Search Results (148)

Background: Diabetes mellitus is associated with worse outcomes after cardiac arrest. Hyperglycemia, diabetes treatments and other long-term sequalae may contribute to this association. We sought to determine the acute effect of diabetes on the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and post-arrest cardiac function in a rat cardiac arrest model. Methods: Eighteen male Wistar rats were utilized, and 12 underwent the induction of type II diabetes for 10 weeks through a high-fat diet and the injection of streptozotocin. The carotid artery flow and femoral arterial pressure were measured. Seven minutes of asphyxial cardiac arrest was induced. An external cardiac compression was performed via an automated piston. Post-ROSC, epinephrine was titrated to a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 70 mmHg. Data was analyzed using the Mann–Whitney test. The significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The rate of the ROSC was significantly lower in animals with diabetes, 50% compared to 100% in non-diabetics. Additionally, it took significantly longer to achieve the ROSC in diabetics, p = 0.034. In animals who survived, the cardiac function was reduced, as indicated by an increased epinephrine requirement, p = 0.041, and a decreased cardiac output at the end of the experiment, p = 0.017. The lactate, venous and arterial pressures, heart rate and carotid flow did not differ between groups at 2 h. Conclusions: Diabetes negatively affects the survival from cardiac arrest. Here, the critical difference was the rate of the conversion to a life-sustaining rhythm and the achievement of the ROSC. The post-ROSC cardiac function was depressed in diabetic animals. Interventions targeted at improving defibrillation success may be important in diabetics. Full article

Background: Individuals with intellectual disability face an increased risk of mental health issues compared to the general population. Despite the proven efficacy of physical activity (PA) in improving anxiety and depression in the general population, little is known about this relationship in adults with intellectual disability and the factors that influence it. The purpose of the study was to determine whether a correlation exists between PA and perceived levels of anxiety and depression, and assess gender disparities in PA and mental health. Method: People with intellectual disability were recruited from day centers and sports events. The amount of PA was evaluated through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Perceived mental health was assessed through the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety (ZAS) and Depression Scale (ZDS). Results: In total, 99 adults (34 females, aged 33 ± 12) participated in the study. A gender disparity was found in anxiety levels, while depression, PA, and type of sport participation did not differ between males and females. Multiple regression analysis highlights how the depression score was significantly predicted by gender (β = −3.57, p = 0.015), intellectual disability level (β =−3.08, p < 0.008), and PA (β =−0.10, p= 0.001), while anxiety was influenced by gender (β = −4.48, p = 0.003) and intellectual disability level (β = −3.23, p = 0.007). Conclusions: These findings underscore the relevance of physical activity as a factor associated with lower depressive symptoms in adults with intellectual disability, highlighting its potential role in mental health promotion within this population. Full article

Background: Despite losing weight, the majority of subjects retained an obese view of themselves. The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of a 3D modeling tool in improving the body image of patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. Methods: Morbidly obese subjects involved in a medico-surgical obesity management program and having undergone a Roux en Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) or a sleeve gastrectomy (SG) were prospectively included during their usual postoperative medical follow-up. The figure rating scale (FRS), body image questionnaire, and Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale test were performed. The FRS was assessed before and after visualizing their body image using a 3D modeling tool. Distributions between the groups for gender (female vs. male) and type of surgery (gastric bypass vs. sleeve gastrectomy) were tested with a Pearson’s chi² independence test. The significance threshold was p < 0.05. Results: We included 140 adults with sleeve gastrectomy (72.9%; n = 102) or gastric bypass (27.1%; n = 38). The mean time from surgery was 308.3 ± 111.4 days (63–511). Participants were mostly female (77.9%; n = 109). Nearly half of the subjects who had undergone bariatric surgery almost one year before modified their body perception after visualizing their avatar thanks to a 3D modeling tool. One third reduced their FRS score (“perceived body”) after visualizing their avatar. FRS score and body mass index (BMI) following surgery (“real body”) were significantly correlated before and after visualizing the 3D avatar, with a stronger correlation after visualizing the 3D avatar. Conclusions: A 3D modeling tool may improve body perception after weight loss in subjects with bariatric surgery. Being simple, non-invasive, not expansive, and easy to use during a consultation and to understand for the patient, a regular use of this tool may be largely implemented in clinical practice. Its usefulness in improving body image, mood disorders, and eating disorders and the further success of the surgery should be further evaluated. Full article

