Current Study Research Articles

Stem cells and platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of naturally occurring equine tendon and ligament injuries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and mesenchymal stromal or stem cells (MSCs) have been investigated as treatments for equine tendon and ligament injuries, but little consensus exists on the efficacy of these treatments. The study sought to evaluate the efficacy of PRP and MSC treatments by systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic review was performed using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. Inclusion criteria required an original, peer-reviewed study where horses were administered MSCs or PRP (or both), and a comparator group was described. Studies were assessed for risk of bias and study quality. Random effects meta-analysis with inverse variance weighting was used to calculate pooled estimates of the ORs for the primary outcomes of return to performance and reinjury. The search criteria identified 764 unique studies, and 21 studies met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review. Seventeen studies were further assessed for the primary outcomes of return to performance and reinjury rate within a meta-analysis. Meta-analyses revealed no increase in the likelihood of a return to performance with any of the biologic treatments. However, MSCs and MSCs administered concurrently with PRP provide a reduced risk of reinjury. The current study identified a decrease in reinjury rate in horses administered MSCs or a combination of MSCs and PRP for tendinopathy and desmopathy. However, results should be interpreted with consideration of the heterogeneity of findings, poor study quality, and high risk of bias in the majority of studies.

Expression levels of microRNA-7110 in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and it is responsible for more than 95% of head and neck cancers. Despite advancements in research and treatment, patient's survival has not significantly increased in recent years. On the other hand, microRNAs (miRNAs) are a major class of small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression of the target mRNAs. Thus, understanding the mechanisms behind OSCC formation and progression may lead to the identification of potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic molecules for the treatment of OSCC. The aim of the current study was to analyze expression levels of miR-7110 in OSCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues as it could provide insights into its potential role in OSCC development or progression as a valuable biomarker. A total of 20 OSCC and adjacent normal tissues were collected from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals (Chennai, India). The tissues were processed for hematoxylin and eosin staining and expression studies. The data were shown as mean±standard deviation and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Our histopathological observations revealed an invasive malignant epithelial neoplasm with malignant epithelial cells exhibiting features of severe epithelial dysplasia invading the connective tissue stroma as islands, strands and cords with varying degrees of differentiation. Our results have also revealed that the expression levels of miR-7110 were found to be significantly higher in OSCC samples when compared to the normal tissue. We can preliminarily conclude that based on the increased expression of miR-7110 in OSCC tissue samples, they can be used as an early diagnostic or prognostic biomarker and/or a therapeutic target for the treatment of OSCC even though more focused research in that direction is needed.

Use of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Experimental Ovarian Damage.

Bisphenol-A (BPA) has a well-proven deleterious effect on the hypothalamicpituitary- gonadal axis. The current study investigated the therapeutic potentials of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a murine model of BPA-induced ovarian damage. Fifty adult female rats were divided into: Group 1; control group, Group IIa, IIb: rats were given oral gavage of BPA (25 and 50 mg/Kg body weight respectively) on a daily basis for 15 days, and Group IIIa, IIIb; rats were intravenously treated with of MSCs (106 cells) after receiving the last dose of BPA as in group II. Plasma and ovarian tissue levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and gonadal axis hormones were assessed. Apoptosis was evaluated by TUNNEL assay and by apoptosis markers (FAS, FASL, Caspase 3, SLTM). A histological examination of ovarian tissue was also conducted. BPA resulted in a significant elevation in plasma levels of LH, FSH, and ovarian tissue levels of MDA and a significant decrease in estradiol and progesterone. All genetic and protein markers of apoptosis were elevated in BPA treated group with decreased oestrogen receptor expression in the ovarian tissue. Increased apoptotic cells were confirmed by TUNEL assay. A high dose of BPA was able to increase the number of atretic follicles in the ovarian tissue whereas the numbers of primordial, primary, secondary and Graafian follicles were decreased. All the laboratory and histological abnormalities were ameliorated by treatment with MSCs. The antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects of MSCs could possibly explain the ability of this therapeutic modality to ameliorate BPA-induced-ovarian damage.

