Establishment and management of wildflower areas for insect pollinators in commercial orchards.

Sown wildflower areas are increasingly recommended as an agri-environmental intervention measure, but evidence for their success is limited to particular insect groups or hampered by the challenges of establishing seed mixes and maintaining flower abundance over time. We conducted a replicated experiment to establish wildflower areas to support insect pollinators in apple orchards. Over three years, and across 23 commercial UK orchards with and without sown wildflowers, we conducted 828 transect surveys across various non-crop habitats. We found that the abundance of flower-visiting solitary bees, bumblebees, honeybees, and beetles was increased in sown wildflower areas, compared with existing non-crop habitats in control orchards, from the second year following floral establishment. Abundance of hoverflies and other non-syrphid flies was increased in wildflower areas from the first year. Beyond the effect of wildflower areas, solitary bee abundance was also positively related to levels of floral cover in other local habitats within orchards, but neither local nor wider landscape-scale context affected abundance of other studied insect taxa within study orchards. There was a change in plant community composition on the sown wildflower areas between years, and in patterns of flowering within and between years, showing a succession from unsown weedy species towards a dominance of sown species over time. We discuss how the successful establishment of sown wildflower areas and delivery of benefits for different insect taxa relies on appropriate and reactive management practices as a key component of any such agri-environment scheme.

Performance- and Theater-Based Interventions for Supporting Social Cognition and Social Communication in Autistic Youth: A Review and Theoretical Synthesis.

Social skills interventions (SSIs) are commonly used to improve social functioning in youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is a condition characterized by differences in social cognition and social communication. Although more traditional SSIs have used knowledge-based, didactic instruction, recent research has explored the utility of performance-based SSIs, which use various activities to support implicit learning of social skills in supportive, enriched environments. This article reviews the extant literature evaluating the effectiveness or efficacy of five performance-based SSIs using theater-based approaches on social cognition and social communication. Overall, this body of literature suggests social communication gains that include increased peer interactions, peer liking, and reciprocal friendships, as well as social cognitive gains in theory of mind and affect recognition. This review also discusses theoretical models that may help explain the emerging strengths of performance- and theater-based SSIs with underlying hypotheses related to the social communication and social cognitive differences in ASD. Limitations of performance-based SSIs in the evidence-base include several approaches in initial stages of research with small sample sizes and limited maintenance of effects. Future research should aim to bridge the research-to-practice gap and use more rigorous designs and more diverse samples, including those with cooccurring intellectual disability.

Pediatric oncology and stem cell transplant patients with healthcare-associated Clostridium difficile infection were already colonized on admission.

Clostridium difficile is the leading cause of healthcare-associated infections worldwide. The diagnosis of C. difficile infection (CDI) in pediatric oncology patients is complex as diarrhea is common, and there is a high rate of colonization in infants and young children. This study was conducted to assess the accuracy of the surveillance definitions of healthcare-associated CDI (HA-CDI) and to determine the prevalence of toxigenic C. difficile colonization among pediatric oncology and stem cell transplant patients. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted over a three-year period in an inpatient pediatric oncology and stem cell transplant setting. Baseline stool samples were collected within three days of admission and were genotypically compared with clinically indicated samples submitted after three days of admission. RESULTS: A total of 175 patients were recruited with a total of 536 admissions. The adjusted prevalence of baseline toxigenic C. difficile colonization among admissions was 32.8%. Seventy-eight percent of positive admissions did not have history of CDI. Colonization with a toxigenic strain on admission was predictive of CDI (OR = 28.6; 95% CI, 6.58-124.39; P < 0.001). Nearly all clinical isolates (8/9) shared identical pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns with baseline isolates or were closely related (1/9). Only one of the 11 cases that were considered HA-CDI was potentially nosocomially acquired. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of colonization with toxigenic C. difficile in our cohort is high. Unfortunately, the current CDI surveillance definitions overestimate the incidence of HA-CDI in pediatric oncology and stem cell transplantation settings.

Student Perspectives on the Impact of an Undergraduate Work-Integrated Learning Program on Admission and Transition to Medical School.