Background/Objectives: Veterans differ in sociodemographic composition and experience higher frequencies of disability than non-Veterans of the same age. Yet the epidemiology of the long-term care needs of Veterans, specifically activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), remains an important gap in the literature. The objectives of this study were to (1) characterize Veterans across levels of hierarchy of ADL and IADL support needs; (2) compare Veterans across the degree of need for help, from those who can still “self-manage” to those with an “unmet need”; and (3) identify the types and prevalence of ADL and IADL need combination patterns. Methods: This study used cross-sectional data from the 2021 administration of the HERO CARE survey. We included Veterans ages 65+ in our analyses (N = 7424). We calculated the overall weighted descriptive statistics across a hierarchy of ADL and IADL problems and the degree of need for help. One-way ANOVA for continuous variables and Rao–Scott chi-square tests for categorical variables were conducted to examine associations between groups, followed by post hoc pairwise comparisons, as appropriate. Results: Veteran respondents mean age was 82.3 (SD: 8.2 years), and most were male, non-Hispanic White, and married. In weighted analyses, more Veterans with both ADL and IADL problems compared to only ADL problems reported food insecurity, missed appointments, low health literacy, and depression. Among Veterans with ADL or IADL problems, 32.3% reported an unmet need for help. Almost a quarter of Veterans with ADL problems reported difficulties performing all eight ADLs (23.9%), and over a quarter of Veterans with IADL problems reported difficulties performing all seven IADLs (31.3%). Conclusions: Our findings show that Veterans are demographically and clinically different based on their hierarchy of impairment and degree of need for help. Identifying the patterns and prevalence of ADL and IADL needs among Veterans provides valuable information to align the Veterans Affairs (VA) programs and services with Veterans’ needs. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression and anxiety among patients with acute leukemia in Vietnam and to identify associated sociodemographic and clinical factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Hematology and Blood Transfusion Center of Bach Mai Hospital, a national tertiary care facility in Hanoi, Vietnam. A total of 82 patients diagnosed with acute leukemia were recruited using a convenience sampling method. Data on sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., age, gender, residence, education, occupation, marital status, and income) and clinical information (e.g., leukemia type, treatment stage, comorbidities, substance use) were collected. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Zung’s Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). Multivariate logistic and Tobit regression analyses were applied to explore associated factors. Results: Participants had a mean age of 43.4 years (SD = 14.0), with 53.7% male and 69.5% residing in rural areas. Most were married (82.9%) and had completed high school (45.1%). Farmers constituted the largest occupational group (29.3%). The mean BDI score was 13.7 (SD = 9.8), and the mean SAS score was 39.2 (SD = 6.3). Overall, 50.0% of patients met criteria for depression, while 26.8% exhibited clinically significant anxiety symptoms. Among those with anxiety, 59.1% had mild symptoms, 22.7% moderate, and 18.2% severe or very severe. Patients with education above high school (OR = 7.32; 95% CI: 1.01–53.23), a spouse (OR = 25.10; 95% CI: 2.14–294.55), or comorbidities (OR = 8.05; 95% CI: 1.63–39.68) had significantly higher odds of depression. A higher income (>10 million VND/month) was associated with lower depression scores (Coef. = −6.05; 95% CI: −11.65 to −0.46). Regarding anxiety, the female gender was associated with higher odds (OR = 3.80; 95% CI: 1.21–11.93) and SAS scores (Coef. = 4.07; 95% CI: 1.64–6.51), while higher income predicted lower anxiety severity (Coef. = −3.74; 95% CI: −6.57 to −0.91). Conclusions: This Vietnamese hospital-based study highlights a high prevalence of depression and anxiety among patients with acute leukemia. Routine mental health screening and culturally appropriate psychosocial interventions are strongly recommended to improve patient well being. Full article

