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JAMA Network Open May 2024Linking prenatal drug exposures to both infant behavior and adult cognitive outcomes may improve early interventions.
IMPORTANCE
Linking prenatal drug exposures to both infant behavior and adult cognitive outcomes may improve early interventions.
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether neonatal physical, neurobehavioral, and infant cognitive measures mediate the association between prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) and adult perceptual reasoning IQ.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This study used data from a longitudinal, prospective birth cohort study with follow-up from 1994 to 2018 until offspring were 21 years post partum. A total of 384 (196 PCE and 188 not exposed to cocaine [NCE]) infants and mothers were screened for cocaine or polydrug use. Structural equation modeling was performed from June to November 2023.
EXPOSURES
Prenatal exposures to cocaine, alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco assessed through urine and meconium analyses and maternal self-report.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Head circumference, neurobehavioral assessment, Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Fagan Test of Infant Intelligence score, Wechsler Perceptual Reasoning IQ, Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME) score, and blood lead level.
RESULTS
Among the 384 mothers in the study, the mean (SD) age at delivery was 27.7 (5.3) years (range, 18-41 years), 375 of 383 received public assistance (97.9%) and 336 were unmarried (87.5%). Birth head circumference (standardized estimate for specific path association, -0.05, SE = 0.02; P = .02) and 1-year Bayley Mental Development Index (MDI) (standardized estimate for total of the specific path association, -0.05, SE = 0.02; P = .03) mediated the association of PCE with Wechsler Perceptual Reasoning IQ, controlling for HOME score and other substance exposures. Abnormal results on the neurobehavioral assessment were associated with birth head circumference (β = -0.20, SE = 0.08; P = .01). Bayley Psychomotor Index (β = 0.39, SE = 0.05; P < .001) and Fagan Test of Infant Intelligence score (β = 0.16, SE = 0.06; P = .01) at 6.5 months correlated with MDI at 12 months.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this cohort study, a negative association of PCE with adult perceptual reasoning IQ was mediated by early physical and behavioral differences, after controlling for other drug and environmental factors. Development of infant behavioral assessments to identify sequelae of prenatal teratogens early in life may improve long-term outcomes and public health awareness.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Adult; Intelligence; Infant; Cocaine; Prospective Studies; Male; Young Adult; Adolescent; Infant Behavior; Longitudinal Studies; Infant, Newborn; Child Development
PubMed: 38758554
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.11905 -
Genome Biology and Evolution May 2024The coppery titi monkey (Plecturocebus cupreus) is an emerging non-human primate model system for behavioral and neurobiological research. At the same time, the almost...
The coppery titi monkey (Plecturocebus cupreus) is an emerging non-human primate model system for behavioral and neurobiological research. At the same time, the almost entire absence of genomic resources for the species has hampered insights into the genetic underpinnings of the phenotypic traits of interest. To facilitate future genotype-to-phenotype studies, we here present a high-quality, fully annotated de novo genome assembly for the species with chromosome-length scaffolds spanning the autosomes and chromosome X (scaffold N50 = 130.8 Mb), constructed using data obtained from several orthologous short- and long-read sequencing and scaffolding techniques. With a base-level accuracy of ∼99.99% in chromosome-length scaffolds as well as benchmarking universal single-copy ortholog and k-mer completeness scores of > 99.0% and 95.1% at the genome-level, this assembly represents one of the most complete Pitheciidae genomes to date, making it an invaluable resource for comparative evolutionary genomics research to improve our understanding of lineage-specific changes underlying adaptive traits as well as deleterious mutations associated with disease.
PubMed: 38758096
DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evae108 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024This research delves into the disparities in access to oncology care among cancer patients in Georgia, with a specific focus on the distinct challenges faced by African...
This research delves into the disparities in access to oncology care among cancer patients in Georgia, with a specific focus on the distinct challenges faced by African American (AA) individuals compared to non-African American (Non-AA) counterparts. Leveraging data from the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey and supplementary online resources, the study meticulously examines socioeconomic factors, including income, education, and insurance coverage, which significantly influence the quality of cancer care received. The analysis reveals substantial income gaps between AA and Non-AA patients, underscoring the critical implications for healthcare access. Moreover, AA patients exhibit lower rates of full insurance coverage for cancer-related treatments, posing additional barriers to comprehensive care. By investigating the intersections of race, income, and education, the research aims to pinpoint the root causes of these disparities and proposes evidence-based solutions to address the identified challenges. The ultimate objective is to contribute valuable insights that inform targeted policy recommendations and community-based interventions, fostering a more equitable landscape for oncology care in Georgia. This study seeks to amplify awareness and advocate for tangible measures, striving toward healthcare equity for all cancer patients, irrespective of their racial or socioeconomic backgrounds.
