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Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been associated with advanced epigenetic age cross-sectionally, but the association between these variables over time is unclear. This study conducted meta-analyses to test whether new-onset PTSD diagnosis and changes in PTSD symptom severity over time were associated with changes in two metrics of epigenetic aging over two time points.
Methods
We conducted meta-analyses of the association between change in PTSD diagnosis and symptom severity and change in epigenetic age acceleration/deceleration (age-adjusted DNA methylation age residuals as per the Horvath and GrimAge metrics) using data from 7 military and civilian cohorts participating in the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium PTSD Epigenetics Workgroup (total N = 1,367).
Results
Meta-analysis revealed that the interaction between Time 1 (T1) Horvath age residuals and new-onset PTSD over time was significantly associated with Horvath age residuals at T2 (meta β = 0.16, meta p = 0.02, p-adj = 0.03). The interaction between T1 Horvath age residuals and changes in PTSD symptom severity over time was significantly related to Horvath age residuals at T2 (meta β = 0.24, meta p = 0.05). No associations were observed for GrimAge residuals.
Conclusions
Results indicated that individuals who developed new-onset PTSD or showed increased PTSD symptom severity over time evidenced greater epigenetic age acceleration at follow-up than would be expected based on baseline age acceleration. This suggests that PTSD may accelerate biological aging over time and highlights the need for intervention studies to determine if PTSD treatment has a beneficial effect on the aging methylome.
Objectives/Goals: In neurological animal research, statistical misapplication may lead to overoptimism in a therapy’s potential for successful translation. This pilot study investigated whether human clinical trials that fail have higher prevalence of statistical misapplication in preceding animal experiments, compared to human trials that succeed. Methods/Study Population: Phase 2 clinical trials for 3 neurological conditions were identified on ClinicalTrials.gov and classified as successful or failed based on advancement to Phase 3 and/or preplanned efficacy test results. PRISMA guideline methods were used to systematically search for preclinical animal experiments (same indication and intervention) preceding the start of the human trial. Data were gathered from animal articles by collectors blinded to human trial outcome and included items describing reporting transparency, experimental design and sample sizes, and statistical tests applied. Statistical mistakes were coded based on mismatch between test and design. Rates of mistakes were compared between articles preceding successful and non-successful human trials using weighted point estimates and 95% confidence interval. Results/Anticipated Results: The final sample included 24 trials (16 successful) and 70 associated animal studies. Transparency was poor, with infrequent reporting of group allocation method (39%), sample sizes adequate to evaluate attrition (Discussion/Significance of Impact: Statistical misapplication is common in animal research, and this pilot study has demonstrated that preclinical statistical mistakes may indeed occur more frequently prior to failed human trials. Mistakes and lack of transparency may lead to overoptimism in preclinical experimental findings, with consequences for subsequent human translation.
Adolescence is a critical developmental phase during which young people are vulnerable to the experiences of mental ill-health and social exclusion (consisting of various domains including education and employment, housing, finances and social supports and relationships). The aims of this study were to (i) obtain an understanding of the relationships between social exclusion, mental health and wellbeing of young people; and (ii) identify potentially modifiable targets, or population groups that require greater or targeted supports.
Methods
Data were obtained from the Mission Australia 2022 Youth Survey, Australia’s largest annual population-wide survey of young people aged 15–19 years (n = 18,800). Participants’ experiences of social exclusion in different domains were explored (e.g., prevalence, co-occurrence and controlling for differences in demographic characteristics). Multivariable linear regression models were used to map the relationships between social exclusion domains and mental health and wellbeing, controlling for confounding factors where necessary.
Results
Sixty per cent of all young people experienced social exclusion in at least one domain, 25% in multiple. Young people who identified as gender diverse, Indigenous, living in a remote/rural or socio-economically disadvantaged area and with a culturally diverse background were more likely to report social exclusion. A strong association was seen between all domains of social exclusion and poor mental health (e.g., higher psychological distress and loneliness, reduced personal wellbeing, reduced sense of control over their life and a more negative outlook on the future). Notably, difficulties in socialising and obtaining social support were critical factors linked to increased psychological distress and reduced wellbeing.
Conclusions
Findings underscore the need to address multiple domains of social exclusion concurrently, and in collaboration with youth mental healthcare. Prevention efforts aimed at early identification and intervention should be prioritised to support young people vulnerable to social exclusion. Screening approaches are needed to identify individuals and groups of young people in need of support, and to facilitate care coordination across multiple providers.
