Coming of age in recovery: The prevalence and correlates of substance use recovery status among adolescents and emerging adults.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To date, no epidemiological survey has estimated the prevalence of adolescents identifying as being in recovery. This is necessary for planning and identifying the needs of youth with current and remitted substance use disorders. This study estimated the prevalence of recovery status in a large statewide epidemiological survey administered between January and March 2020. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were high school students in 9th through 12th grades throughout Illinois. MEASUREMENTS: Youth were asked if they were in recovery and if they had resolved problems with substances. Youth who reported recovery and problem resolving dual status (DS), recovery only (RO), and problem resolution only (PRO) were compared to propensity score matched control groups who reported neither status (neither/nor; NN). Outcomes included alcohol use, binge alcohol use, cannabis use, and prescription drug use in the past 30 days. FINDINGS: Prevalence estimates were 884 (1.4%) for DS, 1546 (2.5%) for PRO, and 1,811 (2.9%) for RO. Relative to propensity matched control samples, all three groups had significantly lower odds of prescription drug use. The PRO group had lower odds of past month cannabis use. There were no significant differences for either alcohol outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence estimates of youth in recovery are slightly lower than those of adults in recovery, and estimates should be replicated. Youth in recovery and those resolving problems have numerous behavioral health needs, and relative to matched controls, have even odds for past 30-day alcohol use. These findings compel us to further define recovery for adolescents and emerging adults to allow for improving treatments and epidemiological research.

Assessing the self-reported honesty threshold in adolescent epidemiological research: comparing supervised machine learning and inferential statistical techniques.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological surveys offer essential data on adolescent substance use. Nevertheless, the precision of these self-report-based surveys often faces mistrust from researchers and the public. We evaluate the efficacy of a direct method to assess data quality by asking adolescents if they were honest. The main goal of our study was to assess the accuracy of a self-report honesty item and designate an optimal threshold for it, allowing us to better account for its impact on point estimates. METHODS: The participants were from the 2020 Illinois Youth Survey, a self-report school-based survey. We divided the primary dataset into subsets based on responses to an honesty item. Then, for each dataset, we examined two distinct data analysis methodologies: supervised machine learning, using the random forest algorithm, and a conventional inferential statistical method, logistic regression. We evaluated item thresholds from both analyses, investigating probable relationships with reported fake drug use, social desirability biases, and missingness in the datasets. RESULTS: The study results corroborate the appropriateness and reliability of the honesty item and its corresponding threshold. These contain the agreeing honesty thresholds determined in both data analyses, the identified association between reported fake drug use and lower honesty scores, increased missingness and lower honesty, and the determined link between the social desirability bias and honesty threshold. CONCLUSIONS: Confirming the honesty threshold via missing data analysis also strengthens these collective findings, emphasizing our methodology's and findings' robustness. Researchers are encouraged to use self-report honesty items in epidemiological research. This will permit the modeling of accurate point estimates by addressing questionable reporting.

Adolescent Cannabis Use Among Youth in ZIP Codes with Medical Dispensaries.

Introduction: In the United States, 19 states permit recreational use of cannabis, with 16 more permitting medical use (Marijuana Policy Project, 2021). Concerns remain about whether liberalized policies result in increased adolescent cannabis use. To date, limited evidence exists that the statewide prevalence of adolescent cannabis use increased in states with liberalized policies. However, analyses at local levels show some negative impacts. Thus, we analyzed if living in a ZIP code with a dispensary (ZCWD) was associated with adolescent cannabis use. Methods: Dispensary ZIP codes from public records were matched to self- reported ZIP codes on the Illinois Youth Survey (IYS). We compared past 30-day and past-year cannabis use among youth living in a ZCWD and not living in a ZCWD. Results: About one in eight adolescents (12.8%, n = 1,348) in the weighted sample (n=10,569) resided in a ZCWD. Overall, past 30-day use was lower among youth who lived in ZIP codes with dispensaries (OR = .69, p < .05), with variation by grade. For example, only 10th (OR = .62, p < .05) and 12th graders (OR = .59, p < .05) living in a ZCWD had lower odds of past 30-day cannabis use. Additionally, only 12th graders in a ZCWD had lower odds of past-year use (OR = .70, p < .05). Finally, suburban youth living in a ZCWD also had lower odds of cannabis use (OR = .54, p < .01). Conclusion/Discussion: Cannabis use was significantly lower among 10th and 12th graders living in a ZCWD. Additional research should continue to monitor evolving state policies and whether they are associated with adolescent cannabis use.

Molecular insights into peste des petits ruminants virus identified in Bangladesh between 2008 and 2020.

