Center of Alcohol and Substance Use Studies 11th Annual Scholar Poster Session with Keynote Speaker Dr. Lydon-Staley!
April 29th, 2026, at 10 AM Life Sciences Building Atrium, Busch Campus
The Center of Alcohol & Substance Use Studies (CAS) Research Poster Session offers a platform to present a poster on innovative research that advances understanding of alcohol, drugs, addictions, and recovery. This event fosters interdisciplinary exchange, highlights emerging science, and supports professional growth across several substance use research domains.
Scroll down to view poster abstracts!
Topics
Public Health/Epidemiology
Animal and Basic Science Research
Clinical Research (Qualitative or Quantitative)
Human Experimental Research
Community Engagement
Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
Important Dates and Times
Abstract Submissions: Closed
Abstract Submission Deadline: March 9, 2026
Notice of Acceptance: March 20, 2026
Poster Setup: April 29, 2026, 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Keynote Speaker: April 29, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Poster Session: April 29, 2026, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Awards Lunch: April 29, 2026, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Outstanding posters will receive monetary awards recognizing excellence in research rigor, significance/impact, and presentation.
The Center of Alcohol and Substance Use Studies 11th Annual Scholar Poster Session is proud to host Dr. David Lydon-Staley, Associate Professor of Communication, University of Pennsylvania as a keynote speaker!
Rethinking Curiosity in Substance Use: Data-Driven Insights from Dynamic Systems and Intensive Longitudinal Research
Curiosity plays a complex role in substance use as it can contribute to initiation, but it also offers a powerful avenue for intervention. This presentation explores research examining curiosity as a motivational process that can be deliberately engaged through health communication to promote behavior change, with applications to tobacco and alcohol use. Evidence shows that curiosity-eliciting messages reliably enhance attention to and recall of substance-related health information among adolescents and U.S. priority populations. Research on persistence dynamics demonstrates how tightly coupled symptom systems during tobacco withdrawal can sustain discomfort and undermine cessation efforts. Bridging these perspectives, curiosity emerges as a modifiable lever for disrupting maladaptive persistence. Daily-life interventions that incorporate brief psychological distance reminders designed to foster curiosity during alcohol encounters are associated with reductions in alcohol consumption frequency. These findings highlight curiosity not only as a potential risk factor but also as a motivational mechanism with practical implications for health communication, addiction science, and intervention design.
Seminar Takeaways:
- Understanding curiosity as a driver of attention, recall, and behavior
change - Insights on leveraging curiosity to support substance use
interventions - Applications for health messaging and intervention strategies across
diverse populations
Questions? Contact Alyssa Juntilla (alyssa.juntilla@rutgers.edu)
Poster Abstracts:
Name of Presenter: Nora Abdelfattah
Presenting Author: Nora Abdelfattah
Co-Authors: Nora Abdelfattah, PharmD Candidate; Bridget Broncales, PharmD Candidate; Ivana Albert; Jaimee Kohan; Dr. Lei Yu, PhD
Title: Gene-ius Mapping: Validating Gene Maps for Pathway and Target Discovery Using AlphaFold and Deep Learning Models
Abstract:
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) underpin most cellular processes, and disruptions to these interactions can lead to cellular dysfunction and disease. Understanding PPIs is essential for studying disease mechanisms, yet traditional experimental approaches are time- and labor-intensive. Recent advances in AI-based structural prediction tools, including AlphaFold2 and RoseTTAFold2, now enable efficient in silico exploration of potential PPIs. To develop an integrated and practical multi-tool system for PPI investigation, we present a dual-arm computational pipeline centered on the ZWINT (SIP30) kinetochore protein, which we identified as a key gene in neuropathic signaling.
The first arm of the workflow generates PPI models using AlphaFold2 and RoseTTAFold2 and evaluates model consistency using TM-Align. The second arm assesses binding affinity by identifying interface residues with PyMOL and calculating docking scores with HADDOCK. Together, these methods provide both quantitative and qualitative evaluations of candidate PPIs. Using this framework, we examined three established interactors (SNAP25, CAMK2A, UBC) and four exploratory proteins (STX1A, VCP, BLOC1S2, ARC) in complex with ZWINT. This study demonstrates that AI-supported in silico analysis can streamline PPI discovery by prioritizing biologically plausible interactors and guiding downstream experimental validation.
