Immunohistochemical study of tyrosine phosphorylation signaling in the involuted thymus

Thymic involution has been reported to be an important parameter of the degree and duration of child abuse. In the present study, we assessed the status of tyrosine phosphorylation signaling, which is known to play a key role in the physiological function of the thymus, in involuted thymuses of abused children through immunohistological studies performed with anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies. We found that tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins were present in high amounts in Hassall's corpuscles (HC) in the medulla of control thymuses. In involuted thymuses of abused children, expression of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins was reduced with accompanying morphological changes of HC, such as reduction in size or calcification. These findings lead us to the suggestion that tyrosine phosphorylation signaling is reduced in involuted thymuses of abused children and that reduction of the signaling may be associated with morphological changes of HC as observed in involuted thymuses of abused children. In order to certify the suggestion, we investigated expression of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins in involuted thymuses of stressed rats as well as in control thymuses. Immunohistochemistry revealed that tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins were expressed in control thymuses, more abundantly in the medulla, and reduced remarkably in involuted thymuses of stressed rats. Further, immunoblot analysis also showed that expression of phosphotyrosine-containing proteins was reduced in thymus extracts of involuted thymuses of stressed rats, thus supporting the suggestion. Our results also raise the possibility that components of tyrosine phosphorylation signaling could be a molecular marker for thymic involution.     

Thymus of abused/neglected children.

Forty-six cases of child abuse/neglect autopsied during the period of 1967 to 1990 were investigated. The weight and histological findings of the thymus were compared with those of control children. In most abused and/or neglected children, the weight of the thymus decreased conspicuously. Involution correlated well to the degree and period of maltreatment. In cases without weight loss of the thymus, i.e. spasmodic abuse by a mentally deranged parent or foster parent, a short history of maltreatment was noted. On the other hand, marked involution was observed in cases of prolonged physical abuse and/or neglect. Microscopically, a decrease in the number and pyknosis of lymphocytes were observed in the involuted thymus. Atrophy of the thymus was more conspicuous in the cortex than in medulla. Immunohistochemically, CD-1a positive cells (immature thymocytes) decreased in cases with thymic involution. This involution appears to be an important index of the degree and duration of child abuse/neglect. Furthermore, thymic involution in the early stage of childhood may also be related to insufficiency of the immune system.     

Thymus alterations related to intravenous drug abuse.

It has been noticed on forensic material that Hassall's corpuscles of the thymus are more often calcified in intravenous drug abusers than in healthy persons. Thymuses of 15 intravenous heroin addicts were histologically examined and compared with thymuses of 15 healthy persons. Acute bleeding and dystrophic calcification in the thymocyte's parenchyma were more common among intravenous drug abusers (p = .005 and p = .001, respectively). The degree of physiologic involution measured by fatty replacement and the clarity of border between cortex and medulla was equal. No significant diversity was found in the features of Hassall's bodies. Our study emphasizes the necessity for a defined criteria of morphologic changes in the thymus that could be expected in intravenous drug abusers. In that way it would be possible to complete the forensic findings as well as to examine immunologic system alterations of that risk population.     

The effects of sarin-like and soman-like organophosphorus agents on MAPK and JNK in rat brains

One sarin-like and one soman-like organophosphorus agent [bis(isopropyl methyl)phosphonate, BIMP and bis(pinacolyl methyl)phosphonate, BPMP] were injected intravenously (iv) in rats. An increase in the tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins in the cytosol fraction of the brain was observed. Activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and slight activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in the cytosol were also observed. The activation of these enzymes may be related to the high toxicity of these nerve agents.     

Characteristics of Domestic Violence Offenders: Associations with Childhood Exposure to Violence

Many women are abused by intimate partners, millions of children witness such acts, and many of these children are physically abused. Children who are exposed to violence often evidence difficulties, including violent behavior, as adults. One hypothesized mode of intergenerational transmission is modeling. There is evidence that witnessing and/or experiencing violence are related to different patterns of abusive behavior and, perhaps, psychopathology, but the extent of the relationship is unclear. This study examined differences in generality, frequency, and severity of violent offenses, nonviolent criminal behavior, and psychopathology within a battering population of 1,099 adult males with varying levels of exposure to violence as children. Generality, frequency, and severity of violence and psychopathology all increased as level of childhood exposure to violence increased. Modeling theory was supported by the findings that men who witnessed domestic violence as children committed the most frequent domestic violence, and men who were abused as children were more likely to abuse children. Men who were abused also committed more general violence.     

Medical/health histories and physical evaluation of physically and sexually abused child psychiatric patients: A controlled study

This study examines findings from a pediatric health history and child physical examination conducted for 105 outpatient and 105 inpatient children who were classified on the basis of their history of physical and sexual abuse. Based on multivariate and univariate analyses, physically abused children had more early developmental delays, neurologic soft signs, serious physical injuries, skin markings and scars, and stimulant drug use than their non-physically abused peers. Sexually abused children were reported to exhibit higher levels of sexual activity and stimulant drug use, and had more physical signs of genital manipulation than non-sexually abused children. These data highlight the need to further examine the impact of medical and developmental aberrations, the nature and origins of recurrent physical injuries in this population, and the extent of risk-taking in understanding the differences between physical and sexual child maltreatment.     