Oat protein modulates cholesterol metabolism and improves cardiac systolic function in high fat, high sucrose fed rats.

Oats are recognized to provide many health benefits that are mainly associated with its dietary fibre, β-glucan. However, the protein derived from oats is largely understudied with respect to its ability to maintain health and attenuate risk factors of chronic diseases. The goal of the current study was to investigate the metabolic effects of oat protein consumption in lieu of casein as the protein source in high fat, high sucrose (HF/HS) fed Wistar rats. Four-week-old rats were divided into three groups and were fed three different experimental diets: a control diet with casein as the protein source, an HF/HS diet with casein, or an HF/HS diet with oat protein for 16 weeks. Heart structure and function were determined by echocardiography. Blood pressure measurements, an oral glucose tolerance test, and markers of cholesterol metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver and kidney damage were also performed. Our study results show that incorporation of oat protein in the diet was effective in preserving systolic heart function in HF/HS fed rats. Oat protein significantly reduced serum total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Furthermore, oat protein normalized liver HMG-CoAR activity, which, to our knowledge, is the first time this has been reported in the literature. Therefore, our research suggests that oat protein can provide hypocholesterolemic and cardioprotective benefits in a diet-induced model of metabolic syndrome.

Hypoperfusion of Amygdala in Chronic Migraine: An Exploratory Quantitative Perfusion Imaging Using 3D Pseudo-Continuous Arterial Spin Labeling.

Although the amygdala has structural and functional abnormalities in Chronic Migraine (CM), less is known about the altered perfusion of the amygdala in CM. The current study aimed to assess amygdala perfusion in CM using a contrast agent-free and quantitative approach. 15 Normal Controls (NC) and 13 patients with CM during the migraine interval were assessed for brain structure and subjected to 3D Pseudo- Continuous Arterial Spin Labeling (3D-PCASL) MR imaging. The Cerebral Blood Flow (CBF) value of the amygdala was automatically extracted based on the individual amygdala mask for all participants. The independent sample t-test, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, and correlation analysis were used to evaluate the perfusion changes in CM. Bilateral amygdala cerebral perfusion was lower in CM (left amygdala, 42.21±4.49 ml/100mg/min; right amygdala, 42.38±4.41 ml/100mg/min) than in NC (left amygdala, 48.31±6.92 ml/100mg/min; right amygdala, 47.88±6.53 ml/100mg/min) (left, p = 0.01; right, p = 0.02). There was no significant correlation between the perfusion of bilateral amygdalas and the clinical variables. Also, there was no significant difference in the volume of bilateral amygdalas between the two groups. The Area Under the Curve (AUC) of the CBF values of the left and right amygdala was 0.78 (95%CI: 0.58-0.91) and 0.75 (95%CI: 0.55-0.89), respectively. The cut-off value was 44.24 ml/100mg/min (left amygdala, with sensitivity 76.90% and specificity 78.70%) and 46.75 ml/100mg/min (right amygdala, with sensitivity 92.3% and specificity 58.80%), respectively. CM presented bilateral hypoperfusion in the amygdala, offering potential diagnostic value in distinguishing CM from NC. The 3D-PCASL could be regarded as a simple and efficient neuroimaging tool to assess the perfusion status in CM patients.

Design of siRNAs Against Immune-Implicated Atherosclerosis Genes: Computational Study

Atherosclerosis is a chronic, immune-implicated, disease with high numbers of mortality globally. The aim of the current study is to target these genes by specific siRNA utilizing bioinformatics tools. Eight siRNAs were designed via RNAxs from C1QA and ITBG2 gene sequences retrieved from NCBI database. GC% and Tm of siRNAs were calculated through OligoCalc web interface. In addition, hybridization energy of siRNAs with the corresponding target sequences as well as docking to argonaute 2 protein were performed using DuplexFold and HDock. The designed siRNAs exhibited acceptable GC content and Tm values. Besides, the hybridization energy and docking scores were highly significant to block the expression of the mentioned genes. In conclusion, the designed siRNAs are superior candidates for silencing immune-mediated atherosclerotic genes which deserve further consideration.

