Critical Period Research Articles

The Developmental Collision Hypothesis: An Empirical Test With Three Generations of Sexual Minority Youth.

Sexual minority youth experience disproportionate rates of mental health symptomatology relative to their heterosexual peers. Less is known about why these disparities have persisted despite growing public awareness of sexual diversity. The developmental collision hypothesis states that increased cultural visibility of sexual diversity has accelerated the developmental timing of sexual minority identity formation processes such that they collide with early adolescence, a uniquely sensitive period for experiencing identity-based stigma and associated mental health vulnerability. To test this hypothesis, levels and relations between ages of sexual minority identity development milestones, frequency of LGBT-related victimization, and depressive symptoms were examined across three age-matched but cohort-distinct samples of sexual minority adolescents. Data come from three secondary datasets of sexual minority youth who were adolescents in the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s, respectively: the Challenges and Coping Study, the Victimization and Mental Health among High Risk Youths Study, and the Risk and Protective Factors for Suicide among Sexual Minority Youth Study (n = 1312; Mage = 17.34, SD = 1.30; 52% female). Adolescents from more recent cohorts reported earlier mean ages of several milestones but similar frequencies of LGBT-related victimization relative to those from less recent cohorts. Path analysis models showed that earlier milestones were associated indirectly with more depressive symptoms through LGBT-related victimization. Notably, earlier ages of self-identification and disclosure of a sexual minority identity were also directly related to less depressive symptoms. Few generational differences in relations between constructs emerged. Findings garner initial support for the developmental collision hypothesis and suggest that LGBT-related victimization, rather than earlier milestones themselves, increases mental health vulnerability.

Acquisition of EFL During the Critical Period and Its Impact on L1 Arabic

Acquisition of EFL During the Critical Period and Its Impact on L1 Arabic

In Utero Exposure to Di-n-butyl Phthalate Causes Modulation in Neurotransmitter System of Wistar Rats: A Multigenerational Assessment.

Neuroendocrine regulation is disrupted by di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) when exposure occurs during the critical periods of fetal development, which can lead to neurological disorders. To evaluate the toxic potential of DBP, it is necessary to conduct teratological studies, which could determine impacts on the development of the fetus. The present study was designed to understand the sequelae of neuroendocrine regulation in one-month-old pups when rats were exposed to DBP (F1-F3) in utero and during lactation. The rats received DBP (500mg/kg BW/day) dissolved in olive oil through oral gavage from gestation day 6 to postnatal day 30, while the control group received the olive oil (vehicle) during the same timeline. Following the exposure, thyroid profile and estradiol, which were measured at GD-19, exhibited a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in dams (F0-F2). The exposure resulted in developmental outcomes, including underdeveloped fetuses, and a notable number of resorptions in experimental rats. The one-month-old pups were assessed for serum thyroid profile and testosterone and neurotransmitters in discrete brain regions, cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus for up to three generations. The levels of dopamine and cortisol showed a significant increase (P < 0.05), but serotonin levels decreased when examined in distinct brain regions of the experimental group as compared to the control. DBP, which is considered an endocrine disruptor, had the most impact on the third generation in this study, leading to a significant decrease in testosterone levels. In summary, in utero exposure to DBP impaired the neuroendocrine system and had an antiandrogenic effect in the three successive generations.

Trajectories and predictors of gerontological service career adaptability among health science undergraduates: A longitudinal study

BackgroundIn response to the aging population, it is essential to examine gerontological service career adaptability among health science undergraduates. ObjectivesThis study aimed to clarify the trajectories and predictors of health science undergraduates' gerontological service career adaptability. DesignThis study adopted a longitudinal design. SettingsThis study was conducted at four universities in China. Participants and methodsHealth science undergraduates were recruited via convenience sampling. Data were collected in the third (Stage 1), sixth (Stage 2), and ninth (Stage 3) months of the participants' graduation year. A total of 471 undergraduates completed a three-stage self-report questionnaire that assessed gerontological service career adaptability, career motivation, proactive personality, and practice environment at Stage 1 and gerontological service career adaptability at Stages 2 and 3. The response rate was 76.84 %. Data analyses entailed multiple linear regression, a latent growth mixture model, and multiple logistic regression. ResultsThree subgroups representing different gerontological service career adaptability trajectories were identified: rapidly growing (6.16 %), stably growing (87.47 %), and decreasing (6.37 %). Changes were observed primarily from the third to sixth months of the participants' graduation year. Health science undergraduates with high career motivation and a strongly proactive personality were likely to be in the decreasing group, whereas those with a supportive practice environment were predisposed to belong to the decreasing and stably growing groups. ConclusionsThe health science undergraduates' gerontological service career adaptability trajectories are heterogeneous, with the critical period spanning the third to sixth months of their graduation year. Gerontological service career adaptability grows stably among most undergraduates who have a supportive practice environment. Additionally, gerontological service career adaptability changes easily among undergraduates with high career motivation and a strongly proactive personality. Educators should implement tailored interventions to enhance gerontological service career adaptability based on health science undergraduates' traits.

