Jennifer Hays

Background: Predictors of premature death and cancer development are needed to more precisely identify individuals who may warrant preventive intervention. Circulating insulin-like growth factor (IGF)–binding protein-7 (IGFBP7) and, to a lesser extent, the IGFBP7/IGF-1 ratio are emerging biomarkers of renal and cardiovascular morbidity. However, their relationships with aging, obesity, mortality, and cancer risk remain unclear. Methods: This hypothesis-generating study investigated plasma IGFBP7, IGF-1, and their ratio as predictors of all-cause mortality and the incidence of any cancer (excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer), obesity-related cancer (composite of 13 cancer types), and breast cancer in a large longitudinal cohort of postmenopausal women. We assessed the relationships of each biomarker with age, body mass index, and each outcome (bivariately and controlling for age, body mass index, race, physical activity, education, income, marital status, alcohol intake, smoking, diabetes, and hormone therapy) in 793 Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study participants (mean, 19.4-year follow-up). Results: In adjusted analyses, IGFBP7 increased with age and obesity and was positively associated with risks of all-cause mortality [HR = 2.42 (95% confidence interval, 1.37–4.26); P = 0.002], any cancer [HR = 2.04 (1.05–3.94); P = 0.035], and obesity-related cancer [HR = 1.58 (0.99–2.51); P = 0.053]. Also in adjusted analyses, the IGFBP7/IGF-1 ratio increased with age and was positively associated with all-cause mortality [HR = 1.51 (1.14–1.99); P = 0.004] and any cancer incidence [HR = 5.44 (1.13–26.1); P = 0.034]. Conclusions: Plasma IGFBP7 and the IGFBP7/IGF-1 ratio are positively associated with age, obesity (IGFBP7 only), mortality, and cancer in postmenopausal women. Impact: Plasma IGFBP7 may represent an age- and obesity-sensitive biomarker of increased risk of developing cancer and/or dying prematurely.

Poverty-related stressors have been found to impact parenting behaviors which can result in adverse outcomes for children. The current qualitative study focused on understanding the challenges of caregivers (N = 70) living in poverty. The sample was diverse and included mothers, fathers, and grandparents raising grandchildren. Stories of caregivers were gathered to improve the understanding of families living in poverty in an effort to work towards changing how our world supports families that are vulnerable. Results indicate that families experiencing poverty and related risk factors experience challenges in the realm of child safety, education, and racism/prejudice. Families also discussed ways to improve their environment which included increased financial resources, increased access to high-quality healthcare and childcare, and positive environmental change. Note that the current study outlines the complexity of parenting in poverty and that associated challenges are intertwined. Recommendations are made to address systemic barriers at the individual and community level in an effort to better support caregivers experiencing adversity and parenting in the 21st century.

This article proposes a model for understanding the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as dynamic and interrelated biobehavioral adaptations to early life stress that have predictable consequences on development and health. Drawing upon research from multiple theoretical and methodological approaches, the intergenerational and cumulative adverse and resilient experiences (ICARE) model posits that the negative consequences of ACEs result from biological and behavioral adaptations to adversity that alter cognitive, social, and emotional development. These adaptations often have negative consequences in adulthood and may be transmitted to subsequent generations through epigenetic changes as well as behavioral and environmental pathways. The ICARE model also incorporates decades of resilience research documenting the power of protective relationships and contextual resources in mitigating the effects of ACEs. Examples of interventions are provided that illustrate the importance of targeting the dysregulated biobehavioral adaptations to ACEs and developmental impairments as well as resulting problem behaviors and health conditions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Background Early life stress (ELS) has been linked to poor mental and physical health outcomes in adolescence and adulthood. Mindfulness reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety and improves cognitive and social outcomes in both youth and adults. However, little is known whether mindfulness can mitigate against the adverse neurobiological and psychological effects of ELS. This study aimed to examine the feasibility of conducting a group mindfulness intervention in adolescents with ELS and provide preliminary indication of potential effects on stress-related biomarkers and mental health symptoms. Methods Forty adolescents were randomized to receive either eight sessions of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Teens in group format (MBSR-T; n = 21) or Control (CTRL; n = 17). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and follow-up and included measures associated with neurobiological functioning (immune and endocrine biomarkers) and self-reported mental health symptoms. Linear mixed effects models were used to assess the effects of group and time on these outcome measures. ResultsSixteen of the 21 adolescents completed the intervention, attending an average of 6.5 sessions. The model examining depressive symptoms revealed a medium effect for symptom reduction [Cohen’s d = .69] in the MBSR-T relateive to CTRL groups.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated feasibilility of conducting a group-based MBSR intervention for adolescents with ELS. There was some evidence for efficacy on a symptom level with potential subtle changes on a biological level. Future larger studies are needed to determine the efficacy of group-based mindfulness interventions in this population.