Hierarchical Bayes procedures for the two-parameter logistic item response model were compared for estimating item and ability parameters. Simulated data sets were analyzed via two joint and two marginal Bayesian estimation procedures. The marginal Bayesian estimation procedures yielded consistently smaller root mean square differences than the joint Bayesian estimation procedures for item and ability estimates. As the sample size and test length increased, the four Bayes procedures yielded essentially the same result.
The authors critique the NY Declaration on Animal Consciousness, which does not denounce continued captivity and invasive research in the pursuit of animal consciousness markers. They argue that such research often increases animal suffering by accepting harmful practices. Instead, they propose a nonanthropocentric, ethical framework aligned with the Belmont Report’s principle of beneficence, advocating for noninvasive methods in natural habitats. This approach prioritizes animal well-being, recognizing and safeguarding the intrinsic value of all conscious beings.
We reviewed all diagnoses of Shigella species notified to the UK Health Security Agency from January 2016 to March 2023. An overall increase in notifications of shigellosis was seen between 2016 (n = 415/quarter) and 2023 (n = 1 029/quarter). However, notifications dramatically declined between March 2020 and September 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 208/quarter) highlighting the impact of travel and social distancing restrictions on transmission. S. sonnei diagnoses were more affected by lockdown restrictions than S. flexneri, most likely due to a combination of species-specific characteristics and host attributes. Azithromycin resistance continued to be associated with epidemics of sexually transmissible S. flexneri (adult males = 45.6% vs. adult females = 8.7%) and S. sonnei (adult males = 59.5% vs. adult females = 14.6%). We detected resistance to ciprofloxacin in S. sonnei from adult male cases not reporting travel at a higher frequency (79.4%) than in travel-associated cases (61.7%). Extensively drug-resistant Shigella species associated with sexual transmission among men almost exclusively had ESBL encoded by blaCTX-M-27, whereas those associated with returning travellers had blaCTX-M-15. Given the increasing incidence of infections and AMR, we recommend that enhanced surveillance is used to better understand the impact of travel and sexual transmission on the acquisition and spread of MDR and XDR Shigella species.
Venovenous collaterals are abnormal connections between the systemic and pulmonary venous systems. They are commonly seen in the Fontan circulation and may lead to significant hypoxaemia. Transcatheter closure of venovenous collaterals is a potential but controversial treatment as the long-term benefits and outcomes are not well understood.
Methods:
This retrospective cohort study utilised data from the Australian and New Zealand Fontan Registry. Patients who underwent transcatheter venovenous collateral occlusion for hypoxemia from the year 2000 onwards were included. Atriopulmonary and Kawashima-type Fontan circulations were excluded to reflect a more contemporary Fontan cohort.
Results:
Nineteen patients (age 19.3 ± 7.8 years, 53% female) underwent transcatheter venovenous collateral occlusion. Compared to baseline, mean oxygen saturation was improved at latest follow-up (90.5% vs 87.0%; p = 0.003). Nine patients achieved a clinically significant response (defined as an increase of at least 5% to 90% or greater), and this was associated with lower baseline Fontan pressures (12.9 v 15.6 mmHg; p = 0.02). No heart failure hospitalisations, arrhythmia, transplant referrals, or mortality were observed during the median follow-up period of 4 years. Two patients experienced thromboembolic events and five patients underwent re-intervention.
Conclusion:
Transcatheter occlusion of venovenous collaterals in Fontan patients with chronic hypoxaemia resulted in a modest increase in oxygenation over a median follow-up of 4 years and longer-term prognosis did not appear to be adversely affected. Lower Fontan pressures at baseline were associated with a greater improvement in oxygenation.
Suicide is one of the major causes of premature death in patients diagnosed with a schizophrenia-spectrum psychotic disorder. However, associations between psychotic-like experiences in youth and suicidality in later life remain under-researched.
Aims
We aimed to investigate any associations between early experiences of thought interference and auditory-verbal hallucinations (AVHs) with first-rank symptoms of schizophrenia and suicidal thoughts and behaviours in adulthood.
Method
This study used data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). We calculated combined thought interference score at ages 11 years 8 months, 13 years 1 month, 14 years 1 month and 16 years 6 months. We also assessed AVHs at the same age points. For outcome variables, we used specific variables measuring delusions of control, AVHs and suicidality at 24 years of age. We carried out logistic regressions and mediation analyses to assess the relationships among these variables.
Results
Thought interference and AVHs at all ages throughout childhood and adolescence were associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviours, and also with clinically more significant symptoms of delusions of control and AVHs at age 24. Substance use-induced psychotic-like experiences mediated a large proportion of the relationship between early psychotic-like experiences and suicidality in later life.
