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Background and aims There is a paucity of literature investigating health-related quality of life in neurodevelopmental populations including children with developmental language disorders and children with autism spectrum disorder. Health-related quality of life in these two groups remains poorly understood. Furthermore, studies have typically relied on reports from caregivers and teachers rather than using self-report measures. The aim of the current study is to compare the levels and profiles of self-reported health-related quality of life of children with developmental language disorders and children with autism spectrum disorder. Methods Participants comprised 114 7-to-13-year-old children with developmental language disorders (n = 63) and children with autism spectrum disorder (n = 51) attending mainstream school. Self-reported health-related quality of life was measured using the KIDSCREEN-52. We also collected standardised measures of receptive language, autism spectrum disorder symptoms, nonverbal IQ and emotional and behavioural problems. Results Children with developmental language disorders reported health-related quality of life commensurate with normative ranges, except for 2 of the 10 dimensions; the Moods and Emotions domain and the Social acceptance/bullying domain, which were below norms. Children with autism spectrum disorder reported significantly lower health-related quality of life compared to norms and the developmental language disorders group. However, when the effects of non-verbal ability and language – on which the groups were not matched – were covaried most group differences fell to non-significance or disappeared. Child characteristics showed few associations with dimensions of health-related quality of life across groups. Conclusions Children with autism spectrum disorder may be particularly vulnerable to poorer health-related quality of life and the relevant professionals need to be aware of this. Children with developmental language disorders exhibit a profile of health-related quality of life more in-line with average ranges. However, certain domains warrant monitoring and may benefit from intervention. Many of the between-group differences in self-reported health-related quality of life disappeared when non-verbal and language ability were covaried, though neither of the covariates was systematically related to scores. Other within-child factors such as emotional understanding and competence should be explored in future studies. Implications Further research into child and contextual factors may elucidate risk or protective factors for health-related quality of life in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Although 70% of autistic children and young people meet criteria for co-occurring psychiatric conditions, there are few screening measures specifically for autistic individuals. We describe the development and validation of the Assessment of Concerning Behavior (ACB), an instrument co-developed with the autistic community to assess mental health and problematic/risky behaviors. Items include descriptions to facilitate symptom recognition by autistic people, and carers/professionals. The ACB was completed by 255 parents, 149 autistic children and young people and 30 teachers. Internal consistency, stability and validity was assessed. The ACB parent-version fit a two-factor model (internalizing and externalizing problems) and showed adequate test-retest reliability, internal consistency and construct validity. The ACB is a promising new measure for research and clinical use in autism.

Although 70% of autistic children and young people meet criteria for co-occurring psychiatric conditions, there are few screening measures specifically for autistic individuals. We describe the development and validation of the Assessment of Concerning Behavior (ACB), an instrument co-developed with the autistic community to assess mental health and problematic/risky behaviors. Items include descriptions to facilitate symptom recognition by autistic people, and carers/professionals. The ACB was completed by 255 parents, 149 autistic children and young people and 30 teachers. Internal consistency, stability and validity was assessed. The ACB parent-version fit a two-factor model (internalizing and externalizing problems) and showed adequate test–retest reliability, internal consistency and construct validity. The ACB is a promising new measure for research and clinical use in autism.

Low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) secreted by plant roots play an essential role in regulating the phyto availability of soil-borne trace elements and nutrients. Biochar is widely considered as a suitable soil remediation option, having shown an efficacy to retain both anions and cations. This study aims to unravel the roles of LMWOAs in affecting the functioning of biochar in aqueous and soil systems. Twelve biochar were characterized and rice husk biochar was selected for use. Firstly, aqueous batch experiments examined the biochar-driven immobilization of trace elements and nutrients with and without LMWOAs. Then, batch studies tested if biochar would reduce the LMWOA-driven solubilisation of trace elements and nutrients in soil. Later, rice husk biochar and LMWOA-activated rice husk biochar were incorporated in greenhouse investigations to study the growth parameters of edible plant species and trace element uptake by pea (Pisum sativum). Solution sorption studies found that LMWOAs impeded the biochar-driven removal of cadmium and lead but enhanced nitrate removal. Biochar did not affect phosphate removal. Biochar inhibited the LMWOA-driven solubilisation of soil-borne cadmium and zinc. Nitrate immobilization was not enhanced but bio char reduced the immobilization of the added nitrate overall. Phosphate immobilization was observed but was caused by the precipitation of practically insoluble phosphate minerals using biochar as a source of soluble calcium. Seven out of eleven trace elements accumulated in pea roots were reduced either by biochar and LMWOA-activated biochar but the uptake was variable with biochar type. The data obtained indicate LMWOAs complicate biochar functioning in solution and soil under the studied conditions. Based on the results, protonation of the biochar materials in acidic conditions impeded cation immobilization whilst enhancing nitrate immobilization. Acid neutralization by the bio char materials likely reduced the LMWOA-solubilisation of trace elements which would affect trace element uptake by plants such as pea, within bio char-amended soils.

