Default mode network (DMN) within-network resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) has been linked to psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) in typically developing adolescents. Drawing from the Triple Network Model, this study investigated whether RSFC of the DMN, salience network (SN), and frontoparietal network (FPN) mediates the link between DMN connectivity and PLE severity. Using a linear model, we replicated the relationship between DMN within-network RSFC and PLE severity, and used serial mediation to examine relationships among PLE severity and RSFC of the DMN, SN, and FPN, using data from 11- to 13-year-olds (n = 7864) in the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development study. Lower DMN within-network RSFC was associated with greater PLE severity (β = -0.077, p < .001). DMN within-network RSFC predicted DMN-SN (β = 0.240, p < .001) and DMN-FPN RSFC (β = 0.069, p < .001), with DMN-SN RSFC also predicting DMN-FPN RSFC (β = 0.234, p < .001). DMN-FPN RSFC, but not DMN-SN RSFC, predicted PLE severity (β = 0.035, p = .005). The serial indirect effect through both mediators was statistically significant but small (β = 0.002, p = .007), suggesting a weak mediation and indicating that these relationships may be independent. Findings suggest that although DMN-FPN RSFC partially links DMN within-network RSFC to PLE severity, these associations may be independent. Results highlight the role of large-scale network dynamics in adolescent psychopathology and support future applications of this model to clinical psychosis risk.

ART adherence, essential to preventing disease progression for people living with HIV (PLHIV), remains challenged by factors like poor mental health, insufficient social support, and substance use. This study investigates the roles of social support and substance use as mediators in the relationship between mental health and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among PLHIV in a multisite, international context. Cross-sectional data from N = 1,598 PLHIV across eight countries were analyzed using parallel mediation analyses in SPSS. Results indicated that both social support and substance use independently mediated the relationship between mental health and adherence. Notably, social support had almost twice the effect size of substance use, across almost all models. Amphetamine-type stimulants, inhalants, opioids, and hallucinogens fully mediated the mental health-adherence link. Cannabis, Cocaine and sedatives directly impacted adherence but did not mediate this relationship. In contrast, no significant effects were observed for tobacco or alcohol. This nurse-led study offers critical insights into the roles of social support and substance use as psychosocial influencers in the cascade of care for PLHIV. Clinical implications include prioritizing educative, preventative, and harm-reductive approaches to specific substances that impact adherence. Findings may also inform interventions that emphasize strengthening social support to improve adherence in ART and care.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a highly prevalent chronic relapsing condition. Despite the high prevalence rate of AUD, treatment rates remain low. The distinction between those with an AUD who are treatment-seeking and those who are not treatment-seeking holds significant research and clinical implications. However, this distinction is poorly understood. This secondary analysis included 550 (382M/168F) individuals with an AUD. Participants reported whether they were treatment-seeking for alcohol use (n=273) or not treatment-seeking (n=277). Participants also completed measures of alcohol dependence, alcohol use in the past 30-days, alcohol craving, and readiness to change. Analysis for continuous variables were conducted using independent t-tests. When Levene’s test suggested unequal variance between groups, an unequal variance t-test was reported. Those who were not seeking treatment had higher Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) scores (t(376) = -5.54, p <.001). Those who were treatment-seeking had higher Penn Alcohol Craving scores (t(545) = 5.292, p <.001), high Readiness to Change (RTC) scores (t(524.23) = 8.670, p =<.001), and trend of higher drinks per drinking day (t(530.41) = 1.611, p =.05). Our findings show that those seeking treatment have higher craving, alcohol consumption, and readiness to change compared to non-treatment seeking individuals. These findings can guide treatment planning and improve treatment adherence for individuals with an AUD.

Despite significant challenges to mothers in low-income households, psychological protective factors can be protective and help maintain health. These are referred to as resilience resources. The current study examines individual level resilience resources in Black and White non-Hispanic mothers (N=1,056) enrolled in the Community Child Health Network, a multisite longitudinal study. Many individual resources were assessed including mastery, self-esteem, dispositional optimism, approach coping, perceived social support, and spirituality. Overall, higher income and education were associated with having greater resilience in all women, yet Black women—despite having significantly lower socioeconomic status—demonstrated higher levels of most resilience resources compared to White women. Of note, more years of education and greater income were each associated with higher spirituality among Black mothers, whereas they were not for White mothers. These results reflect potentially different resilience resources in Black and White mothers in the face of low SES adversity. Future work should explore whether Black women who obtain higher levels of education gain resilience in this process, such as by providing access to academic growth, health literacy, or tools for self-advocacy, or whether greater resilience resources improve their ability to complete higher levels of education.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a regulator of neuroplasticity, promoting neuronal survival, growth, and synaptic connectivity — vital processes underlying cognitive function. While BDNF has been linked to cognitive deficits in schizophrenia, its direct relationship with neurocognition remains underexplored, particularly in early-stage illness. This research project investigates the correlation between BDNF levels and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in individuals with recent-onset schizophrenia. Participants engaged in structured aerobic exercise and cognitive training, with VO₂ max measured via treadmill testing and serum BDNF assessed through ELISA at six-month intervals. Preliminary findings revealed a moderate correlation between changes in VO₂ max and BDNF levels (r = +0.458, p < 0.05), suggesting that improvements in CRF may enhance BDNF expression. This data and future findings may demonstrate the potential of structured aerobic exercise as a complementary intervention to promote neuroplasticity in schizophrenia. Future research should explore whether BDNF-related changes correspond to improvements in overall physical activity and neurocognition, potentially using assessments like the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, YMCA 3-minute step test, and/or the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) to further evaluate outcomes.