Analyzing spatio-temporal dynamics of dissolved oxygen for the River Thames using superstatistical methods and machine learning

By employing superstatistical methods and machine learning, we analyze time series data of water quality indicators for the River Thames (UK). The indicators analyzed include dissolved oxygen, temperature, electrical conductivity, pH, ammonium, turbidity, and rainfall, with a specific focus on the dynamics of dissolved oxygen. After detrending, the probability density functions of dissolved oxygen fluctuations exhibit heavy tails that are effectively modeled using q-Gaussian distributions. Our findings indicate that the multiplicative Empirical Mode Decomposition method stands out as the most effective detrending technique, yielding the highest log-likelihood in nearly all fittings. We also observe that the optimally fitted width parameter of the q-Gaussian shows a negative correlation with the distance to the sea, highlighting the influence of geographical factors on water quality dynamics. In the context of same-time prediction of dissolved oxygen, regression analysis incorporating various water quality indicators and temporal features identify the Light Gradient Boosting Machine as the best model. SHapley Additive exPlanations reveal that temperature, pH, and time of year play crucial roles in the predictions. Furthermore, we use the Transformer, a state-of-the-art machine learning model, to forecast dissolved oxygen concentrations. For long-term forecasting, the Informer model consistently delivers superior performance, achieving the lowest Mean Absolute Error (0.15) and Symmetric Mean Absolute Percentage Error (21.96%) with the 192 historical time steps that we used. This performance is attributed to the Informer’s ProbSparse self-attention mechanism, which allows it to capture long-range dependencies in time-series data more effectively than other machine learning models. It effectively recognizes the half-life cycle of dissolved oxygen, with particular attention to critical periods such as morning to early afternoon, late evening to early morning, and key intervals between the 16th and 26th quarter-hours of the previous half-day. Our findings provide valuable insights for policymakers involved in ecological health assessments, aiding in accurate predictions of river water quality and the maintenance of healthy aquatic ecosystems.

Social and auditory experience shapes forebrain responsiveness in zebra finches before the sensitive period of vocal learning.

Early-life experiences with signals used in communication are instrumental in shaping an animal's social interactions. In songbirds, which use vocalizations for guiding social interactions and mate choice, recent studies show that sensory effects on development occur earlier than previously expected, even in embryos and nestlings. Here, we explore the neural dynamics underlying experience-dependent song categorization in young birds prior to the traditionally studied sensitive period of vocal learning that begins around 3 weeks post-hatch. We raised zebra finches either with their biological parents, cross-fostered by Bengalese finches beginning at embryonic day 9, or by only the non-singing mother from 2 days post-hatch. Then, 1-5 days after fledging, we conducted behavioral experiments and extracellular recordings in the auditory forebrain to test responses to zebra finch and Bengalese finch songs. Auditory forebrain neurons in cross-fostered and isolate birds showed increases in firing rate and decreases in responsiveness and selectivity. In cross-fostered birds, decreases in responsiveness and selectivity relative to white noise were specific to conspecific song stimuli, which paralleled behavioral attentiveness to conspecific songs in those same birds. This study shows that auditory and social experience can already impact song 'type' processing in the brains of nestlings, and that brain changes at this age can portend the effects of natal experience in adults.

