Peer-related loneliness across early to late adolescence: Normative trends,intra-individual trajectories,and links with depressive symptoms

Study aims were to: (a) describe normative levels and person-oriented developmental trends in loneliness across adolescence, and (2) examine the association between loneliness and depressive symptoms during this same epoch. Participants included 478 youth (239 males and females; 80% Caucasian, 16% African American, and 4% other). Measures of loneliness and multiple indicators of depressive symptoms were gathered yearly across grades 6 through 12 (ages 12–18). Findings implied that most adolescents experience loneliness more strongly during early rather than later adolescence, but not all adolescents traverse the same loneliness trajectories. Youth followed one of five distinct trajectories, characterized as: (a) stable non-lonely, (b) stable low lonely, (c) stable high (chronic) lonely, (d) moderate decliners, and (e) steep decliners. Adolescents following stable high and moderate loneliness trajectories displayed the most depressive symptoms and, although informant differences were found, these youth also manifest the largest gains in depressive symptoms over time.     

Use of a shape-memory alloy (nitinol) in a removable prostate stent

An easily removable prostate stent would be useful in various clinical situations but is not currently available. Thus, we studied the safety, tolerability, and ease of removal of a nitinol (nickel-titanium alloy) prostate stent in 10 men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. The circular-coil stent becomes hourglass in shape following deployment, with the narrowest diameter approximately 35F. A working hypothesis was that the temperature-sensitive shape memory of nitinol would allow for its easy removal vis-à-vis other available stents. Using several modifications of a prototype insertion device, we found that the nitinol stents were easily inserted, retained their shape during retention periods of 1 to 4 weeks, caused no gross tissue reaction, and were removed easily with gentle traction after in situ cooling with iced saline lavage. Stent migration was observed in two patients, but otherwise, the stents were well tolerated. Nitinol prostate stents appear to fulfill a theoretical promise of being biologically inert, "superelastic," and pliable when cooled, allowing for easy removal. Further clinical investigation appears warranted.     

Demonstration of the Glagov phenomenon in vivo by CT coronary angiography in subjects with elevated Framingham risk

Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTA) is a novel, non-invasive method for coronary plaque detection and quantification. We hypothesized that CTA can detect early vessel wall thickening with preserved luminal size in patients without known coronary artery disease and intermediate/high Framingham Risk Score (FRS) compared to those with low FRS. Vessel-wall and plaque geometrical and compositional parameters were measured on CTA in 375 coronary segments with a highly standardized method. These parameters were then compared in patients with low versus intermediate/high FRS. The relationship between coronary artery calcium by non-contrast CT scanning (Agatston score) and percent atheroma volume (PAV) was determined by linear regression. P value <0.05 was considered significant. PAV and remodeling index were significantly higher in patients with intermediate/high FRS compared to those with low FRS (45.9 ± 6.8 vs. 42.3 ± 6.7; P = 0.004) and (0.97 ± 0.15 vs. 0.92 ± 0.13; P = 0.04), while minimal luminal diameter and minimal luminal area were similar. There was significant correlation between Agatston score and PAV (r ² = 0.42, P = 0.0036). However, Agatston score and plaque compositional parameters were similar between the groups. In conclusion, we demonstrated that CTA can detect early vessel-wall thickening with preserved luminal size in patients with intermediate/high versus low FRS.     

The impact of peer victimization on later maladjustment: mediating and moderating effects of hostile and self‐blaming attributions

Background: Evidence indicates that being a victim of bullying or peer aggression has negative short‐ and long‐term consequences. In this study, we investigated the mediating and moderating role of two types of attributional mechanisms (hostile and self‐blaming attributions) on children’s maladjustment (externalizing and internalizing problems). Methods: In total, 478 children participated in this longitudinal study from grade 5 to grade 7. Children, parents, and teachers repeatedly completed questionnaires. Peer victimization was assessed through peer reports (T1). Attributions were assessed through self‐reports using hypothetical scenarios (T2). Parents and teachers reported on children’s maladjustment (T1 and T3). Results: Peer victimization predicted increases in externalizing and internalizing problems. Hostile attributions partially mediated the impact of victimization on increases in externalizing problems. Self‐blame was not associated with peer victimization. However, for children with higher levels of self‐blaming attributions, peer victimization was linked more strongly with increases in internalizing problems. Conclusions: Results imply that hostile attributions may operate as a potential mechanism through which negative experiences with peers lead to increases in children’s aggressive and delinquent behavior, whereas self‐blame exacerbates victimization’s effects on internalizing problems.