Conclusions
Thought interference and AVHs in childhood and adolescence are associated with first-rank symptoms and suicidality in adulthood. Mental health interventions in children and adolescents need to take into account the impact of specific psychotic-like experiences and allow for the early detection of thought interference and AVH-related symptoms.
Unethical behavior among US judges, including sexual misconduct and other forms of discriminatory behavior, is becoming increasingly publicized. These controversies are particularly concerning given the important role judges play in shaping policy pertaining to individual rights. We argue that types of misconduct serve as a signal to the public about potential threats judges may pose to people, particularly groups of people who are marginalized. We use a survey experiment that introduces a judge who has engaged in misconduct to measure if the type of misconduct will influence attitudes on whether the judge poses a threat to the rights of women, racial minorities, and ethnic minorities. Interestingly, we find that judges accused of discriminatory misconduct toward one group are viewed as a threat to rights across the board and are seen as less able to rule fairly on matters pertaining to marginalized people more generally.
International travel is thought to be a major risk factor for developing gastrointestinal (GI) illness for UK residents. Here, we present an analysis of routine laboratory and exposure surveillance data from North East (NE) England, describing the destination-specific contribution that international travel makes to the regional burden of GI infection.
Laboratory reports of common notifiable enteric infections were linked to exposure data for cases reported between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2022. Demographic characteristics of cases were described, and rates per 100,000 visits were determined using published estimates of overseas visits from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) International Passenger Survey (IPS).
About 34.9% of cases reported international travel during their incubation period between 2013 and 2022, although travel-associated cases were significantly reduced (>80%) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between 2013 and 2019, half of Shigella spp. and non-typhoidal Salmonella infections and a third of Giardia sp., Cryptosporidium spp., and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections were reported following travel. Rates of illness were highest in travellers returning from Africa and Asia (107.8 and 61.1 per 100,000 visits), with high rates also associated with tourist resorts like Turkey, Egypt, and the Dominican Republic (386.4–147.9 per 100,000 visits).
International travel is a major risk factor for the development of GI infections. High rates of illness were reported following travel to both destinations, which are typically regarded as high-risk and common tourist resorts. This work highlights the need to better understand risks while travelling to support the implementation of guidance and control measures to reduce the burden of illness in returning travellers.
Background: Charcot Marie Tooth disease is a polygenic disorder with cannonical features of distal amyotrophy, acrohypesthesia, and tight tendoachilles of either axonal (type 2) or demeylinating (type 1) varieties. Type 1 CMT patients are required to possess conduction slowing of a sufficient degree to qualify as demyelinating. Presented is a middle-aged man with an unremarkable neurologic exam and normal electrophysiology. Methods: Standard electrophysiological techniques were employed to obtain the nerve conduction data (Natus Nicolet EDX AT2; Middleton, WI, USA). Repeated next generation sequencing and deletion/duplication analyses were performed. Results: The nerve conduction studies showed no evidence of demyelination in the upper or lower extremeties. The duplication error was confirmed with repeat testing. The heterozygous PMP22 gene duplication encompassed the entire coding sequence involving exons 1-5. Conclusions: CMT1A accounts for the vast majority of dysmyelinating hereditary neuropathies. Phenotypic variability is well described. Presentations include (a) classic conduction slowing, (b) intermediate slowing, (c) conduction block, (d) HNPP-like, (e) absent CMAPs, and (f) normal NCSs in young infants. This is the first case of a neurologically intact adult with CMT1A. Cryptogenic genetic modifier-effect(s) are posited as a possible explanation of the lack of penetrance. Identifying the nature of this modification may prove instructive for future therapies.
OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Contingency management (CM) procedures yield measurable reductions in cocaine use. This poster describes a trial aimed at using CM as a vehicle to show the biopsychosocial health benefits of reduced use, rather than total abstinence, the currently accepted metric for treatment efficacy. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: In this 12-week, randomized controlled trial, CM was used to reduce cocaine use and evaluate associated improvements in cardiovascular, immune, and psychosocial well-being. Adults aged 18 and older who sought treatment for cocaine use (N=127) were randomized into three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio: High Value ($55) or Low Value ($13) CM incentives for cocaine-negative urine samples or a non-contingent control group. They completed outpatient sessions three days per week across the 12-week intervention period, totaling 36 clinic visits and four post-treatment follow-up visits. During each visit, participants provided observed urine samples and completed several assays of biopsychosocial health. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Preliminary findings from generalized linear mixed effect modeling demonstrate the feasibility of the CM platform. Abstinence rates from cocaine use were significantly greater in the High Value group (47% negative; OR = 2.80; p = 0.01) relative to the Low Value (23% negative) and Control groups (24% negative;). In the planned primary analysis, the level of cocaine use reduction based on cocaine-negative urine samples will serve as the primary predictor of cardiovascular (e.g., endothelin-1 levels), immune (e.g., IL-10 levels) and psychosocial (e.g., Addiction Severity Index) outcomes using results from the fitted models. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: This research will advance the field by prospectively and comprehensively demonstrating the beneficial effects of reduced cocaine use. These outcomes can, in turn, support the adoption of reduced cocaine use as a viable alternative endpoint in cocaine treatment trials.