Topics: Humans; Neoplasms; Georgia; Healthcare Disparities; Male; Female; Health Services Accessibility; Black or African American; Socioeconomic Factors; Middle Aged; Adult; Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; Medical Oncology; Insurance Coverage; Aged
PubMed: 38756877
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1381075 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024The present study evaluated the effect of preslaughter stress intensities on the behavioral, physiological, blood biochemicals, and hormonal responses in goats.
INTRODUCTION
The present study evaluated the effect of preslaughter stress intensities on the behavioral, physiological, blood biochemicals, and hormonal responses in goats.
METHODS
Twenty-seven intact male goats (Ardi breed, 10 months of age, 27 kg liveweight) were divided into three treatment groups ., the control (C) group, ear pulling (EP) group, and leg pulling (LP) group. Various behavioral, physiological, blood biochemical and hormonal responses were recorded before and after handling.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The EP and LP goats had a higher frequency and intensity of vocalization as compared to control goats. The preslaughter handling stress intensities had a significant effect on the before and after handling values of heart rate, respiration rate, rectal temperature, and ear temperature. Further, among groups, the glucose value increased significantly upon preslaughter handling as compared to the baseline value. The LP goats had significantly higher after-handling value for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as compared to the before-handling value. The catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline) and β-endorphin concentrations increased significantly upon preslaughter handling. The higher physiological, behavioral, blood biochemical, and hormonal response indicated higher preslaughter stress in EP and LP goats. Both levels of intensity revealed unfavorable responses in goats that may adversely affect animal welfare and meat quality. Thus, to ensure minimal adverse effects on behavior, physiology, blood enzymes, and hormonal responses, it is recommended to follow animal welfare principles when implementing preslaughter handling practices.
PubMed: 38756507
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1381806 -
Frontiers in Sports and Active Living 2024Long-term skill learning can lead to structure and function changes in the brain. Different sports can trigger neuroplasticity in distinct brain regions. Volleyball, as...
BACKGROUND
Long-term skill learning can lead to structure and function changes in the brain. Different sports can trigger neuroplasticity in distinct brain regions. Volleyball, as one of the most popular team sports, heavily relies on individual abilities such as perception and prediction for high-level athletes to excel. However, the specific brain mechanisms that contribute to the superior performance of volleyball athletes compared to non-athletes remain unclear.
METHOD
We conducted a study involving the recruitment of ten female volleyball athletes and ten regular female college students, forming the athlete and novice groups, respectively. Comprehensive behavioral assessments, including Functional Movement Screen and audio-visual reaction time tests, were administered to both groups. Additionally, resting-state magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were acquired for both groups. Subsequently, we conducted in-depth analyses, focusing on the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF), regional homogeneity (ReHo), and functional connectivity (FC) in the brain for both the athlete and novice groups.
RESULTS
No significant differences were observed in the behavioral data between the two groups. However, the athlete group exhibited noteworthy enhancements in both the ALFF and ReHo within the visual cortex compared to the novice group. Moreover, the functional connectivity between the visual cortex and key brain regions, including the left primary sensory cortex, left supplementary motor cortex, right insula, left superior temporal gyrus, and left inferior parietal lobule, was notably stronger in the athlete group than in the novice group.
CONCLUSION
This study has unveiled the remarkable impact of volleyball athletes on various brain functions related to vision, movement, and cognition. It indicates that volleyball, as a team-based competitive activity, fosters the advancement of visual, cognitive, and motor skills. These findings lend additional support to the early cultivation of sports talents and the comprehensive development of adolescents. Furthermore, they offer fresh perspectives on preventing and treating movement-related disorders.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Registration number: ChiCTR2400079602. Date of Registration: January 8, 2024.
PubMed: 38756186
DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1393988 -
The Journal of Clinical Pediatric... May 2024The purpose of this study was to quantitatively evaluate adhesive remnants on the enamel surface following bracket debonding using a freezing element. Thirty-six sound...