Adolescent depressive symptoms and memory performance in young adulthood: Testing critical period, accumulation, and pathway models using a sibling comparison design

RationaleDespite the existing literature connecting depressive symptoms with cognitive function in adulthood, there is limited knowledge about the longitudinal association between depressive symptoms in adolescence and memory function in adulthood, as well as the mechanisms underlying this relationship. ObjectivesThis study aims to determine whether depressive symptoms in adolescence are associated with memory function in young adulthood. To explore the underlying mechanisms of this association, it employs a life course approach, testing the critical period, accumulation, and pathway models. MethodsUtilizing data from the sibling sample of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), this study employed sibling fixed effects models to control for unobserved heterogeneity at the family level. To test various life course models, the analysis incorporated adult depressive symptoms, as well as an array of behavioral, psychosocial, and educational mechanism variables. ResultsSibling fixed effects estimates indicated a longitudinal association between depressive symptoms in adolescence and memory function in young adulthood (b = −0.084, p < 0.01). Depressive symptoms in adulthood neither explained nor intensified this association. Mediation analysis revealed that educational attainment modestly accounted for about 11% of the relationship between adolescent depressive symptoms and adult memory function. Combined, these findings lend support to the life course approach, with a specific focus on the critical period model. ConclusionsThis study's findings suggest that depressive symptoms in adolescence are an independent risk factor for memory function in adulthood. The empirical support for the critical period model underscores the importance of implementing early intervention programs and targeted strategies to support adolescents experiencing depressive symptoms.

Differences in opioid prescriptions by race among U.S. older adults with a hip fracture transitioning to community care.

Appropriate pain management can facilitate rehabilitation after a hip fracture as patients transition back to the community setting. Differences in opioid prescribing by race may exist during this critical transition period. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of older adult U.S. Medicare beneficiaries with a hip fracture to examine whether the receipt and dose of opioids differs between Black and White patients as they transitioned back to the community setting. We stratified beneficiaries by whether they received institutional post-acute care (PAC). Outcomes were (1) receipt of an opioid and (2) opioid doses in the first 90 days in the community in milligram morphine equivalents (MMEs; also presented in mg oxycodone). We estimated relative rates and risk differences of opioid receipt and dose differences using Poisson and linear regression models, respectively, using the parametric g-formula to standardize for age and sex. We identified 164,170 older adults with hip fracture (mean age = 82.7 years; 75% female; 72% with PAC; 46% with opioid use after fracture). Overall use of opioids in the community was similar between Black and white beneficiaries. Black beneficiaries had lower average doses in their first 90 days in both total cumulative doses (PAC group: 165 [95% CI -264 to -69] fewer MMEs [-248 mg oxycodone]; no PAC: 167 [95% CI -274 to -62] fewer MMEs [-251 mg oxycodone]) and average MME per days' supply of medication (PAC: -3.0 [-4.6 to -1.4] fewer MMEs per day [-4.5 mg oxycodone]; no PAC: -4.7 [-4.6 to -1.4] fewer MMEs per day [-7.1 mg oxycodone]). In secondary analyses, Asian beneficiaries experienced the greatest differences (e.g., 617-653 fewer cumulative mg oxycodone). Racial differences exist in pain management for Medicare beneficiaries after a hip fracture. Future work should examine whether these differences result in disparities in short- and long-term health outcomes.

Chaotic Dynamics at the Boundary of a Basin of Attraction via Non-transversal Intersections for a Non-global Smooth Diffeomorphism

In this paper, we give analytic proofs of the existence of transversal homoclinic points for a family of non-globally smooth diffeomorphisms having the origin as a fixed point which come out as a truncated map governing the local dynamics near a critical period three-cycle associated with the Secant map. Using Moser’s version of Birkhoff–Smale’s theorem, we prove that the boundary of the basin of attraction of the origin contains a Cantor-like invariant subset such that the restricted dynamics to it is conjugate to the full shift of N-symbols for any integer N≥2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$N\\ge 2$$\\end{document} or infinity.

The Relationship Between Freshman Adult Attachment and Sense of Life Meaning in University: Mediated by Perceived Social Support

College freshmen are at the beginning of the critical period of establishing their outlook on life and values, so it is very important to guide and educate them correctly on the meaning of life and values. Many psychological problems and suicidal behaviors of college students are related to the lack of life meaning. This study mainly discusses the relationship between adult attachment, understanding of social support and sense of life meaning of college freshmen. Using the sense of life meaning scale, intimate relationship experience scale and perceptive social support scale, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 1069 freshmen. SPSS software was used for correlation analysis, and Process macro was used to test the mediating effect of perceptive social support. The results show that: (1) There are significant correlations among adult attachment, understanding of social support and sense of meaning in life; (2) Understand that social support plays a partial mediating role between adult attachment and sense of meaning in life. These results indicate that the attachment of college freshmen adults can affect their sense of life meaning directly and indirectly through the influence of social support. The results of this study have some implications for practice: On the one hand, the family should pay attention to the cultivation of safe parent-child attachment relationship and environment; On the other hand, colleges and universities should give full and good social support to college freshmen, and set up education or group counseling activities on the sense of meaning of life.

