Vulnerability Factors Research Articles

An objective methodology for waterlogging risk assessment based on the entropy weighting method and machine learning

Waterlogging disasters are one of the most severe and widespread agricultural meteorological disasters. They affect about 15% of land surface globally, causing a significant reduction in crop growth and yields. This paper presents an objective methodology for assessing waterlogging risk, primarily in non-urban, predominantly agricultural areas. The waterlogging risk was assessed by evaluating vulnerability and hazard based on key environmental, anthropogenic, and climatic factors. The weights of factors affecting the waterlogging vulnerability were determined using the entropy weight method (EWM), assuring the objectivity of the overall evaluation results. The obtained waterlogging risk map was validated by comparing it with observed and detected waterlogged sites using Sentinel-2 imagery and Random Forest classification. The key novelties of this study are the use of the entropy weight method to objectively determine the relative importance of factors influencing waterlogging vulnerability, and a two-step validation process which includes field-based comparison and remote sensing validation. The presented methodology was demonstrated in the Vojvodina region, Serbia. The following waterlogging vulnerability factors were used: soil properties, geomorphology, surface depressions, average phreatic water table depth, and land cover. The EWM shows that surface depressions and soil properties have the most significant influence on waterlogging vulnerability. The highest waterlogging hazard classes occur in about 31% of the analyzed territory. The waterlogging hazard was estimated based on water balance for the non-vegetation season and maximum daily precipitation in spring, both modeled using the Generalize Extreme Value distribution function. The highest waterlogging hazard classes occur in about 31% of the analyzed territory. The final risk map shows that the high waterlogging risk occurs in about 11% of the territory. Those are mainly areas in the central, eastern, and southeastern parts of the Vojvodina region, usually along the main watercourses. High agreement between the detected waterlogged areas and the produced waterlogging risk map was achieved, validating the proposed methodology. The presented waterlogging risk assessment methodology is valuable for planning and policy-making for various water management and environmental activities. Although it is demonstrated in Vojvodina, by selecting the appropriate factors of vulnerability and hazard, it can be applied to any other region.

A meta-analysis of risk factors for cardiovascular adverse events with anthracycline based chemotherapy in lymphoma patients

BackgroundAnthracycline usage has been linked to cardiovascular adverse events (CAEs), which is unpredictable. It is critical to identify the characteristics of vulnerable populations and risk factors in order to reduce the occurrence of CAEs.ObjectivesThis meta-analysis aimed to assess the correlation between various risk factors and CAEs induced by anthracyclines.MethodsWe systematically searched for studies from PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and assessed the publication bias. Anthracyclines, hypertension, radiation therapy, diabetes, smoking, age, gender, hyperlipidemia, and obesity were meta-analyzed using a fixed or random effects model.ResultSixteen studies were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that pooled relative ratio for CAEs was 1.69 (95% CI: 1.39–2.06, p<0.001) for anthracyclines, and that risk factors for CAEs caused by anthracyclines included hypertension (RR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.53–3.01, p < 0.001), radiation therapy (RR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.19–2.47, p < 0.001), diabetes (RR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.20–2.06, p<0.001), smoking (RR = 1.35, 95% CI: 0.96–1.88, p < 0.05), and age (RR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.07–1.26, p < 0.001). In addition, BMI > 25 kg/m2 (RR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.08–1.67, p = 0.470), gender (RR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.06–1.2, p = 0.350), and hyperlipidemia (RR = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.91–1.34, p = 0.327) was not significantly associated with CAEs caused by anthracyclines.ConclusionsOur research findings indicate that patients with a history of hypertension, radiation therapy, diabetes, smoking, and elderly individuals are at an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease in the process of administration of anthracycline drugs. Consequently, careful case selection and condition monitoring are important in the treatment process.Graphical Patients with comorbidities are more prone to suffering from CAEs with anthracycline based chemotherapy, and the risk factors are arranged clockwise in a descending order: hypertension, radiation therapy, diabetes, smoking, age. BMI>25 kg/m2, gender, and hyperlipidemia are not significant associated with CAEs with anthracycline based chemotherapy.

