Search Results (73)

Depressive disorders and obesity are highly comorbid conditions sharing genetic, metabolic, and immunological substrates. In a cross-sectional analysis of 53 participants across the obesity spectrum (lean n = 12; overweight n = 9; obese n = 32), a depression genetic risk score (d-GRS) correlated positively with BMI (ρ = 0.379, p = 0.005) and with serum CRP (ρ = 0.322, p = 0.031), consistent with the known genetic coarchitecture between depression and inflammatory traits. The d-GRS was tested against 116 flow-cytometry-derived immune parameters using Spearman rank correlation. The most consistent immune association at nominal significance (p < 0.05, uncorrected) involved the immunoregulatory CD56^brightCD16⁻ natural killer (NK) cell subset across two independent gate representations (ρ = 0.444, p = 0.004), remaining significant after sequential adjustment for BMI, sex, age, and physical activity (adjusted ρ range: 0.439–0.469), with no equivalent association for a genetically independent obesity GRS. In silico analysis of d-GRS SNP-tagged genes identified several with documented roles in NK cell trafficking, activation, and cytokine production, providing a putative mechanistic basis for this association. These findings nominate the CD56^brightCD16⁻ NK cell subset as a candidate immunological link between depression genetic susceptibility and neuroimmune mechanisms, warranting independent replication and functional characterisation in prospective cohorts. Full article

The hallmarks of allergic diseases are Type 2 immunity, including IL-4 and IL-13 production, IgE antibody generation, mast cell and basophil activation, histamine release, and eosinophil activation. There are many routes by which such mediators can influence CNS biology, including cytokine entry or signaling via brain barrier receptors; leukocyte trafficking across activated barriers; cytokine signaling via circumventricular organ sites or dural immune compartments; vagus nerve afferent signaling; mast cell degranulation; and histamine neuromodulation. Neuroinflammation is a common hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases, but whether and to what degree allergic/type 2 immune biology may be involved depends on the specific disease stage and pathology. Here, we assess studies connecting the roles of IL-4/IL-13 signaling, IgE/mast cell activation, eosinophil-attractive chemokines, and histamines in Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, dementia with Lewy bodies, Huntington’s disease, prion disease, and tauopathy/atypical parkinsonism. Mechanisms appear most clear in the case of Parkinson’s disease, where epidemiology suggests an important role in dementia/Alzheimer’s disease, while for other neurodegenerative conditions the evidence is less compelling and may be either mechanistic or modulatory. Confounding issues include sex differences, drug exposures, comorbid conditions, socioeconomic factors, and coexisting inflammatory diseases. Finally, we suggest a strategy based on longitudinal immune phenotyping, CNS biomarkers, and pathway manipulation to assess the relationship between allergic immune signaling and neurodegeneration. Full article

Background: Miami-Dade County ranks first in Florida for HIV cases, yet broad epidemiological data often masks the “on-the-ground” reality of its most vulnerable residents. While standard reports suggest declining domestic violence, these statistics fail to account for community-defined health crises—the “SAVA” syndemic (substance use, violence, and HIV/AIDS)—occurring within localized micro-communities. Methods: Leveraging five years of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) and Grounded Theory, this study engaged 97 community members and leaders to unmask these hidden burdens. We employed a multi-level sequential design and methodological triangulation, incorporating community forums, focus groups, and interviews with farm-workers, inner-city residents, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Results: Findings reveal a disconnect between official data and community reporting, including “Party and Play” methamphetamine/sex-trafficking networks in the LGBTQ+ scene, rampant youth vaping in inner cities, and child sexual abuse and opioids in farm-working communities. Mental health emerged as a pervasive need, masked by substance use and suppressed by cultural stigmas and institutional fears. Conclusions: Findings from this study highlight the value of community-level approaches in generating localized, culturally grounded insights that may not be fully captured in more aggregated geographic analyses (e.g., zip code, county, or state levels). We propose a collaborative, multi-sectoral model to address the systemic factors underlying the SAVA syndemic in these communities. Full article

