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Patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) exhibit smaller regional brain volumes in commonly reported regions including the amygdala and hippocampus, regions associated with fear and memory processing. In the current study, we have conducted a voxel-based morphometry (VBM) meta-analysis using whole-brain statistical maps with neuroimaging data from the ENIGMA-PGC PTSD working group.
Methods
T1-weighted structural neuroimaging scans from 36 cohorts (PTSD n = 1309; controls n = 2198) were processed using a standardized VBM pipeline (ENIGMA-VBM tool). We meta-analyzed the resulting statistical maps for voxel-wise differences in gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) volumes between PTSD patients and controls, performed subgroup analyses considering the trauma exposure of the controls, and examined associations between regional brain volumes and clinical variables including PTSD (CAPS-4/5, PCL-5) and depression severity (BDI-II, PHQ-9).
Results
PTSD patients exhibited smaller GM volumes across the frontal and temporal lobes, and cerebellum, with the most significant effect in the left cerebellum (Hedges’ g = 0.22, pcorrected = .001), and smaller cerebellar WM volume (peak Hedges’ g = 0.14, pcorrected = .008). We observed similar regional differences when comparing patients to trauma-exposed controls, suggesting these structural abnormalities may be specific to PTSD. Regression analyses revealed PTSD severity was negatively associated with GM volumes within the cerebellum (pcorrected = .003), while depression severity was negatively associated with GM volumes within the cerebellum and superior frontal gyrus in patients (pcorrected = .001).
Conclusions
PTSD patients exhibited widespread, regional differences in brain volumes where greater regional deficits appeared to reflect more severe symptoms. Our findings add to the growing literature implicating the cerebellum in PTSD psychopathology.
Although carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS) is recommended for symptomatic extracranial carotid stenosis of 50–99%, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted resources. CAS therefore offered potential advantages as access to the angiosuite was seemingly easier than access to operating rooms. The primary objective was to determine the frequency of serious and non-serious complications following CAS before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods:
We performed a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients who received CAS at the Ottawa Hospital, Canada, from June 2019 to May 2021. We reviewed baseline demographics, imaging, as well as intraprocedural and postprocedural complications based on chart review. We performed multivariable logistic regression to determine associations between clinical and safety outcomes.
Results:
We included 47 patients in the pre-pandemic period and 93 patients in the pandemic period (mean age = 70.4 years; 54% female; P = 0.287 for age and P = 0.962 for sex, respectively). The combined rate of intraprocedural and postprocedural serious complications (ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, myocardial infarction or death) was 7.1%. Eight strokes occurred, and one patient with a postprocedural ischemic stroke died 11 days after stenting. Complication rates were similar before and during the pandemic (aOR 1.040, 95% CI 0.466–2.321). The number of referrals for CEA during the pandemic period decreased by 50%.
Conclusion:
In this cohort of consecutive patients undergoing CAS at a Canadian comprehensive stroke center before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, the rates of stroke and death were similar to pre-pandemic conditions and were generally consistent with the published literature.
Background: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a devastating disease process that represents a significant health shock for thousands of patients each year. Return to work outcomes and associated factors require evaluation to counsel patients and identify domains on which to focus clinical efforts. Methods: A systematic review of the literature following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases from inception to February 2024. Proportion of patients returning to work was collected from included studies. Odds ratios were pooled from studies evaluating the association between pre-rupture demographic variables, post-rupture clinical variables and return to work following aSAH. Results: Literature search yielded 3861 studies, of which 40 studies were included in the final analysis for a total of 6888 patients. On average, 55% (SD 17%) of all patients returned to work after an aSAH. Female sex (male sex OR 1.75), high grade aSAH on presentation (OR 0.30), and need for permanent CSF diversion (OR 0.50) are significantly associated with unemployment after aSAH. Conclusions: Female sex, high grade presentation, and permanent CSF diversion are associated with unemployment after aSAH. About half of all patients that experience aSAH return to work.