Name of Presenter: Ivana Albert
Presenting Author: Ivana Albert
Co-Authors: Ivana Albert, Yongqi Chen, Lei Yu, PhD
Title: Recursive Clustering Elimination for Prioritizing Candidate Gene Selection
Abstract:
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a significant public health concern with substantial genetic contribution. Experimental animal models of alcohol self-administration enable the investigation of gene expression changes associated with alcohol consumption phenotypes. However, transcriptomic datasets derived from these models typically include thousands of genes, producing high-dimensional data that complicates the identification of biologically meaningful candidate genes. To address this challenge, we developed a computational framework that integrates machine learning with an iterative gene clustering approach. Our method, Recursive Cluster Elimination (RCE), systematically refines gene clusters by recursively removing low-informative genes while preserving biologically relevant signal. By reducing noise and dimensionality in gene expression datasets, RCE improves the prioritization of candidate genes associated with alcohol consumption behaviors. Preliminary results indicate that this approach produces enriched candidate gene sets compared to conventional gene selection strategies. These findings suggest that recursive machine learning frameworks may provide an effective strategy for identifying genetic drivers of complex behavioral phenotypes such as AUD.
Name of Presenter: Rhea Arya
Presenting Author: Rhea Arya
Co-Authors: Rhea Arya BS, Jiawen Zhao MS, Vivia McCutcheon, PhD, Dong Fanghong, PhD, Christina Garasky, PhD, Emma Johnson, PhD, Arpana Agrawal, PhD, Sally Kuo, PhD, Jessica Salvatore, PhD
*1,2 = co-first authors
*8,9 = co-last authors
Title: Parental remission from alcohol use disorder and offspring risk for alcohol use disorder: a sibling comparison analysis
Abstract:
We tested the hypothesis that parental remission from alcohol use disorder (AUD) would reduce children’s hazard of developing AUD compared to parental AUD without remission, and that these associations would be especially pronounced for children at behavioral risk for developing AUD. Sibling-comparison designs were used to control for confounding genetic and environmental factors.
Participants (N = 1,413; 50% female) came from 595 families in the COGA Prospective Study. Our primary outcome was the age at first AUD diagnosis. Behavioral risk factors included measures of impulsivity, conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder (CD/ODD), and internalizing symptoms. Maternal and paternal AUD/remission was coded as: unaffected, unremitted AUD, remitted AUD, or remission status unknown. Mixed-effects Cox models were used.
Overall, 40.2% of participants developed AUD (Mage = 17.7 years). In total, 25.5% mothers and 23.9% fathers were AUD-remitted. Behavioral risks were associated with earlier AUD onset both between-families (impulsivity HR = 1.71, p < .001; CD/ODD HR = 3.45, p < .001; internalizing HR = 1.57, p = .02), and within-families (impulsivity HR = 1.15, p = .02; CD/ODD HR = 1.87, p < .01; internalizing HR = 1.40, p = .02). Parental remission was not associated with reductions in offspring AUD hazard (ps > .05); however, AUD hazard associated with CD/ODD were significantly reduced with paternal remission from AUD (HR = 0.19, p <.01).
In summary, while remission reflects meaningful changes in the course of parental AUD, we found limited support for the hypothesis that remission reduces offspring hazard of AUD diagnosis.
Name of Presenter: Deanna Branker
Presenting Author: Deanna Branker
Co-Authors: Deanna Branker, B.A., Alexandria Bauer, Ph.D.
Title: Experiences in Therapy: Variations Across Racial Identity and Socioeconomic Status
Abstract:
Recently, researchers have found that people of color are more likely to perceive discrimination from mental health providers in therapeutic sessions, resulting in negative consequences. Research has also found strong associations between provider-level microaggressions and elements of the providers’ multicultural orientation. This study aimed to observe differences in perceived microaggressions and multicultural orientation (MCO) across racial identity (i.e., Black vs. Non-Black) and socioeconomic status (i.e., low vs. high). Participants were 300 community members who had a history of mental health care. Results of a multivariable analysis indicated significant differences across racial identity and socioeconomic status within groups in how participants perceived and experienced microaggressions and facets of MCO. Specifically, Black participants were significantly more likely to report experiencing cultural missed opportunities from their providers compared to non-Black participants, F(1, 288) = 4.6, p=.03. Participants in the high SES group reported more cultural missed opportunities (F(1, 288) = 8.0, p=.005) and lower cultural comfort (F(1, 288)=6.48, p =.01) compared to participants in the low SES group. Finally, there was an interaction between racial identity and SES for providers’ cultural humility (F(1, 288)= 4.79, p =.03) and cultural comfort (F(1, 288) = 6.14, p=.01), such that Black participants in the high SES group reported lower cultural humility and cultural comfort compared to Black participants in the low SES group. Our findings highlight the need for further research on the quality of care across mental health care settings and the importance of cultural competency training for practitioners to reduce negative therapeutic outcomes disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.
