Influence of family strength on life satisfaction of individuals who have a sibling with disability: Mediating effect of disability acceptance.

This descriptive correlational study was conducted to examine the mediating effect of disability acceptance on the relationship between family strength and life satisfaction in individuals who have a sibling with a disability. The responses of 144 non-disabled siblings of persons with a disability were analyzed using panel data from the Korea Institute for Persons with Disabilities, and a regression analysis was performed. Family strength and acceptance of disabilities significantly affected the life satisfaction of siblings without disability. Regarding the effect of family strength on life satisfaction, acceptance of a sibling's disability by siblings without disability had a significant mediating effect. Our results suggest that strategies to enhance the acceptance of disabilities and promote family strength are necessary to improve the life satisfaction of individuals without disability as well as their siblings with disabilities. Family-centered interventions are warranted to promote positive acceptance of disabilities.

"I Never Said Anything. I Didn't Tell Anyone. What Would I Tell?" Adults' Perspectives on Disclosing Childhood Sibling Sexual Behavior and Abuse in the Orthodox Jewish Communities.

Sibling sexual harmful dynamics (SSHD) is a term used, in this study, to refer to childhood sexual behaviors that are inconsistent with age-appropriate curiosity, including sibling sexual abuse (SSA). Although SSA is a prevalent and long-lasting form of intrafamilial sexual abuse, it is the least reported, studied, and treated. This study aims to deepen the understanding of the disclosure process of this phenomenon in the Israeli Orthodox Jewish society, as perceived by those involved. Participants were adults from the Orthodox communities in Israel who experienced sexual interactions/abuse with one or more of their siblings. This qualitative constructivist-grounded theory study was based on semi-structured interviews with 24 adults from the Israeli Orthodox Jewish communities. Seven barriers to disclosure were identified and organized into three main categories: intrapersonal, including denial of the acts, guilt, and shame; interpersonal, including the sibling relationship and perceiving the sexual acts as routine; and cultural, including lack of sexual knowledge, the concept of modesty, and marriage prospects. In addition, we highlight the intersectionality between the different contexts of the SSHD. This study explored the barriers to disclosing SSHD in the siblings' context and the context of the Jewish Orthodox communities. The findings contribute to understanding the unique aspects of the disclosure, as expressed in religious and cultural contexts, the sibling context, and their intersectionality. Cultural and religious sensitivity is crucial for practitioners, especially as issues of sexuality and sexual understanding stem from the related norms and values.

"I don't fit into any category": Adult perspectives on the dynamics of past sexual acts between siblings in Jewish Orthodox society.

BACKGROUND: 'Harmful sexual sibling behavior' is a term used in this study to refer to childhood sexual behaviors, including abuse (SSA), that are inconsistent with the category of age-appropriate curiosity. Although SSA may be the most prevalent and longest-lasting form of intrafamilial sexual abuse, it is the least reported, studied, and treated. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to deepen our understanding of the sexual characteristics and dynamics of such behavior, as perceived by those involved. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Twenty adults from the Orthodox community in Israel, who experienced sexual interactions with one or more of their siblings, were recruited as participants. METHODS: This qualitative, constructivist, grounded-theory study was based on semi-structured interviews with 20 adults. RESULTS: Four types of sexual dynamics were revealed: an "abusive dynamic," "mutual relations," "sexual routine," and "incidental," with the latter stemming from a new understanding that deepens our knowledge of the subject. The participants discussed the broad, long-term consequences and life-long psychological implications of each dynamic and the coexistence of these dynamics. The results also reveal two cultural dimensions of the participants' perception of the sexual acts: "lack of sexual knowledge" and "the perception that all religious prohibitions are of equal severity." CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the importance of adapting interventions to the siblings' perceptions and avoiding treatment that exacerbates their complex situation. We employ the concepts of dynamics and dimension in describing the phenomenon rather than continuum. The study also highlights the importance of understanding relevant religious-cultural factors.