Work-integrated learning (WIL) is a form of education that integrates academic and workplace study. Such programs provide students the opportunity to concurrently develop cognitive and non-cognitive competencies. The purpose of this study is to explore which experiences and skills learned in a WIL placement are useful in applying to medical school and transitioning into the first year of a Doctor of Medicine program. All individuals who worked in the Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program (RRRP; WIL placement) since 2004 and had completed at least 1 year of medical school were invited to participate. Semi-formal interviews were conducted and transcribed. A thematic analysis was completed to identify recurring concepts, and quotes were selected to represent them. Of 39 eligible individuals, 14 agreed to participate (36%). Students identified the volume of work, achieving a work-life balance, and time management as challenges in first-year medical school. Five themes emerged regarding the impact of the RRRP on applying and transitioning to medical school: time management skills, mentorship opportunities, research experience, clinical experience, and career choice. WIL placements present a unique opportunity for undergraduate students interested in pursuing medicine to acquire skills and experiences that will help them succeed in applying and transitioning to medical school.

Impact of dyspnea on advanced cancer patients referred to a palliative radiotherapy clinic.

PURPOSE: Dyspnea is a debilitating symptom commonly experienced by advanced cancer patients that can lead to negative effects on function and quality of life (QOL). The present study aims to determine the relationship between dyspnea and other Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) symptoms in palliative cancer patients referred to a radiotherapy clinic. METHODS: The presence and severity of dyspnea was measured using the ESAS. All patients that visited a palliative radiotherapy clinic between 1999 to 2002 and 2006 to 2009 and completed the ESAS were included. ESAS scores and other demographic and clinical information were extracted from a prospectively collected database. Statistical tests including chi-squared tests, Spearman correlations, and multivariate analysis were conducted to explore the relationship between dyspnea, other ESAS items, and other demographic factors. Kaplan-Meier overall survival curves were generated based on dyspnea severity. RESULTS: One thousand three hundred forty-four patients were included in the dyspnea analysis; reported moderate or severe dyspnea. Dyspnea severity was significantly associated with eight other ESAS interference severities (p < 0.001). Upon multivariate analysis, greater severity of dyspnea was significantly related to higher ESAS scores for tiredness, nausea, depression, anxious, drowsiness, and poor appetite (p < 0.05). The actuarial median survival time was 6.57 months (95% CI 5.91-7.29 months). There were highly significant differences in overall survival between those with none, mild, and moderate dyspnea (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Cancer patients often experience dyspnea along with a multitude of other symptoms. Moderate and severe dyspnea should be assessed and optimally managed to reduce functional and QOL debilitations. As presence of increased dyspnea severity is associated with worse overall survival, interventions should occur at the end of life to reduce symptom burden in palliative patients.

An update in symptom clusters using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System in a palliative radiotherapy clinic.

PURPOSE: To identify symptom clusters in advanced cancer patients attending a palliative radiotherapy clinic using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS). METHODS: Principal component analysis (PCA), exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were used to identify symptom clusters among the nine ESAS items using scores from each patient's first visit. RESULTS: ESAS scores from 182 patients were analyzed. The PCA identified three symptom clusters (cluster 1: depression-anxiety-well-being, cluster 2: pain-tiredness-drowsiness, cluster 3: nausea-dyspnea-loss of appetite). The EFA identified two clusters (cluster 1: tiredness-drowsiness-loss of appetite-well-being-pain-nausea-dyspnea, cluster 2: depression-anxiety). The HCA identified three clusters similar to the PCA with an exception of the loss of appetite item being classified under cluster 1 rather than 3. Two to three symptom clusters were identified using three analytical methods, with similar patterns reported in the literature. Particular groups of items co-occurred consistently across all three analyses: depression and anxiety; nausea and dyspnea; as well as pain, tiredness, and drowsiness. CONCLUSION: Three similar symptom clusters were identified in our patient population using the PCA and HCA; whereas, the EFA produced two clusters: one physical and one psychological cluster. Given the implications of symptom clusters in the management of quality of life, clinicians should be aware of these clusters to aid in the palliative treatment of patients.