The purpose of this study was to quantitatively evaluate adhesive remnants on the enamel surface following bracket debonding using a freezing element. Thirty-six sound premolars were used in this study. In each case, a bracket was bonded onto each tooth with conventional light-cured composite resin and de-bonded after one week. Freezing of the underlying composite through the bracket was performed immediately before debonding with a portable cryosurgical system (-55 °C). Specimens were divided into three groups according to the duration of freezing: a control group without freezing was used as a reference and two interventional groups with different durations of freezing (15 or 40 s). Brackets were removed by using debonding pliers to squeeze the wings of the bracket in an occluso-gingival manner. Adhesive remnants on the tooth were then quantitatively evaluated by stereo-microscopy. Pearson's Chi-squared test was used to investigate the relationship between the proportion of remaining resin and the group of teeth. In the control group, 100% of the composite remained on the enamel surface of all specimens. Significantly less adhesive remnants were found in the intervention groups ( = 0.001 for the 15 s group and = 0.043 for the 40 s group). There was no significant difference between the two interventions ( = 0.165) in terms of the proportion of remaining adhesive remnants. Freezing of the bracket and the underlying adhesive resin prior to bracket debonding may favorably alter the behavioral pattern of composite fracture, thus reducing the extent of adhesive remnants on the enamel. Increasing the freezing time from 15 to 40 s did not exert significant effects on adhesive remnants following debonding. Further research now needs to investigate the effect of freezing on the mechanical properties of the adhesive remnants and its effect on pulp vitality over both short- and long-terms.
Topics: Humans; Dental Debonding; Freezing; Orthodontic Brackets; Composite Resins; Dental Enamel; In Vitro Techniques; Resin Cements; Dental Cements; Bicuspid; Materials Testing
PubMed: 38755979
DOI: 10.22514/jocpd.2024.056 -
BMC Psychology May 2024The somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is characterized by one or more distressing or disabling somatic symptoms accompanied by an excessive amount of time, energy and...
OBJECTIVE
The somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is characterized by one or more distressing or disabling somatic symptoms accompanied by an excessive amount of time, energy and emotion related to the symptoms. These manifestations of SSD have been linked to alterations in perception and appraisal of bodily signals. We hypothesized that SSD patients would exhibit changes in interoceptive accuracy (IA), particularly when emotional processing is involved.
METHODS
Twenty-three patients with SSD and 20 healthy controls were recruited. IA was assessed using the heartbeat perception task. The task was performed in the absence of stimuli as well as in the presence of emotional interference, i.e., photographs of faces with an emotional expression. IA were examined for correlation with measures related to their somatic symptoms, including resting-state heart rate variability (HRV).
RESULTS
There was no significant difference in the absolute values of IA between patients with SSD and healthy controls, regardless of the condition. However, the degree of difference in IA without emotional interference and with neutral facial interference was greater in patients with SSD than in healthy controls (p = 0.039). The IA of patients with SSD also showed a significant correlation with low-frequency HRV (p = 0.004) and high-frequency HRV (p = 0.007).
CONCLUSION
SSD patients showed more significant changes in IA when neutral facial interference was given. These results suggest that bodily awareness is more affected by emotionally ambiguous stimuli in SSD patients than in healthy controls.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Interoception; Adult; Heart Rate; Emotions; Middle Aged; Medically Unexplained Symptoms; Somatoform Disorders; Facial Expression
PubMed: 38755731
DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01778-7 -
Trials May 2024Prediabetes is a highly prevalent condition that heralds an increased risk of progression to type 2 diabetes, along with associated microvascular and macrovascular...
BACKGROUND
Prediabetes is a highly prevalent condition that heralds an increased risk of progression to type 2 diabetes, along with associated microvascular and macrovascular complications. The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is an established effective intervention for diabetes prevention. However, participation in this 12-month lifestyle change program has historically been low. Digital DPPs have emerged as a scalable alternative, accessible asynchronously and recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Yet, most digital programs still incorporate human coaching, potentially limiting scalability. Furthermore, existing effectiveness results of digital DPPs are primarily derived from per protocol, longitudinal non-randomized studies, or comparisons to control groups that do not represent the standard of care DPP. The potential of an AI-powered DPP as an alternative to the DPP is yet to be investigated. We propose a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to directly compare these two approaches.
METHODS
This open-label, multicenter, non-inferiority RCT will compare the effectiveness of a fully automated AI-powered digital DPP (ai-DPP) with a standard of care human coach-based DPP (h-DPP). A total of 368 participants with elevated body mass index (BMI) and prediabetes will be randomized equally to the ai-DPP (smartphone app and Bluetooth-enabled body weight scale) or h-DPP (referral to a CDC recognized DPP). The primary endpoint, assessed at 12 months, is the achievement of the CDC's benchmark for type 2 diabetes risk reduction, defined as any of the following: at least 5% weight loss, at least 4% weight loss and at least 150 min per week on average of physical activity, or at least a 0.2-point reduction in hemoglobin A1C. Physical activity will be objectively measured using serial actigraphy at baseline and at 1-month intervals throughout the trial. Secondary endpoints, evaluated at 6 and 12 months, will include changes in A1C, weight, physical activity measures, program engagement, and cost-effectiveness. Participants include adults aged 18-75 years with laboratory confirmed prediabetes, a BMI of ≥ 25 kg/m (≥ 23 kg/m for Asians), English proficiency, and smartphone users. This U.S. study is conducted at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore, MD, and Reading Hospital (Tower Health) in Reading, PA.