A Population-Based Linked Cohort Study of Maternal Exposure to Bioclimatic Stress and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy in Australia.

ObjectiveTo identify critical susceptible periods for the associations between bioclimatic exposure (Universal Thermal Climate Index, UTCI) and the risks of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. ApproachWe linked 415,091 singleton pregnancies of 20–42 weeks’ gestation between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2015 to UTCI exposure in Western Australia. Distributed lag nonlinear logistic regressions were used to estimate weekly-specific adjusted odds of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia for UTCI exposure from twelve weeks of preconception through pregnancy. ResultsThe analysed pregnancies included 3.7% and 2.8% cases of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, respectively. Exposures from early pregnancy up to 30th gestational weeks were associated with greater odds of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) with critical susceptible periods at all exposure thresholds, particularly elevated at the 1st (10.2 °C) and 99th (26.0 °C) exposure centiles as compared to the median (14.2 °C). The most elevated weekly OR and 95% CI estimated at 99th exposure centile was 1.07 (95% CI 1.06, 1.08) in gestational weeks 8–18 for gestational hypertension and 1.10 (95% CI 1.08, 1.11) in gestational weeks 11–16 for preeclampsia. Cumulative exposures associated with HDPs with relatively higher ORs, but less precise than weekly exposures. The effects of high exposure were disproportionately elevated in both HDPs for Caucasians, non-smokers, multiparous, and mothers in moderate/low SES residences. Conclusions and ImplicationsMaternal bioclimatic exposure increases the risk of HDPs, suggesting potentially susceptible periods and populations for climate-related targeted interventions. It highlights the need for advising women on environmental risks in early pregnancy.

Neonatal Cannabidiol Exposure Impairs Spatial Memory and Disrupts Neuronal Dendritic Morphology in Young Adult Rats.

Introduction: Early life is a sensitive period for brain development. Perinatal exposure to cannabis is increasingly linked to disruption of neurodevelopment; however, research on the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on the developing brain is scarce. In this study, we aim to study the developmental effects of neonatal CBD exposure on behavior and dendritic architecture in young adult rats. Materials and Methods: Male and female neonatal Sprague Dawley rats were treated with CBD (50 mg/kg) intraperitoneally on postnatal day (PND) 1, 3, and 5 and evaluated for behavioral and neuronal morphological changes during early adulthood. Rats were subjected to a series of behavioral tasks to evaluate long-term effects of neonatal CBD exposure, including the Barnes maze, open field, and elevated plus maze paradigms to assess spatial memory and anxiety-like behavior. Following behavioral evaluation, animals were sacrificed, and neuronal morphology of the cortex and hippocampus was assessed using Golgi-Cox (GC) staining. Results: Rats treated with CBD displayed a sexually dimorphic response in spatial memory, with CBD-treated females developing a deficit but not males. CBD did not elicit alterations in anxiety-like behavior in either sex. Neonatal CBD caused an overall decrease in dendritic length and spine density (apical and basal) in cortical and hippocampal neurons in both sexes. Sholl analysis also revealed a decrease in dendritic intersections in the cortex and hippocampus, indicating reduced dendritic arborization. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that neonatal CBD exposure perturbs normal brain development and leads to lasting alterations in spatial memory and neuronal dendrite morphology in early adulthood, with sex-dependent sensitivity.

Sod farms drive habitat selection of a migratory grassland shorebird during a critical stopover period

Migratory shorebirds are one of the fastest declining groups of North American avifauna. Yet, relatively little is known about how these species select habitat during migration. We explored the habitat selection of Buff-breasted Sandpipers (Calidris subruficollis) during spring and fall migration through the Texas Coastal Plain, a major stopover region for this species. Using tracking data from 118 birds compiled over 4 years, we found Buff-breasted Sandpipers selected intensively managed crops such as sod and short-stature crop fields, but generally avoided rangeland and areas near trees and shrubs. This work supports prior studies that also indicate the importance of short-stature vegetation for this species. Use of sod and corn varied by season, with birds preferring sod in spring, and avoiding corn when it is tall, but selecting for corn in fall after harvest. This dependence on cropland in the Texas Coastal Plain is contrary to habitat use observed in other parts of their non-breeding range, where rangelands are used extensively. The species' almost complete reliance on a highly specialized crop, sod, at this critical stopover site raises concerns about potential exposure to contaminants as well as questions about whether current management practices are providing suitable conditions for migratory grassland birds.