The Relationships Between Body-Related Emotion Intolerance and Restrictive Eating as a Function of Multidimensional Perfectionism.

Emotion intolerance and perfectionism are two maintaining mechanisms to eating disorder symptomology. However, it is unclear how these mechanisms relate to one another. This study explored whether perfectionism is a vulnerability factor for facets of restrictive eating in the context of body-related emotions. Female undergraduate students (N = 148) completed questionnaires assessing baseline levels of self-critical perfectionism and personal standards perfectionism. Participants then engaged in an ecological momentary assessment protocol where body-related emotion intolerance and restrictive eating facets (cognitive restraint and behavioral restriction) were assessed over 10 consecutive days. Multilevel modeling and simple slopes analysis were used to explore these moderated relationships. Within-person (Level 1 body-related emotion intolerance) and between-person (Level 2 perfectionism dimensions) relationships were examined. Based on the analyses, both self-critical and personal standards perfectionism dimensions interacted with body-related emotion intolerance to predict increases in restrictive eating facets. These findings indicate that personal standards perfectionism, though conceptualized as the less maladaptive dimension of perfectionism, should not be ignored when conceptualizing and intervening with restrictive eating. Recommendations are provided on how to refine treatment targets to be more attuned with situations that elicit body-related emotion intolerance.

Beyond COVID-19, the case for collecting, analysing and using sex-disaggregated data and gendered data to inform outbreak response: a scoping review

IntroductionUnderstanding sex and gender differences during outbreaks is critical to delivering an effective response. Although recommendations and minimum requirements exist, the incorporation of sex-disaggregated data and gender analysis into outbreak...

Parental Rejection as a Developmental Vulnerability Factor for Mood Symptoms in Young Adulthood

Parental Rejection as a Developmental Vulnerability Factor for Mood Symptoms in Young Adulthood

Paradigm Shift in Typhoon Forecasting for the Korean Peninsula: A Case Study on the Applicability of the Typhoon-Ready System

Climate change has significantly increased multi-hazard disasters caused by typhoons, exposing the limitations of conventional forecasting systems that often neglect regional socio-economic vulnerabilities. This study develops and validates the Typhoon-Ready System (TRS) as an effective disaster-management framework for the Korean Peninsula. The TRS integrates hazard data with socio-economic and environmental vulnerability factors to produce region-specific risk indices. The analysis of four representative typhoons—Lingling (2019), Rusa (2002), Maemi (2003), and Mitak (2019)—demonstrates TRS’s applicability in identifying high-risk zones and supporting disaster preparedness strategies. The TRS framework incorporates indices, such as the Strong Wind Index (SWI), Heavy Rainfall Index (HRI), Storm Surge Index (SSI), and Air Quality Index (AQI), effectively combining meteorological modeling with vulnerability analysis. Results demonstrate that the TRS outperforms traditional systems by accurately identifying high-risk zones and correlating them with observed damage patterns. For example, the TRS successfully pinpointed high wind risks in Seoul and Incheon during Typhoon Lingling and forecasted severe flooding in Gangneung and Samcheok during Typhoon Rusa. By integrating vulnerability factors, including population density, infrastructure aging, and urbanization levels, the TRS provides a more holistic and accurate risk assessment. This research highlights the necessity of a multi-dimensional forecasting approach for enhancing disaster preparedness and resilience against climate change-induced typhoon impacts.

Social Vulnerability and Pregnancy Option Counseling in the Setting of Periviable Delivery.

