGBT youth (N = 4). Data analysis presented three themes: (1) causes of violence, (2) the context of intracommunity violence, and (3) solutions to violence. The first theme describes the reasoning, motivation, or explanation for violence experienced by the Black LGBT youth community. The second theme, the context of intracommunity violence, describes how violence occurs specifically within Black LGBT young adult communities. The third theme, solutions to violence, describes the recommendations for addressing, reducing, and/or eliminating violence within the Black LGBT youth community. Our findings highlight the need for safe spaces, culturally-relevant services, and trusted figures for Black LGBT young adults, which can serve as mechanisms for mitigating violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]