OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to assess antibodies against Chlamydia trachomatis heat shock proteins (HSP) in patients with tubal factor infertility (TFI), infertility controls (IFC), and fertile controls (FC). HSPs assist organisms in surviving caustic environments such as heat. STUDY DESIGN Twenty-one TFI, 15 IFC, and 29 FC patients were enrolled after laparoscopic tubal assessment. The titers of antibodies against C trachomatis organisms and 14 chlamydial HSPs were compared among the 3 groups. RESULTS TFI patients developed significantly higher levels of antibodies against C trachomatis and specifically recognizing chlamydial HSP60 and caseinolytic protease (Clp) P, a subunit of the ATP-dependent Clp protease complex involved in the degradation of abnormal proteins. CONCLUSION In addition to confirming high titers of antibodies against C trachomatis organisms and HSP60 in TFI patients, we identified a novel link of TFI with anti-ClpP antibodies. These findings may provide useful information for developing a noninvasive screening test for TFI and constructing subunit anti-C trachomatis vaccines.

Depression and anxiety are the most common mental illnesses in adolescents. Rural schools are well-positioned to narrow the access gap confronting rural adolescents experiencing depression and anxiety; however, there is a paucity of research on the treatment of depression and anxiety in rural high schools. This critical review summarized the state of the field on rural school-based interventions to reduce adolescent depression and anxiety. Literature searches were conducted using PubMed, PsychINFO, EMBASE, ERIC, and CINAHL databases. Inclusion criteria identified peer-reviewed articles evaluating rural high-school based interventions for the treatment of depression and/or anxiety. Of the 322 articles screened, 82 articles were reviewed, with four articles satisfying inclusion criteria. All studies examined a group-or classroom-based program to reduce depression. Three studies reported either significant pre-to post-intervention improvements or clinical change in depressive symptoms or coping skills; one study found null effects. While promising, there is an on-going need for additional rigorous investigations on rural high-school based interventions for the treatment of depression and anxiety among teens. Public Health Significance StatementThis critical review of the literature reveals promising school-based treatments to reduce depression among rural adolescents. At the same time, there is a significant need for more research on school-based interventions for rural youth, especially as it pertains to anxiety disorders.

Research supports the idea that positive family/school community partnerships during middle school can enhance student success. Thus schools are partnering with local universities to increase school and student outcomes. In order to support local middle schools, The University of Alabama created the Middle School Parent Teacher Leadership Academy, a training program that prepares middle school parent and teacher leaders with the skills to strengthen school and student outcomes. Using a mixed methods design, we analyzed pilot data from the first year of the Academy on parents’ and teachers’ leadership behaviors and self-efficacy. Pretest and posttest results showed that parent and teacher participants significantly increased their leadership behaviors. Qualitative thematic analysis revealed answers to the question: “What has the Academy meant to you?” as follows: 1) Facilitates parent-teacher collaboration, 2) Increases parent and teacher school leadership behaviors, 3) Enhances parent and teacher school leadership self-efficacy, 4) Increases opportunities for school change, and 5) Increases parental-school involvement. Implications and future directions are discussed.

To help minimize negative outcomes, child life specialists can provide psychosocial care to patients undergoing a pediatric sexual assault forensic examination (P-SAFE). This exploratory study used a survey to examine child life specialists’ perspectives on their preparation for and role in P-SAFEs. Participants reported their main duties with this population include procedure support, play, and building rapport. The benefits of having child life involved in P-SAFEs were noted as decreasing re-traumatization, increasing cooperation, increasing coping, and decreasing stress and anxiety. Participants reported that most child life services were provided in preparation for the exam and during the exam. The services utilized were preparation, play, and distraction to help patients cope. Results indicated child life specialists felt valued by the multidisciplinary team, especially for their role in procedure support. Lastly, child life specialists reported training for this role occurring most often through informal on the job training. In summary, child life specialists acknowledged the stressors associated with a P-SAFE and perceived their role as beneficial in minimizing such stressors. Health care facilities that provide P-SAFEs should further consider the benefits of child life services to these patients and advocate for their services during P-SAFEs.