Depression and anxiety are two disorders that significantly increase the risk of suicidal behavior. The disparity between females and males in the prevalence of these disorders becomes more pronounced from adolescence onwards. Specifically, risk factors associated with suicidal behavior in adolescent females are often linked to anxiety and depression, whereas in males, these behaviors are more frequently associated with other types of disorders, such as disruptive behavior. Furthermore, there are notable sex differences in the efficacy and acceptance of treatments aimed at preventing suicidal behavior. This review examines the sex differences in the relationship between depression, anxiety disorders, and suicidal risk in adolescents. Specifically, it aims to identify key risk factors influencing suicide vulnerability across sexes and assess the efficacy of current treatment approaches in mitigating these sex specific risks. Full article

Background and Objectives: After transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), transvalvular gradients increase immediately following the procedure up to 24 h afterward. While factors such as anesthesia type and fluid status have been suggested as potential contributors, the underlying cause remains unclear. With advancements in TAVI techniques, there has been a shift in anesthesia protocols from general anesthesia (GA) to monitored anesthesia care (MAC). This study aimed to assess the impact of GA and MAC on the increase in transvalvular gradients observed 24 h post-TAVI. Methods: A retrospective, single-center analysis was conducted on patients who underwent TAVI at our institution between 2011 and 2023 (n = 744, males = 421). The patients were divided into two groups: those who received GA (n = 201) and those who received MAC (n = 543). The GA group received either inhaled anesthetics, with or without propofol infusions, or propofol infusions at a rate of ≥100 mcg/kg/min. The MAC group received bolus doses and continuous infusions of dexmedetomidine. Transvalvular gradients were compared between immediate and 24 h post-procedure echocardiograms. Results: The average age of patients in the GA group (78 years [IQR 71–83]) was similar to that of the MAC group (77 years [IQR 71–83]). The GA group had a higher prevalence of comorbidities at baseline. Both groups exhibited stable, normotensive blood pressure levels during the procedure, though the GA group required more vasopressors and intravenous fluid. The GA group showed a 24 h post-TAVI mean transvalvular gradient change of +5.1 mmHg [IQR 3–8.1], while the MAC group had a 24 h mean transvalvular gradient change of +5.8 mmHg [IQR 3.2–9], with no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.139). Conclusions: Despite the greater cardiovascular depressive effects and increased need for vasopressors and fluid resuscitation in the GA group, there was no significant difference in the increase in transvalvular gradients between the GA and MAC groups at 24 h post-TAVI. Further research is needed to fully understand the reasons behind the increase in gradients observed after TAVI. Full article

Background and Objectives: Adolescence is a critical period of physical and mental development, yet allergic diseases are often poorly managed. Factors such as sleep deprivation, obesity, smoking, and mental stress can worsen allergic conditions and complicate treatment. This study examines the environmental, behavioral, and psychosocial factors influencing allergic diseases in Korean adolescents using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHNES). Materials and Methods: From the 25,534 participants in the Fifth KNHNES, 1630 adolescents (aged 13–18 years) were selected. We analyzed demographic and lifestyle factors, including gender, age, housing type, family size, economic status, obesity, tobacco and alcohol use, sleep duration, and physical activity. Psychosocial factors such as stress perception, suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, mental health counseling, and self-rated health were also examined. Results: The prevalence rates of allergic diseases were 23% for allergic rhinitis (AR), 11% for atopic dermatitis (AD), and 9.8% for asthma (AS), with 35.8% of adolescents having at least one allergic condition. Smoking was significantly associated with AS (odds ratio [OR] 1.753, p = 0.006), while shorter sleep durations increased AR risk (p = 0.000). Male adolescents had a lower risk of AD (OR 0.706, p = 0.046), and high economic status was inversely correlated with AD (OR 0.445, p = 0.006). Positive self-rated health was linked to lower AS risk (OR 0.447, p = 0.000). AR was significantly associated with male gender (OR 1.391, p = 0.045), high economic status (OR 1.784, p = 0.026), and high stress perception (OR 1.479, p = 0.013). Conclusions: Low self-rated health and high stress perception have been identified as risk factors for allergic diseases during adolescence. Integrating psychosocial counseling with medical treatment may improve management and outcomes. Full article