Background/Objectives: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnant people facing periviable delivery should be counseled on expected neonatal outcomes and available pregnancy options. The objective of this study is to evaluate if rates of neonatology consultation and pregnancy option counseling for those facing periviable delivery differ based on social vulnerability factors or Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who delivered at 22 0/7 weeks to 25 6/7 weeks of gestation at two academic medical centers with level III or IV neonatal intensive care units from 2019 to 2022. We analyzed the association between individual-level social vulnerability factors and census-tract-level SVI (released by the Center for Disease Control) and the rates of neonatology consultation and pregnancy option counseling. Results: In 138 periviable deliveries, 70.3% had a neonatology consultation, 92.0% were offered expectant management, 88.4% were offered neonatal full intervention, 41.3% were offered neonatal comfort care, and 44.9% were offered pregnancy termination. The rate at which neonatology consultations were completed and each pregnancy option was addressed did not differ by individual-level social vulnerability factors including race/ethnicity, government insurance, marital status, English proficiency, and parity, or by SVI. Conclusions: While these findings suggest that individual-level social vulnerability factors and SVI do not influence periviability counseling, we did identify gaps in comprehensive periviability counseling. Focus should be placed on increasing the rate of neonatology consultation and discussing the options of neonatal comfort care and pregnancy termination.

Characteristics, care and support needs of older Victorians requiring a government-funded Home Care Package: An observational study.

To describe sociodemographic characteristics and comprehensive day-to-day care and support needs of older Victorians requiring government-funded home-based aged-care, and to explore associations between vulnerability factors and complexity indicators in this population. A population-based observational study was conducted using de-identified, routinely collected aged-care assessment data for Victorians approved for a Home Care Package (HCP) between January 2019 and June 2022. The study population (n = 94,975 individuals), approved for one of four HCP levels (Levels 1 (5%), 2 (38%), 3 (34%) or 4 (24%)), was aged 82 years on average (SD 7.6), commonly born outside Australia (48%), with people of higher socio-economic status more likely to be approved for a high-level HCP. Advanced care and support needs such as for showering (53%) and dressing (43%) were common, with higher overall needs when cognitive and behavioural concerns such as short-term memory loss (75%) or agitation (21%) were present. 79% reported at least one vulnerability factor such as being socially isolated, culturally and linguistically diverse, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and 49% reported at least one complexity indicator. The three most prevalent complexity indicators were significant cognitive changes (29%), self-neglect (17%) and emotional/mental health issues (11%), which were generally positively associated with vulnerability factors. This population-based study provides evidence of the diverse sociodemographics, and often advanced day-to-day mobility, functional, physical, cognitive, behavioural, psychological and psychosocial care and support needs of people requiring home-based aged-care. It also highlights the multifaceted complexities within this population. Results could inform home care service-delivery models and workforce skill-mix requirements to efficiently and safely meet these needs.

Social Vulnerability and Child Food Insecurity in Developed Countries: A Systematic Review.

Food insecurity (FI) is a serious public health concern in economically developed countries, mainly due to unequal resource distribution. Identifying social vulnerability factors [i.e., characteristics of a person or group regarding their capacity to anticipate, cope with, resist, and recover from the effects of child FI (CFI)] and their positive or negative relationship with CFI is important to support targeted action with a scale and intensity that is proportionate to the level of disadvantage. This review aimed to systematically and comprehensively identify key social vulnerability contributors to CFI in economically developed countries and discuss the factors in the context of the socio-ecological model. Five research databases were searched for observational studies published in 2000 assessing social vulnerability factors related to FI in children residing in developed countries. Data screening and extraction were independently conducted by 2 reviewers who recorded factors related to CFI. The QualSyst tool was used to assess risk of bias. From the studies identified (N = 5689), 49 articles, predominantly from the United States and Canada, met the inclusion criteria. The identified social vulnerability factors associated with CFI were grouped into 5 based on the socio-ecological model: 1) individual child, 2) parental, 3) household, 4) community, and 5) societal factors. The most frequently reported contributors to CFI were income (household factor). Other social vulnerability factors were identified, including the child's age, parental depression, household crowdedness, social connection, poverty, and residential instability. The lack of consistent measures to define both social vulnerability and CFI in diverse population subgroups impeded meaningful pooling and interpretation of factors interacting with CFI. Recommendations for future studies are to use comparable measures to estimate the extent and severity of CFI and to investigate the relation between social vulnerability, severity, and trajectories of CFI in developed countries. This trial was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42022291638.