The COVID-19 pandemic’s influence on employment outcomes of veterans enrolled in VA healthcare vocational rehabilitation

BACKGROUND: Employment has been shown to be the fourth most commonly reported need for veterans and their families, and unemployment rates have ranged from 1–69% dependent on the mental health diagnosis. Complications from the COVID-19 pandemic have had a significant impact on psychological functioning, and social isolation has led to increased psychiatric symptoms. Vocational rehabilitation is an intervention provided to Veterans in an attempt to remove barriers to employment while also increasing involvement in gainful work activity. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the current study was to examine the impact that COVID-19 has had on employment rates at discharge for veterans with mental health disorders participating in a VHA vocational rehabilitation program. METHODS: An outcome-based, summative program evaluation design was used to assess the quality of Veterans served (2016-2021) at a vocational rehabilitation program served at a medical center located in VISN 12 of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. RESULTS: Findings showed that veterans with Bipolar and Psychosis were less likely to discharge with employment (not considering COVID-19). CONCLUSION: No significant meaningful differences existed in employment rates when comparing pre/post March 2020 (official start of COVID-19 pandemic) for veterans with psychiatric diagnoses.

Multiple psychiatric diagnoses and return-to-work following posttraumatic stress injury rehabilitation

BACKGROUND: Posttraumatic stress injury (PTSI) is a term used to describe a range of psychiatric difficulties which arise following exposure to a psychologically traumatic event. The impact of being diagnosed with multiple psychiatric conditions on the return-to-work (RTW) outcomes of individuals with PTSI has not been adequately researched. OBJECTIVE: The current study examined whether the presence of two or more psychiatric conditions occurring simultaneously is predictive of RTW outcomes in workers with PTSI. METHOD: A population-based cohort design was conducted using archival data from injured workers admitted to a PTSI rehabilitation program. Differences in RTW outcomes and demographic, administrative, and clinical variables were compared between individuals with single and multiple psychiatric diagnoses. A range of variables were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model predicting RTW. RESULTS: The final logistic regression model indicated workers had higher odds of RTW if they had a single psychiatric diagnosis (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 2.20), non-elevated scores on a measure of traumatic stress (AOR 1.85), and reported higher self-perceived readiness to RTW (AOR 1.24). CONCLUSION: Being diagnosed with multiple psychiatric conditions appears to be associated with more negative RTW outcomes following PTSI rehabilitation.

The value of work simulation rehabilitation: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Using simulation methods that replicate specific job demands can accelerate return-to-work following an illness or injury. However, the components of simulation vary markedly. OBJECTIVE: The current study explores the perceptions and experiences of service users to better understand what aspects are required to facilitate a well-designed, work-specific simulation. METHODS: Thirteen injured workers (10 men, 3 women) and four staff (3 allied health, 1 manager) involved in a simulation-based rehabilitation program were interviewed. Interview data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Three major themes resulted: 1) simulation can facilitate successful rehabilitation, 2) the importance of offering multiple, realistic simulations to replicate varying occupations, and 3) effective simulation involves collaboration with a worker’s existing health professionals. CONCLUSIONS: Simulation tasks can be effectively integrated into injury rehabilitation, although are challenging to implement and require further validation studies. The present findings may provide some guidance for rehabilitation services looking to implement this method within a broader, biopsychosocial return-to-work program.

Pericyte Control of Gene Expression in the Blood-Brain Barrier Endothelium: Implications for Alzheimer's Disease.