Quality of life (QOL) and symptom burden (SB) in patients with breast cancer.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the quality of life (QOL) and symptom burden (SB) among breast cancer patients. METHODS: Patients with DCIS, early stage, locally advanced, or metastatic breast cancer completed the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy for Breast Cancer (FACT-B). Patients were divided into subsequent cohorts based on their last day of treatment, age at enrollment, radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. RESULTS: A total of 1513 patients were enrolled. Metastatic patients had a lower QOL and greatest SB compared to all other patient groups. Patients ≤50 years old with early stage or locally advanced breast cancer had a lower QOL and greater SB for fatigue, depression, and anxiety compared to all other age cohorts. Patients with early stage breast cancer who received chemotherapy had a lower QOL and greater SB. Patients taking selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) had greater SB for depression and lower QOL compared to those not on SERM. Patients 2-10 years post-treatment had a lower QOL compared to patients ≥10 years post-treatment. CONCLUSION: Patients ≤50 years old, 2-10 years post-treatment, treated with chemotherapy or SERM had increased SB and decreased QOL. Individualized interventions and programs can be developed to tailor to physical, educational, and psychosocial needs identified across the breast cancer continuum.

Successful clinical treatment and functional immunological normalization of human MALT1 deficiency following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

MALT1 mutations impair normal NF-κB activation and paracaspase activity to cause a novel combined immunodeficiency. The clinical and immunological phenotype of MALT1 deficiency can be successfully treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation following reduced intensity conditioning.

Symptoms and quality of life in patients with brain metastases receiving whole-brain radiation therapy.

PURPOSE: Patients with multiple brain metastases may be treated with whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT). For these patients, symptom palliation and improvement of quality of life (QOL) and performance status is of the upmost importance. The objective of the present study was to determine the symptom experience and overall QOL in patients with brain metastases before and after WBRT. METHODS: A total of 14 symptom scores and overall QOL were collected prospectively in 217 patients for up to 3 months. Wilcoxon signed rank test was applied to determine significant symptoms and QOL changes. Spearman's correlations were applied to determine the relationship between symptom scores and QOL. RESULTS: Appetite loss, weakness, and nausea significantly increased from baseline, while balance, headache, and anxiety significantly decreased from baseline. At baseline, all symptoms other than coordination were significantly correlated with QOL. At 1-month follow-up (FU), changes in concentration, weakness, coordination, and balance were significantly associated with QOL changes. At 2-month FU, changes in pain, insomnia, concentration, balance, and depression were significantly associated with QOL changes. At 3-month FU, only change in nausea was significantly associated with QOL changes. CONCLUSIONS: Following WBRT, certain symptoms may influence overall QOL to a greater extent than others, which may fluctuate with time.

Quality of life and symptom burden in patients with breast cancer treated with mastectomy and lumpectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Mastectomy (MAS) and lumpectomy (LUMP) are the two common local surgical treatments for early breast cancer. There has been a debate whether MAS or LUMP results in better quality of life (QOL). The purpose of this study was to examine the symptom burden (SB) and QOL of both MAS and LUMP patients. METHODS: Patients at the Louise Temerty Breast Cancer Centre in Toronto, Canada, were approached to complete two self-administered questionnaires, the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Score (ESAS) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B) cancer edition. Additionally, patient demographics were recorded from medical records. Patients were divided into two cohorts depending on their surgical treatment: MAS and LUMP. The QOL and SB, assessed by FACT-B and ESAS, respectively, of MAS and LUMP patients were compared. The analysis was repeated excluding patients with metastases. RESULTS: From January to August 2014, 614 MAS and 801 LUMP patients were accrued. The MAS patients reported a lower QOL in all categories, except social well-being. There was however no statistical difference in ESAS scores for MAS and LUMP patients with non-metastatic breast cancer. CONCLUSION: This study supports existing literature that SB of MAS and LUMP patients without metastases are similar. QOL of MAS patients including those with metastases was lower than that of LUMP patients.

