Crocin I delays cellular senescence potentially via modulating SIRT1/PKM2 expression to improve lactate homeostasis in vitro.

Youth involved in the juvenile justice system face heightened risks of engaging in illegal and destructive behaviors—including substance use (), mental health problems (), and risky sex practices (). In fact, juvenile justice-involved youth consistently report higher rates of substance use when compared to their non-justice involved counterparts (; ; ). Substance use among adolescents raises concern because of its potential for immediate negative consequences, such as the possible progression to a substance use disorder (), and as a risk factor for substance use problems in adulthood (; ). Substance use among this vulnerable population has been further implicated as a precursor to delinquency, psychopathology, social problems, and serious health problems (; ). Substance use among justice involved youth is also associated with more risky sex practices (; ; ), such as unprotected sexual activity, having multiple sex partners, or drug use during sexual intercourse, which increases their risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (). The time a youth spends interacting with probation staff represents an opportunity to begin addressing substance use-related issues and risky sex practices (). Great strides have been made in screening and assessment protocols that identify substance use treatment needs and in referring clients to treatment (e.g., , ). Yet challenges with the process continue to exist, particularly initiating and adherence to treatment upon identified need and referral (e.g., ; ; ), with many youth failing to show up for their initial appointments. Even among substance use-involved youth who are court-ordered to treatment, few initiate services and even fewer engage or are retained for the recommended treatment duration (; self-cite; ). Opportunities to provide services within juvenile justice agencies, specifically those that youth find engaging and lead to improved health-related outcomes, are needed. Indeed, justice staff work closely with youth and their parents to achieve positive outcomes (). These outcomes, however, are typically limited to supervision compliance (e.g., no drug use recurrence, no criminal activity, staying in school) and do not prioritize other health risks (beyond a superficial level) because of limited staff time, training, and financial resources. Justice staff need additional training focused on initiating sensitive conversations around substance use, dating violence, risky sex behaviors, and poor parent-child relationships. Strategies to overcome the difficulties of initiating sensitive conversations with youth, alongside curriculum that address those risky behaviors most relative to youth, could provide an effective approach to better addressing the needs of this at-risk population. Strategies should be designed to be efficient, affordable, and presented in a way that resonates with youth.