Hallazgos tempranos y tardíos en la resonancia cerebral de dos hermanos con síndrome de Hunter / Early and late brain resonance findings of two siblings with Hunter syndrome

Introducción: La mucopolisacaridosis de tipo II (MPS II) es una enfermedad lisosómica causada por deficiencia de la enzima iduronato-2-sulfatasa, ligada al cromosoma X, y produce un gran espectro de manifestaciones clínicas. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso clínico de dos hermanos con MPS II de diferente origen paterno con la misma mutación genética; la edad en el momento del diagnóstico fue de 5 años (caso 1) y de 8 meses (caso 2). Dichos hermanos presentan hallazgos diferentes en la resonancia magnética cerebral entre sí: el caso 1 presentó hallazgos clásicos para la edad, y el caso 2 presentó múltiples hallazgos tempranos, como espacios perivasculares dilatados de hasta 9,5 mm y megacisterna magna, entre otros, sin presentar manifestaciones neurológicas. Conclusiones: La afectación cerebral del paciente del caso 2 se presentó antes del año de edad y previa a la hepatoesplenomegalia. La resonancia magnética se convierte en una herramienta de diagnóstico temprano para la MPS II.(AU)

Introduction: Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) is a lysosomal disease caused by deficiency of the enzyme iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS), linked to the X chromosome, producing a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. Case report: We present the case of two siblings with MPS II of different paternal origin with the same genetic mutation; the age at the time of diagnosis was 5 years of age (case 1) and 8 months of age (case 2). These brethren present different findings in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with each other, case 1 presented classic findings for age, case 2 presented multiple early findings, such as dilated perivascular spaces up to 9.5 mm, magna megacisterna, among others; without neurological manifestations. Conclusion: This patient’s brain compromise was presented before the year of age and prior to hepatosplenomegaly, thus, MRI becomes an early diagnostic tool for MPS II.(AU)

A Pilot Study of Younger Sibling Adaptation: Contributions of Individual Variables, Daily Stress, Interparental Conflict and Older Sibling's Variables.

Older siblings are powerful socialization agents, playing a significant role in the sociocognitive, social, and emotional development of their younger siblings. However, there are few clues about the variables that explain younger sibling's adaptation. The objective of this pilot study was to identify the determinants of younger siblings' adaptation and to analyze the role played by personal, sibling, family and older siblings' variables using 50 dyads of siblings aged between 7 and 18 years. The variables considered were the sibling relationships and the maladaptation of older siblings, and individual (sex, number of siblings, extroversion, and agreeableness) and contextual variables (interparental conflict, daily stress) were controlled. Hierarchical multiple regressions provided evidence in favor of the model that analyzed the younger siblings' maladaptation to school, showing positive associations both with the older siblings' level of school maladaptation and with sibling conflict. In addition, the study highlighted the relevance of the trait of agreeableness and of family stress in the adaptation of younger siblings.

Calidad de vida de los hermanos de pacientes con enfermedad crónica / Quality of life among siblings of patients with chronic conditions

Introducción. La calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) es una medida de resultado de salud. Evalúa el impacto subjetivo y global de las enfermedades en la vida cotidiana. Brinda información multidimensional sobre el bienestar físico, relación familiar y sus pares. Los estudios de CVRS de hermanos son limitados.Objetivo. Comparar CVRS de los hermanos de pacientes pediátricos con patologías reumáticas crónicas, trasplante renal o hepático con la de niños sanos con hermanos sin enfermedades crónicas.Resultados. Se compararon hermanos de niños con trasplante renal (n: 65), trasplante hepático (n: 35) y patologías reumáticas crónicas (n: 36) con el grupo control de niños sanos (n: 51). El grupo total de hermanos tuvieron puntuación más baja, estadísticamente significativa, en las dimensiones bienestar físico, amigos-apoyo social y recursos económicos. Los hermanos de trasplante renal tuvieron baja puntuación en las dimensiones de bienestar físico (p < 0,02; tamaño del efecto ­TE­: 0,66) y recursos económicos (p < 0,01; TE: 0,66). Los hermanos de trasplante hepático percibieron menor bienestar físico (p = 0,04), tenían menos amigos y apoyo social (p < 0,01), dificultades en el entorno escolar (p < 0,02) y recursos económicos (p < 0,01). Los hermanos de patologías reumáticas crónicas tuvieron menor bienestar físico (p < 0,05; TE: 0,44) y apoyo social-amigos (p < 0,01; TE: 0,58).Conclusión. La CVRS de niños/as sanos de hermanos con patologías crónicas es menor en bienestar físico, amigos-apoyo social y recursos económicos comparada con el grupo de niños sanos.