Falls are a prevalent health concern with a multi-factorial origin and causing numerous complications for older adults, especially those in low- and middle-income countries, such as South Africa. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of falls among older adults living in different types of long-term care facilities in the City of Cape Town. A total of 258 males and females aged between 60 and 95 years were recruited. Data collection occurred from September 2021 to January 2022. Participants were categorized into low, moderate, or high fall risk using the fall-risk assessment tool. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics and fall prevalence. The chi-squared test determined significant associations between facility type, marital status, and educational level, and their relationship to falling. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient assessed associations between fall occurrence and various risk factors. Findings indicated that the prevalence of falls was 32.6%. Falls were significantly associated with behaviors such as agitation or confusion, and other unmentioned risk factors. Participants living in facilities run by non-profit organizations, and who had a lower education level or were single or widowed, had a higher fall prevalence. The use of anti-depressant and anti-diabetic medications was significantly linked to increased fall risk. These findings can inform future research and the development of strategies to prevent falls among older adults, particularly in LTC facilities. Full article

Neuroinflammation is involved in the development of depression and may induce depression-like behaviors by affecting metabolism through interactions with circadian rhythms. As the hub of metabolism, mitochondria are regulated by various types of metabolism and release signals that regulate cellular functions. In this study, we performed transcriptomic analysis of the hippocampus of IL-33-overexpressing mice to provide new ideas to explore the pathogenesis of inflammation-mediated depression at the transcriptional level. Male C57BL/6J mice and IL-33-overexpressing mice were subjected to behavioral tests. The hippocampus was extracted during the light or dark period, and differential gene expression analysis was conducted using RNA sequencing. Differential gene enrichment analysis was performed, as well as multilayered analysis of mitochondrial transcriptional rhythms by integrating the regulatory networks and Mito 3.0 database. The results were further verified using RT-qPCR. IL-33-overexpressing mice exhibited depressive behaviors associated with rhythmic disorders and shortened circadian cycles. Differential KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) enrichment analysis showed that the top 20 pathways with the lowest p-values included mood-related, immune-related, and circadian rhythm-related pathways. Differential gene GO (Gene Ontology) enrichment analysis showed that 20 of the top 30 pathways with the lowest p-values were related to metabolism. Transcriptome data from IL-33-overexpressing mice showed that the mitochondrial-encoded subunit of the oxidative respiratory complex showed predominantly increased expression during the light period. Metabolic disorders and disrupted mitochondrial transcriptional rhythm were also observed. Weighted gene correlation network analysis showed that the circadian cycle is associated with depression-like behavior disorders. Network analysis showed that circadian-related genes were enriched in mitochondrial pathways related to metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation. Multilayer analysis of mitochondrial transcriptional rhythms using the mitochondrial database Mito 3.0 revealed that mitochondrial dynamics and surveillance pathways were the most enriched. The depressive behavior in mice caused by long-term IL-33 stimulation may be related to changes in the transcriptional rhythms of metabolism-related genes and the interaction between mitochondria and clock genes. This suggests that mitochondrial transcriptional rhythms are central to the pathogenesis of microinflammation-induced depression, further supporting the potential of mitochondria as a target for the prevention and treatment of depression. Full article

Background/Objectives: Factors underlying excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are not fully understood. We investigated whether polysomnography (PSG) parameters differed between non-sleepy and sleepy (based on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)) OSA patients with the same disease severity, which may play a role in the presence of EDS. Methods: A total of 1307 patients, without cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, or inflammatory comorbidities, diagnosed with OSA (apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 5 per hour of sleep) with type 1 PSG were included. Based on the AHI, patients were classified into mild- (AHI 5–14.9, n = 236), moderate- (AHI 15–29.9, n = 367), and severe-OSA (AHI ≥ 30, n = 704) groups. These groups were further divided into two subgroups based on the ESS, the most convenient and widely used tool to assess excessive daytime sleepiness: sleepy (ESS > 10) and non-sleepy (ESS ≤ 10). PSG data were compared between groups, and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify differences after adjustment for confounders. Results: For the entire population, male sex, younger age, obesity, depression, increased wakefulness after sleep onset (WASO), the arousal index, shorter sleep latency, and all indices of OSA severity (AHI, oxygen desaturation index, mean and lowest resting room air pulse oximetry (SpO₂), and sleep time with oxygen saturation < 90% (TST90)) were significantly associated with EDS. The arousal index consistently showed a strong association with EDS across all OSA severity groups. Moderate-OSA sleepy patients were younger, with shorter sleep latency and increased indices of OSA severity, excluding the AHI. Severe-OSA sleepy patients were younger, males, and obese; had depression, decreased slow-wave sleep (SWS) and sleep latency, and increased WASO; and presented an increase in all indices of OSA severity. Conclusions: Our results suggest that male sex, younger age, obesity, the presence of depression, WASO, lower sleep efficiency, the arousal index, and all indices of OSA severity may account for the presence or absence of EDS in OSA patients and could be useful for exploring the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms for precision medicine. Full article

