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The breadth and volume of research exploring the complexities of childhood trauma in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) environments has grown significantly in recent years, yet, little is known about this trajectory in an Irish context. Consequently, the purpose of the current study was twofold: (i) consult with influential figures in the wider ECEC domain to access expert knowledge on the provision of trauma awareness education in Ireland and to (ii) gain invaluable insights into the trauma awareness knowledge, training, and experiences of ECEC professionals working in Irish ECEC settings. Utilising a qualitative methodological approach, eight semi-structured interviews with ECEC sector representatives (i.e., IV Group) and six focus groups with managers (n = 8), room leaders (n = 8), and practitioners (n = 8) (i.e., FG Group) were conducted as explorative processes to investigate the presence of trauma awareness in ECEC, if any, and the factors supporting/hindering this discourse from the perspectives of diverse stakeholders and professionals in Ireland. Results revealed that the provision of trauma awareness is challenged by the dearth of relevant educational opportunities during both Initial Practitioner Education (IPE) and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) pathways, with an absence of neuro-informed practice among the FG Group. Contrastingly, while sector representatives in the IV Group demonstrated an awareness of childhood trauma, these participants identified the need for (i) government investment, (ii) training reform, and (iii) professional practice considerations. Based on the cumulative findings, this research recommends that policymakers in Ireland prioritise the provision of funded and/or incentivised professional development opportunities for the ECEC profession to enhance the knowledge and skills associated with trauma-informed practice.

Childhood trauma can exert a negative influence in the lives of young children. Yet, while Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) professionals are perfectly positioned to support children exposed to such trauma, extant research reports a scarcity of bespoke trauma awareness training for the ECEC profession. The aim of the current study served to explore the trauma awareness knowledge, strategies, and training of the ECEC profession in the Republic of Ireland. A comprehensive survey instrument, comprising 45 items across 5 Thematic Domains related to trauma knowledge and training, was disseminated to ECEC professionals nationwide. With a response rate of 1053 participants, key findings revealed (i) a fragmented understanding of what constitutes childhood trauma, and (ii) a significant association between lower levels of educational attainment and trauma education (Initial Practitioner Education, p = 0.000; Continuous Professional Development, p = 0.039). Further, 95% of participants called for context-specific, trauma awareness training, substantiating the voracious appetite for this crucial cog in the ECEC learning continuum, and thus reflecting the need for urgent reform to address and support the complexities of childhood trauma in ECEC discourse.

Advances in the field of Early Childhood Education & Care (ECEC) are catalysing an important paradigm shift in the understanding of childhood trauma throughout the life course. While there is little dispute regarding the unique role of ECEC practitioners in providing critical support to children who experience trauma, international provisions of trauma-related education for this cohort require further interrogation. A systematic literature review was performed to examine the delivery of trauma awareness training in the ECEC profession. Relatedly, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were implemented to facilitate the review process, which yielded a total of 10 papers across five electronic databases to be appraised. Findings consolidated that, presently, there appears to be (i) a paucity of international research pertaining to trauma awareness training in ECEC, (ii) a lack of a standardised measurement tools to evaluate trauma-focused interventions in an ECEC context, and (iii) an absence of practitioner well-being components in current training interventions. Due to the practical and theoretical importance of ECEC practitioners receiving trauma awareness training, this review serves to highlight the urgent need for increased, and context-specific, training provisions for ECEC practitioners worldwide.

To assess extreme weather early warning systems in large cities across the world. Among cities with populations above 1 million reporting to the Carbon Disclosure Project Cities Adaptation Actions database from 2021 to 2023, we included those providing a description of at least one adaptation action for a climate hazard in at least one year. We identified cities reporting early warning systems using the United Nations Early Warnings for All framework, which includes four pillars: risk knowledge, hazard monitoring and forecasting, warning communication and preparedness. We also tracked public health engagement in these systems. We identified 182 cities, of which 71 described full early warning systems across the four pillars. Cities in high- and upper middle-income countries described early warning systems nearly three times more often than those in low- and lower middle-income countries. Multihazard early warning systems  were reported by 35 (49%) cities, and many of these involved institutionalized cross-sectoral coordination and funded at least one activity from their own resources. Health was reported as a goal of early warning systems by 58 (82%) cities, although just 29 (41%) indicated a specific role for public health agencies. These findings suggest that many large cities are not covered by these health-protective systems. We recommend development of a city-specific framework for early warning systems that identifies roles for health, and scaling up of these tools, particularly in cities in low- and lower middle-income countries, to ensure strengthened adaptive urban resilience against climate threats.

