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Emotion identification and emotion sensitivity following interpersonal and non-interpersonal traumatic experiences: Results from the AURORA study
No full textSocial cognition is an important mechanism linking trauma to psychopathology; however, current models fail to explain individual differences in social cognition after trauma exposure. We investigated whether the interpersonal nature of trauma exposure helps to explain variability in social cognitive outcomes. Our sample was derived from the AURORA study, a national initiative involving intensive follow-up of trauma survivors for one year. We analyzed data from 2241 participants (M = 35.12, 64% female, 54% Black) who experienced an assault ( = 262) or a motor vehicle collision ( = 1979). Social cognition was assessed with the Multiracial Emotion Identification Task and the Belmont Emotion Sensitivity Test. Overall emotion identification accuracy declined over time among participants who experienced interpersonal trauma (β = -.10, = .03), but not non-interpersonal trauma (β = .00, = .83). These results may help to enhance the prediction of psychopathological outcomes following trauma exposure.No embarg
Shared functional organization between pulvinar-cortical and cortico-cortical connectivity and its structural and molecular imaging correlates
No full textThe pulvinar, the largest thalamic nucleus, is a highly interconnected structure supporting perception, visuospatial attention, and emotional processing. Such a central role relies on a precise topographical organization reflected in anatomical connectivity and neurochemical markers. Traditionally subdivided into distinct subnuclei, recent work shows that these divisions only partially explain its organization, which is better captured by continuous gradients of cortical connections along dorso-ventral and medio-lateral axes. While well studied in primates, this gradient-based architecture remains less explored in humans. The present work combines high-quality, multimodal structural and functional imaging with a whole-brain, large-scale, PET atlas mapping 19 neurotransmitter systems. By applying diffusion embedding to tractography, functional connectivity, and receptor coexpression, we identify multiple gradients of structural connections, functional coactivation, and molecular binding patterns. These converge on a shared representation along the dorso-ventral and medio-lateral axes of the human pulvinar, aligning with connectivity transitions from lower-level to higher-order cortical regions. Moreover, this is paralleled by gradual changes in the expression of molecular markers associated with key neuromodulator systems, including serotoninergic, noradrenergic, dopaminergic, and opioid systems. Our findings advance the understanding of pulvinar anatomy and function, offering an exploratory framework to investigate the role of this structure in both health and disease.No embarg
Statistics That Can Shape Disability Policy [English and Spanish versions]
Get PDFPolicy makers need disability statistics to determine whether, or what, new policy approaches are needed. Led by the University of New Hampshire, the NIDILRR-funded Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Statistics and Demographics (StatsRRTC) is a collaboration of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AUCD), Kessler Foundation, and Mathematica Policy Research. StatsRRTC's Disability Statistics Collection provides a singular location to obtain and compare the most recent federal, state, and county level disability statistics. This brief highlights just a few of the statistics can be that can be found through the work of StatsRRTC.
A Spanish translation of this publication is available for download.
© 2025 Boston University & UMass Chan Medical School. All Rights Reserved.The production of this brief was funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), Grant #90DPEM0004. The content was funded by NIDILRR through the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Statistics and Demographics (StatsRRTC) grant #’s 90RTGE0001 & 90RTGE0005. NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this brief do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, or HHS and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government
Factors Contributing to Psychiatric Medication Use in Pregnancy: A Preconception Perspective
No full textIntroduction: Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders warrant a preconception focus to reduce the risk of mental health relapse and emergencies that may result from psychiatric medication discontinuation. This dissertation: (1) quantifies the prevalence of pre-pregnancy healthcare use and its association with pregnancy-specific psychiatric medication use among individuals with depression or anxiety, (2) examines whether maternal race/ethnicity modifies these associations, and (3) elucidates factors influential to preconception mental health care delivery specific to reproductive planning and psychopharmacotherapy.
Methods: Data sources include 1) the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System survey, which examines health patterns before conception, in pregnancy, and postpartum, and 2) qualitative interviews of family medicine, obstetric/gynecologic and psychiatric clinicians. Analyses included summary statistics, disease risk score weighted regression modeling, moderation analyses, and rapid cycle qualitative approaches.
Results: Having any preconception healthcare visit, including visits to a family doctor or for depression/anxiety, within the 12 months before pregnancy was positively associated with psychiatric medication use in pregnancy (apR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.38-2.17: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.20-1.67; 2.93, 95% CI: 2.48-3.49, respectively). Maternal race/ethnicity did not modify these associations, though differences in preconception service utilization were observed. Clinicians reported that preconception mental health care remains elusive in clinical settings and persistent education, policy, and service delivery gaps exist. These participants advocated for increased interdisciplinary collaboration, an expanded evidence-base and systemic reform to optimize preconception mental health delivery.