Introduction. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a measure of health outcomes. It assesses the subjective and overall impact of diseases on daily life. It also provides multidimensional data about physical well-being, family and peers relations. HRQoL studies on siblings are limited.Objective. To compare HRQoL among siblings of pediatric patients with chronic rheumatic diseases, kidney or liver transplant and healthy children whose siblings had no chronic conditions.Results. The siblings of children with kidney transplant (n: 65), liver transplant (n: 35), and chronic rheumatic diseases (n: 36) were compared to the healthy children group (n: 51). The total siblings group had a lower, statistically significant score in the physical well-being, social support and peers, and financial resources dimensions. The siblings of kidney transplant patients had a low score in the physical well-being (p < 0.02; effect size [ES]: 0.66) and financial resources (p < 0.01; ES: 0.66) dimensions. The siblings of liver transplant patients perceived a lower physical well-being (p = 0.04), less social support and peers(p < 0.01), and difficulties in relation to school environment (p < 0.02) and financial resources (p < 0.01). The siblings of those with chronic rheumatic diseases had a lower score in the physical well-being (p < 0.05; ES: 0.44) and social support and peers (p < 0.01; ES: 0.58) dimensions.Conclusion. HRQoL among healthy children whose siblings have a chronic disease was lower in the physical well-being, social support and peers, and financial resources dimensions compared to the healthy children group.

Quality of life among siblings of patients with chronic conditions. / Calidad de vida de los hermanos de pacientes con enfermedad crónica.

INTRODUCTION: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a measure of health outcomes. It assesses the subjective and overall impact of diseases on daily life. It also provides multidimensional data about physical wellbeing, family and peers relations. HRQoL studies on siblings are limited. OBJECTIVE: To compare HRQoL among siblings of pediatric patients with chronic rheumatic diseases, kidney or liver transplant and healthy children whose siblings had no chronic conditions. RESULTS: The siblings of children with kidney transplant (n: 65), liver transplant (n: 35), and chronic rheumatic diseases (n: 36) were compared to the healthy children group (n: 51). The total siblings group had a lower, statistically significant score in the physical well-being, social support and peers, and financial resources dimensions. The siblings of kidney transplant patients had a low score in the physical wellbeing (p < 0.02; effect size [ES]: 0.66) andfinancial resources (p < 0.01; ES: 0.66) dimensions. The siblings of liver transplant patients perceived a lower physical well-being (p = 0.04), less social support and peers (p < 0.01), and difficulties in relation to school environment (p < 0.02) and financial resources (p <0.01). The siblings of those with chronic rheumatic diseases had a lower score in the physical well-being (p < 0.05; ES: 0.44) and social support and peers (p <0.01; ES: 0.58) dimensions. CONCLUSION: HRQoL among healthy children whose siblings have a chronic disease was lower in the physical well-being, social support and peers, and financial resources dimensions compared to the healthy children group.