An in-depth knowledge of the molecular evolution of the peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) is critical for the success of the current global eradication program. For this reason, a molecular evolutionary analysis of PPRVs circulating in Bangladesh over a decade (2008-2020) was performed. The complete genome sequencing of three PPRV isolates from 2008 (BD2), 2015 (BD12) and 2017 (BD17) as well as full length nucleocapsid (N), matrix (M) and fusion (F) gene sequencing of seven more samples from 2015 to 2020 was performed. Phylogenetic analysis classified all ten PPRVs from Bangladesh as members of lineage IV and showed that they were closely related to PPRV strains detected in China and Tibet during 2007-2008, and India during 2014-2018. Time scale Bayesian Maximum Clade Credibility (MCC) phylogenetic analysis of the three complete genomes revealed a mean Time to Most Recent Common Ancestor (TMRCA) of 2000. Comparative deduced amino acid residue analysis at various functional motifs of PPRVs related to virus structure and function, virulence and host adaptation, receptor binding sites and polymerase activity revealed conserved residues among the PPRVs from Bangladesh. In total sixteen epitopes were predicted from four immunogenic proteins i.e. N, M, F and haemagglutinin (H). Interestingly, the predicted epitopes from the N and M proteins shared conserved epitopes with two vaccine strains currently being used, indicating that the strains from Bangladesh could be potentially used as alternative local vaccines.

A Sequential Study on the Pathology of Peste Des Petits Ruminants and Tissue Distribution of the Virus Following Experimental Infection of Black Bengal Goats.

We studied the sequential pathology of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in Black Bengal goats and analyzed virus distribution in tissues and virus shedding following experimental infection with a Bangladeshi isolate of lineage IV PPR virus (PPRV). The early clinical signs like fever, depression, and ocular and nasal discharges first appeared at 4-7 days post-infection (dpi). Three out of eight inoculated goats died at 13, 15, and 18 dpi, and the rest were killed at different time points from 5 to 18 dpi. Initially, the virus multiplied mostly in the lymphoid organs of the pharyngeal region and caused extensive lymphoid destruction and hemorrhages. This was followed by viremia, massive virus replication in the lungs, and pneumonia along with the appearance of the clinical signs. Subsequently, the virus spread to other organs causing necrotic and hemorrhagic lesions, as well as the virus localized in the upper respiratory, oral and intestinal mucosa resulting in catarrhal, erosive, and ulcerative lesions. On hematological and biochemical investigation progressive leukopenia and hypoproteinemia, a gradual increase of serum metabolites and enzymes associated with liver and kidney damage, and electrolyte imbalance were observed. Seroconversion started at 7 dpi and all the surviving animals had serum antibodies at 14 dpi. Virus shedding was observed in nasal and ocular secretions at 4 dpi and in feces and urine at 14 dpi, which gradually increased and continued till the end of the experiment (18 dpi) despite seroconversion. Therefore, the virus shedding of naturally infected seroconverted goats should be monitored for effective control strategies.

Isolation of peste des petits ruminants virus using primary goat kidney cell culture from kidneys obtained at slaughter.

BACKGROUND: Traditionally isolation of peste des petits ruminant virus (PPRV) is performed in Vero cells that takes several blind passages before observing typical cytopathic effects (CPEs). As an alternate, researchers have been using lamb kidney (LK) cells but day-old lambs are difficult to obtain and requires animal sacrifice. OBJECTIVE: We established a primary goat kidney (GK) cell culture from the kidneys obtained at slaughter. METHODS: The kidney of Black Bengal goats were collected from slaughter house and processed to make single cell suspension. The cells were resuspended in appropriate culture medium and maintained under optimum culture condition. RESULTS: The 80% confluent monolayer of GK cells was obtained after 15-20 days post seeding. Upon infection with a field isolate of PPRV, the well-developed CPEs characterized by cell rounding, vacuolation in the cytoplasm and fusion of cells were observed after 48 hr post infection. Virus quantification in the culture supernatant revealed more viral RNA in GK cells than LK cells. The multicycle growth analysis of PPRV showed a steady increase in the virus loads in the culture supernatant of infected GK cells, suggesting an adaptation of the PPRV in GK cells. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that primary GK cells can be successfully prepared from the mature kidney cortical tissues and can be used for the isolation of PPRV. This system could reduce the unnecessary sacrifice of lambs or kids. Since kidneys of slaughtered goats are available throughout the year, using this protocol primary cell culture from mature goat kidney can provide primary cells to the laboratory throughout the year.

Sequential haematological and serum biochemical changes in Black Bengal goats infected with a local isolate of peste des petits ruminants virus from Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of sequential changes in haematobiochemical parameters of infected animals helps in the formulation of appropriate supportive therapy. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the sequential haematological and biochemical changes in peste des petits ruminants (PPR)-infected Black Bengal goats. METHODS: Goats were either infected with PPR virus (PPRV; n = 8) or sham infected with sterile phosphate-buffered saline (n = 4) via the intranasal route. Blood and sera were collected from both groups at different days post-infection (dpi) and analysed. Goats were sacrificed at different dpi and the amount of PPRV RNA in different tissues was quantified by real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS: The PPRV-infected goats showed mild depression and scanty nasal secretions starting at 4 dpi which became severe with high fever (106°F), dyspnoea, stomatitis, profuse orinasal discharge and diarrhoea at 9-13 dpi. PPRV RNA was detected in different tissues of infected goats. Severe lymphocytic leukopenia (at 18 dpi) was observed in infected goats. Total protein and albumin decreased in infected goats starting at 10 dpi. An elevated level of enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase) and metabolites (blood urea nitrogen and urea B) were found in infected goats starting at 7-10 dpi, suggesting damages in the liver and kidneys. PPR-infected goats showed elevated sodium and chloride ions starting at 7 dpi. The majority of infected goats were seroconverted by 14 dpi. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-diarrheal agents, aqua solutions and other medicine to support liver and kidney functions could be considered as supportive therapy against PPRV infection.