A strong body of evidence suggests that cerebrovascular pathologies augment the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). One distinctive aspect of this cerebrovascular dysfunction is the degeneration of brain pericytes-often overlooked supporting cells of blood-brain barrier endothelium. The current study investigates the influence of pericytes on gene and protein expressions in the blood-brain barrier endothelium, which is expected to facilitate the identification of pathophysiological pathways that are triggered by pericyte loss and lead to blood-brain barrier dysfunction in AD. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted on the RNA-Seq expression counts matrix (GSE144474), which compared solo-cultured human blood-brain barrier endothelial cells against endothelial cells co-cultured with human brain pericytes in a non-contact model. We constructed a similar cell culture model to verify protein expression using western blots. The insulin resistance and ferroptosis pathways were found to be enriched. Western blots of the insulin receptor and heme oxygenase expressions were consistent with those observed in RNA-Seq data. Additionally, we observed more than 5-fold upregulation of several genes associated with neuroprotection, including insulin-like growth factor 2 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Results suggest that pericyte influence on blood-brain barrier endothelial gene expression confers protection from insulin resistance, iron accumulation, oxidative stress, and amyloid deposition. Since these are conditions associated with AD pathophysiology, they imply mechanisms by which pericyte degeneration could contribute to disease progression.

The value of elastography strain rate ratio in benign and malignant BI-RADS-US 3-4 breast masses.

In the realm of breast diagnostics, Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) serves as a systematic framework, guiding a methodical exploration into the nuanced narratives of masses. The current study aims to investigate the value of strain rate ratio (SR) of elastography for benign and malignant breast masses categorized by BI-RADS for Ultrasonography (BI-RADS-US) category 3-4. Ultrasonographic data of 1099 breast masses that underwent both elastography and pathological examination were retrospectively analyzed by non-parametric test, consistency analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve sequentially. ROC curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic effect of SR method in different BI-RADS categories of breast lesions. The maximum Youden index obtained from the ROC curve was 0.845. At a cut-off value of 3.57, the SR values' diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for distinguishing benign and malignant breast lesions were 85.7 %, 98.8 %, 93.6 %, 97.9 % and 91.45 %, respectively. Consistency analysis showed that the consistency between SR value and pathological diagnosis was 93.6 % (κ = 0.864). In addition, the SR values between benign and malignant lesions of BI-RADS 3 and 4 were statistically different (P < 0.001). ROC analysis indicated that the diagnostic area under curve (AUC) for SR value in BI-RADS 3, 4a, 4b and 4c lesions were 0.985, 0.866, 0.793 and 0.916, respectively. In addition, the study observed 58 cases of missed diagnosis and 20 cases of misdiagnosis in evaluating benign and malignant breast lesions. The elastic SR ratio method has a good diagnostic value for the evaluation of breast masses, particularly for lesions with a score of 3-4. The elastic SR ratio method is instrumental in enhancing the accuracy of diagnosis.

Veratrilla baillonii Franch alleviate the symptoms of diabetes in type 2 diabetic rats induced by high-fat diet and streptozotocin

Our previous research studies have shown that Veratrilla baillonii Franch, a food supplement used by ethnic minorities in Southwest China, has multiple pharmacological activities, such as detoxification, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-insulin resistance. However, the detailed signal pathways for its salutary effect on damages in multiple organs due to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains unclear. The current study is to evaluate the therapeutic effects of V. baillonii on T2DM rats and to explore the underlying mechanisms. The T2DM rat model was successfully established by a high-sugar and high-fat diet (HFD) combination with intraperitoneal injection of a small dose of streptozotocin (STZ, 35 mg/kg). Biochemical analysis and histopatholgical examinations were conducted to evaluate the anti-diabetic potential of water extracts of V. baillonii (WVBF). The results showed that the WVBF treatment can improve hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, ameliorate the liver, kidney and pancreas injuries via decreasing inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α, and oxidative damages. Further investigation suggested that WVBF modulates the signal transductions of the IRS1/PI3K/AKT/GLUT4 and AMPK pathways. These findings demonstrate potentials of WVBF in the treatment of T2DM and possible mechanisms for its hepatoprotective activities.

