Profiles of executive functions in middle childhood and prediction of later self-regulation.

Most research on the development of executive functions (EF) has applied variable-oriented approaches, neglecting the potential inter- and intraindividual interplay of these capacities. In a person-oriented approach, the present study identified varying profiles of performance for three cool EF facets: inhibition, working-memory updating, and cognitive flexibility, as well as two hot EF facets: affective decision-making and delay of gratification, in a community sample of 1,657 children (T1; age: 6-11 years, M = 8.36 years, 52.1% female) via latent profile analysis. The best-fitting model allowed for partial dependence across the three cool EF and included four profiles: all-average (69.4% of the children), low-delay (19.0%), regulated-decision-making (7.0%), and low-inhibition (4.6%). Age, binary sex, socio-economic status, multilingualism, and processing speed were identified as significant characteristics of EF profile membership. Longitudinally, a higher probability of belonging to the low-inhibition profile predicted lower rates of the self-regulatory outcome of inhibitory control 1 year later, while belonging to the regulated-decision-making profile predicted lower rates of the ability to plan and organize 3 years later. These results not only demonstrate the existence of subgroups with different concurrent within-person expressions of EF performance, but also identify related characteristics and longitudinal outcomes of subgroup membership. In turn, these conclusions stress the importance of person-oriented research to inform on differing weaknesses or strengths in EF performance for varying individuals, thereby providing valuable insight for educational and clinical research into the design of effective personalized support or interventions during middle childhood.

Seropositivity and flight-associated risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection among asylum seekers arriving in Berlin, Germany - a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Refugees and asylum seekers might be at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to precarious living conditions during flight. Methods: Between March 24th and June 15th 2021, we conducted a cross-sectional study among adult asylum seekers arriving in Berlin. Each participant was tested for acute SARS-CoV-2 infection with a nasopharyngeal swab using reverse transcriptase PCR (rt-PCR), and for anti-SARS-CoV-2-S1 IgG antibodies using ELISA. Seropositivity, antibody avidity, and data on flight history were used to categorize individuals into two groups according to the estimated time of infection before or during flight. Sociodemographic characteristics, COVID-19 related symptoms, hygiene behaviors, and living conditions during transit were assessed using two self-report questionnaires. Results: Among 1041 participants (34·5% female, mean age 32·6 years), most frequently reported countries of origin were Moldova (20·5%), Georgia (18·9%), Syria (13·0%), Afghanistan (11·3%), and Vietnam (9·1%). Seropositivity rate was 25·1% and incidence rate of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection was 2·8%. A higher likelihood for seropositivity was observed in women (OR [95%CI]=1·64 [1·05-2·57]) but reduced by frequent hygiene behaviors (OR [95%CI]=0·75 [0·59-0·96]) or traveling by plane (OR [95%CI]=0·58 [0·35-0·96]). Other associated factors were lower educational level, accommodation in refugee shelters, traveling with children or by foot, and COVID-19 information seeking. Conclusion: Flight-associated risk factors such as accommodation in a refugee shelter and poor hygiene behaviors are associated with an elevated risk of infection, which should be addressed by public health interventions. Clinical trial registration: [https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN17401860], identifier [17401860].

[Association between substance use and coercive measures on psychiatric wards]. / Zusammenhang zwischen Substanzkonsum und Zwangsmaßnahmen auf psychiatrischen Stationen.

OBJECTIVE: The intention to minimize coercive measures requires a comprehensive understanding of the influencing factors. The aim of the present work was to examine the association between substance use and the use of coercive measures. METHODS: All coercive measures carried out on acute psychiatric wards of the Charité Campus Mitte in 2019 were examined, with a particular focus on the association with substance use disorders. RESULTS: In 106 cases (92 patients) out of a total of 1232 cases (1131 patients), coercive measures were used, mainly admissions according to PsychKG (94) and BGB (21), more rarely isolation (23) or mechanical restraint (18). Acute intoxication was present in approximately one third of cases with coercive measures and a history of substance use disorder in two thirds, most often with alcohol and/or cannabis. In contrast, 9% of 1232 treatment cases presented with acute intoxication and 36% with substance use disorders in general. CONCLUSION: The present work delivers empirical data confirming the clinically known association between intoxication and the use of coercive measures.