Name of Presenter: Dora Engler
Presenting Author: Dora Engler
Co-Authors: Dora Engler; Umer Toor; Omar Elsoury; Lei Yu, PhD
Title: Slc35a4 as a Potential Sex-dependent Modulator in Voluntary Ethanol Consumption
Abstract:
For most individuals, alcohol consumption starts in adolescence, as a social activity heavily modulated by group dynamics. Concurrently, it is well established that genetics plays a crucial role in AUD development by regulating gene expression in reward circuitry in the ventral tegmental area and the nucleus accumbens. However, the interaction between the two is rarely studied in the context of AUD.
This exploratory study investigates the role of sex as a biological variable in group dynamics and its subsequent influence on voluntary drinking behaviors. To mimic human voluntary drinking environments, we used a standardized two-bottle choice paradigm to examine ethanol consumption in adolescent CD-1 mice with a cagemate as a social companion. By modulating the sex pairings of the mice, we created a 2-by-2 framework in which a drinker mouse was paired with a nondrinker mouse of the same or opposite sex.
Through analysis of gene expression in the entorhinal cortex (EC) and the nucleus accumbens (NA), and subsequent comparison of expression patterns between high- and low-alcohol drinking mice, we identified Slc35a4 as a candidate gene for modulating drinking behavior.
Significant sex-dependent interactions were observed across the same extreme pairings (high-high and low-low) and across opposite-sex pairings, suggesting that Slc35a4 acts as a bidirectional sex-dependent modulator in the nucleus accumbens.
While Slc35a4 remains a relatively under-investigated gene, particularly pertaining to AUD, these findings emphasize the potential for Slc35a4 as a modulator in response to social cues and alcohol consumption.
Name of Presenter: Julianna Garvey
Presenting Author: Julianna Garvey
Co-Authors: Julianna Garvey, Kathryn La Capria, Siyan Meng, Leila Koster, Jayvaria Butt, Julia Chen-Sankey
Title: Online Marketing Practices of Licensed Cannabis Retailers in New Jersey
Abstract:
Background: Under New Jersey (NJ)’s General Advertising Requirements and Prohibitions for regulating cannabis products, licensed cannabis retailers must include health warnings and avoid youth-oriented content (e.g., cartoons, animated characters, childlike or pop-culture themes, candy-like imagery) or misleading messaging (e.g., unfounded health and safety claims) across all online marketing platforms. However, the NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ CRC) and other regulatory and enforcement agencies currently lack a centralized system to monitor compliance in online cannabis marketing spaces. Without such evidence, the enforcement agencies lack the foundation needed to implement effective protective measures against noncompliant online marketing.
Methods: The official websites of 265 NJ cannabis retailers (medical, recreational, and hybrid) across all 21 counties were examined. Each website was reviewed for the presence or absence of age-gating mechanisms, links to official social media accounts, and options to subscribe to marketing emails. Contact information (emails and phone numbers) was used to subscribe to promotional emails from select retailers. Frequency distributions for each category of online marketing presence were calculated using Stata software.
Results: Of the 265 cannabis retailers examined, all have an official website (100%), with 17 (6.4%) lacking any form of age verification when entering the website. About 66.4% of retailers offered email subscriptions from their websites, and nearly one-quarter (24.5%) allowed users to subscribe to emails without age-related restrictions or warnings. Most cannabis retailers also offered at least one form of official social media accounts, including Instagram (90.6%), Facebook (76.2%), X (31.7%), and TikTok (10.9%).
Discussion: We observed extensive online marketing activity among licensed cannabis retailers in NJ, who actively use digital platforms to promote their products and business. Social media, particularly Instagram and Facebook, emerged as the dominant marketing channels, potentially increasing youth exposure to cannabis-related content. Notably, many retailers lacked proper age-gating measures on their websites and email subscriptions, raising concerns about minors’ access to promotional materials. These findings highlight the need for future research to systematically analyze the content of retailers’ online marketing to identify noncompliant practices and guide enforcement strategies that promote responsible and compliant digital engagement in alignment with state advertising standards.
Name of Presenter: Sara Hameed
Presenting Author: Sara Hameed
Co-Authors: Sara Hameed, B.A., Sonali Singal, Psy.M., Ariel Worley, B.S., Tanya Saraiya, Ph.D.
Title: Trauma and Substance Use Across Religious Contexts: PTSD Symptoms Predict Illicit and Tobacco Use but Not Alcohol Use Among Muslim and Non-Muslim Participants
Abstract:
Background: Trauma exposure is associated with substance use; however, patterns can differ across substances and religious contexts. Muslim religious norms strongly discourage alcohol consumption, but it is unclear how identifying as Muslim influences the relationship between traumatic stress and substance use. This secondary analysis explored (a) whether PTSD symptoms were associated with substance use and (b) if Muslim religious affiliation moderated these associations.
