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Since autism diagnosis is directly linked to the availability of supportive services, identifying best practices for early diagnosis of autism has long been a concern of professionals and families. Meanwhile, studies show persistent racial disparities in autism diagnosis. Although numerous clinical diagnostic guidelines have been published, there is not enough discussion of diagnostic procedures through the lens of culturally diverse families.PurposeThis study focuses on the autism diagnostic experiences that Korean immigrant mothers had with their children.MethodsEleven first-generation Korean-American mothers of children with autism were included in the study. The data was collected using semi-structured interviews in Korean.ResultsThe main five factors (i.e., cultural beliefs and values, language barriers, complex emotions, immigration and navigating systems, and facilitators and assets) that mainly influence the diagnosis process were identified through thematic analysis.ConclusionDynamics are interactive within and between the factors, influencing the entire diagnostic process by either delaying or facilitating the identification of a child's autism and the provision of treatment.

Virtue was an important topic in the early history of behavioral science, but as empiricism, with its emphasis on objective, easily measured constructs gained popularity, the topic of virtue fell [...], Virtue-Based Psychosocial Adaptation Model (V-PAM) is an emerging counseling framework that explains psychosocial adaptation to chronic illness and disability in terms of five virtue factors. The virtue factors are Courage, Integrity, Practical Wisdom, Committed Action, and Emotional Transcendence. Despite growing attention to the model, the literature has focused upon empirical studies such as model validation and to a much lesser degree on the foundational elements of the theory. However, developing a deeper understanding of the theoretical foundation of the model is critical, providing a lens for understanding ethical counseling practice that is rich with potential for future exploration. The present paper aims to explicate the theoretical underpinnings of V-PAM, which will guide future practice. Future research and implications for clinical practice are also elaborated. Keywords: psychosocial adaptation, virtue, character, disability, rehabilitation counseling

Knowledge of zoonotic links between bovine and human isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis remains limited. The primary aim of this study was to assess the genetic relatedness of S. epidermidis isolates from bovine subclinical mastitis (SCM), bovine milk filters, healthy dairy farmers or farm personnel, and human hospital patients in Sweden, and to detect and compare genes encoding antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and virulence factors. A secondary aim was to explore the epidemiology of bovine S. epidermidis intramammary infections (IMI) by examining associations between genotypes and geographic location, persistence of IMI, severity of inflammatory response, and the persistence of S. epidermidis strains over time. A total of 283 S. epidermidis isolates were analyzed using whole genome sequencing (WGS): 128 SCM milk isolates, 55 milk filter isolates, 13 farmer/personnel isolates, and 87 human patient isolates. Sixty unique sequence types (STs) of S. epidermidis were identified. ST99, ST100, and ST570 were the most common among bovine isolates, collectively accounting for 49% (63/128) of the milk isolates and detected on multiple farms, while ST2 and ST215 were the most prevalent among human isolates. Only four STs (ST59, ST73, ST184, and ST218), representing a total of 13 isolates, were found in both bovine and human samples. Genes conferring AMR were more frequently identified in human patient isolates compared to bovine isolates. However, penicillin resistance, identified by presence of the blaZ gene, was detected in 42% of bovine S. epidermidis isolates. The average number of potential virulence factors (pVF) per isolate was 23.8 with 23.1 in milk isolates, 23.4 in milk filter isolates, 23.0 in farmer/personnel isolates, and 25.2 in human patient isolates. There was some variation in the total number of pVFs and the presence of specific pVFs or functional groups of pVFs between sample types and STs. In conclusion, the results indicate that the overlap of STs and AMR genes between human and bovine samples was minimal. However, the persistence of certain STs across multiple dairy farms suggests inter-farm transmission. This study provides new insights into the epidemiology of bovine S. epidermidis IMI, with implications for the control of these infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased evidence suggests that cattle are the primary host of Influenza D virus (IDV) and may contribute to respiratory disease in this species. The aim of this study was to detect and characterise IDV in the Swedish cattle population using archived respiratory samples. This retrospective study comprised a collection of a total 1763 samples collected between 1 January 2021 and 30 June 2024. The samples were screened for IDV and other respiratory pathogens using real-time reverse transcription quantitative PCR (rRT-qPCR). Fifty-one IDV-positive samples were identified, with a mean cycle threshold (Ct) value of 27 (range: 15–37). Individual samples with a Ct value of <30 for IDV RNA were further analysed by deep sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis was performed by the maximum likelihood estimation method on the whole IDV genome sequence from 16 samples. The IDV strains collected in 2021 (n = 7) belonged to the D/OK clade, whereas samples from 2023 (n = 4) and 2024 (n = 5) consisted of reassortants between the D/OK and D/660 clades, for the PB2 gene. This study reports the first detection of IDV in Swedish cattle and the circulation of D/OK and reassortant D/OK-D/660 in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Author(s): Yang Gyeong Yoo [1]; MiRa Yun (corresponding author) [2]; In-Soo Lee [3]; Hyeyoung Kim [4]; Sang Gyun Roh [5]; Boas Yu [6] 1. Introduction College students face various stressful [...], Background. Paramedic students frequently face various stressful and challenging situations as they work in emergency medical settings. Currently, research studies on utilizing meditation courses as a part of the curriculum to improve the mental health of paramedic students in Korea are lacking. Methods. For this quasiexperimental study, a nonequivalent group pretest and post-test research design was used. The study sample comprised 55 paramedic students from two similar-sized universities in different locations: 27 in the experimental group and 28 in the control group. The experimental group participated in an eight-week meditation course, while the control group did not receive any interventions during the same time period. Results. The results indicated that compared with the control group, the experimental group had significantly decreased anxiety (p=0.047) and stress levels (p=0.044) and improved sleep quality (p=0.041). The change in depression levels did not significantly differ between the groups (p=0.419). Conclusions. The inclusion of a meditation course within college curriculums for paramedic students is feasible and may benefit students in terms of stress, anxiety, and sleep quality.