Background: Sortilin (SORT1), linked to the 1p13.3 coronary risk locus, is implicated in lipid trafficking and atherogenesis; however, clinical studies of circulating SORT1 have produced inconsistent results. We evaluated whether circulating SORT1 is associated with angiographic burden and lesion localization in patients with premature or early clinical debut coronary atherosclerosis. Methods: This single-center, cross-sectional study analyzed a dataset collected from January to May 2023. Participants were classified as coronary atherosclerosis cases if the dataset contained an age of clinical debut of clinically significant atherosclerosis (n = 101). Controls had no recorded debut age and 0% stenosis in all assessed coronary segments (n = 27). Blood was collected in clot activator tubes; serum was stored at −40 °C until analysis. SORT1 (ng/mL) was measured using an Aviscera Bioscience ELISA. Coronary stenoses were recorded as percent diameter stenosis for left main (LM), proximal/mid/distal LAD, proximal/mid/distal LCx, and proximal/mid/distal RCA. Burden metrics included the number of segments with any stenosis (>0%), the number of obstructive segments (≥50%), the number of diseased vessels, and maximum stenosis. The prespecified primary endpoint was obstructive proximal LAD stenosis (≥50%). Nonparametric tests and Spearman correlations were used. Logistic regression evaluated the association between log2-transformed SORT1 and proximal LAD obstruction, adjusted for age, sex, LDL-C, statin use, and smoking/diabetes/hypertension durations. Results: SORT1 was higher in cases than controls (8.60 [2.60–17.10] vs. 2.30 [1.25–10.65] ng/mL; p = 0.0058). Within cases, SORT1 did not correlate with global angiographic burden (any-stenosis segments: ρ = −0.066, p = 0.513; obstructive segments: ρ = −0.060, p = 0.552; diseased vessels: ρ = −0.045, p = 0.652; maximum stenosis: ρ = −0.084, p = 0.403). Obstructive proximal LAD stenosis occurred in 44/101 (43.6%) and was associated with higher SORT1 (12.25 [4.18–17.45] vs. 4.10 [2.20–11.60] ng/mL; p = 0.0093). Each doubling of SORT1 was independently associated with proximal LAD obstruction (adjusted OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.12–1.95; p = 0.005). Conclusions: In this cross-sectional cohort, circulating SORT1 was associated with obstructive proximal LAD stenosis but not with global angiographic burden metrics. These findings are hypothesis-generating and warrant validation in independent cohorts with standardized preanalytics and prospective designs to assess temporal relationships and clinical utility. Full article

This study fills a research gap regarding the risks that religion, spirituality, and faith (RSF) pose to resilience in survivors of sex trafficking. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was conducted on data from 44 interviews with 38 survivors of sex trafficking drawn from a larger qualitative study to develop a constructivist grounded theory of resilience during and after trafficking. Twenty-three (58%) identified as Christian, with the remaining participants (n = 15; 42%) identifying with non-mainstream or individualized spiritualities. Participants named religious struggles, spiritual bypassing, exclusionary and oppressive religious beliefs, and injurious behaviors from Christian communities and service providers as sources of harm. The core phenomena of personal agency amidst divine intervention and spiritual power, and the indestructibility of faith and hope, enabled participants to nonetheless benefit from RSF as a source of resilience. Participants’ enumeration of strategies for managing, overcoming, and preventing the harms of RSF notably occurred primarily in the privacy of their personal religious practices, with neither secular nor faith-based service providers being helpful. Their insights and experiences call for service providers and faith actors to be equipped to support survivors’ spiritual strengths and address spiritual trauma and religious struggles, and to advance church culture and traditions for autonomy-affirming spiritual support and care. Full article

The CHIARA Project investigates women’s mental health and vulnerability to sex trafficking in the U.S.–Mexico border states (California, Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico). A mixed-methods design was employed, combining qualitative content analysis of media, legal, and policy documents with quantitative analyses of secondary datasets from health institutions, the National Human Trafficking Hotline, the Polaris Project, and the U.S. Census Bureau. Data were cleaned, integrated, and examined through descriptive statistics, regression models, and correlation matrices using R Studio, complemented by visualizations to identify patterns and hotspots. Results show a strong association between higher crime rates, reported trafficking cases, and the prevalence of mental health disorders such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety among women. California and Texas consistently reported higher trafficking cases and mental health burdens, while regression analyses highlighted poverty, limited education, and gender inequality as significant predictors of vulnerability. These findings underscore the interplay between socioeconomic conditions and gender-specific exploitation at the border. By linking mental health and trafficking indicators, the study provides actionable insights for community leaders, policymakers, and healthcare providers, emphasizing the need for trauma-informed care, targeted prevention strategies, and policies that address both structural inequities and survivor rehabilitation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sex trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery still present in our societies. Health professionals are in a key position to identify and support victims, but adequate training is required. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of a structured educational intervention on knowledge, perceived professional role, and attitudes toward sex trafficking of women among undergraduate nursing students at the University of Seville, Spain. Methods: A cluster randomized pilot educational trial with a pre-test–post-test control group design and one-year follow-up was conducted. A two-hour educational session addressed key concepts related to sex trafficking, health professionals’ responsibilities, and survivor support. Knowledge and attitudes were assessed at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at one-year follow-up. Results: 199 students participated. Significant post-intervention improvements were observed in knowledge and attitudes, with sustained impact after one year despite some knowledge decay. Conclusions: This pilot educational intervention appears to improve knowledge and attitudes toward sex trafficking among undergraduate nursing students and may represent a useful strategy for sensitizing and training future health professionals in this area. Full article

