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1.
Methods Mol Biol ; 2834: 197-230, 2025.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39312167

ABSTRACT

During the past few decades and especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of nutraceuticals has become increasingly popular in both humans and animals due to their easy access, cost-effectiveness, and tolerability with a wide margin of safety. While some nutraceuticals are safe, others have an inherent toxic potential. For a large number of nutraceuticals, no toxicity/safety data are available due to a lack of pharmacological/toxicological studies. The safety of some nutraceuticals can be compromised via contamination with toxic plants, metals, mycotoxins, pesticides, fertilizers, drugs of abuse, etc. Knowledge of pharmacokinetic/toxicokinetic studies and biomarkers of exposure, effect, and susceptibility appears to play a pivotal role in the safety and toxicity assessment of nutraceuticals. Interaction studies are essential to determine efficacy, safety, and toxicity when nutraceuticals and therapeutic drugs are used concomitantly or when polypharmacy is involved. This chapter describes various aspects of nutraceuticals, particularly their toxic potential, and the factors that influence their safety.


Subject(s)
Dietary Supplements , Humans , Animals , COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2/drug effects
2.
Clin Chim Acta ; 564: 119939, 2025 Jan 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39197698

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Current laboratory methods for opioid detection involve an initial screening with immunoassays which offers efficient but non-specific results and a subsequent liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) confirmation which offers accurate results but requires extensive sample preparation and turnaround time. Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART) tandem mass spectrometry is evaluated as an alternative approach for accurate opioid detection with efficient sample preparation and turnaround time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DART-MS/MS was optimized by testing the method with varying temperatures, operation modes, extraction methods, hydrolysis times, and vortex times. The method was evaluated for 12 opioids by testing the analytical measurement range, percent carryover, precision studies, stability, and method-to-method comparison with LC-MS/MS. RESULTS: DART-MS/MS shows high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of 6-acetylmorphine, codeine, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, naloxone, buprenorphine, norfentanyl, and fentanyl in urine samples. However, its performance was suboptimal for norbuprenorphine, morphine and oxycodone. CONCLUSION: In this proof-of-concept study, DART-MS/MS is evaluated for its rapid quantitative definitive testing of opioids drugs in urine. Further research is needed to expand its application to other areas of drug testing.


Subject(s)
Analgesics, Opioid , Tandem Mass Spectrometry , Humans , Tandem Mass Spectrometry/methods , Analgesics, Opioid/urine , Chromatography, Liquid/methods , Time Factors
3.
J Child Adolesc Trauma ; 17(3): 767-776, 2024 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39309333

ABSTRACT

Independent migration of children and adolescents is becoming a political and social issue in recent years. Literature documents that the migration process of young people without an adult referent entail serious psychological problems. Moreover, the lack of coherence in the assessment and care processes aggravates the damage suffered by minors, which requires a greater investment of institutional resources. The aim of this research is to describe the development and provide psychometric properties of Adolescent and Children Risk of Abuse and Maltreatment Unaccompanied Scale (ACRAM-US), a 9-items scale for the assessment of risks factors of child abuse and neglect in the specific population of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and adolescents. Structural validity, reliability and convergent-related validity were studied for this measure in a sample of 128 unaccompanied children and adolescents. The sample included cases of 14 different nationalities. Children's mean age was 16.94 (SD = 1.84), and 96.9% were male and 3.1% were female. Cases were informed by child welfare workers from different protective services in the XXXX Community (XXXX). The results of Exploratory Factor Analyses (EFA) indicate performance better solution with 2-dimensions which was also in line with theoretical formulation (χ 2 = 31.55, df = 19, p = .035, CFI = 0.991, SRMR = 0.081, RMSEA = 0.072, [90% CI: 0.019 - 0.115]). Results of convergent validity showed significant correlation with the Children Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF). Therefore, this study provides data of the first scale that assess risks factors of maltreatment for the unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and adolescents.