Ecology and Management of Sedges in Direct-seeded Rice: A Review

Sedges, resilient weeds from the Cyperaceae family, pose a significant threat to direct-seeded rice cultivation due to their perennial nature and robust propagules, which endure harsh conditions. Their emergence, growth and seed production during fallow periods contribute significantly to seed banks, making their management challenging compared to other weed types. Water levels in paddy fields dictate weed composition, favouring sedges and grasses under saturated conditions but shifting to grass weeds during cropping seasons, influenced by factors like soil conditions and rainfall. Managing sedges requires a multifaceted approach due to their perennial hydrophilic and pro-alkaline nature with extensive propagules. Sedges possessing strong root system with morphological similarities necessitate continuous weed control throughout the cropping season during the critical period ranging from 15 to 60 days after sowing for wet and dry direct-seeded rice. Effective weed management practices proved crucial for minimizing yield losses caused by infestation of Cyperus difformis, Fimbristylis miliacea and Schoenoplectus juncoides by many researchers. Various methods, including cultural practices like stale seedbeds, physical methods like summer tillage, biological approaches such as integrating poultry and chemical interventions like herbicide application, are utilized for sedge management in rice fields. Higher efficacy of ethoxysulfuron for management of majority of sedge weeds in rice has been reported by many workers. However, relying on a single strategy is insufficient to keep sedge populations below the threshold, necessitating a comprehensive and adaptable approach to weed control in rice cultivation.

Genetics and Epigenetic in Mental Health

Genetics and epigenetics play critical roles in mental health, offering insights into the complex interplay between biological predisposition and environmental influences in the development and progression of mental disorders. Genetic studies have identified numerous risk loci associated with conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression, highlighting the polygenic nature of these illnesses. However, the presence of genetic risk factors alone does not fully account for the variability in disease onset, severity, or response to treatment. This gap is increasingly understood through the lens of epigenetics, which involves heritable changes in gene expression that do not alter the DNA sequence itself but are influenced by environmental factors, such as stress, diet, and exposure to toxins. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNAs, can modulate gene activity in response to external stimuli, leading to long-lasting effects on brain function and behavior. These processes are particularly important during critical periods of brain development, where epigenetic modifications can shape neural circuits involved in emotion regulation, cognition, and stress response. Emerging research suggests that the interaction between genetic predisposition and epigenetic changes contributes to the heterogeneity observed in mental health disorders, explaining why individuals with similar genetic risks can have different outcomes. Understanding these intricate genetic and epigenetic networks is essential for developing personalized therapeutic strategies, which could revolutionize the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions. Advances in this field hold the promise of identifying biomarkers for early intervention and creating targeted interventions that consider an individual’s unique genetic and epigenetic profile, ultimately improving mental health outcomes on a global scale.

A multi-modal assessment of self-knowledge in adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury: a research domains criteria (RDoC) study.

Adolescence is a critical period for brain development, consolidation of self-understanding, and onset of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). This study evaluated the RDoC (Research Domain Criteria) sub-construct of Self-Knowledge in relation to adolescent NSSI using multiple units of analysis. One hundred and sixty-four adolescents assigned female at birth (AFAB), ages 12-16 years with and without a history of NSSI entered a study involving clinical assessment and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including structural, resting-state functional MRI (fMRI), and fMRI during a self-evaluation task. For imaging analyses, we used an a priori defined Self Network (anterior cingulate, orbitofrontal, and posterior cingulate cortices; precuneus). We first examined interrelationships among multi-level Self variables. We then evaluated the individual relationships between NSSI severity and multi-level Self variables (self-report, behavior, multi-modal brain Self Network measures), then conducted model testing and multiple regression to test how Self variables (together) predicted NSSI severity. Cross-correlations revealed key links between self-reported global self-worth and self-evaluation task behavior. Individually, greater NSSI severity correlated with lower global self-worth, more frequent and faster negative self-evaluations, lower anterior Self Network activation during self-evaluation, and lower anterior and posterior Self Network resting-state connectivity. Multiple regression analysis revealed the model including multi-level Self variables explained NSSI better than a covariate-only model; the strongest predictive variables included self-worth, self-evaluation task behavior, and resting-state connectivity. Disruptions in Self-Knowledge across multiple levels of analysis relate to NSSI in adolescents. Findings suggest potential neurobiological treatment targets, potentially enhancing neuroplasticity in Self systems to facilitate greater flexibility (more frequently positive) of self-views in AFAB adolescents.