DISCUSSION
Prediabetes is a significant public health issue, necessitating scalable interventions for the millions affected. Our pragmatic clinical trial is unique in directly comparing a fully automated AI-powered approach without direct human coach interaction. If proven effective, it could be a scalable, cost-effective strategy. This trial will offer vital insights into both AI and human coach-based behavioral change strategies in real-world clinical settings.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05056376. Registered on September 24, 2021, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05056376.
Topics: Humans; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Prediabetic State; Artificial Intelligence; Mentoring; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Risk Reduction Behavior; Time Factors; Adult; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Mobile Applications
PubMed: 38755706
DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08177-8 -
Trials May 2024Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) symptoms have broad impact, and may affect individuals regardless of COVID-19 severity, socioeconomic status, race,...
RECOVER-NEURO: study protocol for a multi-center, multi-arm, phase 2, randomized, active comparator trial evaluating three interventions for cognitive dysfunction in post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC).
BACKGROUND
Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) symptoms have broad impact, and may affect individuals regardless of COVID-19 severity, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or age. A prominent PASC symptom is cognitive dysfunction, colloquially referred to as "brain fog" and characterized by declines in short-term memory, attention, and concentration. Cognitive dysfunction can severely impair quality of life by impairing daily functional skills and preventing timely return to work.
METHODS
RECOVER-NEURO is a prospective, multi-center, multi-arm, phase 2, randomized, active-comparator design investigating 3 interventions: (1) BrainHQ is an interactive, online cognitive training program; (2) PASC-Cognitive Recovery is a cognitive rehabilitation program specifically designed to target frequently reported challenges among individuals with brain fog; (3) transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive form of mild electrical brain stimulation. The interventions will be combined to establish 5 arms: (1) BrainHQ; (2) BrainHQ + PASC-Cognitive Recovery; (3) BrainHQ + tDCS-active; (4) BrainHQ + tDCS-sham; and (5) Active Comparator. The interventions will occur for 10 weeks. Assessments will be completed at baseline and at the end of intervention and will include cognitive testing and patient-reported surveys. All study activities can be delivered in Spanish and English.
DISCUSSION
This study is designed to test whether cognitive dysfunction symptoms can be alleviated by the use of pragmatic and established interventions with different mechanisms of action and with prior evidence of improving cognitive function in patients with neurocognitive disorder. If successful, results will provide beneficial treatments for PASC-related cognitive dysfunction.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05965739. Registered on July 25, 2023.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Cognitive Dysfunction; Prospective Studies; SARS-CoV-2; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation; Cognition; Treatment Outcome; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Quality of Life
PubMed: 38755688
DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08156-z -
BMC Nursing May 2024Virtual patients are an educational technological approach used in healthcare education. Its distinctive features have rendered virtual patient technology appealing for...
Acceptance of virtual patients as a continuous professional development approach among practicing nurses in primary health care settings in a low-income country: a quasi-experimental posttest setup design.
BACKGROUND
Virtual patients are an educational technological approach used in healthcare education. Its distinctive features have rendered virtual patient technology appealing for the training of medical and healthcare students, particularly in the enhancement of clinical reasoning. Virtual patients are less often applied for continuous professional development for practicing healthcare providers, and there is a scarcity of studies exploring this possibility. This study aimed to assess the acceptability of nurses for using virtual patients as a continuous professional development approach.
METHOD
The study used a quasi-experimental posttest setup design. The study was conducted in ten primary healthcare settings in Rwanda. Among 76 nurses who consented to participate in the study, 56 completed the intervention and responded to the study questionnaire. Following a one-week program of continuous professional development on four non-communicable diseases, the study used a self-administered questionnaire based on the Technology Acceptance Model 3 to collect data. Descriptive analysis served as the primary method for analyzing participants' responses. The study also used a correlation test to assess the relationship of variables.
RESULTS
Across all items in the questionnaire, the median response tended towards either agree or strongly agree, with only a minority number of participants expressing strong disagreement, disagreement, or neutrality. The results indicated a significant positive correlation between perceived usefulness and behavior intention (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
The findings indicate an acceptability and behavioral intention of adopting virtual patients as an alternative continuous professional development approach among nurses working at health centers in Rwanda or other locations with similar contexts.
PubMed: 38755655
DOI: 10.1186/s12912-024-02000-0