Introducción. La calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) es una medida de resultado de salud. Evalúa el impacto subjetivo y global de las enfermedades en la vida cotidiana. Brinda información multidimensional sobre el bienestar físico, relación familiar y sus pares. Los estudios de CVRS de hermanos son limitados. Objetivo. Comparar CVRS de los hermanos de pacientes pediátricos con patologías reumáticas crónicas, trasplante renal o hepático con la de niños sanos con hermanos sin enfermedades crónicas. Resultados. Se compararon hermanos de niños con trasplante renal (n: 65), trasplante hepático (n: 35) y patologías reumáticas crónicas (n: 36) con el grupo control de niños sanos (n: 51). El grupo total de hermanos tuvieron puntuación más baj a, estadísticamente significativa, enlas dimensiones bienestar físico, amigos-apoyo social y recursos económicos. Los hermanos de trasplante renal tuvieron baja puntuación en las dimensiones de bienestar físico (p < 0,02; tamaño del efecto -TE-: 0,66) y recursos económicos (p < 0,01; TE: 0,66). Los hermanos de trasplante hepático percibieron menor bienestar físico (p = 0,04), tenían menos amigos y apoyo social (p < 0,01), dificultades en el entorno escolar (p < 0,02) y recursos económicos (p < 0,01). Los hermanos de patologías reumáticas crónicas tuvieron menor bienestar físico (p < 0,05; TE: 0,44) y apoyo social-amigos (p < 0,01; TE: 0,58). Conclusión. La CVRS de niños/as sanos de hermanos con patologías crónicas es menor en bienestar físico, amigos-apoyo social y recursos económicos comparada con el grupo de niños sanos.

Feeling excluded and not having anyone to talk to: Qualitative study of interpersonal relationships following a cancer diagnosis in a sibling.

PURPOSE: To explore experiences related to interpersonal relationships following a cancer diagnosis in a sibling. METHODS: Respondents (n = 7 females) were recruited by means of convenience sampling during a camp for children affected by childhood cancer and their siblings. Data from children and adolescents with a sibling diagnosed with cancer was collected through individual face-to-face interviews and analyzed using systematic text condensation. RESULTS: Two categories portrayed the experiences related to interpersonal relationships following a cancer diagnosis in a sibling. Feeling excluded while wanting to maintain a relationship with their ill sibling and be involved in the care portrayed that trying to be involved in the care of their ill sibling was a stressful and difficult experience, since they were simultaneously expected to also manage household chores and attend school. Feeling stigmatized and exposed in social contexts while needing an allowing space to talk about their experiences portrayed the emotional difficulties evoked by social situations and behaviors of others, which left respondents feeling exposed and mistreated. Having the possibility to talk about their experiences and receiving social support was described as essential in order to cope with the situation. CONCLUSIONS: Health professionals need to take into consideration the emotional difficulties and vulnerable situation that children and adolescents who have a sibling diagnosed with cancer are at risk of experiencing. Stigmatization and social exposure present a risk of psychological distress. Having an allowing space to communicate feelings and experiences is desired. Interventions may be necessary to help these individuals psychologically cope.

Application of Multiple Genetic Markers in Determination of Full and Half Sibling Relationship： A Case Report.

ABSTRACT: Objective To investigate the application of the comprehensive use of multiple genetic markers in full and half sibling relationship testing through the identification of a case of suspected sibling relationship. Methods Genomic DNA were extracted from bloodstain samples from 4 subjects （ZHANG-1, ZHANG-2, male; ZHANG-3, ZHANG-4, female）. Autosomal STR loci, X-STR, Y-STR loci and polymorphisms of mtDNA HV-Ⅰ and Ⅱwere genotyped by EX20 STR kit, X19 kit, Data Y24 STR kit, and Sanger sequencing, respectively. Results According to autosomal STR based IBS scoring results, full sibling relationships were indicated among ZHANG-2, ZHANG-3 and ZHANG-4, but those were not indicated between ZHANG-1 and ZHANG-2 or ZHANG-3 or ZHANG-4. According to autosomal STR based FSI and HSI, with ITO method and discriminant function method, full sibling relationships among ZHANG-2, ZHANG-3 and ZHANG-4 were indicated, and half sibling relationships between ZHANG-1 and ZHANG-2 or ZHANG-3 or ZHANG-4 were also indicated. X-STR and mtDNA sequencing results showed that all the 4 samples came from a same maternal line, and Y-STR results showed that ZHANG-1 and ZHANG-2 did not come from a same paternal line, which supported the half sibling relationship between ZHANG-1 and ZHANG-2 or ZHANG-3 or ZHANG-4, verified by parental genotype reconstruction based on autosomal STR genotyping. Conclusion For the identification of sibling relationships, it is effective to have reliable results with the mutual verification and support of multiple genetic markers （autosomal STR, sex chromosomal STR and mtDNA sequence） and calculations （IBS, ITO, discriminant function method and family reconstruction）.