Conclusion: Preconception care holds significant potential to support perinatal mental health treatment outcomes. Population-based and individualized approaches are necessary to address the diverse mental health needs of reproductive-aged individuals.Population Health Sciences2 years2027-03-1
Non-Conscious Detection of "Missed" Lung Nodules by Radiologists: Expanding the Boundaries of Successful Processing During the Visual Assessment of Chest CT Scans
No full textBackground Diagnostic error rates for detecting small lung nodules on chest CT scans remain high at 50%, despite advances in imaging technology and radiologist training. These failure rates may stem from limitations in conscious recognition processes. However, successful visual processes may be detecting the nodule independent of the radiologist's report. Purpose To investigate visual processing in radiologists during the assessment of chest nodules to determine if radiologists have successful non-conscious processes that detect lung nodules on chest CT examinations even when not consciously recognized or considered, as evidenced by changes in how long they look (dwell time) and pupil size to missed nodules. Materials and Methods This prospective study, conducted from [8/14] to [09/23], compared 6 experienced radiologists with 6 medically naïve control participants. Participants viewed 18 chest CTs (9 abnormal with 16 nodules, 9 normal) to detect lung nodules. High-speed video eye-tracking measured gaze duration and pupil size (indicating physiological arousal) at missed nodule locations and same locations on normal CTs. The reference standard was the known presence or absence of nodules (as determined by a 4-radiologist consensus panel) in abnormal and normal CTs, respectively. Primary outcome measures were detection rates of nodules, dwell time and pupil size at nodule locations versus normal tissue. Paired t-tests were used for statistical analysis. Results Twelve participants (6 radiologists [9.3 average years of radiological experience]) 6 controls (with no radiological experience) were evaluated. Radiologists missed on average 59% of these lung nodules. For missed nodules, radiologists exhibited longer dwell times (Mean: 228 milliseconds vs 175 milliseconds, =.005) and larger pupil area (Mean: 1446 pixels vs. 1349 pixels, =.04.) than normal tissue. Control participants showed no differences in dwell time (Mean: 197 milliseconds vs 180 milliseconds, = .64) or pupil size (Mean: 1426 pixels vs. 1714 pixels, =.23) for missed nodules than normal tissue locations. Conclusion Radiologists non-conscious processes during visual assessment of a CT examination can detect lung nodules on chest CTs even when conscious recognition fails, as evidenced by increased dwell time and larger pupil size. This successful non-conscious detection is a result of general radiology training.No embarg
Viral Infection and the Blood-Brain Barrier: Molecular Research Insights and Therapies
No full textThe blood-brain barrier (BBB) protects the brain from pathogenic microorganisms. Neurologic complications from viral infections, including herpes simplex virus, varicella zoster virus, HIV, Japanese encephalitis virus, and SARS-CoV-2, are linked to BBB dysfunction and loss of barrier integrity. Increased BBB permeability associated with viral infections can occur through several mechanisms, such as direct neurotropism, Trojan horse mechanisms, or systemic infection and inflammation. Viruses cause direct and indirect immune-mediated damage. Understanding these neuroimmune mechanisms is critical to establish therapeutic strategies to protect BBB function. This review describes the effect of viral infection on the BBB, clinical methods to assess BBB integrity, and clinical management approaches to address viral-induced BBB damage.No embarg
Guiding Principles for Data Sharing and Harmonization: Results of a Systematic Review and Modified Delphi From the Society of Critical Care Medicine Data Science Campaign
No full textObjectives: This study aimed to establish a set of guiding principles for data sharing and harmonization in critical care, focusing on the use of real-world data (RWD) and real-world evidence (RWE) to improve patient outcomes and research efficacy. The principles were developed through a systematic literature review and a modified Delphi process, with the goal of enhancing data accessibility, standardization, and interoperability across critical care settings.
Data sources: Data sources included a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed literature, specifically studies related to the use of RWD and RWE in healthcare, guidelines, best practices, and recommendations on data sharing and harmonization. A total of 8150 articles were initially identified through databases such as MEDLINE and Web of Science, with 257 studies meeting inclusion criteria.
Study selection: Inclusion criteria focused on publications discussing health-related informatics, recommendations for RWD/RWE usage, data sharing, and harmonization principles. Exclusion criteria ruled out non-human studies, case studies, conference abstracts, and articles published before 2013, as well as those not available in English.
Data extraction: From the 257 selected studies, 322 statements were extracted. After removing irrelevant definitions and off-topic content, 232 statements underwent content validation and thematic analysis. These statements were then consolidated into 24 candidate guiding principles after rigorous review and consensus-building among the expert panel.