Variants in CLCN3 and CLCN4, encoding the neuronal endosomal Cl⁻/H⁺ antiporters ClC-3 and ClC-4, are linked to neurodevelopmental disorders with broad phenotypic variability. Over sixty CLCN4 variants have been functionally characterized, showing gain- or loss-of-function (GoF or LoF) effects. While ClC-3 can function as a homodimer, ClC-4 depends on heterodimerization with ClC-3 for efficient endosomal trafficking. CLCN4, located on the X chromosome, exhibits diverse pathogenic outcomes: complete LoF variants often cause non-syndromic presentations in hemizygous males and are asymptomatic in heterozygous females, whereas certain missense variants with partial or complete LoF produce severe syndromic phenotypes in both sexes. Here, we demonstrate dominant effects of three CLCN4 variants within ClC-3/ClC-4 heterodimers using two-electrode voltage-clamp recordings in Xenopus laevis oocytes and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in mammalian cells co-expressing both proteins via a bicistronic IRES construct. Our findings provide the first evidence of dominant-negative CLCN4 effects within ClC-3/ClC-4 complexes and establish a platform for functional analysis of additional disease-associated variants. Full article

The commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) of children is a distinct form of sexual trauma, resulting in immediate mental health issues. Few studies explore associations between family-level factors in adolescence and health outcomes in adulthood among this population. Utilizing a nationally representative dataset, we explored differences and associations between mental health outcomes and domains of the Family Health Development framework among respondents who self-reported CSE (N = 502; mean age = 15.03, SD = 1.34; 67% male; 50% white). We conducted ordinary least squares and binary logistic regressions using a hierarchical approach to analyze the CES-D depression scale, anxious personality scale, and self-reported diagnoses of depression and anxiety/panic disorder. At Wave IV, when participants were aged 24–32, 20% of participants reported ever having a diagnosis of depression, and 12% reported ever having an anxiety/panic disorder diagnosis. Family receipt of public assistance during adolescence significantly predicted depression and anxiety symptoms in adulthood, highlighting associations between family structure and mental health. Gender and race significantly predicted anxiety symptoms and having a diagnosis of depression and anxiety/panic disorder. Findings underscore the need for targeted training and comprehensive health screenings for providers to better understand and address the long-term mental health needs of CSE-impacted groups. Full article

Diversion programs are increasingly used as alternatives to criminal penalties for women involved in commercial sex, yet limited research has examined how such programs support behavior change across diverse subgroups, particularly between sex-trafficked and non-trafficked participants. This study evaluates changes in readiness for change among 131 women who participated in a court-ordered diversion program led by survivors of sex trafficking. Participants were classified as sex-trafficked or non-trafficked based on self-reported age of entry and experiences of third-party control. The program offered a range of trauma-informed services aimed at fostering holistic well-being and facilitating a pathway out of sex trafficking and prostitution. Participants engaged in group classes focused on job interview skills, emotion regulation, substance use awareness, and psychoeducation related to trauma. Life skills workshops addressed financial literacy, relationship dynamics, and conflict resolution. In addition, participants received referrals to GED programs, career training, mental health services, and emergency housing as needed. Program duration typically ranged from 12 to 16 weeks, adjusted for individual needs. Results from a repeated-measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant increase in readiness for change (p < 0.05) from program entry to completion. However, women with trafficking histories demonstrated smaller gains than their non-trafficked peers, suggesting that trauma-related and systemic barriers may limit the impact of short-term interventions. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring diversion programs to address the complex needs of sex-trafficked individuals and support the development of differentiated trauma-responsive strategies within diversion frameworks. Full article