4.
J Child Adolesc Trauma ; 17(3): 735-749, 2024 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39309332

ABSTRACT

This repeated-measures study examined the effects of a hybrid of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) with other therapeutic approaches at a community-based clinic in Perth Western Australia among a sample of children and young people overwhelmingly experiencing multiple forms of maltreatment and with complex family situations (i.e., family and domestic violence, parental mental health, parental substance abuse). Drawing on 1713 individual client records from between 2017 and 2020, the researchers identified 113 children and young people with viable pre-post treatment assessments including 78 on the TSCC, 36 on the TSCYC, and 12 on the CBCL. Significant improvements on most clinical scales were identified on the TSCC and TSCYC. Sub-analysis of the TSCC results found no differences across gender, age, care status, therapy funding source, and the presence of sexual abuse in the rate of improvement on trauma symptoms. Overall, the study highlights that integrating different therapy approaches for populations with multiple and complex trauma symptoms accessing community-based services can be useful for supporting the delivery of TF-CBT for difficult to treat populations.

5.
J Child Adolesc Trauma ; 17(3): 887-898, 2024 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39309339

ABSTRACT

The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF) is a widely used and standardized questionnaire designed to assess five types of childhood abuse. Despite the fact that the CTQ-SF demonstrates good validity and reliability, its internal structure presents some limitations and its original 28-item five-factor model has been contested. The present study assesses the reliability and the factor structure of a French version of the CTQ-SF for an alternative 25-item model and a bifactorial model, using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Participants were French-speaking females from two independent samples (N = 1903, N = 690). They completed an online sociodemographic questionnaire and the online version of the CTQ-SF. The new model proposed in this article demonstrated excellent fit indices in two independent samples. Our results support the fit of a bifactorial 25-item model, suggesting the presence of a general factor of intrafamilial maltreatment, from which only sexual abuse would be separated. Furthermore, the results support the fit of a solution with seven factors. This research proposes alternative models that address the limitations pinpointed by previous international studies and demonstrate good fit indices. Moreover, these findings provide support for the validity of a French version of the CTQ-SF. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40653-024-00612-x.

6.
J Educ Health Promot ; 13: 255, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39310009

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: World Health Organization suggests that different societies should investigate the causes of abuse in their culture. AIMS: This study was conducted to investigate the risk factors of elder abuse in Iran using an ecological approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a qualitative study, and the participants were older adults and caregivers. The data were collected using 66 interviews. Analysis of data was simultaneously performed with data collection, using MAXQDA 10, and results were reported based on Elo's recommendation. RESULTS: Five main categories of data analysis were obtained based on Bronfenbrenner's model: exo-system: conflict of care with caregivers' jobs, meso-system: failure to meet expectations of support systems, macro-system: social culture, socioeconomic structure, status of enactment, and implementation of legal and financial laws. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed risk factors of elder abuse in the sociocultural context of Iran, and its results can be used for health promotion interventions.

7.
Cureus ; 16(8): e67435, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39310584

ABSTRACT

Inhaled amyl nitrites, once used to alleviate chest pain, are more commonly now being used for their euphoric effects. The recreational use of inhaled nitrites can lead to methemoglobinemia, a life-threatening condition that hinders the utilization of oxygen in the body. In 2021, 2.2 million people aged 12 or older used inhalants in the past year. Methemoglobinemia has favorable outcomes with treatment. We present the case of a 43-year-old man, with a medical history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension presenting with bluish discoloration of the fingers that progressed to his tongue and lips. He disclosed using a recreational inhalant called "Rush" before coming in. Vital signs showed low oxygen saturation on room air, and further investigation revealed elevated methemoglobin levels on the venous blood gas. Methylene blue was used for treatment, with complete resolution of the patient's symptoms and the only side effect of green urine. The patient was later discharged home in a stable condition. History taking is a crucial part of managing methemoglobinemia, as presentation to the clinical setting could vary. Our case presents the milder version of the disease with quick complete recovery after appropriate treatment. It demonstrates inhalant abuse in a less common age group. The case also demonstrates a common side effect of methylene blue that is often forgotten.

