Children and young peoples' lyrics and voices capturing their experiences within youth justice services

Purpose: This paper aims to explore young peoples' authentic experiences of youth justice services (YJS) during the Covid-19 pandemic. By adopting the creative arts-based method of lyric writing, the research team sought to empower participants through collaboration and participation and to facilitate them leading the narrative (Deakin et al., 2020). Design/methodology/approach: This research adopted a creative arts-based method in which participants worked alongside an artist to generate lyrics that captured their experiences within YJS. Such an approach demonstrated a commitment to participatory, child-first approaches. Findings: Two main themes were identified: identity and relationships. The young people vocalised resistance to frequent labelling and their ambitions to move away from past criminal identity and behaviour. Relationships with practitioners could be a source of frustration within this but were also highlighted as valuable and supportive. Research limitations/implications: As data collection was remote, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns, the opportunity to develop relationships with young people within the YJS prior to conducting the research was restricted. This approach may have also impacted recruitment of participants. The sessions presented short-term interventions and whilst follow-up sessions were offered, many did not take them up. Although the research sample is small and cannot be considered representative, it allows for a valuable insight into the experiences of young people at a particularly challenging time. Practical implications: Upon receiving our findings and recommendations, the first YJS research site has sought to further embed a relationship-based practice model and greater creative/participatory socially prescribed psychosocial therapeutic interventions, including music groups and spoken word artists to work with children and young people. Originality value: This research adds to the growing literature base surrounding creative arts-based research with children and young people for their value towards communication, pro-social identity and development. © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Home cardiorespiratory sleep studies in children and young people: experience of a UK Regional Service

Background: Cardiorespiratory sleep studies (CRSS) consisting of effort, flow, oxygen saturation, ECG traces and video is traditionally undertaken in hospital with an attendant physiologist. Over the last 10 years our service has increasingly undertaken such studies in the child or young person's (CYP) home. This is now our default means of undertaking such studies. Objective(s): To determine the technical adequacy and clinical utility of home cardiorespiratory sleep studies in our patient group. Method(s): Retrospective data service evaluation. Patient demographics, underlying diagnosis and clinical question were recorded for those for whom home video CRPSG was attempted between July 2020-August 2021. The adequacy of each study component was scored (1=inadequate;2=variable;3=excellent) using the narrative in the study report. A total adequacy score (TAS) was calculated for each study. Result(s): 50 studies were identified (mean age of CYP was 5.5 years (IQR=8.5)). A clinical conclusion was possible for 96% of studies. 36% of studies were positive for a breathing disorder. Electrocardiography had the highest percentage (85.7%) of 'excellent' scores. Nasal thermistor had the highest percentage (32.7%) of 'inadequate' scores. Age of CYP and adequacy scores were not related. There was no association between underlying diagnosis and clinical utility/adequacy of study. Conclusion(s): For a service without access to in-hospital attended studies, we can achieve a high rate of technical adequacy and clinical utility for home CRSS irrespective of age and underlying diagnosis for CYP. We have been able to continue our service despite the COVID pandemic.