Battered mothers who physically abuse their children

The purpose of this study is to understand why some battered mothers physically abuse their children. Mothers who were battered and physically abused their children (the co-occurrence group) were compared with mothers who were neither battered nor physically abused, who were only battered, and who only abused (N = 184). The mothers in the co-occurrence group were more likely than the mothers who did not physically abuse their children to have been severely assaulted by their own mothers as children, have had poorer quality relationships with and receive less support from their mothers, have more stressors, and have known their partners for less time. These differences were not found between the mothers in the co-occurrence and abuse-only groups. In the multivariate analysis, having been assaulted by one's own mother as a child--not being battered by one's partner--was the most potent predictor for whether a mother physically abused her child.     

ASSESSING FOR ALIENATION AND ACCESS IN CHILD CUSTODY CASES

Alienated children in high-conflict (HC) custody cases differ from nonalienated children in HC custody cases. Efforts to assess and differentiate between the children should focus first, on establishing what differences do exist and then on what psychometrics are of most help in the assessment. Five categories of HC children and areas where HC children are all alike and where alienated and nonalienated children differ are reviewed. Psychometrics appropriate for the tasks of research and evaluation are proposed.     

Estimation of stress in child neglect from thymic involution.

It is difficult to evaluate the extent of stress in cases of suspected child abuse/neglect in a medico-legal autopsy. We have previously reported that stress due to abuse/neglect was found to have led to thymic involution. To elucidate the influence upon thymocytes differentiation, we compared the proportion of the thymocyte subpopulation in the thymus of a neglected child with one in an age-matched control obtained from cardiac surgery. We found that the relative number of CD4+ CD8+ double positive (DP) thymocytes decreased in the neglected child. It was presumed that the selective decrease in the number of the immature DP thymocytes with CD3- to low bcl-2low caused the thymic involution in the neglected child. It was suggested that an alteration in the proportion of thymocytes subpopulation might be used as an index of stress in cases of child abuse/neglect.     

Do parents blame or doubt their child more when sexually abused by adolescents versus adults?

Although the importance of parental support for child sexual abuse victims is well documented, the nature of parental support for victims sexually abused by adolescents is less understood. In this exploratory study, we examine whether parents differ in their levels of blame or doubt for their child when sexually abused by adolescents versus adults. Data included 161 reports of child sexual abuse. Parental blame toward their child was higher when sexually abused by an adolescent versus an adult suspect. In the bivariate and multivariate analysis, parental blame was significantly higher as victim age increased, for Black, non-Hispanic children, and when there was an adolescent suspect. Practitioners need to recognize that high levels of blame and doubt could exist for adolescent victims of sexual abuse and when children are sexually abused by adolescents.     

Effects of Past Abuse Experiences on Children's Eyewitness Memory

Relations between child maltreatment and children's eyewitness memory were examined. A matched sample of abused and nonabused 3- to 10-year-old children (n = 70) participated in a play session with an unfamiliar adult and were interviewed about the interaction 2 weeks later. Consistent with results from previous research, older compared to younger children's reports were more complete and accurate. Abused and nonabused children performed similarly with several exceptions: Nonabused children were more accurate in answering specific questions, made fewer errors in identifying the unfamiliar adult in a photo identification task, and (at least for younger boys) freely recalled more information. Most effects remained when group differences in IQ and behavioral symptomology were statistically controlled. Importantly, abused and nonabused children did not differ in their accuracy or suggestibility in response to questions that were relevant to abusive actions. Among abused children, however, those who suffered more severe sexual abuse made more omission errors to specific abuse-relevant questions. Contributions to psychological theory and legal implications for understanding children's eyewitness memory and testimony are discussed.     

受虐儿童及青少年法医学鉴定92例分析

本文对92例不满18周岁家庭暴力受虐儿童和青少年法医学鉴定案例进行回顾性研究。结果表明：虐待行为多发生于下午5时前后，受虐者以女性居多（63．04％），损伤部位以头面部最多见（36．98％）。损伤类型以软组织挫伤最常见（51．13％），损伤具有多部位、广泛性、新旧不一等特点；发生场所以家中及家居周围附近为多，受虐者家庭情感生活环境差等.同时，作者还对虐待行为产生的社会根源、受虐儿童及青少年法医学鉴定及法律保护等问题进行了探讨。     

CROSSOVER KIDS

This article considers the plight of the child found both abused and delinquent in the American legal system. Discussed in detail are the difficulties attorneys representing these children face, including ethical issues of confidentiality and attorney-client privilege, maintaining a permanent placement for an abused child found delinquent and the paramount importance of determining appropriate jurisdiction. These difficulties are presented through interviews with three children's attorneys who represent abused children and/or delinquent children in Wisconsin, Maryland and Pennsylvania. The article finds that the needs of abused delinquents are not being adequately addressed for a number of reasons. Lack of communication between the two systems and lack of statutory guidelines are both considered and improvements for these issues suggested. Although not directly addressed, the question of whether there is a causal connection between abuse and delinquency is considered in analyzing the techniques and theories of the three interviewed attorneys.     