8.
Mol Neurobiol ; 2024 Sep 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39313656

ABSTRACT

The abuse of synthetic steroids, such as nandrolone decanoate (ND), is often associated with violent behavior, increasing the risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI). After a TBI, proteins like APP, ß-amyloid peptide-42 (Aß42), and phosphorylated tau (pTau) accumulate and trigger endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress associated with an unfolded protein response (UPR). The involvement of mitochondrial bioenergetics in this context remains unexplored. We interrogate whether the abuse of ND before TBI alters the responses of ER stress and mitochondrial bioenergetics in connection with neurodegeneration and memory processing in mice. Male CF1 adult mice were administered ND (15 mg/kg) or vehicle (VEH) s.c. for 19 days, coinciding with the peak day of aggressive behavior, and then underwent cortical controlled impact (CCI) or sham surgery. Spatial memory was assessed through the Morris water maze task (MWM) post-TBI. In synaptosome preparations, i) we challenged mitochondrial complexes (I, II, and V) in a respirometry assay, employing metabolic substrates, an uncoupler, and inhibitors; and ii) assessed molecular biomarkers through Western blot. TBI significantly increased APP, Aß42, and pTauSer396 levels, along with ER-stress proteins, GRP78, ATF6, and CHOP, implying it primed apoptotic signaling. Concurrently, TBI reduced mitochondrial Ca2+ efflux in exchange with Na+, disturbed the formation/dissipation of membrane potential, increased H2O2 production, decreased biogenesis (PGC-1⍺ and TOM20), and ATP biosynthesis coupled with oxygen consumption. Unexpectedly, ND abuse before TBI attenuated the elevations in APP, Aß42, and pTauSer396, accompanied by a decrease in GRP78, ATF6, and CHOP levels, and partial normalization of mitochondrial-related endpoints. A principal component analysis revealed a key hierarchical signature featuring mitochondrial Ca2+ efflux, CHOP, GRP78, TOM20, H2O2, and bioenergetic efficiency as a unique variable (PC1) able to explain the memory deficits caused by TBI, as well as the preservation of memory fitness induced by prior ND abuse.

9.
J Interpers Violence ; : 8862605241280084, 2024 Sep 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39313938

ABSTRACT

This qualitative descriptive analysis examines 33 cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women aged 50 years and older. The cases encompassed single murders, multiple murders, and mass stabbing events. The study found that the offender was known and/or identified in the majority of cases, with a significant portion resulting in guilty pleas or jury convictions. However, a notable portion of cases remained unsolved or ended with the offender's suicide. Alcohol and/or illicit substance abuse was prevalent; known substance abuse history was identified in victim and/or offender for nearly 70% of cases. Most murders occurred off tribal land and were perpetrated by men, typically younger than their victims, with some form of relationship to them. Themes for the resolved cases varied, including familial violence, sexual violence, and financial gain. The findings underscore the need for intervention strategies such as addressing substance abuse in adolescence, intervening early in relationship conflicts, training law enforcement in elder sexual homicide investigations, and providing clinical care for mental illness in cases involving family and partners. Additionally, the study highlights the necessity for a national database to track homicides involving elder Indigenous women, facilitating more effective prevention and response efforts.

10.
J Agromedicine ; : 1-9, 2024 Sep 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39314086

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Migrant farmworkers are at an increased risk of experiencing high levels of stress, depression, anxiety, and problematic substance use. Farmworker behavioral health is a predominant concern for agricultural health and safety efforts. While substance use has been found to be a visible part of the work environment among farming populations, there is scarce information about how farmworkers who are exposed to substance use at work are impacted. METHODS: This exploratory assessment investigated the association between substance use exposure at work and migrant farmworkers' (N = 58) symptoms of depression, anxiety, and coping strategies used. Univariate, bivariate, and regression analyses were conducted to examine data from a survey administered to migrant farmworkers in Southern California's Riverside and Imperial Valley counties. RESULTS: Exposure to substance use at work was significantly associated with farmworkers reporting more severe symptoms of anxiety (p = .018). We also found that anxiety among farmworkers was significantly related to their experiences of sexual harassment (p = .026), being called names or insulted (p = .05), feeling unsafe (p = .005), having an increased work burden (p = .001), and caring for a colleague (p = .001). Furthermore, as exposure to substance use at work increased, farmworkers reported more severe symptoms of depression (F (1,45) = 7.90, p = .007) and anxiety (F (1,45) = 16.743, p = .001). To cope, the farmworkers in our sample reported using emotion-focused coping strategies most often. CONCLUSIONS: Substance use exposure at work can affect migrant farmworker health and safety. Addressing and supporting the behavioral health of the entire farming community is warranted.