Impact of Social Connectedness on Neuroinflammation and Brain Architecture in Non-Human Primates

Social connectedness plays a critical role in the mental and physical health of primates, including humans.1-3 Social isolation and loneliness have been linked to a variety of negative health outcomes, such as increased risk of neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s, anxiety, and depression.2 Despite extensive research on the effects of early isolation, there is limited understanding of the neurobiological consequences of social deprivation during adulthood. This project aims to fill this gap by exploring how changes in social connectedness influence neuroinflammation and brain architecture in non-human primates (NHPs). The study utilized a longitudinal design involving 19 adult cynomolgus macaques to examine the effects of social living conditions on neuroinflammation and brain structure. The NHPs were first housed in group living conditions, transitioned to single-living conditions, and finally returned to group living. Multimodal neuroimaging was conducted to evaluate changes in cortical thickness, myelination, and brain connectivity across these phases. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected at multiple time points to assess levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-a, IL-1β, IL-6) and a biomarker for neuroplasticity (BDNF).4-6 Advanced biomarker detection technology, such as SIMOA, ELISA, and Luminex, could be leveraged to achieve highly sensitive measurements of these markers.7,8 Preliminary findings indicate that social deprivation leads to decreases in cortical thickness and myelination in key brain regions associated with social cognition; however, these changes may be reversible upon reintroduction to group living.9-12 This study hypothesizes that the observed structural changes correlate with increases in neuroinflammatory markers. If confirmed, these results could highlight the critical role of social connectedness in maintaining brain health and suggest potential biomarkers for loneliness and related neuropsychiatric conditions. This research could inform interventions aimed at mitigating the negative health impacts of social isolation and improve welfare standards in NHP research, enhancing the translational relevance of such models to human health. References Holt-Lunstad J, Steptoe A. Social Isolation: An underappreciated determinant of physical health. Current Opinion in Psychology. 2022;43:232-237. doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.07.012 Bzdok D, Dunbar RIM. The neurobiology of social distance. Trends in Cognitive Sciences. 2020;24(9):717-733. doi:10.1016/j.tics.2020.05.016 Cacioppo JT, Cacioppo S. The growing problem of loneliness. The Lancet. 2018;391(10119):426. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(18)30142-9 Magalhães DM, Mampay M, Sebastião AM, Sheridan GK, Valente CA. Age-related impact of social isolation in mice: Young vs middle-aged. Neurochemistry International. 2024;174:105678. doi:10.1016/j.neuint.2024.105678 Van Bogart K, Engeland CG, Sliwinski MJ, et al. The association between loneliness and inflammation: Findings from an older adult sample. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience. 2022;15. doi:10.3389/fnbeh.2021.801746 Bathina S, Das UN. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its clinical implications. Archives of Medical Science. 2015;6:1164-1178. doi:10.5114/aoms.2015.56342 Lasseter HC, Provost AC, Chaby LE, Daskalakis NP, Haas M, Jeromin A. Cross-platform comparison of highly sensitive immunoassay technologies for cytokine markers: Platform performance in post-traumatic stress disorder and parkinson’s disease. Cytokine: X. 2020;2(2):100027. doi:10.1016/j.cytox.2020.100027 Platchek M, Lu Q, Tran H, Xie W. Comparative analysis of multiple immunoassays for cytokine profiling in drug discovery. SLAS Discovery. 2020;25(10):1197-1213. doi:10.1177/2472555220954389 Miller JG, López V, Buthmann JL, Garcia JM, Gotlib IH. A social gradient of cortical thickness in adolescence: Relationships with neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage, family socioeconomic status, and depressive symptoms. Biological Psychiatry Global Open Science. 2022;2(3):253-262. doi:10.1016/j.bpsgos.2022.03.005 Yang Y, Cheng Z, Tang H, et al. Neonatal maternal separation impairs prefrontal cortical myelination and cognitive functions in rats through activation of Wnt Cerebral Cortex. Published online May 13, 2016. doi:10.1093/cercor/bhw121 Sallet J, Mars RB, Noonan MP, et al. Social network size affects neural circuits in macaques. Science. 2011;334(6056):697-700. doi:10.1126/science.1210027 Makinodan M, Rosen KM, Ito S, Corfas A critical period for social experience–dependent oligodendrocyte maturation and myelination. Science. 2012;337(6100):1357-1360. doi:10.1126/science.1220845