Circulating MiR-1185¸ MiR-3183, and MiR-584 Levels in Plasma as Diagnostic Non-invasive Biomarkers for Early Detection of Breast Cancer

Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNA molecules with short sequences that function as main post-transcriptional gene regulators of different biological pathways via negative regulation of gene expression, thereby leading to either mRNA degradation or translational blockade. Dysregulated expression of these miRNAs has been related etiologically to many human diseases, including breast cancer. Various cellular processes of breast cancer progression, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, recurrence and chemodrug resistance, are modulated by oncogenic miRNA (oncomiR). Objective: The objective of this investigation was to study the expression level and potential diagnostic/ prognostic roles of circulating microRNAs (miR-3183, miR-1185, and miR-584) as novel breast cancer biomarkers. Method: The current study was conducted on 99 breast cancer (BC) female patients, aged between 20-63 years old, as the case group and 50 age-matched healthy females as control (HC). After microRNA extraction from the serum samples, real-time PCR was carried out for relative expression quantification of miR-1185, miR-3183a, and miR-584. The ROC curve analysis was performed to investigate the diagnostic value of miRNAs. Result: It was demonstrated that miRNA-1185, miRNA-584, and miRNA-3183 were significantly up-regulated (p-values &lt;0.0001) in female BC cases compared to the control group. Besides, based on the ROC analysis for BC versus HC, it was revealed that the AUC for miRNA-584 was 0.844 (95% confidence interval (CI) and could be proposed as a diagnostic biomarker for breast cancer screening and follow-up. Conclusion: MiRNAs expression profiling using blood-based samples demonstrated their upregulation in the serum and plasma and revealed the concept that circulating miRNAs have high potential as novel noninvasive biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and screening.

The Sensitivity of Supercell Cold Pools to the Lifting Condensation Level and the Predicted Particle Properties Microphysics Scheme

Abstract Previous work found that cold pools in ordinary convection are more sensitive to the microphysics scheme when the lifting condensation level (LCL) is higher owing to a greater evaporation potential, which magnifies microphysical uncertainties. In the current study, we explore whether the same reasoning can be applied to supercellular cold pools. To do this, four perturbed-microphysics ensembles are run, with each using an environment with a different LCL. Similar to ordinary convection, the sensitivity of supercellular cold pools to the microphysics increases with higher LCLs, though the physical reasoning for this increase in sensitivity differs from a previous study. Using buoyancy budgets along parcel trajectories that terminate in the cold pool, we find that negative buoyancy generated by microphysical cooling is partially countered by a decrease in environmental potential temperatures as the parcel descends. This partial erosion of negative buoyancy as parcels descend is most pronounced in the low-LCL storms, which have steeper vertical profiles of environmental potential temperature in the lower atmosphere. When this erosion is accounted for, the strength of the strongest cold pools in the low-LCL ensemble is reduced, resulting in a narrower distribution of cold pool strengths. This narrower distribution is indicative of reduced sensitivity to the microphysics. These results suggest that supercell behavior and supercell hazards (e.g., tornadoes) may be more predictable in low-LCL environments. Significance Statement Thunderstorms typically produce “pools” of cold air beneath them owing in part to the evaporation of rain and melting of ice produced by the storm. Past work has found that in computer simulations of thunderstorms, the cold pools that form beneath thunderstorms are sensitive to how rain and ice are modeled in the simulation. In this study, we show that in the strongest thunderstorms that are capable of producing tornadoes, this sensitivity is reduced when the humidity in the lowest few kilometers above the surface is increased. Exploring why the sensitivity is reduced when the humidity increases provides a deeper understanding of the relationship between humidity and cold pool strength, which is important for severe storm forecasting.