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread disruptions in oncology care, significantly affecting both the quality of life (QoL) and mental health of cancer patients. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term impacts of the pandemic on oncology patients, focusing on the periods before, during, and after the pandemic. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the changes in QoL, illness acceptance, and mental health indicators, including the risk of depression, generalized anxiety, elevated stress levels, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among oncology patients, comparing these factors across the pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic periods. Material and Methods: This study included 2000 oncology patients, divided into three cohorts based on the time of assessment: pre-pandemic (2019, n = 600), during the pandemic (2020–2021, n = 800), and post-pandemic (2023, n = 600). This study included a balanced sample of 52% female and 48% male participants, with a mean age of 58 years (SD = 11.9), representing a wide range of cancer types including breast (25.7%), lung (20.9%), and colorectal cancer (14.8%). Additional demographics showed a mean BMI of 25.8, with varied educational levels, marital statuses, income levels, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption. QoL was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30, while the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to measure depression and anxiety. The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) was used to evaluate PTSD symptoms, and stress levels were measured with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Statistical analyses were conducted using ANOVA and chi-square tests to assess differences between the groups. Results: During the pandemic, the prevalence of depression symptoms rose significantly, from 15% pre-pandemic to 32% (p < 0.001), while the risk of generalized anxiety increased from 18% to 40% (p < 0.001). Stress levels also saw a sharp rise, with 45% of patients reporting elevated stress during the pandemic compared to 22% before (p < 0.001). The rate of PTSD symptoms increased from 10% pre-pandemic to 28% during the pandemic (p < 0.001). QoL scores dropped markedly, with the mean EORTC QLQ-C30 global health status score decreasing by 25% during the pandemic (p < 0.01). Illness acceptance declined, with 60% of patients reporting poor acceptance during the pandemic, compared to 35% before. In the post-pandemic period, a slight improvement was observed across all measures. Depression levels dropped to 28% (p < 0.05 compared to the pandemic period), and anxiety levels decreased to 35% (p < 0.05). Stress and PTSD symptoms also showed modest reductions, with 38% reporting elevated stress and 22% exhibiting PTSD symptoms (p < 0.05). However, these post-pandemic values remained significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels (p < 0.001). QoL improved marginally, with a 10% increase in the global health status score compared to the pandemic period, though it remained lower than pre-pandemic scores (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the mental health and QoL of oncology patients, with significant increases in depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD symptoms, along with a decrease in QoL and illness acceptance. While post-pandemic recovery trends are apparent, the psychological burden remains elevated compared to pre-pandemic conditions. These findings highlight the need for continued mental health support and interventions for oncology patients, even after the immediate pandemic effects have subsided. Full article