Circulation des variants du SARS-CoV-2 en milieu insulaire ultra-marin

Introduction Dans cette région d'Outre-Mer, les premiers cas de COVID-19 ont été détectés le 11 mars 2020 chez un groupe de personnes de retour de voyage. En réponse, une surveillance épidémiologique régionale basée sur le « contact-tracing » et l'identification de clusters a rapidement été mise en place. De mars à juillet 2020, les cas ont été importés ou autochtones sporadiques, puis la circulation virale s'est intensifiée sur l'île à partir d'août 2020 à la fin des vacances scolaires. En janvier 2021, une surveillance génomique locale a été mise en place suite à l'émergence de variants du SARS-CoV-2. Matériels et méthodes Du 04 janvier 2021 au 06 juin 2021, 1 528 génomes ont été séquencés, soit 8,3 % des cas de COVID-19 sur la période. La sélection de prélèvements à séquencer était pseudo-aléatoire, avec une sélection ciblée en fonction de caractéristiques épidémiologiques ou cliniques atypiques (ex : cas importés, cas graves). Les distributions de lignages génétiques dans l'Océan indien et dans certains pays d'Afrique ont été extraites de la base de données GISAID (Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data). Résultats Au total, 22 lignages du SARS-CoV-2 ont été identifiés et 71 % des observations étaient attribuées au variant Beta (B.1.351 et B.1.351.2). Ce variant a été détecté pour la première fois la première semaine de janvier 2021, dès le lancement des activités de séquençage. Pendant les six premières semaines de l'année 2021, la majorité des lignages détectés correspondait à des variants circulant activement en Europe (ex : B.1.160, B.1.177), illustrant l'impact des flux de voyageurs sur la dynamique de la COVID-19 sur l'île. Selon les données GISAID, le lignage B.1.622 serait spécifique à l'île car aucun autre territoire n'a identifié de séquences de ce variant. Le variant Beta est devenu dominant à partir de mi-février 2021, malgré une circulation à bas-bruit du variant Alpha (B.1.1.7) qui était alors dominant en métropole. En plus de sa transmissibilité accrue, d'autres facteurs génétiques et épidémiologiques auraient pu expliquer la dominance du variant Beta, dont une fréquence d'introduction plus importante (flux de voyageurs) et les contextes locaux et régionaux. En effet, la proximité géographique et les mouvements de population avec d'autres îles de la région relient indirectement l'île au pays d'où serait originaire le variant Beta. Deux sous-lignages du variant Beta ont été détectés. B.1.351.2 représentait trois fois plus de séquences que B.1.351. Les données disponibles dans GISAID suggèrent qu'il aurait été importé depuis son pays d'origine vers d'autres îles de l'Océan indien avant d'être introduit sur l'île, compte tenu des flux de voyageurs entre les régions concernées et l'importante épidémie liée variant Beta ayant eu lieu sur une île voisine de janvier à mi-mars 2021. Conclusion Cette étude permet de mieux comprendre les interactions entre les variants du SARS-CoV-2 sur l'île, qui représente un système fermé avec contrôle des entrées. L'étude illustre aussi l'impact des flux de voyageurs sur la dynamique de la COVID-19 en milieu insulaire, et ouvre des perspectives de travaux en épidémiologie génomique pour mieux comprendre les mécanismes d'émergence de variants dominants. Aucun lien d'intérêt

Vagues épidémiques de variants Beta, Delta et Omicron en milieu insulaire ultra-marin

