Experiences of Discrimination Among Women and Gender Diverse Veterans Using Veterans Health Administration Health CareKaton, Benson, Sriskantharajah
et alHealth Equity (2024) 8 (1), 692-700
Abstract: Women Veterans are diverse in terms of racial, ethnic, and gender identities and sexual orientation and may experience a variety of forms of discrimination and stigma in health care settings. Our objective was to understand discrimination experienced by women Veterans in the context of Veterans Health Administration (VA) care.We analyzed data from a series of semistructured telephone interviews with Veterans identified as females in the VA medical record who received VA health care in the past 12 months, purposively sampled by race/ethnicity and age (N = 28). The interview guide elicited experiences with VA health care, including discrimination. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using inductive and deductive content analysis.We identified themes regarding structural discrimination, interpersonal discrimination, and strategies employed in response to discrimination. Veterans described structural discrimination, including challenges with spaces not designed to accommodate disabilities or safety needs and care not sensitive to their gender, trauma histories, or sexual orientation. Interpersonal discrimination included harassment from other Veterans and biased treatment from VA providers and staff based on gender, appearance, and sexual orientation. Gender-based discrimination compounded across additional axes of marginalization including body size and stigma regarding mental illness. Experiences of discrimination undermined Veterans' sense of belonging and trust in VA and created barriers to accessing care. Veterans engaged in various strategies to protect themselves from discrimination and get needed care.Quality improvement efforts that address the experience of women Veterans using VA health care must consider multiple forms and sources of discrimination and the intersection of gender-based discrimination with other forms of marginalization.© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
Co-administration of Naringin and NLRP3 Inhibitor Improves Myelin Repair and Mitigates Oxidative Stress in Cuprizone-Induced Demyelination ModelKalaki-Jouybari, Shirzad, Javan
et alCurr Neuropharmacol (2025) 23 (4), 475-491
Abstract: Naringin and MCC950 as an inflammasome inhibitor have exhibited numerous pharmacological activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The present study has examined the combined impacts of naringin and MCC950 on the levels of oxidative stress, demyelination, and inflammation in the cuprizone (CPZ)-induced demyelination model.In order to induce demyelination, CPZ (0.2% w/w) was added to the normal diet of mice for 42 days. Subsequently, the male C57BL/6 mice received naringin (oral administration), MCC950 (intraperitoneal injection), or their combination for 14 days. Working memory was tested by the Y maze. FluoroMyelin staining, MOG, and GFAP immunostaining assessed the demyelination extent, myelin intensity, and astrocyte activation, respectively. Oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers were measured using colorimetric techniques. The expression levels of MBP, PDGFRα, Olig2, Nrf2, HO-1, NQO-1, GSK3β, IL1α, and IL18 were assessed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).Our results indicated that the co-administration of naringin and MCC950 improved working memory and antioxidant capacity. A significant reduction was found in the extent of demyelination and inflammatory mediatorsin naringin and MCC950-treated mice. In addition, co-administration of naringin and MCC950 elevated the expression levels of pro-myelinating and antioxidant markers.These findings indicated improvement of the working memory through co-administration of naringin and MCC950, which might be partly mediated by enhancing antioxidant capacity, promoting remyelination, and mitigating inflammation in the CPZ-induced demyelination model.Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.
Magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody positive patients -validation of current diagnostic criteriaBurton, Kasirye-Mbugua, Costello
et alMult Scler Relat Disord (2025) 97, 106394
Abstract: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features in the 2023 MOGAD International Panel diagnostic criteria help distinguish myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody disease (MOGAD) from mimics, particularly when MOG antibody titers are low. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of these MRI features in a large, previously diagnosed cohort.All MOG IgG cell-based assays performed by Mitogen Dx laboratory in Alberta from July 2017 to July 2023 were retrieved. All MOG positive with a MOGAD presentation and => one MRI study of brain, spine, or optic nerves were identified. MRIs were re-evaluated by two neuroradiologists and a neurologist for MOGAD-like features. Sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, and positive and negative predictive value were calculated based on diagnosis in all patients and low antibody titer patients specifically.Of 3831 tested patients, 158 had MOG antibodies, a MOGAD-consistent presentation, and MRI(s) of brain, spine or optic nerves. Of these 158 patients, 102 were diagnosed with MOGAD. Compared to patients with higher antibody titers, low titer patients with MOGAD MRI features had preserved specificity and improved negative predictive value for a MOGAD diagnosis. Only MOGAD patients had lesion resolution.When applying MRI features from the 2023 MOGAD diagnostic criteria to an existing cohort, there was good sensitivity and specificity for MOGAD with improved specificity and negative predictive value in those with low antibody titers. The odds of a MOGAD diagnosis were high when lesions resolved on repeated imaging, particularly versus multiple sclerosis, suggesting this feature may merit more weight in future diagnostic criteria.Copyright © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Grey matter volume differences in pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder: a meta-analysis of voxel-based morphometry studiesLi, Liu, Luo
et alBMC Psychiatry (2025) 25 (1), 267
Abstract: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the most commonly seen mental disorders onset from childhood. The neural mechanisms underlying OCD development and maintenance remain poorly understood. Various empirical evidence from structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies has reported structural differences in grey matter (GM) among pediatric OCD patients. However, some of the findings diverge from others, and the association between GM and individual differences in pediatric OCD remains inconclusive. To address this gap, we conducted a meta-analysis to synthesize findings quantitatively.The current research conducted a quantitative meta-analysis of voxel-based GM studies to elucidate existence of neural correlates in pediatric OCD. A whole brain-based d-mapping approach was utilized to explore GM changes and further analyze the relationship between GM and individual differences in pediatric OCD patients.Thirteen studies were included with 288 patients and 273 controls. Compared with controls, pediatric OCD demonstrated significantly greater GM volume in the left insula (SDM value = 1.72, p < 0.005) and left superior frontal gyrus (SFG) (orbital part) (SDM value = 1.47, p < 0.005), whereas we showed lower GM volume in the right superior temporal gyrus (STG) (SDM value = -1.87, p < 0.005), left inferior parietal gyri (IPG) (SDM value = -1.60, p < 0.005), left middle occipital gyrus (MOG) (SDM value = -1.66, p < 0.005), and left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) (SDM value = -1.69, p < 0.005). The increase in SFG (orbital part) and decrease IPG was commonly found in those without psychiatric comorbidities and treatment-naive subgroup. Meta-regression analysis revealed that longer OCD duration was associated with less GM volume in IPG (SDM value = -3.057, p < 0.005). Finally, the onset age and the OCD symptoms severity were positively associated with GM volume in the SFG (SDM z = 2.387, p < 0.005).Our findings confirmed the most consistent GM differences in pediatric OCD, particularly in the MOG, IPG and SFG (orbital part), suggesting they are potential markers in pediatric OCD. Larger SFG (orbital part) and smaller IPG volumes are specific to those without comorbidities and untreated patients. The duration of OCD, symptom severity and onset age also influence GM structure. This research provides evidence of the underlying neuroanatomical characteristics of pediatric OCD.PROSPERO CRD42024601906.© 2025. The Author(s).
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