Mental and Social Health Commons^™

Proposal Of A Private Caretaker-Completed Questionnaire To Assess The Suitability Of Domestic Cats For Animal-Assisted Interventions, Alina Simona Rusu, Iulia Francesca Pop, Christine Olsen, Magdalena Nawarecka-Piątek, Michal Plewczynski, Eivind Øverli Holm, Dennis C. Turner

People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice

The objective of this study was to develop a caretaker-completed questionnaire entitled “Cats’ Behavioral Suitability for Animal-Assisted Interventions” (CatSAAI), covering two categories of items associated with seven feline personality factors. These feline personality factors were previously identified and validated by Mikkola et al. (2021) on a large sample of domestic cat guardians. The aim of the CatSAAI questionnaire is to facilitate the interpretation of the behavioral suitability or unsuitability of each individual cat for inclusion in feline-assisted interventions, while considering the prevention of stress and risks in AAI settings for both people and animals. The tool was proposed by an …

It Takes A Village To Raise A Grandchild: Developing Communities Of Support For Grand-Families On Pei, Canada, Christina Murray, Laura Bain, Nora Spinks, Donald Avery

GrandFamilies: The Contemporary Journal of Research, Practice and Policy

In this practice brief, we outline our research focused on grandparents raising grandchildren in Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada. Specifically, we highlight a series of collaborative community workshops implemented as part of our research project. Using a participatory action research approach, we worked with grandparents raising grandchildren to co-design and implement the workshops, which we titled It Takes a Village to Raise a Grandchild. These workshops brought together grandparents raising grandchildren and key community members, including clergy, educators, healthcare providers, politicians, social services, child services, and researchers. The goal of these workshops was to build awareness and increase understanding …

Female Breast Cancer Survivor’S Perspective Of Support Systems In Trinidad And Tobago, Andrea Mcdonald, Isabella Granderson, Olivia Johnson, Antoinette W. Coward, Brendon Bhagwandeen

The Journal of the Research Association of Minority Professors

Globally, breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women. The Cancer Registry of Trinidad and Tobago indicated that 45.9% of the breast cancer cases belonged to the African ethnicity, 27.5% Asian Indian, and 14.7% mixed ethnicity. Research on female breast cancer survivors' perspectives on support systems and care within the Caribbean region is limited. Therefore, this study aims to examine female breast cancer survivors' perspective of support systems in Trinidad and Tobago. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 74 cancer survivors attending support groups. To be eligible, the participants had to be females 18 years or older, residents of …

Food And Mood: The Correlation Between Vitamin B12 And Folate Intake And Depression, Jana Soucar, Hawley Almstedt

Honors Thesis

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that metabolizes homocysteine, which is a potentially neurotoxic molecule when in excess. Folate is a B vitamin that is essential to the production of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine in the brain. Studies show that a deficiency in vitamin B12, as well as folate, may be associated with mental health conditions. Additionally, the prevalence of depression is higher in college students than other demographic populations. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate a correlation between vitamin B12 and folate intake with signs and symptoms of depression in college students. METHODS: This …

The Impact Of Brief Electronic Guided Mindfulness Meditation On Anxiety Scores, Sierra King

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

In the United States, anxiety rates are on the rise for the general population (Goodwin et al., 2020a). Prolonged and frequent anxiety can become unprompted and problematic (American Psychiatric Association, 2021). Management of anxiety is crucial for overall wellbeing. Access to treatment and resources for anxiety may be limited in rural geographical locations (Morales et al., n.d.). This DNP project sought to determine whether a brief intervention of electronic guided mindfulness meditation (MM) by Insight Timer is effective in decreasing anxiety in a rural populous. Convenience sampling recruited a final total of 11 rural participants who participated in seven sessions …

Methamphetamine-Induced Dna Double-Stranded Breaks: The Impact Of The Dopamine Transporter And Insights Into The Mechanisms Of Dna Damage In Mouse Neuro 2a Cells, Lizette Couto