Introduction Dans cette région d'Outre-Mer, une surveillance génomique a été mise en place en janvier 2021 suite à l'émergence de variants du SARS-CoV-2. Elle se compose d'une surveillance génomique locale et des enquêtes Flash nationales. La surveillance génomique vise à cartographier la circulation de variants sur l'île, et s'inscrit dans le cadre du projet EMERGEN (Consortium pour la surveillance et la recherche sur les infections à pathogènes EMERgents via la GENomique microbienne). Elle permet également de détecter l'introduction et de suivre la diffusion de variants d'intérêt ayant un impact en termes de transmissibilité, de sévérité ou d'échappement immunitaire accrus. Matériels et méthodes Du 04 janvier 2021 au 30 janvier 2022, 11 341 génomes ont été séquencés et soumis à EMERGEN, soit 5,6 % des cas de COVID-19 sur la période. La sélection de prélèvements à séquencer était aléatoire pour l'enquête Flash (une certaine proportion des prélèvements sur une période définie) et pseudo-aléatoire pour la surveillance génomique locale qui cible des cas particuliers en fonction de caractéristiques épidémiologiques ou cliniques atypiques (ex : cas importés, cas graves). Résultats Au total, 110 lignages et sous-lignages du SARS-CoV-2 ont été identifiés, dont 68 sous-lignages du variant Delta (B.1.617.2). Pendant les six premières semaines de l'année 2021, la majorité des lignages détectés correspondait à des variants circulant activement en Europe (ex : B.1.160, B.1.177), illustrant l'impact des flux de voyageurs sur la dynamique de la COVID-19 sur l'île. Selon les données de la base de données GISAID (Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data), le lignage B.1.622 semble être spécifique à l'île car aucun autre territoire n'a identifié de séquences de ce variant. Trois variants d'intérêt ont été dominants pendant plusieurs semaines sur l'île et représentent à eux-seuls 95 % des séquences. Il s'agit du variant Beta (B.1.351 et B.1.351.2) prédominant de février à mi-juillet 2021 (29 % des séquences), le variant Delta (B.1.617.2 et sous-lignages AY) prédominant de mi-juillet à fin décembre 2021 (53 %) et le variant Omicron (B.1.529, BA.1 et BA.2) prédominant depuis fin décembre 2021 (13 %). Ces trois variants ont influencé différemment la dynamique de l'épidémie et son impact sanitaire. Le taux d'incidence a atteint un plateau élevé de 100 et 150 cas pour 100 000 habitants en période de prédominance Beta, un pic de 397/100 000 hab en période de prédominance Delta et 5 431/100 000 hab en période de prédominance Omicron. Conclusion Cette étude permet de mieux comprendre les interactions entre les variants du SARS-CoV-2 et l'impact qu'ils peuvent avoir sur l'évolution de l'épidémie. Elle illustre aussi l'impact des flux de voyageurs sur la dynamique de la COVID-19 en milieu insulaire, et ouvre des perspectives de travaux en épidémiologie génomique pour mieux comprendre les mécanismes d'émergence d'un variant dominant et l'impact en termes de sévérité et d'échappement vaccinal de ces variants préoccupants plus transmissibles. Aucun lien d'intérêt

Developing creative methodologies: using lyric writing to capture young peoples' experiences of the youth offending services during the COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose The COVID-19 lockdowns (2020-2021) disrupted all aspects of usual functioning of the criminal justice system, the outcomes and impact of which are largely still unknown. The pandemic has affected individuals across the wider society, this includes a negative impact on the social circumstances of children and young people involved within youth offending services (YOS) (Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation, 2020;Criminal Justice Joint Inspectorates, 2021). This population frequently represents those from marginalised circumstances and are rarely given the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the services they are involved in. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of the young people serving orders with the YOS during Covid19 lockdowns and requirements. Design/methodology/approach This paper outlines a creative methodology and method used to uncover the experiences and perceptions of young people undergoing an order within a YOS during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The arts-based approach entailed a novel and creative method using a lyric artist to engage with young people through a virtual platform, supporting them to create lyrics about their experiences of the YOS during this time. Findings The artist developed a successful rapport with young people based on familiarity with, and passion for, music. He promoted their strengths, improving their confidence which was perceived to elicit more in-depth perspectives that might not have otherwise been obtained using more traditional methods. As such, the method and methodology outlined developed the young people's social and communicative skills whilst producing meaningful feedback that can contribute to the YOS recovery plan and thus future of the service. Practical implications This paper reports on a novel arts-based research methodology, implemented to capture meaningful data from participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Originality/value This paper reports on a novel arts-based research methodology, implemented to capture meaningful data from participants during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Telemedicine for Endovascular Neurosurgery Consultation During the COVID-19 Era: Patient Satisfaction Survey.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic necessitated the use of telemedicine for most medical specialties, including neurosurgery, although before the pandemic, neurosurgeons infrequently used telemedicine for outpatient visits. We conducted a patient-centric evaluation of telemedicine in our endovascular neurosurgery practice, covering a 4-month period early in the pandemic. METHODS: Survey e-mails after telemedicine visits were sent to all patients who underwent an outpatient telemedicine visit between March 11, 2020, and June 22, 2020, at an endovascular neurosurgery clinic affiliated with a tertiary care center. RESULTS: Of 140 patients, 65 (46%) completed the e-mail survey. Of the 65 respondents, 35 (54%) agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that even before their telemedicine experience, they thought telemedicine would be a convenient way to receive a neurological consultation. After their telemedicine visit, 47 (72%) agreed or strongly agreed with this statement, and 28 (43%) agreed or strongly agreed that they would prefer telemedicine for future visits. Of the 65 respondents, 61 (94%) rated their telemedicine visit as average or better: 34 (52%) rated it excellent, 12 (18%) rated it above average, and 15 (23%) rated it average. When patients compared their telemedicine visit with a prior in-person clinic visit, only 10 of 44 patients (23%) thought the telemedicine visit was more complicated than an in-person visit, and 21 of 44 (48%) said they would prefer telemedicine for future visits. CONCLUSIONS: Our patients expressed satisfaction with their telemedicine visits, and telemedicine will likely play an important role in future outpatient endovascular neurosurgery consultations.