11.
J Appl Gerontol ; : 7334648241271903, 2024 Sep 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39316826

ABSTRACT

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is linked to substance use and lower antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. However, studies examining the mediational role of substance use between CSA and ART adherence are lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the potential mediational role of substance use between CSA and ART adherence among older adults living with HIV (OALH) (n = 91). Mediation analyses assessed the direct and indirect relationships between CSA, substance use, and ART adherence. Statistically significant differences existed in substance use by gender (male vs. female: 12.3 vs. 9.97) and ART adherence by race (Black vs. White: 98.2% vs. 99.6%) and employment. CSA was associated with ART adherence (ß = -3.27, p < .001) and substance use (ß = 2.14, p = .035), but substance use was not associated with ART adherence, and did not mediate the pathway between CSA and ART adherence in the adjusted model. Trauma-informed interventions may lower substance use among OALH with CSA.

12.
Child Abuse Negl ; 157: 107046, 2024 Sep 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39316848

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A critical step in improving the response to and monitoring of online child sexual exploitation and abuse (OCSEA) is the need to standardize the data that are collected, stored, and analyzed that effectively measure change in the frequency, nature and risk of OCSEA over time. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the content analysis was to investigate the metrics used by online content-sharing platforms in their efforts to combat OCSEA. METHODS: A content analysis was undertaken on 19 online content-sharing services' transparency reports on their metrics related to OCSEA. RESULTS: From the 19 transparency reports, 132 data points in relation to OCSEA were identified with 22 distinct metrics on OCSEA. Findings revealed a disparity of appropriate metrics and reporting mechanisms employed, particularly, there is a lack of standardized approaches to metrics reporting and an absence of time related measures. Furthermore, very few online content-sharing services disclosed metadata on the data reported and its capture methodology. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the critical need for standardized metrics reporting to enable comparability across services. Without such an evidence base, there are no objective measures to assess the progress and effectiveness in addressing OCSEA.

13.
Intellect Dev Disabil ; 62(5): 363-375, 2024 Oct 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39317371

ABSTRACT

Violence prevention approaches using social-ecological models inform interventions for people with intellectual disability, who often face barriers to accessing generalist courses. This study explores the experiences of healthcare professionals leading a prevention course specifically designed for adults with intellectual disability. Through semistructured interviews, 12 Norwegian course leaders highlighted the importance of raising awareness and comprehension about rights, and the social and individual factors influencing experiences of violence and its prevention. Challenges were encountered in tailoring the course to the diverse lived experiences of participants with disabilities and addressing ongoing support needs for their safety. The study suggests that adopting a pedagogical or didactic model could serve as a foundation to enhance the planning and delivery of the course.


Subject(s)
Empowerment , Health Personnel , Intellectual Disability , Violence , Humans , Adult , Violence/prevention & control , Male , Norway , Female , Middle Aged , Qualitative Research
14.
BMJ Paediatr Open ; 8(1)2024 Sep 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39317653

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To describe the demographics and clinical outcomes of infants with brief resolved unexplained events (BRUE). DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTING: 11 centres within the Canadian Paediatric Inpatient Research Network. PATIENTS: Patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) following a BRUE (2017-2021) were eligible, when no clinical cause identified after a thorough history and physical examination. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Serious underlying diagnosis (requiring prompt identification) and event recurrence (within 90 days). RESULTS: Of 1042 eligible patients, 665 were hospitalised (63.8%), with a median stay of 1.73 days. Diagnostic tests were performed on 855 patients (82.1%), and 440 (42.2%) received specialist consultations. In total, 977 patients (93.8%) were categorised as higher risk BRUE per the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. Most patients (n=551, 52.9%) lacked an explanatory diagnosis; however, serious underlying diagnoses were identified in 7.6% (n=79). Epilepsy/infantile spasms were the most common serious underlying diagnoses (2.0%, n=21). Gastro-oesophageal reflux was the most common non-serious underlying diagnosis identified in 268 otherwise healthy and thriving infants (25.7%). No instances of invasive bacterial infections, arrhythmias or metabolic disorders were found. Recurrent events were observed in 113 patients (10.8%) during the index visit, and 65 patients had a return to ED visit related to a recurrent event (6.2%). One death occurred within 90 days. CONCLUSIONS: There is a low risk for a serious underlying diagnosis, where the majority of patients remain without a clear explanation. This study provides evidence-based risk for adverse outcomes, critical information to be used when engaging in shared decision-making with caregivers.