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Methamphetamine (METH) abuse remains a global health concern, with emerging evidence highlighting its genotoxic potential. In the central nervous system METH enters dopaminergic cells primarily through the dopamine transporter (DAT), which controls the dynamics of dopamine (DA) neurotransmission by driving the reuptake of extracellular DA into the presynaptic neuronal cell. Additional effects of METH on the storage of DA in synaptic vesicles lead to the dysregulated cytosolic accumulation of DA. Previous studies have shown that after METH disrupts intracellular vesicular stores of DA, the excess DA in the cytosol is rapidly oxidized. This generates an abundance of reactive oxygen species …

Comparing Ait And Eft In The Reduction Of Negative Emotions Associated With A Past Memory: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Gregory Brown, Kavita Batra, Raveena Bakhru, Andrew Han, Arianna Palermini, Robert Sottile, Sherine Khanbijian

Psychiatry & Behavioral Health Faculty Research

The field of Energy Psychology [EP] has amassed several hundred published research studies over its thirty year history which includes systematic reviews and meta-analyses. These have consistently demonstrated significant effect sizes equivalent to EMDR and trauma based CBT (Church et al., 2022, and Feinstein, 2021). Energy Psychology Techniques typically include an energetic component, an emotional component, a somatic component, focus upon a specific memory, and secondary cognitive shifts. Memory Reconsolidation may be primary for effect. Emotional Freedom Technique [EFT] is the most studied EP technique to date, and considered an evidenced based treatment for a number of conditions. Advanced Integrative …

Making Cities Mental Health Friendly For Adolescents And Young Adults, Pamela Y. Collins, Moitreyee Sinha, Tessa Concepcion, George Patton, Thaisa Way, Layla Mccay, Augustina Mensa-Kwao, Helen Herrman, Evelyne De Leeuw, Lukoye Atwoli

Brain and Mind Institute

Urban life shapes the mental health of city dwellers, and although cities provide access to health, education and economic gain, urban environments are often detrimental to mental health1,2. Increasing urbanization over the next three decades will be accompanied by a growing population of children and adolescents living in cities3. Shaping the aspects of urban life that influence youth mental health could have an enormous impact on adolescent well-being and adult trajectories4. We invited a multidisciplinary, global group of researchers, practitioners, advocates and young people to complete sequential surveys to identify and prioritize the characteristics of a mental health-friendly city for …

Neurologic Morbidity And Functional Independence In Adult Survivors Of Childhood Cancer, Stefanie C Vuotto, Mingjuan Wang, M Fatih Okcu, Daniel C Bowers, Nicole J Ullrich, Kirsten K Ness, Chenghong Li, Deo Kumar Srivastava, Rebecca M Howell, Todd M Gibson, Wendy M Leisenring, Kevin C Oeffinger, Leslie L Robison, Gregory T Armstrong, Kevin R Krull, Tara M Brinkman

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between neurologic late effects and attainment of independence in adult survivors of childhood cancer treated with central nervous system (CNS)-directed therapies.

METHODS: A total of 7881 survivors treated with cranial radiation therapy (n = 4051; CRT) and/or intrathecal methotrexate (n = 4193; IT MTX) ([CNS-treated]; median age [range] = 25.5 years [18-48]; time since diagnosis = 17.7 years [6.8-30.2]) and 8039 without CNS-directed therapy reported neurologic conditions including stroke, seizure, neurosensory deficits, focal neurologic dysfunction, and migraines/severe headaches. Functional independence was assessed using latent class analysis with multiple indicators (independent living, assistance with routine and personal …

The Mda Member Assistance Program: Real Help When You Need It, Lisa Knowles Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This health and well-being feature focuses on the MDA Member Assistance Program, an invaluable resource for dentists navigating the myriad challenges of professional and personal life. The author shares personal experiences and testimonials, highlighting the diverse benefits offered by the program, from mental health counseling to work-life resources. The article emphasizes the program's accessibility, confidentiality, and the wide range of topics it addresses, making it a crucial tool for dentists seeking support and guidance.