Spatial variability of cultural landscape vulnerability and influential factors in ethnic villages of Southeast Guizhou

In Southeast Guizhou, a region of China rich in ethnic diversity, the cultural landscapes of ethnic villages are increasingly vulnerable under the pressures of urbanization and tourism development. This study assesses the vulnerability of 43 ethnic villages in Leishan County using the Vulnerability Scoring Diagram (VSD) model, which evaluates exposure, sensitivity, and coping ability. Analyses using spatial autocorrelation and geographic weighted regression reveal distinct spatial patterns of vulnerability, with the northern region exhibiting higher vulnerability indices than the southern region. The study identifies tourism development, protection policies, and financial investments as primary influencing factors of vulnerability, with varying degrees of impact across different geographical areas. The findings provide a robust framework for assessing and visualizing the vulnerability of cultural landscapes in ethnic villages, guiding the development of tailored protection strategies to mitigate risks and preserve cultural heritage.

Lack of mental integration and emotion dysregulation as a possible long-term effect of dysfunctional parenting: An EEG study of functional connectivity before and after the exposure to attachment-related stimuli.

Dysfunctional parenting (DP) is a factor of vulnerability and a predictive risk factor for psychopathology. Although previous research has shown specific functional and structural brain alterations, the neural basis of DP remains understudied. We therefore investigated EEG functional connectivity changes within the Salience Network before and after the exposure to attachment-related stimuli in individuals with high and low perceived DP. Participants (N = 82) were asked to report sociodemographic variables, parenting styles in the first 16 years of life and individual emotion regulation patterns. A double 5-min EEG recording was conducted with eyes closed, both before and after the Adult Attachment Projective (AAP). Increased connectivity between the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the left supramarginal gyrus (lSMG) in the alpha frequency band was observed exclusively in participants with high perceived DP after the AAP. To understand the functional role of alpha frequency, this band was subdivided into low, medium and upper alpha. A connectivity analysis was again conducted between the ACC and the lSMG and increased connectivity was observed only in the middle alpha component. A positive correlation was also observed between middle alpha index connectivity and emotional dysregulation exclusively after the activation of the attachment system in individuals with high perceived DP. Our results suggest that individuals with high levels of perceived DP develop specific neurophysiological alterations. These alterations may reflect a lack of mental integration and subsequent emotion dysregulation when exposed to attachment-related, emotionally charged stimuli, or may reflect a compensatory mechanism.

Multi-criteria decision analysis for monitoring and evaluating soil erosion risk in forest fire-affected areas.

Wildfires lead to socio-economic and environmental impacts. These impacts include hydrological instability, which can cause severe damage, especially where infrastructures are present. Post-rehabilitation measures can be useful in reducing or preventing erosion or hydrogeological risks. Decision-makers are called on to prioritize post-fire intervention areas and allocate public funds for this purpose. This work focuses on the assessment of erosion and hydrological risk potential in forested slope areas affected by wildfire using a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) approach integrated with a GIS environment on a regional scale. Expert perception was considered using the pairwise comparison method as part of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). This allows expert stakeholders to rank relevant criteria, providing a quantitative metric (weight) for qualitative data. Two MCDA methods are used and compared: Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) and Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA). Fire frequency, slope (gradient and length), and proximity to infrastructures were found to be the most important factors by the stakeholders. The WLC method provides evidence classified into high and moderate suitability class areas characterized by high values for fire frequency or slope gradient. Conversely, the OWA method, ranging from low to high risks, makes it possible to adapt the method and obtain a range of suitability maps. Novelties of the MCDA-GIS combined methodology adopted in this work are its application on a regional scale and the combination of vulnerability and driving-force factors (namely presence of grey infrastructures, fire frequency). The MCDA-GIS methodology can be suitable for public administrations in that it allows for mapping a regional area more quickly and thus facilitates sector planning.