Peste des petits ruminants virus infection of Black Bengal goats showed altered haematological and serum biochemical profiles.

In Bangladesh, veterinarians often claim to reduce the mortality of natural peste des petits ruminants (PPR) outbreaks with the help of supportive fluid and electrolyte therapy. Information on haematological and biochemical parameters of PPR-infected goats, which is often altered because of associated tissue damages, is necessary to formulate the appropriate supportive therapy. This study determined the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of Black Bengal goats naturally infected with PPR virus. Blood and serum samples from 13 PPR-affected Black Bengal goats from 13 field outbreaks and 5 healthy goats were collected and analysed by routine haematological and biochemical examination. Haematological analysis of PRR-affected goats showed severe anaemia characterised by significant decrease in the values of haemoglobin, total erythrocyte counts (TECs) and packed cell volume (PCV). On the contrary, PPR-affected goats showed marked leucocytosis with absolute increase in lymphocytes and neutrophils counts compared to the healthy goats. Biochemical analysis revealed significant decrease in total protein and albumin level and increased creatine kinase, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase that mirrored the gross and histopathological changes in the PPR-affected goats. Significant increase in the values of sodium and chloride ions was found in the sera of PPR-infected goats. Peste des petits ruminants virus altered the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of the infected goats. Antidiarrheal agents with aqua solution together with other drugs to support liver and kidney function could help improve therapy of PPR-infected goats.

Early adolescent participation in physical activity: correlates with individual and family characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Early adolescence is developmental period when youth begin to shift exercise and physical activity patterns toward increased sedentary living. The major causes and contributing factors to this change are poorly understood. This study examines the relationship between sociodemographic factors, behavioral and family factors that influence physical activity patterns of middle grades students. METHODS: The 1578 youth ranged in age from 12 (22%) to 13 (78%) and were divided between white (65%), African American (19%), and Hispanic (16%) subpopulations, with 37% overall qualifying for reduced-price or free school lunches. The assumptions for Analysis of Covariance versus Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were examined, with the final results reported separately for attitudes toward exercise as predictors and sociodemographic variables and measures of family functioning as predictors. RESULTS: Positive attitudes were more strongly associated than were negative attitudes with exercise. Of the categorical predictors, student gender and family involvement with fitness had the most statistically significant associations with self reported exercise (6 for gender and 5 for family involvement with fitness). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this analysis of a diverse and large sample of young adolescents are placed in the context of family leisure and work time in our "hurried" culture.

Antibiotic prescription pattern for viral respiratory illness in emergency room and ambulatory care settings.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the current practice pattern of antibiotic prescription rate in viral respiratory tract infection diagnosed children among different specialty health care providers. METHODS: The study was a retrospective case review study where a random sample of 1200 child care visits coded as viral respiratory infections in primary care provider's office, convenient care clinic, or emergency room in 2006 were analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, the antibiotic prescription rate was 30%. The prescription rate was 3.7 times (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.90-7.31) higher for bronchitis patients and 2.5 times (95% CI = 1.46-4.30) higher for viral pharyngitis patients than for common cold patients. Antibiotics were written more by emergency physicians (odds ratio [OR] = 11.04; 95% CI = 5.78-21.10) and family practitioners (OR = 5.22; 95% CI = 2.99-9.10) than by pediatricians. CONCLUSION: Although not recommended, children seen in the emergency room and family practitioner's office are more likely to receive antibiotic prescriptions than those seen in the pediatrician's office.

Immunohistochemical expression of heparin-binding protein 17/fibroblast growth factor-binding protein-1 (HBp17/FGFBP-1) as an angiogenic factor in head and neck tumorigenesis.

Heparin-binding protein 17/fibroblast growth factor-binding protein-1 (HBp17/FGFBP-1) is a secreted protein that releases immobilized fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) from the extracellular matrix and plays a critical role in FGF bioactivation. In the present study co-localization of FGF-2 and HBp17/FGFBP-1 was observed in oral tissues including normal mucosa, hyperplasia, dysplasia of different degrees and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The expression score for HBp17/FGFBP-1, FGF-2 as well as vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) became higher with the severity of epithelial dysplasia and was highest in severe dysplasia. The expression of HBp17/FGFBP-1, FGF-2 and VEGF-A showed significant association with microvessel density, but no correlation with TNM stages or OSCC recurrence interval. Our results demonstrated that HBp17/FGFBP-1, like VEGF-A and FGF-2, might also promote the induction of tumor angiogenesis. The strongest expression of angiogenic factors in severe dysplasia suggests a potential point for targeting novel anti-angiogenic therapeutic strategies.