Feature group partitioning: an approach for depression severity prediction with class balancing using machine learning algorithms.

In contemporary society, depression has emerged as a prominent mental disorder that exhibits exponential growth and exerts a substantial influence on premature mortality. Although numerous research applied machine learning methods to forecast signs of depression. Nevertheless, only a limited number of research have taken into account the severity level as a multiclass variable. Besides, maintaining the equality of data distribution among all the classes rarely happens in practical communities. So, the inevitable class imbalance for multiple variables is considered a substantial challenge in this domain. Furthermore, this research emphasizes the significance of addressing class imbalance issues in the context of multiple classes. We introduced a new approach Feature group partitioning (FGP) in the data preprocessing phase which effectively reduces the dimensionality of features to a minimum. This study utilized synthetic oversampling techniques, specifically Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) and Adaptive Synthetic (ADASYN), for class balancing. The dataset used in this research was collected from university students by administering the Burn Depression Checklist (BDC). For methodological modifications, we implemented heterogeneous ensemble learning stacking, homogeneous ensemble bagging, and five distinct supervised machine learning algorithms. The issue of overfitting was mitigated by evaluating the accuracy of the training, validation, and testing datasets. To justify the effectiveness of the prediction models, balanced accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, and f1-score indices are used. Overall, comprehensive analysis demonstrates the discrimination between the Conventional Depression Screening (CDS) and FGP approach. In summary, the results show that the stacking classifier for FGP with SMOTE approach yields the highest balanced accuracy, with a rate of 92.81%. The empirical evidence has demonstrated that the FGP approach, when combined with the SMOTE, able to produce better performance in predicting the severity of depression. Most importantly the optimization of the training time of the FGP approach for all of the classifiers is a significant achievement of this research.

The use of technology-assisted intervention in vocabulary learning for children with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review.

Introduction: Children with autism spectrum disorder may show delays in vocabulary development. Technology-based interventions could facilitate the teaching of different vocabulary skills; however, it is still not clear whether technology represents an added value. Methods: The current review preregistered in PROSPERO evaluates the efficacy of technology-based interventions in vocabulary learning for children with autism spectrum disorder. We selected articles published in the period 2006-2022 from five databases. Results: The results identified two group studies, one within subject design, nine single-case studies and one randomized controlled design in participants aged 0-16 years who had used technological devices to learn vocabulary. Overall, five of the 13 studies showed positive results of using technology-assisted intervention, six described mixed results, one described negative result, and one described no differences in technology-assisted intervention. The studies are divided into the categories of efficacy of technology and comparison between technology and non-technology. Discussion: In summary, technology, such as tablets and computers, might be useful tools to improve vocabulary skills in certain children with ASD. However, the various degrees of impact found in the studies we reviewed indicate that personalized assessments, acknowledgment of previous experiences, and awareness of the context of usage are essential. The contrast with nontechnological approaches highlights the necessity for more detailed studies to pinpoint the precise conditions under which technology-based interventions can offer the most advantages. Systematic review registration: [https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [CRD42021238758].

Second primary cancer risks according to race and ethnicity among U.S. breast cancer survivors.

Breast cancer survivors have an increased risk of developing second primary cancers, yet risks by race and ethnicity have not been comprehensively described. We evaluated second primary cancer risks among 717,335 women diagnosed with first primary breast cancer (aged 20-84 years and survived ≥1-year) in the SEER registries using standardized incidence ratios (SIRs; observed/expected). SIRs were estimated by race and ethnicity compared with the racial- and ethnic-matched general population, and further stratified by clinical characteristics of the index breast cancer. Poisson regression was used to test for heterogeneity by race and ethnicity. SIRs for second primary cancer differed by race and ethnicity with the highest risks observed among non-Hispanic/Latina Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or other Pacific Islander (AANHPI), non-Hispanic/Latina Black (Black), and Hispanic/Latina (Latina) survivors and attenuated risk among non-Hispanic/Latina White (White) survivors (SIRAANHPI = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.44-1.54; SIRBlack = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.37-1.45; SIRLatina = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.41-1.49; SIRWhite = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.08-1.10; p-heterogeneity<.001). SIRs were particularly elevated among AANHPI, Black, and Latina survivors diagnosed with an index breast cancer before age 50 (SIRs range = 1.88-2.19) or with estrogen receptor-negative tumors (SIRs range = 1.60-1.94). Heterogeneity by race and ethnicity was observed for 16/27 site-specific second cancers (all p-heterogeneity's < .05) with markedly elevated risks among AANHPI, Black, and Latina survivors for acute myeloid and acute non-lymphocytic leukemia (SIRs range = 2.68-3.15) and cancers of the contralateral breast (SIRs range = 2.60-3.01) and salivary gland (SIRs range = 2.03-3.96). We observed striking racial and ethnic differences in second cancer risk among breast cancer survivors. Additional research is needed to inform targeted approaches for early detection strategies and treatment to reduce these racial and ethnic disparities.