Current evidence underscores a need to transform how we do clinical research, shifting from academic-driven priorities to co-led community partnership focused programs, accessible and relevant career pathway programs that expand opportunities for career development, and design of trainings and practices to develop cultural competence among research teams. Failures of equitable research translation contribute to health disparities. Drivers of this failed translation include lack of diversity in both researchers and participants, lack of alignment between research institutions and the communities they serve, and lack of attention to structural sources of inequity and drivers of mistrust for science and research. The Duke University Research Equity and Diversity Initiative (READI) is a program designed to better align clinical research programs with community health priorities through community engagement. Organized around three specific aims, READI-supported programs targeting increased workforce diversity, workforce training in community engagement and cultural competence, inclusive research engagement principles, and development of trustworthy partnerships.
Multicenter clinical trials are essential for evaluating interventions but often face significant challenges in study design, site coordination, participant recruitment, and regulatory compliance. To address these issues, the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences established the Trial Innovation Network (TIN). The TIN offers a scientific consultation process, providing access to clinical trial and disease experts who provide input and recommendations throughout the trial’s duration, at no cost to investigators. This approach aims to improve trial design, accelerate implementation, foster interdisciplinary teamwork, and spur innovations that enhance multicenter trial quality and efficiency. The TIN leverages resources of the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) program, complementing local capabilities at the investigator’s institution. The Initial Consultation process focuses on the study’s scientific premise, design, site development, recruitment and retention strategies, funding feasibility, and other support areas. As of 6/1/2024, the TIN has provided 431 Initial Consultations to increase efficiency and accelerate trial implementation by delivering customized support and tailored recommendations. Across a range of clinical trials, the TIN has developed standardized, streamlined, and adaptable processes. We describe these processes, provide operational metrics, and include a set of lessons learned for consideration by other trial support and innovation networks.
Psychotic disorders are severe mental health conditions frequently associated with long-term disability, reduced quality of life and premature mortality. Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) services aim to provide timely, comprehensive packages of care for people with psychotic disorders. However, it is not clear which components of EIP services contribute most to the improved outcomes they achieve.
Aims
We aimed to identify associations between specific components of EIP care and clinically significant outcomes for individuals treated for early psychosis in England.
Method
This national retrospective cohort study of 14 874 EIP individuals examined associations between 12 components of EIP care and outcomes over a 3-year follow-up period, by linking data from the National Clinical Audit of Psychosis (NCAP) to routine health outcome data held by NHS England. The primary outcome was time to relapse, defined as psychiatric inpatient admission or referral to a crisis resolution (home treatment) team. Secondary outcomes included duration of admissions, detention under the Mental Health Act, emergency department and general hospital attendances and mortality. We conducted multilevel regression analyses incorporating demographic and service-level covariates.
Results
Smaller care coordinator case-loads and the use of clozapine for eligible people were associated with reduced relapse risk. Physical health interventions were associated with reductions in mortality risk. Other components, such as cognitive–behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp), showed associations with improvements in secondary outcomes.
Conclusions
Smaller case-loads should be prioritised and protected in EIP service design and delivery. Initiatives to improve the uptake of clozapine should be integrated into EIP care. Other components, such as CBTp and physical health interventions, may have specific benefits for those eligible. These findings highlight impactful components of care and should guide resource allocation to optimise EIP service delivery.
Premised on the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease theory and on the limited effectiveness of antenatal interventions, interventions in the preconception period are being conducted to potentially improve intergenerational health and non-communicable disease burdens. The Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative (HeLTI) is an international health research consortium primarily investigating the intergenerational effects of behavioural interventions on obesity via a complex four-phase intervention initiated preconceptionally, through pregnancy, and into early childhood. HeLTI, in partnership with the World Health Organization, aims to generate evidence that will shape health policy focused on preconception as part of a life course approach to population health. It is necessary to ensure that a renewed public health focus on preconception prioritises justice and equity in its framing. This article presents collaborative interdisciplinary work with HeLTI-South Africa. It applies a feminist bioethics methodology, which is empirical, situated, intersectional, and fundamentally concerned with justice, to investigate what South African HeLTI community health workers, or ‘Health Helpers’, who deliver the complex behavioural intervention, think about preconception health and responsibility. Seven semi-structured interviews were conducted with HeLTI-SA Health Helpers, and data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Our findings show that Health Helpers’ perceptions of preconception health and related responsibility were significantly gendered, heteronormative, and concerned with child-bearing intentionality and desires. These themes were inflected with Health Helpers’ perceptions about how attributions of responsibility are shaped by culture, demonstrating the situated nature of epistemologies. Their ideas also highlight how preconception health knowledge can distribute responsibility unjustly. Understanding the contextual impact and relevance of values around responsibility is critical to prospectively design preconception health interventions that promote equity and fairness. This understanding can then be used for effective policy translation, with the goal that public health policy is founded upon contextual responsivity and justice for the public it aims to serve.