Subject(s)
Brief, Resolved, Unexplained Event , Emergency Service, Hospital , Humans , Female , Male , Canada/epidemiology , Infant , Retrospective Studies , Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data , Brief, Resolved, Unexplained Event/diagnosis , Recurrence , Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data , Gastroesophageal Reflux/diagnosis , Gastroesophageal Reflux/epidemiology
15.
Stud Health Technol Inform ; 318: 108-113, 2024 Sep 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39320190

ABSTRACT

An innovative chatbot incorporates a drawing tool allowing users to draw pictures that symbolise the nature of their chronic pain. Rather than simply ask 'What did you draw?" what if the chatbot could engage the user to provide insight into symbols and images related to pain and suffering? The system was tested on images that included features of clinical interest in a first step toward a chatbot able to 'see' and discuss visual input. Such a chatbot has the potential for retrospective and prospective applications. *Contains childhood sexual abuse references.


Subject(s)
Artificial Intelligence , Humans , Chronic Pain , User-Computer Interface , Art Therapy , Art
16.
Isr J Health Policy Res ; 13(1): 53, 2024 Sep 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39334503

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Home care provides an excellent opportunity for personalizing treatment as nurses see patients in their natural environment. Along with its many advantages, the home care environment carries unique risks, as nurses are usually alone, without the protection and security provided by primary care clinics. There are no accurate data in Israel on the scope and characteristics of client violence against nurses during home visits. We conducted a qualitative study to investigate the nature of client violence faced by Israeli nurses during home visits, to gain insights into their perceptions and experiences, and to contribute to the development of effective policies and strategies to combat client violence in the healthcare sector. METHODS: Twenty-seven female nurses from primary care clinics, who were exposed to client violence during a home visit, were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed, and categories and themes were extracted. RESULTS: Most nurses interviewed experienced at least three incidents of client violence, the most common of which was verbal abuse. The nurses perceived that the location of the encounter between the nurse and the patient in the patient's natural surroundings, rather than within the controlled boundaries of a clinic, contributes to the risk of violence. Violence affected the nurses' professional decisions. The nurses reported that their organization had no established guidelines or instructions for safely conducting home visits, they were not provided with protective or security measures for emergencies, nor did they perceive that they had sufficient training to deal with client violence in clients' homes. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses encounter a range of challenges that make it difficult for them to deal with client violence during home visits, affecting their personal safety and professional decisions. Their ability to manage such situations is shaped by a complex interplay of personal and organizational factors and requires a range of strategies and resources to effectively address them.


Subject(s)
House Calls , Nurses , Qualitative Research , Humans , Israel , Female , Adult , Nurses/psychology , Nurses/statistics & numerical data , Middle Aged , Interviews as Topic/methods , Violence/psychology , Violence/prevention & control , Violence/statistics & numerical data , Attitude of Health Personnel , Nurse-Patient Relations
17.
Children (Basel) ; 11(9)2024 Sep 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39334618

ABSTRACT

Adolescence, a critical period of physical and psychological development, presents unique challenges in type 1 diabetes (T1D) management due to endocrinological changes, reduced therapeutic adherence, and elevated susceptibility to psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. This narrative review explores the impact of psychological and behavioral factors on glycemic control in adolescents with T1D. We examine the prevalence and influence of mental health disorders, lifestyle factors, harmful behaviors, and social dynamics on diabetes management and glycemic outcomes. Strategies for improving metabolic control are also reviewed, including cognitive behavioral therapy, technological devices, and educational interventions. The importance of tailored psychological support, family involvement, and targeted interventions to improve adherence to treatment and glycemic control in adolescents with T1D should be emphasized.