Full Sibling Testing Based on NGS-SNP Genotyping Method and IBS Strategy.

ABSTRACT: Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of single nucleotide polymorphism （SNP） genoty-ping in combination with identity by state （IBS） strategy in full sibling testing. Methods Thirty-five blood samples were collected from a four-generation family. Ninety autosomal SNPs were genotyped using Precision ID Identity Panel. The distribution of IBS scores for full siblings and other relationships were calculated and compared. The relationships were determined using Fisher discriminant function and threshold method, respectively. Results Based on family members and previous research, 44, 30, 111, 71 and 1 000 pairs of full siblings （FS）, grandparent-grandchild （GG）, uncle/aunt-nephew/niece （UN）, first cousins （FC） and unrelated individuals （UI） were obtained, respectively. The average IBS scores were 148, 130, 132, 124 and 120, respectively. Except for the GG and UN pairs, the distribution differences among the other relationships had statistical significance （P<0.05）. The false rates of Fisher discriminant function to determine relationships were 1.3%, 22.3%, 17.0% and 38.7% for FS, GG, UN and FC, respectively. Based on the simulation data, the thresholds t1=128 and t2=141 were recommended to determine full sibling relationships （the false rate ≤0.05%）. Conclusion The 90 SNP genetic markers included in the Precision ID Identity Panel meet the testing requirements for full sibling relationships. The threshold method based on IBS has a relatively lower false rate and is more flexible.

Investigating the effects of cesarean delivery and antibiotic use in early childhood on risk of later attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

BACKGROUND: Increasing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) incidence has been proposed to be caused by factors influencing microbiota in early life. We investigated the potential causality between ADHD and two surrogate markers for changes in children's microbiota: birth delivery mode and early childhood antibiotic use. METHOD: This population-based, prospective cohort study linked nationwide registers of data for native Danish singleton live births in Denmark from 1997 to 2010. Exposure variables were delivery mode and antibiotic use during the first 2 years of life. The main outcome measure was ADHD diagnosis or redeemed ADHD medication prescriptions. For statistical analysis, we used both advanced sibling models and a more traditional approach. RESULTS: We included 671,592 children, followed from their second birthday in the period 1999-2014 for 7,300,522 person-years. ADHD was diagnosed in 17,971. In total, 17.5% were born by cesarean delivery, and 72% received antibiotic treatment within their first 2 years of life. In the adjusted between-within sibling survival model, mode of delivery or antibiotics had no effect on ADHD when compared with vaginal delivery or no antibiotic treatment as hazard ratios were 1.09 (95% confidence interval 0.97-1.24) for intrapartum cesarean, 1.03 (0.91-1.16) for prelabor cesarean, 0.98 (0.90-1.07) for penicillin, and 0.99 (0.92-1.06) for broader spectrum antibiotics. In a sibling-stratified Cox regression, intrapartum cesarean was associated with increased ADHD risk, but other exposures were not. In a descriptive, nonstratified Cox model, we found increased risk for ADHD for all exposures. CONCLUSIONS: Detailed family confounder control using the superior between-within model indicates that cesarean delivery or use of antibiotics during the first 2 years of life does not increase ADHD risk. Therefore, our study suggests that changes in children's microbiota related to cesarean delivery or antibiotic use, do not cause ADHD.