Comparison of the FACT-C, EORTC QLQ-CR38, and QLQ-CR29 quality of life questionnaires for patients with colorectal cancer: a literature review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this review was to compare the development, characteristics, validity, and reliability of three widely used quality of life (QOL) assessment tools used in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients: the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal (FACT-C), the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire Colorectal Cancer Module (QLQ-CR38) and its successor, the QLQ-CR29. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using Ovid EMBASE and EMBASE Classic (1996-2015 Week 39), Ovid MEDLINE and OLDMEDLINE (1996 September Week 4 2015), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (up to August 2015) to identify studies that discussed the FACT-C, EORTC QLQ-CR38, and QLQ-CR29 including, but not limited to, their development, characteristics, validity, and reliability. RESULTS: The FACT-C consists of 36 items, presented on a 5-point Likert scale, in four domains of well-being (physical, emotional, social, and functional), and the Colorectal Cancer Subscale (CCS). The physical and social well-being scales showed reasonable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient > 60) in all studied populations. The EORTC QLQ-CR38 (38 items) and the QLQ-CR29 (29 items) are implemented in conjunction with the core QLQ-C30 (30 items); all are presented in 4-point Likert scales. Seven scales in the QLQ-CR38 demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient > 0.70). In the QLQ-CR29, three scales had a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of less than 0.70. CONCLUSION: The FACT-C, QLQ-CR38, and QLQ-CR29 have been extensively validated. However, analysis of their characteristics, validity, and reliability suggest differing suitability in assessing QOL in specific clinical situations.

Quality of life and symptom burden in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to examine the symptom burden (SB) and quality of life (QOL) in patients with metastatic breast cancer. METHODS: Breast cancer patients with metastases were asked to complete the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) and FACT-B questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed to identify (1) any differences in SB and QOL between patients with bone metastases only and patients with visceral +/- bone metastases and (2) any associations between SB and/or QOL and various clinical factors, including treatment with bisphosphonates, participation in a clinical trial and presence of brain metastases. RESULTS: A total of 174 patients were enrolled. Treatment with bisphosphonates was significantly associated with lower ESAS well-being scores (less symptoms) in patients with bone metastases only. In this same group, receiving treatment prior to diagnosis of metastases was significantly associated with increased fatigue, anxiety and dyspnoea. The presence of brain metastases was associated with higher physical well-being scores (increased QOL). Participation in clinical trials was associated with better QOL. CONCLUSION: Breast cancer patients with metastases have different SB and QOL in relation to the type of the metastases, treatment interventions and participation in clinical trials.

Classification of painful bone metastases as mild, moderate, or severe using both EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL and EORTC QLQ-BM22.

PURPOSE: Previous studies have determined optimal cut points (CPs) for the classification of pain severity as mild, moderate, or severe using only the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) or the BPI in conjunction with a quality of life (QOL) tool. The purpose of our study was to determine the optimal CPs based on correlation with only QOL outcomes. METHODS: We conducted an analysis of 298 patients treated with radiation therapy for painful bone metastases on a phase III randomized trial. Prior to treatment, patients provided their worst pain score on a scale of 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain), as well as completed the European Organization of Cancer Research and Treatment (EORTC) QOL Questionnaire Bone Metastases module (QLQ-BM22) and the EORTC QOL Questionnaire Core-15 Palliative (QLQ-C15-PAL). Optimal CPs were determined to be those that yielded the largest F ratio for the between category effect on each subscale of the QLQ-BM22 and QLQ-C15-PAL using the multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). RESULTS: The two largest F ratios for Wilk's λ, Pillai's Trace, and Hotelling's Trace were for CPs 5,6 and 5,7. Combining both, the optimal CPs to differentiate between mild, moderate, and severe pain were 5 and 7. Pain scores of 1-5, 6, and 7-10 were classified as mild, moderate, and severe, respectively. Patients with severe pain experienced greater functional interference and poorer QOL when compared to those with mild pain. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that, based on the impact of pain on QOL measures, pain scores should be classified as follows: 1-5 as mild pain, 6 as moderate pain, and 7-10 as severe pain. Optimal CPs vary depending on the type of outcome measurement used.

Breakthrough cancer pain: a comparison of surveys with European and Canadian patients.