A Comprehensive Study on Peppermint Oil and Cinnamon Oil as Nanoemulsion: Preparation, Stability, Cytotoxicity, Antimicrobial, Antifungal, and Antioxidant Activity.

Recent studies have shown that nanoemulsions prepared with essential oils have significant antimicrobial potential against multidrug-resistant pathogens due to increased chemical stability. Nanoemulsion also promotes controlled and sustained release, which increases their bioavailability and efficacy against multidrug-resistant bacteria. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, and cytotoxicity properties of cinnamon essential oil and peppermint essential oil as nanoemulsions compared to pure forms. For this purpose, analyses of the selected stable nanoemulsions were carried out. The droplet sizes and zeta potentials of peppermint essential oil nanoemulsions and cinnamon essential oil nanoemulsions were found to be 154.6±1.42 nm and -17.1±0.68 mV and 200.3±4.71 nm and -20.0±0.81 mV, respectively. Although the amount of essential oil used in nanoemulsions was 25% w/w, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were found to be more effective compared to pure essential oils. In cytotoxicity studies on the 3T3 cell line, both essential oil nanoemulsions showed higher cell viability than pure essential oils. At the same time, cinnamon essential oil nanoemulsions exhibited a higher antioxidant property than peppermint essential oil nanoemulsions and showed superiority in the antimicrobial susceptibility test conducted against four bacteria and two fungi. Cell viability tests determined that cinnamon essential oil nanoemulsions showed considerably higher cell viability compared to pure cinnamon essential oil. These findings indicated that the prepared nanoemulsions in the current study might positively influence the dosing regimen and clinical outcomes of antibiotic therapy.

Narrative Discourse in Youth Offenders: Examining Individual Differences.

This study examined narrative discourse in youth offenders, focusing on quality of story retelling, story comprehension, critical thinking, and the use of complex syntax. The participants were 15 incarcerated adolescents, ages 13-18 years (Mage = 16 years). Each was evaluated at their detention center via Zoom, using a standardized language test and language samples that elicited narrative speaking with fables. After retelling a fable, the participant answered questions that examined story comprehension and critical thinking. Most participants performed below average on the standardized language test and had difficulty on one or more of the language sampling measures. Areas of concern included quality of story retelling, story comprehension, critical thinking, and the use of complex syntax. Had language sampling not been employed, those weaknesses might have been overlooked. When evaluating youth offenders, it is important to elicit language samples that can provide detailed information about an adolescent's ability to communicate for genuine purposes. In this regard, the tasks employed in the current study could be helpful to speech-language pathologists in working with youth offenders, enabling them to pinpoint deficits and offer targeted intervention.

The relationship between bullying victimization and impairment in personality functioning in a clinical adolescent sample.

Problematic interpersonal relationships may represent both, a risk factor for the development or trigger of personality disorder (PD) symptoms and its consequences. Since peer relationships become more and more important in adolescence, the current study explores the cross-sectional association between recent bullying experiences and levels of impairment in personality functioning according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) alternative model of personality disorders (AMPD; Criterion A) in help-seeking adolescents (N = 493). Logistic and multiple regression analyses revealed that patients who were frequently bullied in the past 3 months (i.e., at least once a week) were more likely to reach the diagnostic threshold for PD according to the AMPD (OR = 1.71, p = .025) and showed higher levels of impairment in identity (β = .41, p < .001), empathy (β = .26, p = .002), and intimacy (β = .30, p = .001), but not self-direction, compared to patients who did not report any bullying experiences. Occasional bullying in the past 3 months (i.e., every few weeks) was neither associated with a greater likelihood to reach the diagnostic threshold for PD nor with greater impairments in identity, self-direction, empathy, or intimacy compared to no bullying. While the current study provides support for a correlation between bullying experiences and personality dysfunction (particularly in the elements identity and intimacy), longitudinal research is needed to clarify whether experiences of bullying cause or trigger personality dysfunction or/and vice versa. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Mental health attitudes, norms, beliefs, and experiences with care among young Black men: A theory of planned behavior assessment.