Witnessing spouse abuse and experiencing physical abuse: A “double whammy”?

Child witnesses to parental violence, both abused (N =40) and nonabused (N =44), who were temporarily residing in a battered women's shelter were compared with children from a similar economic background (N =66) on measures of anxiety, depression, and behavior problems. Mothers of the three groups of children (comparison, witness, abused/witness) across the age range from 4 to 12 years completed a behavior problem inventory; the youngsters responded to paper-and-pencil self-report measures. Results indicated that the abused/witness children were manifesting significantly more distress on the behavior problem measure than the comparison youngsters, with the witness children showing a moderate amount and the comparison children the least. However, these patterns were mediated by the age of the child. Implications of these differential findings are discussed.     

The State of the Debate About Children's Disclosure Patterns in Child Sexual Abuse Cases

In current research studies about the disclosure patterns of sexually abused children, experts agree that most victims delay disclosure for years, often until adulthood. Researchers disagree about disclosure rates and recantation rates among children during formal interviews. Studies of children who had not previously disclosed but are known through corroborative evidence to have been sexually abused show lower rates of disclosure than do studies of children who had disclosed prior to the formal interview. Gradual disclosures among children are common, and more than a single interview may be necessary in some cases. Prior disclosure, level of support by non‐offending parents, developmental level, and relationship to perpetrator affect children's rates of disclosure and their disclosure patterns. More research is necessary to clarify children's post‐disclosure recantation rates and predictors.     

Comparative histologic studies of the origin of petechial thymus hemorrhage

Systematic histological investigations were carried out on the thymus with regard to the incidence and genesis of petechial thymus hemorrhages in 145 cases of death (fetuses from pregnancy terminations and stillbirth, mature and immature neonates, SIDS cases, other baby deaths, deaths during infancy and childhood). Petechial thymus hemorrhages were most frequently found in SIDS cases (87%). Even though distinguishable, a distribution pattern similar to that of thymus hemorrhages in SIDS cases (including hemorrhages mainly in the cortical zone of the lobes) could be detected in the group of fetuses from pregnancy terminations and stillbirth, as well as in mature and immature neonates. Histologically, deaths in babies and infants without extrinsic suffocation showed a different histological bleeding pattern (irregular hemorrhages of varying size in the cortex and medulla of the lobes). In violent extrinsic suffocation of babies and infants, thymus hemorrhages were much rarer and less pronounced in quantitative terms. Acute and subacute or chronic forms of asphyxia, the cause of death and the duration of the death struggle are discussed as pathogenetic factors to explain the different patterns of the findings.     

Differences in Family Functioning of Sexually Abused vs. Nonabused Enuretics

The present study examined self-reported maternal depression, children's somatic complaints, and perception of family functioning in sexually abused and nonabused enuretics. Forty children with primary nocturnal enuresis served as subjects. Half had documented histories of sexual abuse while the other half did not report a history of victimization. Results indicated that those children with a history of sexual abuse perceived and rated their families as significantly more conflictual and rigid than their nonabused counterparts. Variables such as type of abuse (intrafamilial vs. extrafamilial) and perpetrator did not affect the outcome. However, there were no significant differences in child somatic complaints or maternal depression between the two groups. These results suggest that primary nocturnal enuresis may manifest itself differently in families of sexually abused children than nonabused children. Implications of these findings with respect to intervention are discussed.     

Young Children Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence Describe their Abused Parent: A Qualitative Study

The negative impact of intimate partner violence (IPV) begins early in the child’s relationship with a caregiver. Children’s relationships with, and internal working models of, abused parents have rarely been documented. The aim of this study was to collect and interpret young children’s accounts of their abused parent. Interviews were conducted with 17 children aged 4 to 12 years who had witnessed IPV. Thematic analysis identified three main themes and seven sub-themes: “Coherent accounts of the parent” (sub-themes of “general benevolence”, “provision of support, protection, and nurture”, and “parental distress”); “Deficient accounts of the parent” (“vague accounts” and “disorganized narrations”); and “The parent as a trauma trigger” (“avoidance” and “breakthrough of intrusive memories and thoughts”). The results indicate these children may hold integrated, deficient, or blocked internal representations of an abused parent, and they illustrate the benefit of including young children as informants in research.     

受虐待致死儿童的眼内改变

作者收集了美国洛杉矶市1984年4月至1987年2月受虐待致死儿童案例39例,非虐待致死对照73例。摘取双侧眼球在美国南加里福尼亚大学医学院眼科病理室进行组织病理学检查。在受虐待致死儿童中,发生眼内改变者约占64%。其眼内改变主要是视网膜各层的出血,玻璃体的出血,视网膜剥离,视神经乳头水肿或出血,视神经鞘内的出血和晶体的外伤性白内障。对照案例中,眼内有改变者约占28%。其改变主要为视网膜及其它眼内出血,视神经乳头水肿等,并多见于交通事故及其它易于引起头部外伤的意外。将受虐待致死小儿眼内改变与尸体解剖所见联系起来考虑,引起眼内改变的机理最重要的是头部的外伤及挥鞭样综合征。