Calculation of Likelihood Ratio for Identifying Half Sibling Relationship When Both Biological Mothers Participate.

ABSTRACT: Objective To derive the formulae for likelihood ratio （LR） calculation of half sibling relationships when both mothers participate. Methods Based on the fact that both biological mothers participate in the identification of half sibling relationship between the two individuals, test hypothesis for the identification of half sibling relationship was established. Conditional probability ratios of genetic evidence under null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis conditions were simplified, and then applied to a real case of half sibling relationship identification. At the same time, the LR of half sibling relationships under the assumption that only a single biological mother or none of the biological mothers participate were respectively calculated. Results In the cases of identification of half sibling relationship from same fathers, with no biological father involved, after the same genetic indicator test analysis, when both biological mothers participate in the identification, the accumulated LR value was higher than that of accumulated LR with only a single biological mother or no parents participating. Conclusion When the autosome STR test is used for the identification and analysis of half sibling relationship between two individuals, the calculation of LR is more simple, intuitive and operable with both mothers participating. The biological mothers should participate in the test as much as possible, otherwise the number of STR loci would need to be increased for a more specific conclusion.

Calculation of Likelihood Ratio for Identifying Half Sibling Relationship When Both Biological Mothers Participate / 法医学杂志

Objective To derive the formulae for likelihood ratio （LR） calculation of half sibling relationships when both mothers participate. Methods Based on the fact that both biological mothers participate in the identification of half sibling relationship between the two individuals, test hypothesis for the identification of half sibling relationship was established. Conditional probability ratios of genetic evidence under null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis conditions were simplified, and then applied to a real case of half sibling relationship identification. At the same time, the LR of half sibling relationships under the assumption that only a single biological mother or none of the biological mothers participate were respectively calculated. Results In the cases of identification of half sibling relationship from same fathers, with no biological father involved, after the same genetic indicator test analysis, when both biological mothers participate in the identification, the accumulated LR value was higher than that of accumulated LR with only a single biological mother or no parents participating. Conclusion When the autosome STR test is used for the identification and analysis of half sibling relationship between two individuals, the calculation of LR is more simple, intuitive and operable with both mothers participating. The biological mothers should participate in the test as much as possible, otherwise the number of STR loci would need to be increased for a more specific conclusion.

Application of Multiple Genetic Markers in Determination of Full and Half Sibling Relationship： A Case Report / 法医学杂志

Objective To investigate the application of the comprehensive use of multiple genetic markers in full and half sibling relationship testing through the identification of a case of suspected sibling relationship. Methods Genomic DNA were extracted from bloodstain samples from 4 subjects （ZHANG-1, ZHANG-2, male; ZHANG-3, ZHANG-4, female）. Autosomal STR loci, X-STR, Y-STR loci and polymorphisms of mtDNA HV-Ⅰ and Ⅱwere genotyped by EX20 STR kit, X19 kit, Data Y24 STR kit, and Sanger sequencing, respectively. Results According to autosomal STR based IBS scoring results, full sibling relationships were indicated among ZHANG-2, ZHANG-3 and ZHANG-4, but those were not indicated between ZHANG-1 and ZHANG-2 or ZHANG-3 or ZHANG-4. According to autosomal STR based FSI and HSI, with ITO method and discriminant function method, full sibling relationships among ZHANG-2, ZHANG-3 and ZHANG-4 were indicated, and half sibling relationships between ZHANG-1 and ZHANG-2 or ZHANG-3 or ZHANG-4 were also indicated. X-STR and mtDNA sequencing results showed that all the 4 samples came from a same maternal line, and Y-STR results showed that ZHANG-1 and ZHANG-2 did not come from a same paternal line, which supported the half sibling relationship between ZHANG-1 and ZHANG-2 or ZHANG-3 or ZHANG-4, verified by parental genotype reconstruction based on autosomal STR genotyping. Conclusion For the identification of sibling relationships, it is effective to have reliable results with the mutual verification and support of multiple genetic markers （autosomal STR, sex chromosomal STR and mtDNA sequence） and calculations （IBS, ITO, discriminant function method and family reconstruction）.