Young Black/African American men (YBM) are at greater risk for trauma and related mental health concerns compared to young non-Hispanic White men but are less likely to receive mental health care when needed. The current study used a Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)-guided framework to qualitatively explore beliefs, norms, and intentions related to seeking mental health screening and linkage to care (LTC) among YBM exposed to trauma. Participants (N = 55, Mage = 23 years) were YBM aged 18-30 recruited from urban community settings in Kansas City, MO, between October 2018 and April 2019 for participation in focus groups. Participants discussed lived experiences with trauma and mental health care, plus salient behavioral beliefs-both positive and negative. Key normative referents were significant others and family members, and participants endorsed greater motivation to seek care with their support. Control beliefs ranged from individual and interpersonal facilitators and barriers to more systemic factors (e.g., availability of providers, cost, lack of access, disparities in incarceration). Tailored interventions are needed to promote engagement in mental health services among YBM, with strategies that recognize cultural contexts and ongoing needs for general well-being. Recommendations for providers and systems are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Reconfigurations of Dynamic Functional Network Connectivity in Large-scale Brain Network after Prolonged Abstinence in Heroin Users.

Brain recovery phenomenon after long-term abstinence had been reported in substance use disorders. Yet, few longitudinal studies have been conducted to observe the abnormal dynamic functional connectivity (dFNC) of large-scale brain networks and recovery after prolonged abstinence in heroin users. The current study will explore the brain network dynamic connection reconfigurations after prolonged abstinence in heroin users (HUs). The 10-month longitudinal design was carried out for 40 HUs. The 40 healthy controls (HCs) were also enrolled. Group independent component analysis (GICA) and dFNC analysis were employed to detect the different dFNC patterns of addiction-related ICNs between HUs and HCs. The temporal properties and the graph-theoretical properties were calculated. Whether the abnormalities would be reconfigured in HUs after prolonged abstinence was then investigated. Based on eight functional networks extracted from GICA, four states were identified by the dFNC analysis. Lower mean dwell time and fraction rate in state4 were found for HUs, which were increased toward HCs after prolonged abstinence. In this state, HUs at baseline showed higher dFNC of RECN-aSN, aSN- aSN and dDMN-pSN, which decreased after protracted abstinence. A similar recovery phenomenon was found for the global efficiency and path length in abstinence HUs. Mean while, the abnormal dFNC strength was correlated with craving both at baseline and after abstinence. Our longitudinal study observed the large-scale brain network reconfiguration from the dynamic perspective in HUs after prolonged abstinence and improved the understanding of the neurobiology of prolonged abstinence in HUs.

Supervised Rank Aggregation (SRA): A Novel Rank Aggregation Approach for Ensemble-based Feature Selection

Background: Feature selection (FS) is critical for high dimensional data analysis. Ensemble based feature selection (EFS) is a commonly used approach to develop FS techniques. Rank aggregation (RA) is an essential step in EFS where results from multiple models are pooled to estimate feature importance. However, the literature primarily relies on static rule-based methods to perform this step which may not always provide an optimal feature set. The objective of this study is to improve the EFS performance using dynamic learning in RA step. Method: This study proposes a novel Supervised Rank Aggregation (SRA) approach to allow RA step to dynamically learn and adapt the model aggregation rules to obtain feature importance.Method: This study proposes a novel Supervised Rank Aggregation (SRA) approach to allow RA step to dynamically learn and adapt the model aggregation rules to obtain feature importance. Results: We evaluate the performance of the algorithm using simulation studies and implement it into real research studies, and compare its performance with various existing RA methods. The proposed SRA method provides better or at par performance in terms of feature selection and predictive performance of the model compared to existing methods. Conclusion: SRA method provides an alternative to the existing approaches of RA for EFS. While the current study is limited to the continuous cross-sectional outcome, other endpoints such as longitudinal, categorical, and time-to-event data could also be used.