In the 2012–13 academic year, the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute, Berkeley, hosted programs in Commutative Algebra (Fall 2012 and Spring 2013) and Noncommutative Algebraic Geometry and Representation Theory (Spring 2013). There have been many significant developments in these fields in recent years; what is more, the boundary between them has become increasingly blurred. This was apparent during the MSRI program, where there were a number of joint seminars on subjects of common interest: birational geometry, D-modules, invariant theory, matrix factorizations, noncommutative resolutions, singularity categories, support varieties, and tilting theory, to name a few. These volumes reflect the lively interaction between the subjects witnessed at MSRI. The Introductory Workshops and Connections for Women Workshops for the two programs included lecture series by experts in the field. The volumes include a number of survey articles based on these lectures, along with expository articles and research papers by participants of the programs. Volume 1 contains expository papers ideal for those entering the field.
In the 2012–13 academic year, the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute, Berkeley, hosted programs in Commutative Algebra (Fall 2012 and Spring 2013) and Noncommutative Algebraic Geometry and Representation Theory (Spring 2013). There have been many significant developments in these fields in recent years; what is more, the boundary between them has become increasingly blurred. This was apparent during the MSRI program, where there were a number of joint seminars on subjects of common interest: birational geometry, D-modules, invariant theory, matrix factorizations, noncommutative resolutions, singularity categories, support varieties, and tilting theory, to name a few. These volumes reflect the lively interaction between the subjects witnessed at MSRI. The Introductory Workshops and Connections for Women Workshops for the two programs included lecture series by experts in the field. The volumes include a number of survey articles based on these lectures, along with expository articles and research papers by participants of the programs. Volume 2 focuses on the most recent research.
This study assessed compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, and burnout in health care providers from public health care institutions in Ecuador during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2022, involving 111 different public health care institutions in 23 provinces in Ecuador, with 2873 participants recruited via convenience sampling. The survey instrument was the revised Stamm’s Professional Quality of Life Scale Version-5 tool, designed to measure self-reported compassion fatigue, work satisfaction, and burnout among providers. Kruskall-Wallis test assessed subscale score differences by gender, professional role, region, and health care facility level. Dunn’s test was then applied to determine whether groups differed from each other.
Results
On average, health care providers from all facilities had a high rate of compassion satisfaction (84.9%). However, the majority presented moderate levels of burnout (57.1%), and moderate levels of secondary traumatic stress (59.6%). Higher burnout levels were observed in the Amazon regions compared to Coastal regions.
Conclusions
Despite high compassion satisfaction, most surveyed health care providers from Ecuador’s public health institutions experienced moderate burnout and secondary traumatic stress, with higher burnout levels in the Amazon region. Ecuador, similarly to other LMICs, requires mental health policy and legislation targeted to the mental health workforce and these needs. More research is needed on burnout factors among health care providers in resource-challenged low- and middle-income countries.