I-PACE 모델에 기반한 간호대학생의 스마트폰 사용 조절 시도 경험

Objectives This study is a qualitative descriptive study that attempted to deeply explore nursing students’ experiences of trying to control their smartphone usage time based on the I-PACE model from the perspectives of personal characteristics and the interaction between emotions and behaviors. Based on the integrated aspects of the I-PACE addiction model, this study attempted to identify vulnerable factors contributing to smartphone addiction in nursing students in order to control long-term smartphone usage time and to contribute to the utilization of evidence for intervention methods for comprehensive intervention strategies to control smartphone usage time. Methods According to the research purpose, 15 nursing students who have used smartphones for more than 5 years and have tried to control their smartphone usage time were selected through purposive sampling from October to December 2023. Data were collected through focus group interviews and individual in-depth interviews, and this is a qualitative descriptive study using content analysis. Results The results of the nursing students’ experience of trying to control their smartphone usage time were derived into three themes and seven subthemes. First, the category of ‘beginning of new awareness of smartphone moderation’ was diagrammed as ‘feelings before and after smartphone use’ and ‘use as a tool of escape’. Second, the category of ‘promoting smartphone moderation behavior in various dimensions’ was diagrammed as ‘environmental settings’ and ‘critical evaluation and judgment of smartphone use’. Third, the category of ‘continuous mediation of self-control and responsibility’ was diagrammed as ‘forming stable lifestyle habits’, ‘improving psychological resilience and adaptability’, and ‘freedom found through delayed gratification’. During the process of trying to control their smartphone usage time, the research participants acknowledged their smartphone dependency and formed critical thinking through repeated failures in moderation. After acknowledging that they could not control their smartphone usage with willpower alone, they prioritized correcting their lifestyle habits and learning constructive stress methods beyond simply trying to control their smartphone usage. This became the beginning of postponing immediate rewards and consciously controlling their impulses. Conclusions Based on the individual emotional aspect of the I-PACE model, as an intervention method to resolve smartphone addiction, the emotions of nursing students are carefully assessed, including states such as stress, loneliness, and depression according to the individual characteristics of nursing students. Based on the cognitive and practical aspects of the I-PACE model, cognitive factors such as expectations and beliefs of nursing students are closely examined to identify cognitive factors that may affect smartphone dependence. Cognitive behavioral intervention is provided to correct irrational beliefs and cognitive biases related to smartphones, strategies are provided to consciously control internal impulses, and the ability to monitor one's own smartphone usage patterns is expanded. In the interactive and integrated aspect of the I-PACE model, in order to control long-term smartphone usage time rather than short-term environmental settings, it is necessary to identify individual vulnerabilities that contribute to smartphone addiction in nursing students and to establish a constructive stress coping method that enhances psychological resilience in daily life.

Risk factors in young car drivers of the Metropolitan Area of Guadalajara, Mexico

In the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area (GMA), Mexico, the main cause ofpremature death in young adults is injuries caused by traffic accidents (TA).Exposure and vulnerability factors to traffic accidents in young drivers wereanalyzed for this area. To do so, a mixed research was conducted, based on aninterpretive paradigm. To determine the exposure and vulnerability of youngpeople to TA, secondary data sources and interviews with young people aged 16to 24 years, with a history of TA as a driver, were used. Recommendations foraction are proposed. As a result, driver behaviors (73%) stood out as anexposure factor to TA and emotional disturbance (84%) as a vulnerability factor.The GMA is characterized by a high number of vehicles per capita, mobilitymainly by private cars, poor road culture, dispersed urban growth withoutplanning, and a favorable context for TA. Reducing AT in young people requiresreducing exposure: changing risk behaviors and driver attention, road education,regulatory monitoring, reducing the number of vehicles per capita, prioritizingnon-motorized mobility by improving public transportation and roadinfrastructure, creating safe environments, and evaluating the effectiveness ofimplemented measures.

Latent Classes Analysis Approach of Intimate Partner Violence Victimization and Perpetration in Emerging Adulthood.