INTRODUCTION: Breakthrough cancer pain is defined as a transient exacerbation of pain that occurs spontaneously or in response to a trigger, despite stable and controlled background pain. Breakthrough pain often causes significant functional impairments for patients and can decrease quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine differences between breakthrough cancer pain incidence and management in Canada and Europe. METHODS: Data collected from previous studies of breakthrough cancer pain in Canada and Europe was compared. A standard survey with identical inclusion/exclusion criteria was utilized for both patient populations. RESULTS: Both groups of patients had a similar number and duration of breakthrough pain episodes, and similar pain intensity and pain interference with their daily activities. European patients reported better analgesic efficacy and satisfaction with management, and a greater percentage of European patients were prescribed a transmucosal fentanyl formulation (19.1 vs 2.9 %). More European patients (55 %) than Canadian patients (32.5 %) took their rescue medication every time they had a breakthrough pain episode. CONCLUSIONS: Breakthrough cancer pain in both Canadian and European patients greatly impacts their daily living, and both groups of patients had similar experiences with breakthrough cancer pain. Currently, this pain is not adequately managed for many patients. The role for new analgesic treatments in management of breakthrough cancer pain needs further study.

Inadequacy of Palliative Training in the Medical School Curriculum.

This report examines the literature on palliative training in the current medical school curriculum. A literature search was conducted to identify relevant articles. Physicians and medical students both report feeling that their training in end-of-life care and in palliative issues is lacking. The literature expresses concerns about the varied and non-uniform approach to palliative care training across medical schools. The authors recommend the development of more palliative training assessment tools in order to aid in the standardization of curriculum involving end-of-life care. In addition, increased exposure to dying patients will aid students in building comfort with palliative care issues. Such a goal may be accomplished through required clerkships or other similar programs.

Student Accomplishments in the Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program: A 10-Year Review.

In 1996, the Toronto Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre developed the Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program (RRRP). The objective of this clinic is to consult, simulate, plan, and treat patients with palliative radiotherapy on the same day. In 2004, the RRRP initiated a program to provide clinical and research experience to undergraduate students interested in health sciences. The purpose of this study is to review the 10-year (2004-2013) experience of the RRRP and to examine whether the goals of the student program have been met. Students who worked in the RRRP from 2004 to 2013 were contacted to complete a short survey regarding their overall experience with the program and their current endeavors. Student accomplishments were collected from an internal database as well as PubMed. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze results. A total of 54 students from ten postsecondary institutions have worked in the RRRP; 29 were from the University of Waterloo undergraduate co-op program. In total, 214 articles with first authorship from students were published, 93 (43%) of which can be found on PubMed. Other accomplishments include 40 book chapters, 58 invited presentations, and 99 awards cumulatively. Qualitative data regarding student perspectives of their experience in the RRRP were also analyzed. Over the past 10 years, the RRRP has achieved its goal of providing quality medical and research experience to students interested in the health sciences. Using the responses of past and present students, we hope to continue to shape our program and provide unique opportunities to future students.