18.
Children (Basel) ; 11(9)2024 Sep 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39334633

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The current study compared Self-Figure drawings from Thai and Indian adolescents to assess the cross-cultural applicability of a child abuse assessment tool. The research aims to understand the extent to which distinctions or similarities arise in Self-Figure drawings among adolescents from two culturally similar yet distinct backgrounds characterized by differences in religious affiliations, socioeconomic contexts, and political environments. METHODS: Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study utilized quantitative measures, including the Traumatic Events Checklist (TEQ-5) and Medical Somatic Dissociation Questionnaire (MSDQ), alongside a qualitative analysis of Self-Figure drawings. Ethical approval was obtained with waived informed consent, and a convenience sample of 386 adolescents aged 13-18 years (193 from Thailand [M = 14.8, SD = 1.73; 135 females (69.9%) and 58 males (30.1%)], and 193 from India [M = 15.2, SD = 1.64; 135 females (69.9%) and 58 males (30.1%)]), who reported experiencing child abuse, participated in the study by completing questionnaires and drawing themselves. RESULTS: The analysis revealed that Thai adolescents had higher MSDQ scores, while Indian adolescents exhibited more prominent pictorial indicators. Indian participants reported experiencing a broader range of event types, whereas Thai adolescents predominantly depicted verbal or emotional abuse. Variations in pictorial indicators were found significant, except for hair, cheek or chin, omitted legs or feet, and omitted eyes. CONCLUSIONS: These findings contribute to the understanding of how cultural factors influence adolescents' self-representations through drawing. The differences in pictorial indicators highlight the nuanced variations within similar cultures, emphasizing the cultural specificity of self-expression.

19.
Children (Basel) ; 11(9)2024 Sep 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39334635

ABSTRACT

The phenomenon of child abuse/maltreatment is underestimated and often represents a difficult challenge for healthcare professionals and forensic pathologists who must proceed with the differential diagnosis with accidental or self-induced events, or with lesions due to pathologies that overlap with that of mistreatment, defined as "Mimics". This study presents a case series with the aim of discussing lesions that may mimic signs of physical abuse in children but are due to a different etiology to raise awareness and train healthcare professionals and forensic pathologists on possible confounding factors in order to avoid diagnostic errors. Six cases of "Mimics" out of 418 cases of suspected mistreatment (1.43% of cases) were identified, presenting skin lesions initially classified as injuries of abuse due to their location and type and, in particular, sexual abuse for three cases. Then, the lesions and the subjects, in particular the anamnestic history, were examined by a multidisciplinary team and the diagnosis of genital lichen sclerosus et atrophicus in three cases, and the results of popular healing techniques (i.e., "cupping") in the other three cases were ascertained. These situations require specific skills and a forensic background from healthcare professionals to conduct a correct differential diagnosis and the intervention of a multidisciplinary team to investigate every possible pathology or alternative therapeutic practice that could simulate child abuse. In particular, when "mimics" are due to alternative medicine, it should not strictly be considered child abuse, but professionals must be aware of the hypothesis of mistreatment in case of non-medical indication or potential personal injuries from other crimes, such as illegal practice of the medicine. This awareness is also crucial to direct the child toward appropriate medical care, and it is essential to recognize that these conditions can coexist within the same clinical presentation.

20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39338103

ABSTRACT

At-risk older adults and older survivors of sexual violence (SV) remain largely absent from SV prevention and intervention, owing to ageism and sexism, as well as other intersectional forms of prejudice, including among service providers (e.g., social workers, healthcare professionals, practitioners in SV organizations, and practitioners who serve older adults). This study explored perceptions, knowledge and experiences with SV against adults 50 years and older. Service providers who work with older adults and/or survivors were recruited, owing to where SV in later life is reported (e.g., healthcare, long-term care, and social service organizations, and to police in addition to SV service organizations), to contribute to the limited research in this area and to advance prevention and intervention. A survey was conducted on SV in later life, exploring knowledge, perceptions and experiences with SV in later life along with potential solutions for prevention and intervention among 126 service providers who worked with survivors and/or older adults. Their responses were thematically analyzed. Five themes were identified: (a) misconceptions of SV in later life and unique barriers to preventing it; (b) needs for knowledge, awareness, research and education; (c) policy and resource development; (d) victim blame and internalized stigma, and (e) ageism, intersectional prejudice and rape culture. The findings offer an in-depth understanding of barriers to prevention, and intervention, and multi-level recommendations for addressing them, which are provided by a diverse group of service providers who have worked with older adults and/or with survivors, reflecting multidisciplinary practice wisdom and experience.


Subject(s)
Health Personnel , Sex Offenses , Humans , Middle Aged , Female , Male , Sex Offenses/psychology , Aged , Health Personnel/psychology , Ageism/psychology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Survivors/psychology
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