Effects of the use of a cocoon on the autonomic, motor, and regulatory systems in preterm newborns: Randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: The wrapping of the newborn in an orthopedic tubular mesh, simulating a cocoon, can allow the infant to regain the feeling of security and stability experienced in the uterus given that the movement of one of the parts of the body exerts tactile and pressure variation in others. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the influence of an orthopedic tubular mesh, simulating a cocoon, in therapeutic positioning, on the variables of the autonomous, motor, and regulatory systems of preterm newborns. METHODS: A controlled and randomized clinical trial was conducted with preterm newborns positioned in dorsal decubitus and divided into two groups: (a) cocoon - newborns covered with an orthopedic tubular mesh, and (b) control - newborns positioned according to the sector's routine and without the use of an orthopedic mesh. During the follow-up, each newborn was placed in the position for 30 min and was recorded for a total of 2 min, once at the beginning and again at the end of the observation period. Variables related to the autonomous system (heart rate, respiratory rate, and peripheral oxygen saturation), motor system (general movements), and regulatory system (Neonatal Infant Pain Scale) were evaluated before and after the intervention. The videos were evaluated by a researcher blind to the purpose of the study, and the resulting data were analyzed using SPSS. RESULTS: Of the 40 preterm newborns evaluated (32.5 ± 1.83 weeks), 21 were female, and 20 were allocated to the cocoon group. The variables related to the autonomous, motor, and regulatory systems remained unchanged following the positioning in the cocoon, as compared to the typical positioning employed in the neonatal unit. CONCLUSION: The simulation of a cocoon, utilizing an orthopedic tubular mesh, when applied to preterm newborns admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit can contribute to maintaining low levels of stress, without altering variables of the autonomous, motor, and regulatory systems.

Mediterranean Diet and Sleep Features: A Systematic Review of Current Evidence.

The prevalence of sleep disorders, characterized by issues with quality, timing, and sleep duration is increasing globally. Among modifiable risk factors, diet quality has been suggested to influence sleep features. The Mediterranean diet is considered a landmark dietary pattern in terms of quality and effects on human health. However, dietary habits characterized by this cultural heritage should also be considered in the context of overall lifestyle behaviors, including sleep habits. This study aimed to systematically revise the literature relating to adherence to the Mediterranean diet and sleep features in observational studies. The systematic review comprised 23 reports describing the relation between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and different sleep features, including sleep quality, sleep duration, daytime sleepiness, and insomnia symptoms. The majority of the included studies were conducted in the Mediterranean basin and reported a significant association between a higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet and a lower likelihood of having poor sleep quality, inadequate sleep duration, excessive daytime sleepiness or symptoms of insomnia. Interestingly, additional studies conducted outside the Mediterranean basin showed a relationship between the adoption of a Mediterranean-type diet and sleep quality, suggesting that biological mechanisms sustaining such an association may exist. In conclusion, current evidence suggests a relationship between adhering to the Mediterranean diet and overall sleep quality and different sleep parameters. The plausible bidirectional association should be further investigated to understand whether the promotion of a healthy diet could be used as a tool to improve sleep quality.

Thoracoabdominal rebalancing is not superior to manual hyperinflation to increase the amount of pulmonary secretion removed in preterm newborns: A randomized crossover trial.