Extubation failure in infants with shunt-dependent pulmonary blood flow and univentricular physiology.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to identify incidence, aetiology, and outcomes of extubation failure in infants with shunt-dependent pulmonary blood flow at a single tertiary care, academic children's hospital. The second objective of this study was to determine the haemodynamic effects of transition of positive pressure ventilation to spontaneous breathing in infants with extubation failure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Extubation failure for our study was defined as the need for positive pressure ventilation within 96 hours after extubation. We collected demographics, pre-operative, intra-operative, post-operative, and peri-extubation data in a retrospective, observational format in patients who underwent a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt between January, 2005 and March, 2011. Infants undergoing Norwood operation or Damus-Kaye-Stansel with modified Blalock-Taussig shunt were excluded from the study. The cardiorespiratory variables collected before extubation and immediately after extubation included heart rate, respiratory rate, mean arterial blood pressure, central venous pressures, near infrared spectroscopy, oxygen saturations, and lactate levels. Clinical outcomes evaluated included the success or failure of extubation, cardiovascular intensive care unit length of stay, hospital length of stay, and mortality. Descriptive and univariate statistics were utilised to compare groups with extubation failure and extubation success. RESULTS: Of the 55 eligible patients during the study period, extubation failure occurred in 27% (15/55) of the patients. Of the 15 patients with extubation failure, 10 patients needed reintubation and five patients received continuous positive pressure ventilation without getting reintubated. There were three patients who had extubation failure in the first 2 hours after extubation, nine patients in the 2-24-hour period, and three patients in the 24-96-hour period. In all, eight patients were extubated in the second attempt after the first extubation failure, with a median duration of mechanical ventilation of 2 days (1 day, 6 days). The median age of patients at extubation was 19 days (12 days, 22 days) and median weight of patients was 3.6 kg (3.02 kg, 4.26 kg). In all, 38% (21/55) of the patients were intubated before surgery. The most common risk factors for failed extubation were lung disease in 46% (7/15), cardiac dysfunction in 26% (4/15), diaphragmatic paralysis in 13% (2/15), airway oedema in 6% (1/15), and vocal cord paralysis in 6% (1/15). The median duration of mechanical ventilation was 4 days (1 day, 10.5 days), median cardiovascular intensive care unit length of stay was 11 days (6.5 days, 23.5 days), and the median hospital length of stay was 30 days (14 days, 48 days). The overall mortality at the time of hospital discharge was 7%. CONCLUSIONS: Extubation failure in infants with shunt-dependent pulmonary blood flow and univentricular physiology is high and aetiology is diverse. Cardiopulmonary effects of removal of positive pressure ventilation are more pronounced in children with extubation failure and include escalation in the need for oxygen requirement and increase in mean arterial blood pressure. The majority of extubation failures in this select patient population occurs in the first 24 hours. Extubation failure in these patients is not associated with increased hospital length of stay or mortality.

Point-of-Care Echocardiography in the Difficult-to-Image Patient in the ICU: A Narrative Review.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this narrative review was to address common obstacles encountered in the ICU to acquiring quality and interpretable images using point-of-care echocardiography. DATA SOURCES: Detailed searches were performed using PubMed and Ovid Medline using medical subject headings and keywords on topics related to patient positioning, IV echo contrast, alternative subcostal views, right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) hemodynamics, and point-of-care transesophageal echocardiography. Articles known to the authors were also selected based on expert opinion. STUDY SELECTION: Articles specific to patient positioning, IV echo contrast, alternative subcostal views, RVOT hemodynamics, and point-of-care transesophageal echocardiography were considered. DATA EXTRACTION: One author screened titles and extracted relevant data while two separate authors independently reviewed selected articles. DATA SYNTHESIS: Impediments to acquiring quality and interpretable images in critically ill patients are common. Notably, body habitus, intra-abdominal hypertension, dressings or drainage tubes, postoperative sternotomies, invasive mechanical ventilation, and the presence of subcutaneous emphysema or lung hyperinflation are commonly encountered obstacles in transthoracic image acquisition in the ICU. Despite these obstacles, the bedside clinician may use obstacle-specific maneuvers to enhance image acquisition. These may include altering patient positioning, respiratory cycle timing, expanding the subcostal window to include multilevel short-axis views for use in the assessment of RV systolic function and hemodynamics, coronal transhepatic view of the inferior vena cava, and finally point-of-care transesophageal echocardiography. CONCLUSIONS: Despite common obstacles to point-of-care echocardiography in critically ill patients, the beside sonographer may take an obstacle-specific stepwise approach to enhance image acquisition in difficult-to-image patients.

Satisfaction with social connectedness is associated with depression and anxiety symptoms in neurodiverse first-semester college students.

LAY ABSTRACT: How satisfied people feel with their social connections and support is related to mental health outcomes for many different types of people. People may feel less socially connected at some times in their life-like when they start college. Feeling disconnected from others could lead to depression or anxiety. The transition to college may be especially difficult for autistic students as they are more likely to have difficulties adjusting socially. In our study, we asked 263 college students to answer questions about their emotions and social satisfaction twice per week during their first semester of college. We found that students who reported being less satisfied with their social connectedness (either at the beginning or throughout the semester) tended to express more symptoms of depression and anxiety. This relationship between social satisfaction and anxiety was even stronger for people who had a strong desire for social interaction (i.e. were more socially motivated). Students with more autistic traits tended to report more mood concerns, and they also reported being less satisfied with friendships at the beginning of the semester. This information may help to support ongoing efforts to better address mental health in autistic college students by encouraging efforts to improve social satisfaction.