J Mich Dent Assoc February 2024

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

• The February issue previews the 2024 Annual Session in Lansing, highlighting 61 courses, 48 speakers, and Michigan’s largest dental exhibit hall
• A Feature article on The MDA Member Assistance Program: Real Help When You Need It
• News You Need, including The MDA announcement of John Tramontana as the new CEO/executive director
• The MDA Student Debt Resource Center
• Updates on the MDA website refresh
• Celebrating National Children’s …

Infant Hedonic/Anhedonic Processing Index (Hapi-Infant): Assessing Infant Anhedonia And Its Prospective Association With Adolescent Depressive Symptoms, Jessica L. Irwin, Elysia Poggi Davis, Curt A. Sandman, Tallie Z. Baram, Hal S. Stern, Laura M. Glynn

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Anhedonia, an impairment in the motivation for or experience of pleasure, is a well-established transdiagnostic harbinger and core symptom of mental illness. Given increasing recognition of early life origins of mental illness, we posit that anhedonia should, and could, be recognized earlier if appropriate tools were available. However, reliable diagnostic instruments prior to childhood do not currently exist.

Methods

We developed an assessment instrument for anhedonia/reward processing in infancy, the Infant Hedonic/Anhedonic Processing Index (HAPI-Infant). Exploratory factor and psychometric analyses were conducted using data from 6- and 12-month-old infants from two cohorts (N = 188, N = 212). …

Association Between Psychosis And Substance Use In Kenya. Findings From The Neurogap-Psychosis Study, Monica Nguata, James Orwa, Gabriel Kigen, Edith Kamaru, Wilfred Emonyi, Symon Kariuki, Charles Newton, Linnet Ongeri, Rehema Mwende, Lukoye Atwoli

Population Health, East Africa

Background: Substance use is prevalent among people with mental health issues, and patients with psychosis are more likely to use and misuse substances than the general population. Despite extensive research on substance abuse among the general public in Kenya, there is a scarcity of data comparing substance use among people with and without psychosis. This study investigates the association between psychosis and various substances in Kenya.

Methods: This study utilized data from the Neuro-GAP Psychosis Case-Control Study between April 2018 and December 2022. The KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme recruited participants from various sites in Kenya, including Kilifi County, Malindi Sub-County, …

Impact And Efficiency Of Treatment Across Two Ptsd Clinical Trials Comparing In-Person And Telehealth Service Delivery Formats, Cindy A Mcgeary, Leslie A Morland, Patricia A Resick, Casey L Straud, John C Moring, Min Ji Sohn, Margaret-Anne Mackintosh, Stacey Young-Mccaughan, Ron Acierno, Sheila A M Rauch, Jim Mintz, Donald D Mcgeary, Stephanie Y Wells, Kathleen Grubbs, Paul S Nabity, Chelsea J Mcmahon, Brett T Litz, Dawn I Velligan, Alexandra Macdonald, Emma Mata-Galan, Stephen L Holliday, Kirsten H Dillon, John D Roache, Alan L Peterson

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The intent of this study is to examine treatment impact and efficiency observed when cognitive behavioral treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are delivered in-person or using telehealth. This study pooled data from 268 veterans enrolled in two PTSD clinical trials. In both trials, treatment was delivered using in-home telehealth (telehealth arm), in-home in-person (in-home arm), and in-office care, where patients traveled to the Department of Veterans Affairs for either office-based telehealth or office-based in-person care (office arm). Average age was 44 (SD = 12.57); 80.9% were males. The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) was used …

Biological Aging Markers In Blood And Brain Tissue Indicate Age Acceleration In Alcohol Use Disorder, Lea Zillich, Metin Cetin, Elisabeth M Hummel, Eric Poisel, Gabriel R Fries, Josef Frank, Fabian Streit, Jerome C Foo, Lea Sirignano, Marion M Friske, Bernd Lenz, Sabine Hoffmann, Kristina Adorjan, Falk Kiefer, Georgy Bakalkin, Anita C Hansson, Falk W Lohoff, Olli Kärkkäinen, Eloise Kok, Pekka J Karhunen, Greg T Sutherland, Consuelo Walss-Bass, Rainer Spanagel, Marcella Rietschel, Dirk A Moser, Stephanie H Witt

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is associated with increased mortality and morbidity risk. A reason for this could be accelerated biological aging, which is strongly influenced by disease processes such as inflammation. As recent studies of AUD show changes in DNA methylation and gene expression in neuroinflammation-related pathways in the brain, biological aging represents a potentially important construct for understanding the adverse effects of substance use disorders. Epigenetic clocks have shown accelerated aging in blood samples from individuals with AUD. However, no systematic evaluation of biological age measures in AUD across different tissues and brain regions has been undertaken.