Background and Aims: Respiratory physical therapy is recommended to prevent complications of accumulated secretion in mechanical ventilated infants, but no consensus about the best technique is available. Aims: To evaluate the effects of manual hyperinflation maneuver (MHM) and thoracoabdominal rebalancing method (TRM) in preterm newborns (PTNB) for bronchial hygiene. Methods: Single-blind randomized crossover trial with intention-to-treat analysis was carried out with 24 PTNB (<37 weeks of gestation) under invasive ventilatory support via orotracheal cannula received both interventions (MHM and TRM) with an interval of 4 h, followed by tracheal suctioning. The primary outcome was the amount of pulmonary secretion, while secondary outcomes were the response of the autonomous (heart rate, respiratory rate [RR], tidal volume [TV], and oxygen saturation [SpO2]), motor (classification of general movements), and regulatory (pain and respiratory discomfort) systems pre and postintervention. Results: Although the amount of secretion was not different after the MHM and TRM interventions (0.10 and 0.09 g, respectively, p = 0.47), a difference was observed in the increase of SpO2 (p ≤ 0.001), and in the decrease of RR (p ≤ 0.001) for TRM. The poor repertoire pattern was predominant (23 PTNB), and it did not alter after interventions. Pain was not observed during interventions, the respiratory discomfort decreased after both interventions (p = 0.50). Conclusion: The amount of secretion removed was similar after MHM and TRM and both maneuvers did not negatively alter the response of the autonomous, motor, and regulatory systems.

Evaluation of Mental Health First Aid in New York City.

More than 155,000 New Yorkers were trained in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) between 2016 and 2020. Free citywide trainings were made available to all New Yorkers and were disseminated through city agencies and community-based settings. RAND Corporation researchers conducted a mixed-methods study that included a web-based survey of past trainees and a series of focus groups with leaders of community-based organizations and city agency staff to assess the impact of the MHFA trainings and needs for future training. In this article, the authors describe the evaluation activities that took place; the methods behind them; and the results at the individual, agency, and community levels. They also offer recommendations for ways to improve future mental health education efforts. Respondents applied MHFA skills extensively and broadly across their social networks. Nine in ten respondents had contact with an individual with a mental health problem in the past six months. Among those who had contact, 84 percent indicated using their MHFA skills to help a friend or family member, and nearly half reported applying skills with a co-worker, neighbor, or acquaintance. Because MHFA was offered through city agency workplaces and community-based settings, tens of thousands of New Yorkers were given tools to come to the aid of individuals in their personal and professional lives. MHFA may be a promising approach to building supportive social networks, organizations, and communities that are primed to recognize and assist those experiencing mental health challenges.

A Novel Deep Learning-Based Classification Framework for COVID-19 Assisted with Weighted Average Ensemble Modeling.

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the deadly virus SARS-CoV-2 that affects the lung of the patient. Different symptoms, including fever, muscle pain and respiratory syndrome, can be identified in COVID-19-affected patients. The disease needs to be diagnosed in a timely manner, otherwise the lung infection can turn into a severe form and the patient's life may be in danger. In this work, an ensemble deep learning-based technique is proposed for COVID-19 detection that can classify the disease with high accuracy, efficiency, and reliability. A weighted average ensemble (WAE) prediction was performed by combining three CNN models, namely Xception, VGG19 and ResNet50V2, where 97.25% and 94.10% accuracy was achieved for binary and multiclass classification, respectively. To accurately detect the disease, different test methods have been proposed and developed, some of which are even being used in real-time situations. RT-PCR is one of the most successful COVID-19 detection methods, and is being used worldwide with high accuracy and sensitivity. However, complexity and time-consuming manual processes are limitations of this method. To make the detection process automated, researchers across the world have started to use deep learning to detect COVID-19 applied on medical imaging. Although most of the existing systems offer high accuracy, different limitations, including high variance, overfitting and generalization errors, can be found that can degrade the system performance. Some of the reasons behind those limitations are a lack of reliable data resources, missing preprocessing techniques, a lack of proper model selection, etc., which eventually create reliability issues. Reliability is an important factor for any healthcare system. Here, transfer learning with better preprocessing techniques applied on two benchmark datasets makes the work more reliable. The weighted average ensemble technique with hyperparameter tuning ensures better accuracy than using a randomly selected single CNN model.

A TREM2-activating antibody with a blood-brain barrier transport vehicle enhances microglial metabolism in Alzheimer's disease models.