BUILDING ENTHUSIASM AND OVERCOMING FEAR: ENGAGING WITH CHRISTIAN LEADERS IN AN AGE OF SCIENCE with Lydia Reid and David Wilkinson, "Building Enthusiasm and Overcoming Fear: Engaging with Christian Leaders in an Age of Science" and Zara Thokozani Kamwendo, "Resistance to Narratives of the COVID-19 Pandemic as an Act of God."

In popular culture, the relationship between science and religion has often been portrayed as one of "conflict." The impact of the conflict thesis can be observed in church leaders' hesitancy in talking about science and religion in the public domain, and it was this finding that inspired the project "Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science." The data presented in this article (collected during 2015-2018) are derived from two separate pieces of research carried out in the United Kingdom. The first consisting of a survey of over 1,000 church leaders and interviews with 20 senior church leaders and, the second, with a strategic focus on ministerial training composed of 12 interviews with church educators. This article reflects on the findings from both pieces of research-covering topics such as church leaders' enthusiasm toward science, how church leaders view the relationship between science and religion and the role of compartmentalization in ministerial training.

Mycoplasma genitalium identified in one-third of men with symptomatic non-gonococcal urethritis, with at least 40% of cases demonstrating macrolide resistance

Background: In recent years there has been increased awareness of Mycoplasma genitalium as a potential sexually-transmitted pathogen and national guidelines now recommend routine testing in a number of clinical scenarios in sexual health clinics, including non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU). Factors including availability and cost of resistance testing, quinolone-associated toxicities and a lack of available alternative treatments, all impact on the feasibility of routine testing. Knowledge of local prevalence and rates of drug resistance can inform the development of patient pathways and management strategies. The aim was to determine the prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium in men with symptomatic NGU and the proportion of these infections that demonstrated macrolide resistance. Method: Routine testing for Mycoplasma genitalium in symptomatic NGU was introduced in August 2020, during a period when walk-in attendances were limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Testing was performed inhouse using the validated Roche Cobas® TV/MG PCR assay and positive samples were tested for the macrolide resistance gene using SpeeDx Resistanceplus® MG. Quinolone resistance testing was not routinely performed. Clinical information including patient demographics, treatments used, test of cure (TOC) results and coding data were reviewed and analysed. Results: 42 symptomatic men presented during August 2020 and were diagnosed with NGU. 34 (81%) had testing performed for Mycoplasma genitalium, 10/34 (29%) tests were positive. Resistance testing was performed on all positive samples, 4 (40%) were positive for macrolide resistance;2 (20%) were indeterminate and 4 (40%) were negative. All patients were treated with regimens according to BASHH guidelines and 1 (10%) patient had a positive TOC. Conclusion: High rates of Mycoplasma genitalium were identified when screening men with symptomatic urethritis in a central London sexual health clinic. In this population, at least 40% of infections had macrolide resistance demonstrated. The majority of individuals cleared the pathogen with symptom resolution and a negative TOC using recommended treatment regimens. Larger surveys in different populations will enhance knowledge of risk factors associated with Mycoplasma genitalium infection and antibiotic resistance. Further study of alternative treatment approaches for drug-resistant organisms are required.