Hologic (Germany)

Meditation research has focused primarily on secular forms of mindfulness meditation rather than spiritual forms of meditation, and rarely on devotion in meditation. This study sought to gain broader understanding of the psychological characteristics (mindfulness, mysticism, self-actualization, positive affect and negative affect) and practice characteristics (minutes per day and years of practice) that are associated with devotion within a form of Tantric Yoga meditation. A cross-sectional correlational research design was used to examine questionnaire responses to standardized psychological tests, and information concerning meditation practice. Devotion was found to have the strongest partial correlations (age removed) with trait mindfulness, and trait mindfulness was the only variable to predict devotion in an exploratory multiple regression. This strong relationship between devotion and trait mindfulness may arise from the shared value of developing a one-pointed focus of attention within secular and traditional Buddhist practices, and within the bhakti (devotional) meditation practices of Tantric Yoga.

We have developed a new micro-fiber array approach capable of chronically measuring and optogenetically manipulating local dynamics across over 100 targeted locations simultaneously in head-fixed and freely moving mice, enabling investigation of cell-type and neurotransmitter-specific signals over arbitrary 3-D volumes . This protocol includes the micro-CT scanning and fiber localization steps. Please contact us (mwhowe@bu.edu) if you are interested in using this technique.

The aim of the study was to estimate the efficiency of a peer-based teaching and cooperative learning intervention in forensic users with a complex neurodivergent profile (Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and intellectual disabilities). The research question was that peer-facilitated learning would increase social communication, emotional regulation, engagement, and self-efficacy and decrease behavioral incidents as compared to usual clinician-facilitated interventions. The quasi-experimental mixed-methods study design was used, including 84 adult forensic service users who were divided into a collaborative learning group (led by peers, n=42) and a control group (led by a clinician, n=42). Psychosocial measurements and institutional behavioral records were used to measure outcomes at a 12-week post-intervention point and six months of follow-up to evaluate the effect of the intervention. There were repeated measures ANOVA, regression, and mediation analyses. Social communication (F (2,162) = 8.94, p < 0.001) and emotional regulation (F (2,162) = 7.63, p <0.01) had significant time x group interaction effects. Big effect sizes in the post-test (Cohen’s d = 1.21 and d = 1.08, respectively) and the gains at follow-up were found. Incidents of behavioral engagement were a significant predictor of behavioral incident reductions (β = −0.42, p < 0.01). The peer-led group showed a 56% decrease in behavioral episodes as compared to 15% in the control group, and continued to improve after six months. Collaborative learning led by peers had a considerable positive impact on socio-emotional functionality and minimized the behavioral risk of neurodivergent forensic service users. Their results suggest the incorporation of neurodiversity-informed, peer-mediated methodology into the context of forensic rehabilitation to promote responsivity, engagement, and desistance in the long run.

ABSTRACT Objective Several determinants of provider engagement in evidence-based practice (EBP) training programs have been previously identified; however, replication of these findings is sparse. The current study aimed to extend and replicate findings of a previous study examining predictors of provider engagement within two community-based learning collaboratives (CBLC) for youth trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). Method The sample consisted of 135 providers recruited across 22 agencies. The mean (SD) age of participants was 37.0 (11.1), and most participants were female (n = 104, 77%). Fifty-eight (43%) participants identified as Caucasian and 63 (46.7%) identified as Hispanic. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEEs) were run to account for nesting of clinicians within agencies. Results Overall, engagement rates were higher in the replication. Rates of completion were similar across each of the CBLC components; however, brokers were much less likely to complete the CBLC than other providers. This study reconfirmed that providers who already viewed their individual practices as trauma-informed were more likely to engage with the CBLC. The current study failed to replicate a relationship between implementation climate and overall provider training engagement, as well as between previous use of TF-CBT components and clinician training engagement. Both studies failed to find a significant relationship between positive attitudes, better organizational support, and prior TF-CBT knowledge and training engagement. Conclusions Replicated findings underscore the importance of existing provider practices when designing and planning CBLC implementation. Future implementation efforts should identify methods to increase CBLC fit for providers at-risk of lower engagement.

In most countries, a criminal conviction requires evidence that the individual committed the act and that they had the mental capacity to understand what they were doing and that it was wrong. Youth, as an indicator of brain development, is one factor affecting criminal capacity. Worldwide, this has commonly been managed in part by setting in law an age below which criminal incapacity is presumed, so no prosecution is possible. Considerable variation in the MACR was confirmed across 195 countries. Some countries have no MACR. Otherwise, the MACR ranges from 7years (some African and South Asian countries) to 18 (some South American countries); many North Asian, European and a few African countries set theirs at 14 which is the most frequently found level, and also the minimum age recommended by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Therefore, how do countries set or change their MACR? To explore change, efforts to change and impact of change in MACR internationally. Between February 1st 2022 and December 31st 2023, members of an international research group (GIRAF-Group of International Researchers in Adolescent Forensics) were asked to complete an emailed questionnaire about changes in the MACR, or efforts to change it, in their country since 2000. Reports were then collated, circulated and discussed within the group. Among the 14 countries responding in detail about the MACR, efforts to raise the MACR had been successful in three, but in nine such efforts had been unsuccessful; in at least two countries pressures were to lower their MACR, but in only one, Denmark, did that happen (from 15 to 14) in the data collection period (though this change was subsequently reversed). Factors most influencing retention of a lower age were exceptional individual cases, which triggered press and political interest in retaining a higher age, and well-evidenced and developed arguments from legal, social and medical or other clinical bodies. The wide differences in the MACR between countries suggest under-use of evidence in deciding it. We need more governmental willingness to bring the MACR at least to the UN-recommended level-but accompanied by research into the impact of this. Efforts targeted exclusively on child and adolescent welfare may have less effect if they also force children through the criminal justice system, with consequent impact on self-identity and sense of citizenship. A low MACR is also likely to be more directly and indirectly costly than a higher one.