Loss-of-function variants of TREM2 are associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD), suggesting that activation of this innate immune receptor may be a useful therapeutic strategy. Here we describe a high-affinity human TREM2-activating antibody engineered with a monovalent transferrin receptor (TfR) binding site, termed antibody transport vehicle (ATV), to facilitate blood-brain barrier transcytosis. Upon peripheral delivery in mice, ATV:TREM2 showed improved brain biodistribution and enhanced signaling compared to a standard anti-TREM2 antibody. In human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived microglia, ATV:TREM2 induced proliferation and improved mitochondrial metabolism. Single-cell RNA sequencing and morphometry revealed that ATV:TREM2 shifted microglia to metabolically responsive states, which were distinct from those induced by amyloid pathology. In an AD mouse model, ATV:TREM2 boosted brain microglial activity and glucose metabolism. Thus, ATV:TREM2 represents a promising approach to improve microglial function and treat brain hypometabolism found in patients with AD.

A parish-based multilevel cluster randomized controlled trial to reduce stigma and mental health treatment disparities among Latino communities.

Latino communities within the U.S. are disproportionately affected by persistent, high levels of untreated mental illness. Limited mental health literacy, stigma, and cultural factors are major contributors to Latino mental health treatment disparities. Although Latino individuals may be reluctant to seek out mental health professionals, they often rely on religious congregations when confronted with mental illness. However, religious congregations report major obstacles to collaborating with the mental health sector including the lack of mental health training, staffing, and resources. Strategic partnerships between religious congregations and community-based organizations can be leveraged to target sources of Latino mental health treatment disparities. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization, has developed a host of programs tailored to the different needs and segments of the community affected by mental illness, including programs designed to address culturally diverse and faith-based communities. This cluster-randomized controlled trial leverages the collective resources of NAMI and the Diocese of San Bernardino to deliver and evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-level, parish-based, intervention to decrease stigma, increase mental health literacy, and improve access to mental health services among Latino parishioners. This study will enroll 1400 participants from 14 parishes that will be randomly assigned to receive the intervention immediately or a wait-list control condition. The intervention could enrich awareness of mental health issues, shape norms about mental illness, facilitate treatment access, and add support from religious congregations to target Latino mental health disparities using culturally and faith-based tailored approaches.

Co-culturing Immune Cells and Mouse-Derived Mixed Cortical Cultures with Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation to In Vitro Simulate Neuroinflammatory Interactions After Stroke.

Studying interactions between neural cells and glial cells in vitro remains an essential tool for scientists worldwide, and with the addition of oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) can be particularly useful for identifying mechanisms related to ischemic stroke-related injury and repair. In developing these protocols in the lab, however, we discovered the limitation of co-culturing immune cells with pure neuronal cultures as the standard media for immune cells impair neuronal growth and vice versa. Thus, we optimized a mixed cortical cell culture system that does not require the use of glial-conditioned media to support the viability and growth of neurons but can nonetheless be used to quantify neuronal survival and dendritic arborization. The following methods provide a guide as to how to culture mixed cortical cells from mouse pups (postnatal day 0-2). Additionally, we demonstrate how to co-culture mixed cortical cells with immune cells (e.g., B cells) to study neuro-immune interactions in vitro.

Hyperacute immune responses associate with immediate neuropathology and motor dysfunction in large vessel occlusions.

OBJECTIVE: Despite successful endovascular therapy, a proportion of stroke patients exhibit long-term functional decline, regardless of the cortical reperfusion. Our objective was to evaluate the early activation of the adaptive immune response and its impact on neurological recovery in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO). METHODS: Nineteen (13 females, 6 males) patients with acute LVO were enrolled in a single-arm prospective cohort study. During endovascular therapy (EVT), blood samples were collected from pre and post-occlusion, distal femoral artery, and median cubital vein (controls). Cytokines, chemokines, cellular and functional profiles were evaluated with immediate and follow-up clinical and radiographic parameters, including cognitive performance and functional recovery. RESULTS: In the hyperacute phase (within hours), adaptive immune activation was observed in the post-occlusion intra-arterial environment (post). Ischemic vascular tissue had a significant increase in T-cell-related cytokines, including IFN-γ and MMP-9, while GM-CSF, IL-17, TNF-α, IL-6, MIP-1a, and MIP-1b were decreased. Cellularity analysis revealed an increase in inflammatory IL-17+ and GM-CSF+ helper T-cells, while natural killer (NK), monocytes and B-cells were decreased. A correlation was observed between hypoperfused tissue, infarct volume, inflammatory helper, and cytotoxic T-cells. Moreover, helper and cytotoxic T-cells were also significantly increased in patients with improved motor function at 3 months. INTERPRETATION: We provide evidence of the activation of the inflammatory adaptive immune response during the hyperacute phase and the association of pro-inflammatory cytokines with greater ischemic tissue and worsening recovery after successful reperfusion. Further characterization of these immune pathways is warranted to test selective immunomodulators during the early stages of stroke rehabilitation.