Full Sibling Testing Based on NGS-SNP Genotyping Method and IBS Strategy / 法医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of single nucleotide polymorphism （SNP） genoty-ping in combination with identity by state （IBS） strategy in full sibling testing. Methods Thirty-five blood samples were collected from a four-generation family. Ninety autosomal SNPs were genotyped using Precision ID Identity Panel. The distribution of IBS scores for full siblings and other relationships were calculated and compared. The relationships were determined using Fisher discriminant function and threshold method, respectively. Results Based on family members and previous research, 44, 30, 111, 71 and 1 000 pairs of full siblings （FS）, grandparent-grandchild （GG）, uncle/aunt-nephew/niece （UN）, first cousins （FC） and unrelated individuals （UI） were obtained, respectively. The average IBS scores were 148, 130, 132, 124 and 120, respectively. Except for the GG and UN pairs, the distribution differences among the other relationships had statistical significance （P<0.05）. The false rates of Fisher discriminant function to determine relationships were 1.3%, 22.3%, 17.0% and 38.7% for FS, GG, UN and FC, respectively. Based on the simulation data, the thresholds t1=128 and t2=141 were recommended to determine full sibling relationships （the false rate ≤0.05%）. Conclusion The 90 SNP genetic markers included in the Precision ID Identity Panel meet the testing requirements for full sibling relationships. The threshold method based on IBS has a relatively lower false rate and is more flexible.

What do we know about sibling attended birth? An integrative literature review.

OBJECTIVE: to consolidate existing research in the field of sibling attended birth (SAB) into a body of knowledge to inform decision-making processes and guide midwifery practice throughout the sibling attended birth experience. DESIGN: An integrative literature review. DATA SOURCES: CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Index New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand Reference Centre, grey literature databases REVIEW METHODS: An extensive search of five electronic databases as well as 17 grey literature databases was conducted. Abstracts of 2340 papers and full texts of 39 papers were scrutinised for inclusion criteria leading to 22 studies being included in this review. The Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool was used to facilitate a systematic quality appraisal process. FINDINGS: This review included 22 studies (13 qualitative, 4 quantitative and 5 mixed methods). Studies were analysed using a narrative synthesis approach. Publications mainly focussed on families' motivations for choosing SAB, the preparation for the event, and the impact of SAB on children's behaviour and the infant/sibling relationship. CONCLUSIONS: This review identified that children experienced birth as a positive, exciting and important life event and parents viewed their SAB experiences as overwhelmingly positive and reported a heightened sense of family unity. Included studies did not address the long term effects of sibling attended birth, however, in the short-term, children did not show signs of trauma or severe distress, though differing levels of transient fear and anxiety were described. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Families could benefit from receiving evidence based information to enable an informed decision regarding their children's involvement during pregnancy, birth and the immediate postpartum. Information shared by the midwife could focus on how families can achieve an optimal SAB experience for all family members.

Theory-of-Mind Development and Early Sibling Relationships after the Birth of a Sibling: Parental Discipline Matters.

This study investigated relations among children's Theory-of-Mind (ToM) development, early sibling interactions, and parental discipline strategies during the transition to siblinghood. Using a sample of firstborn children and their parents (N = 208), we assessed children's ToM before the birth of a sibling and 12 months after the birth, and sibling interactions (i.e., positive engagement and antagonism) and parental discipline strategies (i.e., child-centred and parent-centred discipline) at 4 and 8 months in the first year of siblinghood. Structural equation modelling analyses revealed that children's ToM before the birth of the sibling predicted children's positive engagement with the infant sibling, whereas children's antagonistic behaviours towards the infant sibling negatively predicted children's ToM at 12 months, but only when mothers used low levels of child-centred discipline. These findings emphasize the role of parents in the development of young children's social- cognitive understanding in the context of sibling interactions even as early as the first year after the sibling's birth.