SHEA, in partnership with ASGE, APIC, AAMI, AORN, HSPA, IDSA, SGNA, and The Joint Commission, developed this multisociety infection prevention guidance document for individuals and organizations that engage in sterilization or high-level disinfection (HLD). This document follows the CDC Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities. This guidance is based on a synthesis of published scientific evidence, theoretical rationale, current practices, practical considerations, writing group consensus, and consideration of potential harm when applicable. The supplementary material includes a summary of recommendations. The guidance provides an overview of the Spaulding Classification and considerations around manufacturers’ instructions for use (MIFUs). Its recommendations address: point-of-use treatment prior to sterilization or HLD, preparation of reusable medical devices at the location of processing, sterilization, and immediate use steam sterilization (IUSS), HLD of lumened and non-lumened devices, processing of reusable medical devices used with lubricating or defoaming agents, monitoring for effectiveness of processing, handling of devices after HLD, augments and alternatives to HLD, processing of investigational devices, tracking of reusable medical devices, and approaches to implementation.
We assessed healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices around disposable personal protective equipment (PPE) use. We observed that healthcare workers are interested in sustainable policies and identified areas for policy changes to reduce PPE waste.
A major subglacial lake, Lake Snow Eagle (LSE), was identified in East Antarctica by airborne geophysical surveys. LSE, contained within a subglacial canyon, likely hosts a valuable sediment record of the geological and glaciological changes of interior East Antarctica. Understanding past lake activity is crucial for interpreting this record. Here, we present the englacial radiostratigraphy in the LSE area mapped by airborne ice-penetrating radar, which reveals a localized high-amplitude variation in ice unit thickness that is estimated to be ∼12 ka old. Using an ice-flow model that simulates englacial stratigraphy, we investigate the origin of this feature and its relationship to changes in ice dynamical boundary conditions. Our results reveal that local snowfall redistribution initiated around the early Holocene is likely the primary cause, resulting from a short-wavelength (∼10 km) high-amplitude (∼20 m) ice surface slope variation caused by basal lubrication over a large subglacial lake. This finding indicates an increase in LSE water volume during the Holocene, illustrating the sensitivity in volume of a major topographically constrained subglacial lake across a single glacial cycle. This study demonstrates how englacial stratigraphy can provide valuable insight into subglacial hydrological changes before modern satellite observations, both for LSE and potentially at other locations.
Objectives/Goals: Research supports the use of music to improve the care and well-being of adults living with dementia; however, the practice and implementation of music in elder care communities is not regulated. The goal of this qualitative study was to survey elder care communities in Northeast Kansas to determine the use of music with people living with dementia. Methods/Study Population: We interviewed staff (n = 10) at five elder care communities in the Kansas City Metro area and observed musical activities and artifacts in shared living spaces within each community. Interview questions included details of the frequency and purpose of using music, who determined which music to use, and any effects, positive or negative, the interviewee believed to be associated with the use of music. Musical events, visiting musicians or music therapists leading group sing-alongs were observed at two communities, and music-related activities led by staff were observed at two others. Results/Anticipated Results: Music was used in some way at each of the five communities. Each location had recorded music available to residents in the shared living spaces, and most had a piano in the main lounge area. During the sing-along and music-related activities, residents were observed singing along to songs from memory, engaging with one another and the group leader and smiling. Staff employed by each community varied in their level of musical training and experience, from none to a full-time music therapist in residence. Staff interviewed said they believed music was helpful to aid memory recall, reduce anxiety, and to engage interest. Interestingly, a music therapist at one site also described how music during mealtimes created too much of a distraction for residents and interfered with dietary care. Discussion/Significance of Impact: It is clear from both the staff interviews and direct observations of musical activities that music is important to consider for people living with dementia in care communities. Guidelines for implementation and minimum standards would be helpful to ensure all care community residents can experience benefits highlighted by staff in this study.