Pylephlebitis: A Rare Complication of Acute Appendicitis.

Pylephlebitis is defined as an infective suppurative thrombosis of the portal vein and its tributaries - a rare complication of intra-abdominal infections. It is most commonly seen in patients with diverticulitis and appendicitis. Prompt diagnosis with abdominal ultrasound and computerized tomography (CT) scan along with early and aggressive treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics is crucial because of its high mortality rates. However, this diagnosis is often missed due to the nature of its nonspecific clinical symptoms. We discuss a case of a 22-year-old male who presented with pylephlebitis as a complication of acute gangrenous appendicitis. The patient was treated successfully with appropriate surgical intervention, antibiotics, and anticoagulation.

Discrimination, acculturative stress, alcohol use and their associations with alcohol-related consequences among Latino immigrant men.

Latino immigrant men are at increased risk for unhealthy alcohol use and related consequences due to social stressors associated with immigration. We assessed the associations of, and examined whether social stressors moderated associations between, alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences in a community-based sample of Latino immigrant men in Washington (N = 187). The mean Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test Consumption (AUDIT-C) score was 6.3 (scores ≥ 4 indicate unhealthy alcohol use). More than half of the men (61.5%) reported experiencing discrimination in at least one setting and mean acculturative stress score was 18.3 indicating moderate levels of acculturative stress. Linear regression models were fit to assess main effects (associations between both alcohol use and social stressors and alcohol-related consequences) and moderation (whether the association between alcohol use and consequences varied based on experience of social stressors using multiplicative interaction) after adjustment for potential confounders. Alcohol use (ß = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.20-0.73; p = .001), discrimination (ß = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.27-1.43; p = .004), and acculturative stress (ß = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.02-0.24; p = .025) were all associated with increased experience of alcohol-related consequences. The association between alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences was stronger for those with high levels of acculturative stress (p = .025) but not experience of discrimination (p = .587). Findings underscore the importance of social and cultural context in alcohol use and related consequences. Efforts to reduce negative consequences of drinking may include focus on reducing exposure to discrimination and acculturative stress.

Coronavirus disease-related in-hospital mortality: a cohort study in a private healthcare network in Brazil.

COVID-19-related in-hospital mortality has been reported at 30.7-47.3% in Brazil, however studies assessing exclusively private hospitals are lacking. This is important because of significant differences existing between the Brazilian private and public healthcare systems. We aimed to determine the COVID-19-related in-hospital mortality and associated risk factors in a Brazilian private network from March/2020 to March/2021. Data were extracted from institutional database and analyzed using Cox regression model. Length of hospitalization and death-related factors were modeled based on available independent variables. In total, 38,937 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized of whom 3058 (7.8%) died. Admission to the intensive care unit occurred in 62.5% of cases, and 11.5% and 3.8% required mechanical ventilation (MV) and renal replacement therapy (RRT), respectively. In the adjusted model, age ≥ 61 years-old, comorbidities, and the need for MV and/or RRT were significantly associated with increased mortality (p < 0.05). Obesity and hypertension were associated with the need for MV and RRT (p < 0.05).

Help-Seeking Patterns and Barriers to Care Among Latino Immigrant Men with Unhealthy Alcohol Use.

Latino immigrant men have high rates of unhealthy alcohol use, a wide range of behaviors, from drinking above the recommended limits to severe alcohol use disorder, yet have low levels of treatment-seeking. Little is known about their preferred sources of care and barriers to care. Using survey data from a community-based sample of Latino immigrant men (N=121) with unhealthy alcohol use (AUDIT≥6), we described help-seeking patterns and perceived barriers to care. The mean AUDIT score was 20 (SD 10; range 6-40), and 49% of men had severe levels of unhealthy alcohol use (AUDIT score ≥ 20). We observed low help-seeking rates and high levels of perceived internal and external barriers. Thirty percent reported having sought help for drinking. Most men reported wanting to solve their drinking problem on their own (65%). Our findings were consistent with previous research. Future studies should further describe barriers to treatment among low-income Latino immigrant men with unhealthy alcohol use and identify ways to increase access to low-cost, high-quality treatment options.