Adolescent caretaking of younger siblings.

Sibling interactions play important roles in socialization; however, little is known about sibling caretaking in contemporary families. This study examined the prevalence of adolescents providing care for younger siblings and the quality of care as associated with a broad spectrum of individual, microsystem, and macrosystem factors. Relying on nationally representative time diary data from the American Time Use Survey, we found that factors at multiple levels (individual, microsystem, and macrosystem) were associated with sibling caretaking. Gendered patterns in caretaking emerged. The caretaker's sex and the ages and sexes of younger siblings correlated with the incidence and quality of sibling care. Boys more often cared for younger brothers, and girls more often cared for younger sisters. In addition, boys more often played with younger siblings while girls more often provided physical care and talked with younger siblings, mirroring gendered patterns seen in parents.

[Full Sibling Identification by IBS Scoring Method and Establishment of the Query Table of Its Critical Value].

OBJECTIVES: To establish a query table of IBS critical value and identification power for the detection systems with different numbers of STR loci under different false judgment standards. METHODS: Samples of 267 pairs of full siblings and 360 pairs of unrelated individuals were collected and 19 autosomal STR loci were genotyped by Goldeneye™ 20A system. The full siblings were determined using IBS scoring method according to the 'Regulation for biological full sibling testing'. The critical values and identification power for the detection systems with different numbers of STR loci under different false judgment standards were calculated by theoretical methods. RESULTS: According to the formal IBS scoring criteria, the identification power of full siblings and unrelated individuals was 0.764 0 and the rate of false judgment was 0. The results of theoretical calculation were consistent with that of sample observation. The query table of IBS critical value for identification of full sibling detection systems with different numbers of STR loci was successfully established. CONCLUSIONS: The IBS scoring method defined by the regulation has high detection efficiency and low false judgment rate, which provides a relatively conservative result. The query table of IBS critical value for identification of full sibling detection systems with different numbers of STR loci provides an important reference data for the result judgment of full sibling testing and owns a considerable practical value.

Sibling sexual abuse: why don't we talk about it?

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore two hypotheses for explaining why there is little written about sibling sexual abuse and to raise awareness of the subject in order better to protect children and to facilitate sensitive patient care. BACKGROUND: While there is no universal agreement over its definition, sibling sexual abuse is acknowledged internationally as a prevalent form of child sexual abuse but tends not to be recognised by health professionals. It is also under-represented within the literature in comparison with other forms of intrafamilial sexual abuse. Understanding why this is may help to illuminate the potential barriers to effective professional responses. Two explanations which emerge strongly are the existence of a sibling incest taboo and a prevailing belief that sibling sexual behaviour is largely harmless. DESIGN: Discursive position paper. METHOD: The paper examines the two hypotheses through exploration of the extant literature on sibling incest and sibling sexual abuse. CONCLUSIONS: Sibling sexual abuse accounts for a significant minority of child sexual abuse and has the potential to be as harmful as sexual abuse by a parent. An abhorrence at the thought of sibling sexual activity and a prevailing view of its harmlessness may hinder nurses' detection of and appropriate responses to sibling sexual abuse, but do not provide convincing explanations for the dearth of literature. Instead, a deeply held perspective of sibling relationships as non-abusive offers a more profound explanation. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: A knowledge of sibling sexual abuse and its consequences are important both for the effective protection of children and the sensitive and appropriate treatment of patients who present with a variety of physical and mental health concerns. A perspective that sibling relationships are non-abusive provides a deeper level of understanding of the powerful obstacles to raising awareness of and responding appropriately to this form of abuse.