Data synthesis: A three-phase modified Delphi process was employed, involving a conceptualization group, a review group, and a Delphi group. In phase 1, experts identified key themes and search terms for the systematic review. Phase 2 involved validating and refining the prospective guiding principles, while phase 3 employed a Delphi panel to rate principles on acceptability, importance, and feasibility. This process resulted in 24 guiding principles, with high consensus achieved in rounds 2 and 3 on their relevance and applicability.
Conclusions: The systematic review and Delphi process resulted in 24 guiding principles to improve data sharing and harmonization in critical care. These principles address challenges across the data lifecycle, including generation, storage, access, and usage of RWD and RWE. This framework is designed to promote more effective and equitable data practices, with relevance for the development of artificial intelligence-based decision support tools and clinical research. The principles are intended to guide the responsible use of data science in critical care, with emphasis on ethics and equity, while acknowledging the variability of resources across settings.No embarg
The neurexin gene family regulates olfactory glomerular formation
Get PDFPrecise connectivity between specific neurons is essential for the formation of the complex neural circuitry necessary for executing intricate motor behaviors and higher cognitive functions. While trans interactions between synaptic surface proteins have emerged as crucial elements in orchestrating the assembly of neural circuits, the proteins involved in neuronal wiring remain largely unknown. Here, we uncover that the neurexin family of genes enables olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) axons to form appropriate connections with their mitral/tufted (M/T) cell synaptic partners within the olfactory system. Neurexins, which are differentially expressed within distinct populations of OSNs, synergistically cooperate to regulate axonal sorting to designated glomeruli. This process is facilitated through the interactions of neurexins with their postsynaptic partners, which have distinct expression patterns in M/T cells. Our findings suggest a mechanism underpinning the precise assembly of olfactory neural circuits, driven by the trans interaction between neurexins and their ligands.No embarg
Psychosocial Experiences of African American Parents of Children With Cancer
No full textObjective: To explore the psychosocial experiences of African American families affected by childhood cancer.
Methods: A qualitative investigation was conducted using grounded theory methods. Data collection consisted of in-depth semistructured interviews of purposively sampled participants. Eligible participants were English-speaking parents who self-identified as African American and whose children received cancer care at 3 US cancer centers. Interviews were conducted by a single trained interviewer via telephone or confidential video conference. The research team employed constant comparative analysis to analyze interview transcripts. The analytic process incorporated memoing and regular meetings to discuss the emergent theory.
Results: Enrolled African American parents (n = 45) were primarily college-educated (n = 33; 73%) women (n = 37; 82%) from single-parent households (n = 23; 51%) with a household income of $50 000 or less (n = 26; 58%) from 3 cancer centers in the Eastern and Southern United States. The emergent theory of psychosocial experiences was magnified existential crisis, defined as emotional distress related to the child's illness and intensified by disconnected and discordant health care interactions and economic worries. These external threats (disconnected and discordant care, economic hardships) related to parents' membership within a marginalized population. Parents used coping resources (religiosity, spirituality, optimism, bolstering communication) to buffer the existential crisis.
Conclusion: This sample of African American parents of children with cancer experienced magnified existential crisis. This emergent theory may inform intervention development. Interventions that address both psychosocial and economic needs may be essential to reduce distress among African American parents of children with cancer.No embarg
Antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia: Toxicologic mechanism and the increased breast cancer risk
Get PDFAntipsychotic drugs are effective at improving both the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia as well as the manic phase of bipolar disorder. Whether an antipsychotic is termed typical or atypical is related to the xenobiotic's propensity to cause extrapyramidal side effects. However, with a few exceptions, drugs of both classes of antipsychotics are known to cause hyperprolactinemia. As many breast cancers are responsive to prolactin concentrations, the persistent increase in prolactin of the antipsychotics has implications for public health and carcinogenesis. The objective of this study was to review the extant literature on hyperprolactinemia due to antipsychotics, and to determine the risk imposed by those drugs on human breast cancer. A summary risk of breast cancer with use of any antipsychotic was found to be 1.19 (95 % confidence interval 1.10-1.30). When limiting usage of antipsychotics to 5 or more years, the summary risk increased to 1.26 (95 % confidence interval 1.12-1.43). And when limited to those studies who evaluated only those medications with the greatest increase in prolactin, the risk increased to 1.59 (95 % confidence interval 1.37-1.85). Given this increased risk of breast cancer, stronger warnings about this increased risk are warranted, and regular monitoring of prolactin levels and breast cancer screening should be part of the management plan for these patients.No embarg