This chapter describes the legal landscape related to Miranda rights and waivers, as well as the relevant research literature regarding Miranda waiver decisions. The chapter identifies factors related to Miranda rights comprehension and waiver and emphasizes research addressing interrogations of youth and their abilities to provide a valid waiver. Research has identified that suspect-related factors, including age, IQ, and psychosocial maturity, as well as structural factors, such as the length, reading level, and content of the Miranda warnings, are related to Miranda comprehension and waiver decisions. The chapter also discusses the legal standard for judicial decisions related to the admissibility of confessions following Miranda waivers, as well as the factors that judges typically consider when making such decisions. Because research demonstrates that many suspects struggle when making Miranda waiver decisions, we conclude by making policy recommendations and identifying areas in which future research is needed.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms are associated with myriad adverse outcomes, including interpersonal difficulties, but factors that moderate the developmental course and functional impact of ADHD over time are not well understood. The present study evaluated developmental contributions of the triarchic neurobehavioral traits (boldness, meanness, and disinhibition) to ADHD symptomatology and its subdimensions from adolescence to young adulthood. Participants were twins and triplets assessed at ages 14, 17, and 19 (initial N = 1,185, 51.2% female). Path analyses using negative binomial regression revealed that boldness at age 14 was associated with more ADHD symptoms cross-sectionally (especially hyperactivity/impulsivity), but fewer symptoms (especially inattention) at age 19 in the prospective analysis. Notably, inclusion of interpersonal problems at ages 14 and 17 as covariates reduced the latter effect to nonsignificant. Disinhibition concurrently and prospectively predicted higher levels of ADHD symptoms, including both subdimensions, and the prospective effects were partially mediated by greater social impairment at age 17. Meanness prospectively (but not concurrently) predicted higher levels of hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms. Sex moderated certain associations of meanness and disinhibition with ADHD symptoms. These findings highlight how fundamental neurobehavioral traits shape both psychopathology and adaptive outcomes in the developmental course of ADHD.
Various water-based heater-cooler devices (HCDs) have been implicated in nontuberculous mycobacteria outbreaks. Ongoing rigorous surveillance for healthcare-associated M. abscessus (HA-Mab) put in place following a prior institutional outbreak of M. abscessus alerted investigators to a cluster of 3 extrapulmonary M. abscessus infections among patients who had undergone cardiothoracic surgery.
Methods:
Investigators convened a multidisciplinary team and launched a comprehensive investigation to identify potential sources of M. abscessus in the healthcare setting. Adherence to tap water avoidance protocols during patient care and HCD cleaning, disinfection, and maintenance practices were reviewed. Relevant environmental samples were obtained. Patient and environmental M. abscessus isolates were compared using multilocus-sequence typing and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Smoke testing was performed to evaluate the potential for aerosol generation and dispersion during HCD use. The entire HCD fleet was replaced to mitigate continued transmission.
Results:
Clinical presentations of case patients and epidemiologic data supported intraoperative acquisition. M. abscessus was isolated from HCDs used on patients and molecular comparison with patient isolates demonstrated clonality. Smoke testing simulated aerosolization of M. abscessus from HCDs during device operation. Because the HCD fleet was replaced, no additional extrapulmonary HA-Mab infections due to the unique clone identified in this cluster have been detected.
Conclusions:
Despite adhering to HCD cleaning and disinfection strategies beyond manufacturer instructions for use, HCDs became colonized with and ultimately transmitted M. abscessus to 3 patients. Design modifications to better contain aerosols or filter exhaust during device operation are needed to prevent NTM transmission events from water-based HCDs.
CHD is known to be associated with increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders. The combination of CHD with neurodevelopmental disorders and/or extra-cardiac anomalies increases the chance for an underlying genetic diagnosis. Over the last 15 years, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of broad-scale genetic testing. We sought to determine if neurodevelopmental disorders in children with single-ventricle CHD born prior to the genetic testing revolution are associated with genetic diagnosis.
Methods:
We identified 74 5–12-year-old patients with single-ventricle CHD post-Fontan procedure. We retrospectively evaluated genetic testing performed and neurodevelopmental status of these patients.