Human trafficking for forced labour or sexual exploitation often takes the form of forced migration. It is the third-largest crime industry in the world and has severe consequences on the women survivors. Trafficking violates the safety, welfare, and human rights of the victims and forces physical and psychological imprisonment on them. Despite the significant number of women being trafficked, little is known about the best ways to address their needs. This article highlights the understanding developed by social service providers in South Africa regarding the consequences of human trafficking on women survivors. Being aware of the complex challenges faced by women survivors of human trafficking enables social service providers to respond to their needs effectively through appropriate interventions and services. Data for this qualitative study were collected through one-on-one interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Social service providers understand the following to be related to women survivors of trafficking: involvement in drugs and sex work, dependency on the perpetrator, lack of self-esteem, self-blame and shame, being disoriented, psychological challenges, lack of financial support, health issues, isolation, and loneliness. To be relevant and effective, services should be packaged in a manner that addresses all the challenges faced by women survivors of human trafficking. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline, with women being disproportionately affected in both prevalence and severity. A key feature of AD is synaptic loss, particularly around amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregates, which correlates strongly with the severity of dementia. Oligomeric Aβ is believed to be the primary driver of synaptic dysfunction by impairing excitatory neurotransmission through interactions with synaptic receptors, including N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. However, the influence of sex on these synaptic changes and NMDA receptor mislocalization in AD is not well understood. This study examined potential sex-specific differences in synaptotoxicity and the role of extrasynaptic GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors in AD pathogenesis using the APP/PS1 double transgenic mouse model. Although both male and female mice showed a similar amyloid burden and cognitive impairments, synaptic alterations were slightly less severe in females, suggesting subtle sex differences in synaptic pathology. Both sexes exhibited the mislocalization of GluN2B subunits to extrasynaptic areas, which was linked to reduced PSD-95 levels and the synaptic accumulation of Aβ_1–42. Intrahippocampal injections of DL-TBOA confirmed the role of extrasynaptic GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors in memory dysfunction. These findings emphasize the importance of targeting synaptic receptor trafficking to address AD-related memory deficits, potentially offering a therapeutic approach for both sexes. Full article

Purpose: When individuals under the age of 18 are victimized by sex trafficking, it is termed commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) in the United States. It is suggested that a history of engagement with the foster care system is one of the leading risk factors for CSEC. However, it is possible that it is the very factors that facilitate engagement with the foster care system (e.g., neglect, abuse, etc.) that establish vulnerability for CSEC victimization rather than the foster care system itself and that the foster care system serves a protective role for such victims. The purpose of this investigation is to examine the relationship between risk factors within the family of origin, foster care experiences, and outcomes for CSEC victims. Methods: Between 2014 and 2023, data were collected on minor victims of CSEC (n = 884) via the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths Assessment for Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CANS-CSE). Investigators conducted regression analyses to examine the relationship between family risk and foster care engagement (Aim 1). Foster care engagement (Aim 2) and number of foster care placements (Aim 3) are tested as moderators of associations between family risk factors and outcomes for youth. Results: Family risk is significantly associated with negative outcomes. Foster care placement and number of foster care placements do not moderate the link between family risk factors and negative outcomes for victims of CSEC. Conclusions: Results suggest that foster care does not protect against risks associated with families of origin and negative outcomes, a finding that may be unique for CSEC victims. Therefore, specialized, trauma-informed services should be implemented with CSEC victims who are engaged in the foster care system. In doing so, foster care could begin to serve a protective role in supporting young victims of CSEC and producing more positive outcomes. Full article

Offenders convicted of trafficking human beings for sexual exploitation involve a high percentage of women compared to other similar offenses. Previous studies have searched for explanations for the dynamics of the illegal sex market and the coercion experienced by victims during the process of exploitation and exit. This article analyses the content of 58 judicial decisions involving a sample of 148 women convicted in Spain of trafficking in human beings between 2017 and 2024. Two main dimensions are explored: the criminal organizations performing the sexual exploitation phase in Spain and the characteristics, positions, and roles of women traffickers within the criminal organizations. Half of the sample occupies leadership roles, while the other half consists of supporters, especially in larger trafficking networks. Regarding the positions and roles of women offenders, supporters and partners in crime are at higher risk of being coerced due to the nature of their roles or partnerships. Full article

This study addresses the gap in research on the educational experiences of adolescent human trafficking survivors, with a focus on their past, present, and future educational experiences and goals. Its objective is to inform the best practices for educational programming within female adolescent residential care centers in the United States. Drawing on a subset of data from a broader mixed-methods case study conducted at the Allasso House residential facility, this research involved 11 current residents. The data sources included case files detailing their past educational experiences, assessments of their current educational achievements, and interviews exploring their future aspirations. The findings reveal key themes related to the residents past risk factors, current educational successes and barriers, and tensions in setting future goals. Most of the residents expressed a desire to attain high school equivalency, identifying financial stability as a primary motivation. They also aspired to form healthy families, while placing significant value on material success. Unlike studies that define success primarily through survival, sobriety, and the avoidance of re-trafficking, this research highlights the broader aspirations of these adolescents, emphasizing the critical role of education in general wellbeing, risk mitigation, and future success. This study underscores the importance of prioritizing educational attainment and long-term aspirations in future research and in the design of residential programs for adolescent survivors of trafficking. Full article