scholarly journals Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Impact of Hospital Isolation on Peer Relationships Among Children and Adolescents with a Malignant Brain Tumor

Author(s):  
Jami-Leigh Sawyer ◽  
Faye Mishna ◽  
Eric Bouffet ◽  
Michael Saini ◽  
Randi Zlotnik-Shaul
2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 947-947
Author(s):  
S Rolin ◽  
C Mullen

Abstract Objective Anaplastic astrocytoma is a rare malignant brain tumor occurring in adults aged 30 to 50, with an incidence of 5 to 8 people per 100,000. Cognitive dysfunction is a complication after tumor resection, resulting from neurotrauma of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment. Neural compensation and neuroplasticity can allow intact cognitive functioning after brain resection in brain areas expected to be impacted by the neurotrauma. Method The current case study is a 45-year-old female post -resection for dendritic cell vaccine clinical trial followed by adjuvant radiation of an anaplastic astrocytoma of the frontal lobe. MRI of the brain post right frontal craniotomy was indicative of extra-axial fluid communicating with the anterior aspect of the right lateral ventricle, hemosiderin along the medial resection margin, and T2/FLAIR signal abnormality in the left medial and right inferior frontal lobes. Results Test data revealed intact global cognitive functioning (WAIS-IV; FSIQ = 101 SS), with below expected performance on verbal comprehension (WAIS-IV; VCI = 98 SS). Consistent with the area of resection, she had impairments in visuoconstruction and executive functioning specific to mental generativity. However, performances with regard to math achievement were intact (WIAT; Math Problem Solving = 110 SS; Numerical Operations = 104 SS), despite significant neurotrauma to the prefrontal cortex. She also produced left lateralized fine motor weakness. Conclusions Accommodations for work, outpatient therapies, and psychotherapy were recommended. This case enhances the understanding of neurocognitive performance after neurotrauma involving tumor resection and radiation treatment in rare malignant brain tumor, and highlights the impact of neural compensation after resection.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra M Rodman ◽  
Maya L. Rosen ◽  
Steven William Kasparek ◽  
Makeda Mayes ◽  
Liliana Lengua ◽  
...  

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented changes to the lives of youth, including social distancing measures and stay-at-home orders resulting in a sudden and stark reduction in daily social interactions for children and adolescents. Given that peer relationships are especially important during this developmental stage, it is crucial to understand the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on social behavior and risk for mental health problems in children and adolescents. Method: In a longitudinal sample (N=224, aged 7-15 years old) assessed at three strategic time points (prior to the pandemic, during the stay-at-home order period, and again six months later), we examine the social lives of children and adolescents and whether certain social behaviors may protect against increases in internalizing and externalizing problems during the pandemic. Results: Youth who reported lower levels of in-person and digital socialization, greater social isolation, and less peer and parent support had heightened internalizing and externalizing symptoms during the pandemic, controlling for pre-pandemic symptoms. Youth who reported more social connectedness and increased use of digital socialization during the pandemic were less likely to develop psychopathology after experiencing pandemic-related stressors. In addition, children, but not adolescents, who maintained some socialization in-person were less likely to develop internalizing symptoms following exposure to pandemic-related stressors. Conclusion: Using a longitudinal design, we identify social factors that promote well-being and resilience in children and adolescents during this societal event. We provide practical recommendations to mitigate risk of psychopathology resulting from the dramatic changes in youths’ social experiences during the pandemic.


2010 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia M. A. Campanha ◽  
Maria J. F. Fontes ◽  
Paulo A. M. Camargos ◽  
Lincoln M. S. Freire (in memorian)

Over recent decades, tremendous advances in the prevention, medical treatment, and quality of life issues in children and adolescents surviving cancer have spawned a host of research on pediatric psychosocial oncology. This important volume fulfills the clear need for an up-to-date, comprehensive handbook for practitioners that delineates the most recent research in the field--the first of its kind in over a decade. Over 60 renowned authors have been assembled to provide a thorough presentation of the state-of-the art research and literature, with topics including: -Neuropsychological effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy -Bone marrow transplantation -Important issues about quality of life during and following treatment -Collaborative research among child-focused psychologists -Standards of psychological care for children and adolescents -Stress and coping in the pediatric cancer experience -The role of family and peer relationships The Comprehensive Handbook of Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Disease represents both multidisciplinary and international efforts, an alliance between physicians and parents, and a combination of research and service. With a wealth of information of great interest to patients and their families, this volume will also be a welcome resource to the psychologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians, oncologists, nurses, and social workers who confront these issues as they help children and their families through the treatment, recovery, and grieving processes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 196 ◽  
pp. 106043
Author(s):  
Paul R. Clark ◽  
Robert J. Dambrino ◽  
Sean M. Himel ◽  
Zachary S. Smalley ◽  
Wondwosen K. Yimer ◽  
...  

Reproduction ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 146 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Ambruosi ◽  
Gianluca Accogli ◽  
Cécile Douet ◽  
Sylvie Canepa ◽  
Géraldine Pascal ◽  
...  

Oviductal environment affects preparation of gametes for fertilization, fertilization itself, and subsequent embryonic development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oviductal fluid and the possible involvement of deleted in malignant brain tumor 1 (DMBT1) on IVF in porcine and equine species that represent divergent IVF models. We first performed IVF after pre-incubation of oocytes with or without oviductal fluid supplemented or not with antibodies directed against DMBT1. We showed that oviductal fluid induces an increase in the monospermic fertilization rate and that this effect is canceled by the addition of antibodies, in both porcine and equine species. Moreover, pre-incubation of oocytes with recombinant DMBT1 induces an increase in the monospermic fertilization rate in the pig, confirming an involvement of DMBT1 in the fertilization process. The presence of DMBT1 in the oviduct at different stages of the estrus cycle was shown by western blot and confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis of ampulla and isthmus regions. The presence of DMBT1 in cumulus–oocyte complexes was shown by western blot analysis, and the localization of DMBT1 in the zona pellucida and cytoplasm of equine and porcine oocytes was observed using immunofluorescence analysis and confocal microscopy. Moreover, we showed an interaction between DMBT1 and porcine spermatozoa using surface plasmon resonance studies. Finally, a bioinformatic and phylogenetic analysis allowed us to identify the DMBT1 protein as well as a DMBT1-like protein in several mammals. Our results strongly suggest an important role of DMBT1 in the process of fertilization.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 2250
Author(s):  
Evita Athanasiou ◽  
Antonios N. Gargalionis ◽  
Fotini Boufidou ◽  
Athanassios Tsakris

The role of certain viruses in malignant brain tumor development remains controversial. Experimental data demonstrate that human herpesviruses (HHVs), particularly cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6), are implicated in brain tumor pathology, although their direct role has not yet been proven. CMV is present in most gliomas and medulloblastomas and is known to facilitate oncomodulation and/or immunomodulation, thus promoting cancer cell proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and immunosuppression. EBV and HHV-6 have also been detected in brain tumors and high-grade gliomas, showing high rates of expression and an inflammatory potential. On the other hand, due to the neurotropic nature of HHVs, novel studies have highlighted the engagement of such viruses in the development of new immunotherapeutic approaches in the context of oncolytic viral treatment and vaccine-based strategies against brain tumors. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of recent scientific data concerning the emerging dual role of HHVs in malignant brain pathology, either as potential causative agents or as immunotherapeutic tools in the fight against these devastating diseases.


2021 ◽  
Vol 86 ◽  
pp. 144-149
Author(s):  
Jessie Mackay ◽  
Pam Thomason ◽  
Morgan Sangeux ◽  
Elyse Passmore ◽  
Kate Francis ◽  
...  

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