Methods: …

Assessment Of Patient Satisfaction And Treatment Outcomes In Digital Smile Design Vs Conventional Smile Design: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Chetan Luniyal, Anuj K Shukla, Mayank Priyadarshi, Farah Ahmed, Nishu Kumari, Pinki Bankoti, Ramanpal S Makkad

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: The esthetics of a smile holds significant importance in an individual's self-esteem and overall quality of life. In the realm of cosmetic dentistry, smile design has traditionally relied on conventional methods, but recent advances in technology have introduced digital smile design (DSD) as a promising alternative.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 150 adult patients seeking smile enhancement procedures were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of two groups: the DSD group or the conventional smile design group. The DSD group underwent smile design using digital technology, including intraoral scans, computer-aided design, and 3D simulations. Meanwhile, the …

Influence Of Zirconia/Glass Veneer Thickness And Implant Abutment Material On The Final Shade Of Implant Restorations, Nishu Kumari, Anuj K Shukla, Rohit Malviya, Aman Raj, Bhagyashree Sutaria, Lalima Kumari, Ramanpal S Makkad

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Achieving an optimal shade match for these restorations is crucial for aesthetic outcomes. The thickness of zirconia/glass veneer and the choice of implant abutment material play vital roles in determining the final shade of implant restorations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study investigated the influence of zirconia/glass veneer thickness (0.5 mm and 1.0 mm) and implant abutment material (zirconia and titanium) on the final shade of implant restorations. A total of 60 identical implant restorations were fabricated and divided into four groups based on the combinations of veneer thickness and abutment material. The shade of each restoration was assessed using …

Investigating The Long-Term Success And Complication Rates Of Zirconia Dental Implants: A Prospective Clinical Study, Anuj Kishor Shukla, Mayank Priyadarshi, Nishu Kumari, Sonal Singh, Pallavi Goswami, Sparsh B Srivastava, Ramanpal S Makkad

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

This study addresses the durability and complications of zirconia dental implants through a prospective clinical investigation. Zirconia implants are increasingly utilized in dental implantation, and a comprehensive understanding of their long-term performance is essential.

BACKGROUND: Zirconia dental implants have gained attention due to their biocompatibility and aesthetics. However, research on their extended success and complication rates is limited.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective clinical study involved the placement of 30 zirconia dental implants in patients requiring tooth replacement. The implants were followed up for five years. Success was defined as the implant remaining stable and functional. Complications, including peri-implant mucositis …

Racial Discrimination And Interpersonal Violence In Asian American Adolescents During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Yu Lu, Elizabeth Baumler, Leila Wood, Vi D Le, Shannon P Guillot-Wright, Jeff R Temple

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

PURPOSE: Racial discrimination targeting Asians in the United States has increased sharply since the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a well-established link with mental/physical health outcomes, little is known about how racial discrimination relates to interpersonal violence, particularly in adolescents. To address this gap in knowledge, we examined cross-sectional and longitudinal (1-year follow-up) associations between racial discrimination and interpersonal violence perpetration and victimization in Asian American adolescents in a large US city.

METHODS: Data from Waves 3 (2020) and 4 (2021) of a randomized clinical trial of a school-based violence prevention program were examined. We limited our sample to participants who identified …

Risk Factors For Post-Discharge Adverse Outcomes Following Hospitalization Among Older Adults Diagnosed With Elder Mistreatment, Monique R Pappadis, Leila Wood, Allen Haas, Jordan Westra, Yong-Fang Kuo, Charles P Mouton

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Using 100% Medicare data files, this study explored whether primary elder mistreatment (EM) diagnosis, EM type, and facility type were associated with 3-year mortality and 1-year unplanned hospital readmission among older patients diagnosed with EM with hospital discharge from 10/01/2015 through 12/31/2018 (n = 11,023). We also examined outcome differences between older patients diagnosed with EM and matched non-EM patient controls. Neglect by others was the most common EM diagnosis. Three-year mortality was 56.7% and one-year readmission rate was 53.8%. Compared to matched non-EM patient controls, older EM patients were at an increased risk of mortality and readmission. Among …