Quiste aracnoideo de la vaina del nervio óptico simulando defecto glaucomatoso en el campo visual / Optic nerve sheath arachnoid cyst simulating glaucomatous defect in the visual field

Resumen Introducción: el quiste aracnoideo es una colección benigna de fluido similar en composición al líquido cefalorraquídeo dentro de la aracnoides, circunscrita por tejido fibrovascular normal que comprime las leptomeninges que rodean el nervio óptico. Se describe el caso de una paciente con quiste aracnoideo de la vaina del nervio óptico con un defecto campimétrico típico de glaucoma, pero con un disco óptico sin características de glaucoma, con el fin de resaltar la necesidad de estudiar con neuroimágenes estos casos y detectar este tipo de alteraciones. El quiste aracnoideo de la vaina del nervio óptico es una entidad excepcional que generalmente tiene un comportamiento benigno, permaneciendo estable en el tiempo, aunque eventualmente puede producir una neuropatía óptica compresiva, afectando la agudeza o el campo visual por daño de la capa de fibras nerviosas. En el caso descrito, este daño se manifestó con un defecto de campo visual que simulaba neuropatía glaucomatosa.

Abstract Background: Arachnoid cyst is a benign fluid collection similar in composition to cerebrospinal fluid within the arachnoid, circumscribed by normal fibrovascular tissue that compresses the leptomeninges surrounding the optic nerve. Objective: To describe the case of a patient with an optic nerve sheath arachnoid cyst with a typical glaucoma campimetric defect, but with an optic disc without findings of glaucoma, to highlight the need to study these cases with neuroimaging to detect this type of changes. Conclusion: Optic nerve sheath arachnoid cyst is an exceptional entity that generally has a benign behavior remaining stable over time; but could eventually originate compressive optic neuropathy, affecting visual acuity or visual fields due to nerve fiber layer damage. In the patient´s case this damage was manifested with a visual field defect that simulated glaucomatous neuropathy.

Dammarane triterpenes targeting α-synuclein: biological activity and evaluation of binding sites by molecular docking.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects adult people whose treatment is palliative. Thus, we decided to test three dammarane triterpenes 1, 1a, 1b, and we determined that 1 and 1a inhibit ß-aggregation through thioflavine T rather than 1b. Since compound 1 was most active, we determined the interaction between α-synuclein and 1 at 50 µM (Kd) through microscale thermophoresis. Also, we observed differences in height and diameter of aggregates, and α-synuclein remains unfolded in the presence of 1. Also, aggregates treated with 1 do not provoke neurites' retraction in N2a cells previously induced by retinoic acid. Finally, we studied the potential sites of interaction between 1 with α-synuclein fibrils using molecular modelling. Docking experiments suggest that 1 preferably interact with the site 2 of α-synuclein through hydrogen bonds with residues Y39 and T44.

Participant engagement in a community based participatory research study to reduce alcohol use among Latino immigrant men.

Although Latino immigrant men experience many health disparities, they are underrepresented in research to understand and address disparities. Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) has been identified to encourage participant engagement and increase representation in health disparities research. The CBPR conceptual model describes how partnership processes and study design impact participant engagement in research. Using this model, we sought to describe how these domains influenced participant engagement in a pilot randomized controlled trial of brief intervention for unhealthy alcohol use (n = 121) among Latino immigrant men. We conducted interviews with a sample of study participants (n = 25) and reviewed logs maintained by 'promotores'. We identified facilitators of participant engagement, including the relevance of the study topic, alignment with participants' goals to improve their lives, partnerships with study staff that treated participants respectfully and offered access to resources. Further, men reported that the study time and location were convenient and that they appreciated being compensated for their time. Barriers to participant engagement included survey questions that were difficult to understand and competing demands of work responsibilities. Findings suggest that engaging underserved communities requires culturally responsive and community engagement strategies that promote trust. Future studies should further investigate how CBPR partnership processes can inform intervention research.