Metodos Se incluyeron en el estudio las ciudades con mas de un millon de habitantes que informaron al Carbon Disclosure Project sobre sus acciones de adaptacion entre 2021 y 2023, y que describieron al menos una medida de adaptacion para un peligro climatico en al menos un ano. Se identificaron las ciudades que informaron sobre la existencia de sistemas de alerta temprana conforme al marco Alertas tempranas para todos de las Naciones Unidas, que comprende cuatro pilares: conocimiento del riesgo, monitoreo y prevision de peligros, comunicacion de alertas y preparacion. Asimismo, se analizo la participacion del sector sanitario en estos sistemas. [phrase omitted]

The enriched polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay has been used extensively in the detection of ras gene mutations in many types of human malignancies. Although it is very sensitive, it has a number of features that limit its use in the routine diagnostic laboratory. The aim of this study was to develop a novel enriched PCR strategy, in which the concurrent activity of the restriction enzyme BstNI and Taq polymerase allowed the amplification of mutant K-ras while inhibiting the formation of wild-type product. This restriction endonuclease-mediated selective PCR assay uses three sets of primers, together with BstNI, in the reaction mix, and the amplification products are analyzed by gel electrophoresis. The reliability of the restriction endonuclease-mediated selective PCR assay to detect activated K-ras was determined in a variety of clinical samples, including 139 fresh colorectal carcinomas and 113 paraffin-embedded blocks from 80 separate tumors of the colon and rectum, pancreas, breast, or kidney. Codon 12 mutations of the K-ras oncogene were identified in DNA from both fresh and paraffin-embedded tumors in a rapid, sensitive, and reproducible manner. Mutations were detected in 33 (24%) of the fresh colorectal cancers and 16 (20%) of the paraffin-embedded tumors. These results were 97% concordant in cases in which paraffin blocks and fresh specimens from the same tumor were available for analysis. We conclude that restriction endonuclease-mediated selective PCR is a sensitive, rapid, and robust assay for the detection of point mutations in a variety of clinical samples. Importantly, there is no need for manipulation of the sample once the PCR has been set up, and therefore, the chance of contamination is significantly reduced. In contrast to previous assays, restriction endonuclease-mediated selective PCR is not labor intensive, and its format is suitable for use in routine diagnostic laboratory.

Problem statement. The developing fetus is highly sensitive to the neurotoxic effects of methylmercury (MeHg). Seafood consumption is the main source and pathway of MeHg exposure in humans; the global seafood supply is contaminated as a result of mercury (Hg) emissions from energy and industry, as well as natural releases. Worldwide, about 350 million reproductive-age women consume seafood regularly, placing their offspring at some degree of risk. Little systematic research has been done to assess these risks globally. Dissertation Aims. To better understand policy priorities, this research: (1) characterized internationally the risk of developmental neurotoxicity from in utero MeHg exposure; (2) assessed the association of Hg body burdens with viral hepatitis to illustrate variability in susceptibility; and (3) evaluated experience with exposure-reduction through commercial seafood advisories. Methods. The methods used were: (1) systematic review of the literature reporting Hg biomarkers in women and infants globally; (2) multiple linear regression using US NHANES data for Hg and hepatitis markers in reproductive-age women; and (3) search and synthesis of the international advisory evaluation literature. Study results. (1) Highest Hg concentrations were found in Amazon and Arctic traditional communities and high commercial seafood consumers; estimated IQ losses ranged from negligible to 7-8 or more IQ points. (2) After adjustment for confounders, US women with chronic hepatitis B (HBV) had 1.7 (95% CI 1.2, 2.3) times higher blood Hg than uninfected women (p < 0.01); the positive association was stronger with more severe disease. (3) Seafood advisories have led to reported decreases (8% to 21%) in MeHg intake; the advisory improvement literature suggests substitution to lower-Hg species, information on beneficial species, and better targeting. Conclusions. (1) Hg biomarkers exceed levels considered without substantial risk in populations worldwide. (2) Infants of HBV-positive seafood-consuming mothers may face a double burden of liver disease and developmental delays; HBV prevalence is elevated in high seafood intake regions. (3) Commercial seafood advisories need to better target these groups; a proposed framework of design principles aims to provide guidance to public health officials and place exposure-reduction strategies on the global mercury treaty agenda currently under negotiation.