Updated Risk Score Algorithms for Acute HIV Infection Detection at a Sexually Transmitted Infections Clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi

Background: Detection of acute (pre-seroconversion) HIV infection (AHI), the phase of highest transmission risk, requires resource-intensive RNA- or antigen-based detection methods that can be infeasible for routine use. Risk score algorithms can improve the efficiency of AHI detection by identifying persons at highest risk of AHI for prioritized RNA/antigen testing, but prior algorithms have not considered geospatial information, potential differences by sex, or current antibody testing paradigms. Methods: We used elastic net models to develop sex-stratified risk score algorithms in a case-control study of persons (136 with AHI, 250 without HIV) attending a sexually transmitted infections (STI) clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi from 2015 to 2019. We designed algorithms for varying clinical contexts according to three levels of data availability: 1) routine demographic and clinical information, 2) behavioral and occupational data obtainable through patient interview, and 3) geospatial variables requiring external datasets or field data collection. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to assess model performance and developed a web application to support implementation. Results: The highest-performing AHI risk score algorithm for men (AUC=0.74) contained five variables (condom use, body aches, fever, rash, genital sores/ulcers) from the first two levels of data availability. The highest-performing algorithm for women (AUC=0.81) contained fifteen variables from all three levels of data availability. A risk score cut-point of 0.26 had an AHI detection sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 27% for males, and a cut-point of 0.15 had 97% sensitivity and 44% specificity for females. Additional models are available in the web application. Conclusion: Risk score algorithms can facilitate efficient AHI detection in STI clinic settings, creating opportunities for HIV transmission prevention interventions during this critical period of elevated transmission risk.

Self-Control Moralization: The Role of Moral Identity and Moral Foundations in Young Adults

Despite the morality and self-control relationship having been studied in the past, there is still not enough information about how different moral variables, and their possible interaction, affect self-control levels; especially when referring to young adulthood, a critical period for development of self-control and morality. Within the framework of self-control moralization, the current study aimed to explore whether self-control scores were affected by levels of moral identity and binding-individualizing foundations through early adulthood. Data were obtained by an online survey from a non-probabilistic sample (n=626) of young adults from Bolivia. Having found significant correlations between variables, hypotheses were tested employing t-tests and an ANCOVA, with age as a covariate. Findings showed that binding foundations, moral identity, age and the interaction between moral identity and both types of moral foundations had a significant effect on self-control scores and marginal means, with small to moderate effect sizes. Finally, finding’s implications within the theoretical framework of self-control moralization are discussed.

Starting the pill during adolescence: Age of onset and duration of use influence morphology of the hippocampus and ventromedial prefrontal cortex.

From adolescence, women become more likely to experience fear dysregulation. Oral contraceptives (OCs) can modulate the brain regions involved in fear processes. OCs are generally used for years and often initiated during adolescence, a sensitive period where certain brain regions involved in the fear circuitry are still undergoing important reorganization. It remains unknown whether OC use during adolescence may induce long-lasting changes in the fear circuitry. This study aimed to examine whether age of onset moderated the relationship between duration of use and fear-related brain structures. We collected structural MRI data in 98 healthy adult women (61 current users, 37 past users) and extracted grey matter volumes (GMV) and cortical thickness (CT) of key regions of the fear circuitry. Non-linear multiple regressions revealed interaction effects between age of onset and quadratic duration of use on GMV of the right hippocampus and right ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). Among women who initiated OCs earlier in adolescence, a short duration of use was associated with smaller hippocampal GMV and thicker vmPFC compared to a longer duration of use. For both GMV and CT of the right vmPFC, women with an early OC onset had more grey matter at a short duration of use than those with a later onset. Our results suggest that OC use earlier in adolescence may induce lasting effects on structural correlates of fear learning and its regulation. These findings support further investigation into the timing of OC use to better comprehend how OCs could disrupt normal brain development processes.