This study sought to identify classes of intimate partner violence (IPV) among emerging adults reporting both victimization and perpetration, as well as the co-occurrence of multiple forms of violence (i.e., psychological, physical, and sexual) and the association of psychosocial vulnerability factors (i.e., parental attachment, childhood abuse, dysfunctional attitudes, sociotropy-autonomy, self-esteem, and problem solving). A total of 363 French emerging adults aged 18 to 30 years (mean age = 24.73; 88.7% women) responded to self-report questionnaires at 12-month intervals. A latent class analysis identified five classes: low IPV (37.7%), poly IPV (7.5%), psychological and sexual IPV (8.9%), psychological and physical IPV (6.5%), and psychological IPV (39.4%). The classes were compared with logistic multinomial regressions, with the low IPV class as a reference. The results revealed that a history of IPV (12 months before) was the most predictive factor of IPV classes. Significant psychosocial vulnerability factors included social problem solving for poly IPV and psychological IPV, attraction to loneliness (dimension of autonomy) for psychological and sexual IPV, high self-esteem for poly IPV, and a secure attachment to the mother for psychological IPV and for psychological and physical IPV. Childhood abuse was not associated with the different classes. Implications for research and prevention programs will be discussed. This includes efforts to empirically integrate life skills with established psychosocial factors, and working on representations of IPV by framing conflicts as interactive interactions, to further improve intervention strategies.

The Intersectional Vulnerabilities of Migrant Women in Disaster Contexts: A Scoping Review of Mental Health Impacts During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Disasters disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, particularly migrant women, who face unique challenges exacerbated by their intersectional identities. The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a critical case study to explore these vulnerabilities, highlighting the heightened mental health risks and socio-economic adversities they encounter.This scoping review synthesized qualitative literature published between 2020 and 2023, focusing on the experiences of migrant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, yielding fourteen studies that examined themes such as mental health, gender-based violence, and access to healthcare services.The analysis revealed that legal status and economic instability emerged as primary vulnerability factors, significantly impacting the mental health of migrant women. Key themes included the exacerbation of gender-based violence, barriers to accessing healthcare, and the detrimental effects of social isolation and lockdown measures. The intersectionality framework elucidated how these women’s unique challenges are compounded by societal inequalities.The findings underscore the necessity for tailored disaster response strategies that address the specific needs of migrant women. Inclusive policies must consider the social determinants of health to enhance resilience and improve mental health outcomes in disaster scenarios. The study identifies critical gaps in existing literature, advocating for further research into the intersectional vulnerabilities faced by migrant women during various disaster contexts.

Is there a relationship between psychiatrist’s clinical assessment of medication non-adherence and treatment outcomes? Implications for practice

BackgroundThere is considerable research on the ramifications of medication non-adherence for adults with psychotic illnesses. Much of which has tightly controlled designs and strict inclusion/exclusion procedures (i.e., it is less “ecologically valid,” or consistent with real-world challenges in care). The authors sought to determine predictive relationships between psychiatrists’ clinical assessments of non-adherence and treatment outcomes, via a design that would be more applicable to practice.MethodMultiple regression analyses were conducted on non-adherence, symptom severity upon admission, number of recent hospitalizations, and length of hospital stay. The sample consisted of 182 inpatients with psychotic spectrum disorders and significant risk and vulnerability factors. Non-adherence was measured via the psychiatrists’ diagnosis of V15.81. Symptom severity was measured via the 24-item Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS-E).ResultsThere were null findings on non-adherence and BPRS-E pretest score (χ2= 2, p = 0.16), recent hospitalizations (χ2= 1.2, p = 0.27), and length of stay (β = 0.003, p = 0.97). Higher symptom severity predicted a modestly longer length of stay (χ2= .20, p = 0.007), though Bonferroni correction nullified this finding. White/Caucasian participants were far more likely to be non-adherent than black/African-American participants (t = -8.66; p > .00001).ConclusionsNull findings suggest the psychiatrist’s initial, quick-form assessment of non-adherence may not necessarily presume a poor prognosis. Perhaps, because individuals with severe and chronic psychotic disorders may have greater coping, adaptive, and survival skills than is often assumed. In severely under-resourced hospitals, such second thoughts and more reliable information about adherence and contributing factors may improve treatment outcomes.

The Influence of Early Maladaptive Schemas on Recovery and Psychological Capital in Borderline Personality Disorder Clients: Findings From Rural Dwelling Sample.