Over the years, attentional characteristics such as reduced attention to faces or eye contact have been considered impairments and in need of correction in people with autism. This work proposes a reinterpretation of visual attention in people with autism, going beyond the traditional deficit-based approach. It proposes a shift in perspective by examining the characteristics of visual attention in people with autism as a resource for personal orientation strategies in complex and challenging environments. To better study and observe these mechanisms, the use of digital technologies such as mobile eye trackers, virtual reality, and other digital technologies can offer valuable support for better delineating the different strengths of this type of attentional modality, which deviates from the “norm.” Therefore, rather than focusing on correction, the shift in perspective should focus much more on the understanding, well-being, and autonomy of people with autism. Viewing autistic attention not as a problem, but as a resource to be valued, is the first step towards building a truly inclusive society.

There is growing, albeit limited, evidence regarding the effects of alpha rhythm-guided repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (α-rTMS) on sleep and quality of life outcomes in autistic children within a clinical setting. Clinical charts, including the Children Sleep Habit Questionnaire (CSHQ) and the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQLTM 4.0), were collected from participants before and after they completed nine sessions of α-rTMS. The pre-post data were analysed using paired Student t- tests. Data from the clinical charts of 36 participants (24 males and 12 females) aged between 3 and 17 years (mean (SD): 7.6 (3.5) years) were analysed. Among the participants, eight (22 %) and twenty-eight (78 %) were diagnosed with autism levels 2 and 3, respectively. The mean pre-post CSHQ analysis revealed significant improvements in the total CSHQ score (p = 0.035) and in specific subdomains: sleep duration (p = 0.035), night waking (p = 0.050), and daytime sleepiness (p = 0.026). Additionally, the mean post-total PedsQLTM 4.0 score showed significant improvement (p = 0.005), including in the emotional (p < 0.001), social (p = 0.018), and school (p = 0.019) subdomains. This study contributes to the growing evidence on the positive effects of α-rTMS on sleep difficulties and the quality of life of autistic children. Nonetheless, the findings should be interpreted cautiously until larger numbers of participants are studied within a robust study design. • Sleep difficulties co-occurring in autistic children are prevalent and significant. • Alpha rhythm-guided repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (α-rTMS) may be an alternative therapeutic option. • Autistic children who received α-rTMS showed improvements in sleep difficulties and quality of life. • Further robust study on α-rTMS for its translation into clinical practice is warranted.

This article presents the results of an empirical study of the dynamics of general and partial self-esteem throughout the primary school years. We tested the hypothesis that partial self-esteem can compensate for a de- cline in general self-esteem in children experiencing external evaluation and comparison with other students for the rst time. De Graefe’s method was used to study the dynamics of general self-esteem, and a modi ed version of J. Nuytten’s method was applied to determine levels of partial self-esteem. The study was longitudinal in na- ture and involved 75 students in grades 1-3 of a Moscow school. It was shown that general self-esteem in primary school children declines most sharply from rst to second grade, while an increase in partial self-esteem serves as a resource for maintaining students’ psychological well-being, compensating for the decline in general self-esteem caused by the evaluative situation of school learning. This article presents a modi ed version of J. Nuytten’s method for studying partial self-esteem in primary school students.

Utilizing a resiliency-informed perspective and restorative approaches, the purpose of this work is to offer counterstories of marginalized women that center their strengths as well as capacities to create and highlights the importance of embodiment and imagination in the process of re-storying. The sample size ranged from 3 to 6 incarcerated women during each session, for 10 sessions in total, at the Santa Barbara County Jail, and the inquiry explored asked “How might imagination play a role in the prison industrial complex schema abolition as a liberatory possibility?” The Realms of ACEs’ Adverse Childhood Experiences model (2023) was also utilized to contextualize the women’s intergenerational traumas and experiences of oppression from a familial, community, and environmental level. With the dissemination of these findings, I hope to broaden the scope for who it reaches to offer alternative methodologies that could be used in other jails, environments, or conditions of imprisonment.

Abstract Introduction Programs that integrate early childhood and violence prevention should be assessed for implementation, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and conflict settings. We assessed participants’ satisfaction and the implementation barriers and facilitators of a program to promote child development and prevent early aggressive behaviors from the prenatal period through 36 months in Antioquia, Colombia. Materials and methods A mixed-method design was used. A quantitative survey was conducted with child caregivers (n = 5,919) to assess caregiver satisfaction. In addition, a qualitative study assessed barriers to and facilitators of program implementation. We analyzed longitudinal fieldwork diaries collected during implementation (n=84) and semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals (n=5) and caregivers (n=6). Results Caregivers reported 95% satisfaction across all activities. Barriers and facilitators were identified: 1) Outer settings (Context): lack of implementation of public policies and violence in communities. Some transversal categories include health system financial crisis, lack of cooperation between institutions, beliefs and attitudes toward health promotion programs, and the predominance of the biomedical paradigm over the health promotion approach. 2) Inner stings (Health service): lack of health promotion programs and financial difficulties within health services. 3) Individual characteristics: caregiver characteristics, including being a first-time mother, having prior positive experiences with health services, and sharing experiences with other caregivers through program activities. Healthcare worker characteristics: lack of training in health promotion activities and precarious working conditions. 4) Program: number of activities, online training, adaptation, and theoretical support. Conclusions Barriers to implementing a program to promote child development and prevent early aggressive behavior included living in low-income communities, financial instability in the health system, limited cooperation among health institutions, poor working conditions for healthcare workers, and beliefs about prevention approaches.