Background Profound clinical, conceptual and ideological differences between child and adult mental health service models contribute to transition-related discontinuity of care. Many of these may be related to psychiatry training. Methods A systematic review on General Adult Psychiatry (GAP) and Child and Adult Psychiatry (CAP) training in Europe, with a particular focus on transition as a theme in GAP and CAP training. Results Thirty-four full-papers, six abstracts and seven additional full text documents were identified. Important variations between countries were found across several domains including assessment of trainees, clinical and educational supervision, psychotherapy training and continuing medical education. Three models of training were identified: i) a generalist common training programme; ii) totally separate training programmes; iii) mixed types. Only two national training programs (UK and Ireland) were identified to have addressed transition as a topic, both involving CAP exclusively. Conclusion Three models of training in GAP and CAP across Europe are identified, suggesting that the harmonization is not yet realised and a possible barrier to improving transitional care. Training in transition has only recently been considered. It is timely, topical and important to develop evidence-based training approaches on transitional care across Europe into both CAP and GAP training.

The majority of adolescents with mental health problems do not experience continuity of care when they reach the transition boundary of their child and adolescent mental health service. One of the obstacles for a smooth transition to adult mental health services concerns the lack of training for health-care professionals involved in the transition process. This study aims to seek psychiatric trainees’ opinions regarding training on transition and the knowledge and skills required for managing transition. A survey was distributed to trainees residing in European countries. Trainees from 36 countries completed the questionnaire, of which 63% reported that they came into contact with youth and young adults (16–26 years) during their clinical practice. Twenty-seven percent of trainees stated they have good to very good knowledge about the transition process. Theoretical training about transition was reported in only 17% of the countries, and practical training in 28% of the countries. Ninety-four percent of trainees indicated that further training about transition is necessary. The content of subsequent transition-related training can be guided by the findings of the MILESTONE project.

Our objectives in this study were to understand the impact of COVID-19 disruptions on the academic and personal experiences of undergraduate students at a state land-grant institution in the Western United States, and to use those insights to identify actionable ways to improve student success. We used a mixed method survey to assess strategies used by undergraduates to adapt to COVID-19 disruptions. Results revealed that despite challenges, the majority of students continued toward their academic goals. Face-to-face classes yielded the greatest student satisfaction, and students reported great dissatisfaction with separation from peers and instructors. These insights will be especially helpful to educators and administrators in responding to future challenges and planning future approaches. This overview of students’ attitudes associated with moving from in-person to online coursework may also be useful for advising students considering which of these instructional paradigms to pursue.

Background Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), the most common naturally-occurring heart disease in dogs, is associated with alterations in energy metabolism, oxidative stress and inflammation. Energy deprivation plays a causal role in the development of heart failure. This study was designed to determine if a cardiac protection blend (CPB) of nutrients containing medium-chain triglycerides as an alternative energy source, fish oil to reduce inflammation, antioxidants, and other key nutrients important to cardiac health and function could slow or prevent MMVD progression. Nineteen dogs with early stage MMVD and 17 breed-, age-, and sex-matched healthy dogs were enrolled for a 6-month blinded, placebo-controlled study. Dogs in each cardiac health group were randomly assigned to either control diet (CON) or CPB-supplemented diet. Echocardiography was performed at baseline, 3 months and 6 months. Results No changes were found in healthy dogs. While MMVD-CON dogs had an average 10% increase over baseline in left atrial diameter (LAD) and left atrial to aortic root ratio (LA/Ao) at 6 months, MMVD-CPB dogs showed 3% decreases, resulting significant diet by time interactions ( P  = 0.037, P  = 0.005, respectively). More MMVD-CON dogs progressed from stage B1 to B2 during the study. A positive correlation was found between 6-month changes in LAD and blood pressures in MMVD-CPB dogs (systolic: P  = 0.050, diastolic: P  = 0.035) but not MMVD-CON dogs. Conclusions Our results demonstrated efficacy of CPB-based dietary intervention in reducing LA size and mitral regurgitation, and in slowing or preventing the progression of early MMVD in dogs.

Abstract Background Norovirus is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. Routine norovirus diagnosis requires stool collection. The goal of this study was to develop and validate a noninvasive method to diagnose norovirus to complement stool diagnostics and to facilitate studies on transmission. Methods A multiplex immunoassay to measure salivary immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses to 5 common norovirus genotypes (GI.1, GII.2, GII.4, GII.6, and GII.17) was developed. The assay was validated using acute and convalescent saliva samples collected from Peruvian children <5 years of age with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–diagnosed norovirus infections (n = 175) and controls (n = 32). The assay sensitivity and specificity were calculated to determine infection status based on fold rise of salivary norovirus genotype-specific IgG using norovirus genotype from stool as reference. Results The salivary assay detected recent norovirus infections and correctly assigned the infecting genotype. Sensitivity was 71% and specificity was 96% across the evaluated genotypes compared to PCR-diagnosed norovirus infection. Conclusions This saliva-based assay will be a useful tool to monitor norovirus transmission in high-risk settings such as daycare centers or hospitals. Cross-reactivity is limited between the tested genotypes, which represent the most commonly circulating genotypes. This study describes the performance of a multiplex immunoassay to measure salivary immunoglobulin G responses to multiple norovirus genotypes. The assay diagnosed recent norovirus infections at the genotype level with 71% sensitivity and 96% specificity compared to stool-based polymerase chain reaction diagnosis.