Early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) are among the key vulnerability factors explaining the development and persistence of symptoms in borderline personality disorder (BPD). Furthermore, it was suggested that EMSs might impact recovery-related outcomes, including psychological and recovery capital, among individuals with BPD. To investigate the relationship among EMSs, psychological and recovery capital in individuals with BPD disorder. A descriptive correlational research design was conducted in Minya Outpatients' Psychiatric Hospital Clinic, using the Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form (YSQ-S2), Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ) and Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS) to collect data from 200 individuals with BPD. The findings suggest that EMSs significantly correlated with the total psychological and recovery capital scores (0.119, 0.024 and -0.025, 0.05). Moreover, linear regression analyses exhibit that EMSs, regarding social isolation failure and vulnerability to harm, are significant negative predictors of recovery capital (t = -2.760, p = 0.006 and t = -3.919, p < 0.001, respectively). The complex interplay between EMSs and recovery-related outcomes provides valuable insights for planning and implementing structured psychotherapeutic interventions based on specific schema patterns. Our existing findings can also serve as a valuable reference for mental health nursing in clinical practice by enhancing their understanding of the underlying causes of maladaptive behaviours commonly seen in BPD, allowing them to tailor patient-centred care interventions and thereby reduce the risk of relapse.

Vulnerable to disappearance. Experiences of missing and found teenage girls and young men in Nuevo León, Mexico

In Mexico, the phenomenon of disappearance resurfaced with the Drug War (2006) and in the state of Nuevo Leon it was mainly young men who disappeared the most between 2007 and 2012. However, since 2018, the disappearances of teenage girls increased. To analyze this situation, a study was undertaken in collaboration with the National Search Commission, whose methodology relies on analyzing the experiences of missing and found persons. With the support of the Local Search Commission in Nuevo León, a survey was sent to found persons between the ages of 0 and 29, interviews were conducted with missing and found persons, and files of the public child protection services were reviewed. This new methodology established the immediate and structural causes of disappearances and that the main factors of vulnerability are structural violence, mental health and addictions, gender violence and police abuse.

Salivary oxytocin and amygdalar alterations in functional neurological disorders.

Individuals diagnosed with functional neurological disorder experience abnormal movement, gait, sensory processing or functional seizures, for which research into the pathophysiology identified psychosocial contributing factors as well as promising biomarkers. Recent pilot studies suggested that (epi-)genetic variants may act as vulnerability factors, for example, on the oxytocin pathway. This study set out to explore endogenous oxytocin hormone levels in saliva in a cohort of 59 functional neurological disorder patients and 65 healthy controls comparable in sex and age. First, we examined the association between salivary oxytocin levels with the genetic allelic variant (rs53576) of the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR), its epigenetic changes indicated by methylation rates, and clinical variables-including childhood trauma. Second, due to previously reported effects of oxytocin changing the volume and functional connectivity of the amygdala, as well as the known involvement of the amygdala in the pathophysiology of functional neurological disorders, we further looked at both structural and functional imaging of the amygdala. While patients did not significantly differ from healthy control in their peripheral oxytocin levels, there was a specific interaction of OXTR methylation and peripheral oxytocin dependent on group: higher methylation rates correlated with higher salivary oxytocin in patients only, while this was not the case in healthy control [F(1109) = 8.92, P = 0.003, d = 0.541]. Moreover, patients with the AA-genotype (minor allele) of the rs53576 genetic variant of the OXTR gene presented with higher OXTR methylation levels [F(2106) = 10.25, P < 0.0001, d = 0.58]. Lastly, amygdalar connectivity to the hippocampus, the posterior cingulate cortex, the inferior parietal cortex and the inferior temporal cortex as well as smaller amygdalar volume were correlated to peripheral oxytocin levels in patients only [F(2,38) = 5.36, P = 0.025, d = 0.431], but not in healthy control. No significant interactions with childhood trauma were identified. Our study revealed a significant interplay between peripheral oxytocin and OXTR methylation in patients only, potentially influenced by genotype. One could hypothesize that higher peripheral oxytocin denotes a compensatory mechanisms for the increased methylation of the OXTR, which might affect amygdalar functional connectivity. These findings help to further understand underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, considering oxytocin's involvement in functional patients and could offer a potential site of treatment for future studies.