Objectives/Goals: Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is an inflammatory skin manifestation of lupus. CLE lesions are frequently colonized by Staphylococcus aureus, a microbe known to promote IFN production and inflammation. Here, we investigate whether type I IFN and inflammatory gene signatures in CLE lesions can be modulated with a topical antibiotic treatment. Methods/Study Population: SLE patients with active CLE lesions (n = 12) were recruited and randomized into a week of topical treatment with either 2% mupirocin or petroleum jelly vehicle. Paired samples were collected before and after 7 days of treatment to assess microbial lesional skin responses. Microbial samples from nares and lesional skin were used to determine baseline and posttreatment Staphylococcus abundance and microbial community profiles by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Inflammatory responses were evaluated by bulk RNA sequencing of lesional skin biopsies. Immunophenotyping of CLE lesions was performed using CIBERSORTx to deconvolute the RNA-seq data into predicted cell populations impacted by treatment. Results/Anticipated Results: We identified 173 differentially expressed genes in CLE lesions after topical mupirocin treatment. Mupirocin treatment decreased the abundance of Staphylococcus associated with CLE lesions without altering the overall diversity of the skin microbiota relative to vehicle. Decreased lesional Staphylococcus burden correlated with decreased IFN pathway signaling and inflammatory gene expression and increased barrier dysfunction. Interestingly, mupirocin treatment lowered skin monocyte levels, and this mupirocin-associated depletion of monocytes correlated with decreased inflammatory gene expression. Discussion/Significance of Impact: Mupirocin treatment decreased lesional Staphylococcus burden and this correlated with decreased IFN signaling and inflammatory gene expression. This study suggests a topical antibiotic could be employed to decrease lupus skin inflammation and type I IFN responses by reducing Staphylococcus colonization.
Objectives/Goals: The goal of this poster is to 1) describe the development of a graduate certificate program for community-engaged research for health (CEnRH) in a Clinical and Translational Science Awards-funded institution; 2) describe the initial impact of the program; and 3) discuss strengths, implications, and potential improvements for the future. Methods/Study Population: The CEnRH graduate certificate is a 12-credit, postbaccalaureate program offered at the University of Cincinnati co-created by faculty from the Community Engagement and Translational Workforce Cores of the CCTST with community partners. The goal is to support learning about community-engaged research (CEnR) and enhances capacity for academic-community partnered research. Student demographics are collected as part of university registration. Quantitative course evaluations are collected each semester. Program evaluations including qualitative data are collected from students enrolled in the program during and upon completion of the certificate. Results/Anticipated Results: The CEnRH curriculum includes 3 existing courses/electives in the College of Medicine and Psychology and three new courses in social justice and action research methodologies. Notably, the committee advocated for a scholarship to cover tuition for the certificate program to promote access for community partners. Since the fall of 2022, 17 students have enrolled in the CEnRH program, including 9 Faculty/Staff within CCTST institutions, 2 University of Cincinnati PhD Students, 5 Fellows, and 1 Community Member (who receives the scholarship). Notably, 24% of these students are from underrepresented minority backgrounds. Impact and evaluation data, as well as lessons learned, will be presented. Future directions for the CEnRH program will also be discussed. Discussion/Significance of Impact: The CEnRH is an impactful program for trainees, faculty, and staff who are planning to conduct CEnR, while also strengthening research capacity among community partners and advocates. This certificate program may be especially valuable to academic researchers as more funding agencies require community and stakeholder engagement in their proposals.
Objectives/Goals: Patients with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) face care coordination challenges and poorer health outcomes. Outpatient telehealth may be an effective way to enhance MCC patient care given the need for multiple visits and specialists. This study seeks to describe telehealth utilization between 2013 and 2023 in Arkansas. Methods/Study Population: We utilized the Arkansas All-Payer Claims Database (APCD) to identify patients diagnosed with high-prevalence MCCs comprising diabetes with comorbid hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or asthma. We then measured telehealth utilization defined as any claim associated with a telehealth modifier code, a place of service code defining the service as occurring in the patient’s home, or remote patient monitoring. Finally, we created payer-specific (e.g., commercial or Medicaid) yearly measures of the number of any telehealth claims among MCC patients divided by the number of MCC patients for that year. Linear regression was used to measure the difference in utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e., 2020–2023) versus prior to the pandemic (i.e., 2013–2019). Results/Anticipated Results: Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic era was associated with an increase of telehealth utilization among commercial patients by 1.01 telehealth claims per MCC patient (95% CI: 0.39 to 1.62, p Discussion/Significance of Impact: Variations in telehealth uptake among MCC patients suggest heterogeneity in its suitability and necessity. We will later evaluate whether telehealth use is associated with different levels of inpatient and emergency department utilization. We expect the findings to provide clarity on the suitability of telehealth use by MCC disease status.