Results:
In this cohort, there was an overall higher rate of neurodevelopmental disorders (80%) compared to the literature (50%). More of the younger (5–7-year-old) patients were seen by genetic counsellors compared to the older (8–12-year-old) cohort (46% versus 19% p value = 0.01). In the younger cohort, the average age of initial consultation was 7.7 days compared to 251 days in the older cohort. The overall rate of achieving a molecular diagnosis was 12% and 8% in the younger and older cohorts, respectively; however, the vast majority of did not have broad genetic testing.
Conclusion:
The minority of patients in our cohort achieved a genetic diagnosis. Given a large increase in the number of genes associated with monogenic CHD and neurodevelopmental disorders in the last decade, comprehensive testing and consultation with clinical genetics should be considered in this age range, since current testing standards did not exist during their infancy.
The Eighth World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery (WCPCCS) will be held in Washington DC, USA, from Saturday, 26 August, 2023 to Friday, 1 September, 2023, inclusive. The Eighth World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery will be the largest and most comprehensive scientific meeting dedicated to paediatric and congenital cardiac care ever held. At the time of the writing of this manuscript, The Eighth World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery has 5,037 registered attendees (and rising) from 117 countries, a truly diverse and international faculty of over 925 individuals from 89 countries, over 2,000 individual abstracts and poster presenters from 101 countries, and a Best Abstract Competition featuring 153 oral abstracts from 34 countries. For information about the Eighth World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, please visit the following website: [www.WCPCCS2023.org]. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the activities related to global health and advocacy that will occur at the Eighth World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery.
Acknowledging the need for urgent change, we wanted to take the opportunity to bring a common voice to the global community and issue the Washington DC WCPCCS Call to Action on Addressing the Global Burden of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Diseases. A copy of this Washington DC WCPCCS Call to Action is provided in the Appendix of this manuscript. This Washington DC WCPCCS Call to Action is an initiative aimed at increasing awareness of the global burden, promoting the development of sustainable care systems, and improving access to high quality and equitable healthcare for children with heart disease as well as adults with congenital heart disease worldwide.
Background: The Canadian Registry for Amyloidosis Research (CRAR) is a nationwide disease registry of transthyretin (ATTR) and light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. Recent advances in disease-modifying therapy have improved prognosis, however there is a critical need for real-world evidence to address knowledge gaps, particularly longer-term therapeutic outcomes and surveillance strategies. Methods: A multi-stakeholder process was undertaken to develop a consensus dataset for ATTR- and AL-amyloidosis. This process included surveys to rank the importance of potential data items, and a consensus meeting of the CRAR steering committee, (comprised of multidisciplinary clinical experts, and patient organization representatives). Patients and patient organizations supported the development and implementation of a patient-reported dataset. Results: Consensus data items include disease onset, progression, severity, treatments, and outcomes, as well as patient-reported outcomes. Both prospective and retrospective (including deceased) patient cohorts are included. Further baseline data will be presented on an initial cohort of patients. Conclusions: CRAR has been established to collect a longitudinal, multidisciplinary dataset that will evaluate amyloidosis care and outcomes. CRAR has launched at multiple specialty amyloidosis centers nationally and is continually expanding. The growth of this program will promote opportunities to assess real-world safety and efficacy and inform the cost-effectiveness of therapies while supporting patient recruitment for research.
The White River Badlands (WRB) of South Dakota record eolian activity spanning the late Pleistocene through the latest Holocene (21 ka to modern), reflecting the effects of the last glacial period and Holocene climate fluctuations (Holocene Thermal Maximum, Medieval Climate Anomaly, and Little Ice Age). The WRB dune fields are important paleoclimate indicators in an area of the Great Plains with few climate proxies. The goal of this study is to use 1 m/pixel-resolution digital elevation models from drone imagery to distinguish Early to Middle Holocene parabolic dunes from Late Holocene parabolic dunes. Results indicate that relative ages of dunes are distinguished by slope and roughness (terrain ruggedness index). Morphological differences are attributed to postdepositional wind erosion, soil formation, and mass wasting. Early to Middle Holocene and Late Holocene paleowind directions, 324°± 13.1° (N = 7) and 323° ± 3.0° (N = 19), respectively, are similar to the modern wind regime. Results suggest significant landscape resilience to wind erosion, which resulted in preservation of a mosaic of Early and Late Holocene parabolic dunes. Quantification of dune characteristics will help refine the chronology of eolian activity in the WRB, provide insight into drought-driven landscape evolution, and integrate WRB eolian activity in a regional paleoenvironmental context.