Limitations include that the data are limited to a single hospital; psychological factors, or other clinical variables that could be ruled out as a trigger have not been considered. Meteorological variables may not mirror the temperature that the patient is exposed to due to the air conditioning systems. Exploring those environmental factors associated with HLSA in a more detailed manner could lead to early intervention and prevention strategies for such distressing admissions.Background Delivering difficult news to individuals diagnosed with mental health disorders and their family members can be challenging. The use of simulated patients (SP) is an effective teaching method to enhance clinical skills, particularly those around communication. We developed, implemented, and evaluated the effectiveness of an SP-based training module to improve psychiatric residents’ clinical communication skills in delivering difficult news. Methods We conducted 5-h workshops consisting of 3 components (1) a high-fidelity simulation session with a professional actor; (2) a 30-min lecture; and (3) role-playing of 3 short scenarios, during which residents rotated taking on different roles (as psychiatrist, patient, or family member). We observed through a 1-way mirror and videotaped each resident’s simulation session and followed it with personalized debriefing. Following the workshop, each resident received the full-length video of their simulated interview, together with a list of questions as a takSP-based training module proved useful in improving the objectively measured communication skills of psychiatric residents delivering difficult news. The training further enhanced participants’ subjective sense of confidence in those clinical skills.Previous studies have shown that the behavioral inhibition/activation systems (BIS/BAS) have substantial effects on substance use disorder and emotional disorders, and substance use disorder and emotional disorders often occur; in particular, females with substance use disorder are more likely to also have serious emotional disorders including depression than their male counterparts. However, the associations between the BIS/BAS and depression in females with substance use disorder have received little attention. D-Lin-MC3-DMA in vivo Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms of these relations are largely unknown. The present study examines the mediating roles of intolerance of uncertainty and anhedonia in the associations between the BIS/BAS and depression among females with substance use disorder from the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework. A total of 303 females with substance use disorder from a compulsory substance abuse detention center were tested using a cross-sectional survey involving BIS/BAS Scales, Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale, and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. The path analysis model revealed that both the BIS and BAS had a direct effect on depression, that the BIS had an indirect effect on depression through intolerance of uncertainty, and that the BAS had an indirect effect on depression via anhedonia. These findings contribute to a more thorough understanding of how the BIS/BAS influence depression among females with substance use disorder and suggest that the utility of targeting these associations in treatments would help reduce depression in females with substance use disorder.Background Ample evidence demonstrates that placebo effects are modulated by contextual factors. Few interventions, however, attempt to combine a broad range of these factors. Here, we explore the therapeutic power of placebos by leveraging factors including social proof, positive suggestion, and social learning. This study aimed to test the feasibility of an elaborate “super placebo” intervention to reduce symptoms of various disorders in a pediatric population. Methods In a single-arm qualitative study, participants entered an inactive MRI scanner which they were told could help their brain heal itself through the power of suggestion. The sample included 11 children (6-13 years old) diagnosed with disorders known to be receptive to placebos and suggestion (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Tourette Syndrome, chronic skin picking, and migraines). The children were given positive suggestions during 2-4 placebo machine sessions over the span of approximately 1 month. We assessed open-ended treatment outcomes via recorded interviews and home visits. Results The procedure was feasible and no adverse events occurred. Ten of the 11 parents reported improvements in their children after the intervention, ranging from minor transient changes to long-term reductions in subjective and objective symptoms (e.g., migraines and skin lesions). Discussion These preliminary findings demonstrate the feasibility and promise of combining a broad range of contextual factors in placebo studies. Future research is needed to assess the causal effects of such interventions.Background The effect of educational status on brain structural measurements depends on demographic and clinical factors in cognitively healthy older adults. Objectives The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of interaction between years of education and sex on gray matter volume and to investigate whether cortical volume has a differential impact on cognitive function according to sex. Methods One hundred twenty-one subjects between 60 and 85 years old were included in this study. Gray matter volume was evaluated by whole brain surface-based morphometry. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the effects of sex-cortical volume interactions on cognitive functions. Results There was a significant interaction between years of education and sex on the cortical volume of the left inferior temporal gyrus after adjusting for age, APOE ε4 allele prevalence, and total intracranial volume. In addition, we found a significant impact of the interaction between adjusted left inferior temporal volume and sex on CERAD-K total scores. Conclusion These findings have significant implications for the understanding of how sex could affect the role of cognitive reserve for cortical atrophy in cognitively intact older adults.