Background: Algometry is a validated and reliable measurement tool, but there are still no reliable data for the different algometers used by different raters in the same participant. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the intra-reliability of pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) measured using a digital algometer with and without a digital screen by different raters at the same time in a pain-free population. Methods: Participants were healthy adults. PPTs were assessed using two different algometers: a digital algometer with a digital screen for a feedback of the pressure curve rate (SpTech Digital Algometer); and a digital algometer without a screen (Wagner Instruments FDX-25, Greenwich, CT, USA). Four PPT points were used: upper trapezius, lumbar spine, extensor carpi ulnaris, and tibialis anterior. The Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire II was used to assess burnout, stress, sleeping problems, depressive symptoms, somatic stress, and cognitive stress. The intraclass coefficients (ICCs) for intra-rater reliability was calculated using a two-way mixed effects model, single measurement type, and absolute agreement definition. Results: A total of 47 healthy participants with a mean age of 30.51 (11.35) years were included. The upper trapezius and extensor carpi ulnaris had the lowest PPT values, and the tibialis anterior had the highest PPT value. Females had the lowest PPT values when compared with males with p < 0.05 in the upper trapezius and extensor carpi ulnaris regions. The intra-rater reliability ranged from good to excellent reliability, with the ICC values of rater 1 being higher when compared with rater 2. The PPT in tibialis anterior had the highest mean ICC scores. Conclusions: The intra-rater reliability of PPTs measured by different digital algometers ranged from good to excellent reliability. The rater with more experience demonstrated higher reliability. Full article

Background/Objectives: Many prison-sentenced individuals exhibit symptoms of mental dysfunctions, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The presence of co-occurring mental disorders further complicates their rehabilitation and social reintegration efforts. Given these challenges, understanding the role of specific disorders, such as ADHD, is critical for developing targeted interventions tailored to the needs of incarcerated individuals and improving their outcomes. This research aimed to clarify the relationships among hyperactivity, criminal behavior, and psychological functioning to inform preventative and therapeutic strategies. Methods: This study investigated the complex interplay among attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, criminal behavior, and various psychological factors in a sample of 391 male inmates from low-security Polish prisons and a control group of non-offending men. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Spearman’s rank correlation were used to analyze the relationships among ADHD severity, type of crime (no crime, property crime, crime involving aggression), family functioning, childhood trauma, early maladaptive schemas, and mental health disorders. Results: The results revealed that while traumatic experiences were present across all groups, stronger family cohesion and support were associated with the absence of ADHD symptoms and criminal behavior. As ADHD severity and criminal behavior escalated, particularly in cases involving aggression, family support diminished, and maladaptive schemas, including “disconnection and rejection” and “excessive vigilance and inhibition”, became more prominent, alongside increased correlations with mental health issues (anxiety and depression). Conclusions: The findings underscore the crucial role of family environment and early intervention in mitigating the risks associated with ADHD and criminal behavior, highlighting the need for comprehensive interventions targeting maladaptive schemas and providing support for both internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Limitations include the retrospective nature of data collection and the exclusive focus on male inmates in low-security facilities. Full article

Background: Oral therapeutic options for plexiform neurofibromas (PNs) in individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are receiving attention in clinical research. The MEK inhibitor (MEKi) Selumetinib is FDA-approved in children ages 2+ years with inoperable PNs, and shows activity in adults. Prolonged therapy with selumetinib is necessary to maintain tumor reduction. Therefore, investigating long-term adherence is vital to understand patterns of adherence over time and its impact on clinical outcomes. Mixed methods research offers rich information about adherence that can inform future intervention trials, and can assist practitioners in addressing medication adherence concerns. Methods: This mixed-method pilot study is the first examination of the feasibility of a technology-based adherence assessment method, the medication events monitoring system (MEMS^TM), among individuals with NF1-PN. Adherence was monitored in a small sample of patients (N = 12; mean age = 34.36 years; 58% male) with NF1 and PN across eighteen 28-day treatment cycles. Qualitative data were obtained from individual interviews using inductive and deductive techniques for thematic analysis. Results: The predetermined criterion was met, suggesting that using MEMS^TM is feasible despite some challenges with the caps. Depression and overall stress were significantly related to reduced adherence, although these results should be considered hypothesis-generating. Barriers to medication adherence included forgetting and the timing of doses related to eating. Facilitators included consistency, reminders, and social support. Conclusions: This study highlights patient characteristics that may be related to increased risk for nonadherence, as well as challenges with electronic pill caps that should be considered in future clinical trials for NF1-related PN. Results can inform future adherence interventions for adults with NF1 and PNs. Future research with larger samples is needed to fully explore factors related to long-term medication adherence among individuals with NF1. Full article