Methods: Self-identifying Asian American participants (N = 198) completed an online survey, which assessed for PTSD symptoms (PCL-5) and past-year substance use (NIDA ASSIST). Logistic regression models tested whether PTSD symptoms predicted past-year alcohol, tobacco, illicit drug (e.g., cannabis), and non-medical prescription drug use (yes/no). Subsequent models explored whether Muslim affiliation moderated these associations.
Results: Across all participants, higher PTSD symptom severity scores were significantly associated with greater odds of tobacco (OR = 1.04, p =.001) and illicit drug use (OR=1.04, p = .002). Thirty-two participants (16%) identified as Muslim. Muslim affiliation did not significantly moderate the association between PTSD symptoms and substance use outcomes, but was associated with significantly lower odds of alcohol use (OR=0.19 p = .002).
Conclusions: Although preliminary, findings show that tobacco and illicit drug use increased by ~4% per one-point increase in PTSD symptoms among the Asian American sample. In comparison, Muslim affiliation reduced alcohol use by 81%. This suggests that Muslim affiliation may protect against alcohol use rather than as a moderator of trauma-related substance use. In conclusion, religious norms may shape substance use independent of trauma-related risk.
Name of Presenter: Fatima Hijazi
Presenting Author: Fatima Hijazi
Co-Authors: Fatima Hijazi, Megan Cooke, Ph.D., Sally Kuo, Ph.D., Jessica Salvatore Ph.D., Jiawen Zhao, M.S.
Title: Emotional Well-Being Among Adults with Comorbid Alcohol and Cannabis Use Disorders: Evidence from the COGA Lifespan Study
Abstract:
Background
Alcohol and cannabis are the two most commonly used substances in the United States, and co-use is on the rise. Diagnostic comorbidity between Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) has been linked to poorer mental health outcomes. However, little is known about how AUD+CUD comorbidity relates to emotional well-being across adulthood.
The study examined whether adults with comorbid AUD and CUD exhibit poorer emotional well-being compared to individuals with a single disorder or those unaffected.
Methods
Data were drawn from 1,393 adults participating in Phase 1 of the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) Lifespan Study. Participants were categorized into four diagnostic groups based on Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism (SSAGA) diagnoses: unaffected, AUD-only, CUD-only, and comorbid AUD + CUD. Emotional well-being was assessed using six domains from the NIH Toolbox Emotion Battery: loneliness, perceived stress, negative affect, social satisfaction, psychological well-being, and self-efficacy.
Results
Linear regression models estimated associations between diagnostic group and emotional well-being outcomes before and after adjusting for demographic characteristics and past-year substance use. Individuals with comorbidity reported higher loneliness, perceived stress, and negative affect, as well as lower social satisfaction, psychological well-being, and self-efficacy compared to unaffected participants. The AUD-only group showed associations with higher negative affect and lower social satisfaction, while the CUD-only group was not significantly associated with emotional well-being outcomes.
Conclusions
Overall, findings suggest that AUD+CUD comorbidity is linked to broader emotional well-being impairments in adulthood relative to single-substance disorders.
Name of Presenter: Sidhika Jadra
Presenting Author: Sidhika Jadra
Co-Authors: Sidhika Jadra, Nathan Do, Anshul Natakala, & Lei Yu PhD.
Title: Pharmacodynamic preclinical study examining the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain through antisense oligonucleotides targeting neuropathic pain genes expressed in the mouse spinal cord
Abstract:
Background
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a highly prevalent condition affecting many adults in the U.S. NP is a subtype of chronic pain and is caused by nerve damage. Two main challenges with NP are the wide range of diseases that cause symptoms and the limits of current effective treatments. The objective of this preclinical pharmacodynamic study was to examine the effects of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) drugs targeting genes involved in neuropathic pain.
Methods
To investigate this, two ASO drugs for the gene SIP30 and two ASO drugs for the gene MYT1L were tested. ASO drugs were administered intrathecally into the mouse spinal cord. A spared nerve injury (SNI) model was used to induce neuropathic pain following unilateral peripheral nerve damage. Behavioral changes associated with neuropathic pain were assessed using an automated gait analysis system that quantifies gait and weight-bearing parameters across multiple post-operative time points. These measurements allow for the detection of functional deficits that arise from nerve injury and provide objective indicators of pain-related behavioral changes.
Results and Conlusions
Preliminary pilot data demonstrate measurable alterations in gait parameters following SNI, supporting the use of this model to study neuropathic pain progression. Additionally, the results support the initial hypothesis about SIP30 and MYT1L playing a role in NP symptoms. A current large-scale experiment aims to determine whether ASO-mediated gene suppression can reduce these functional impairments and provide insight into potential therapeutic approaches for neuropathic pain.
Name of Presenter: Sahaj Jasani
Presenting Author: Sahaj Jasani
Co-Authors: Sahaj Jasani (Undergraduate Student), Saanvi Navara (Undergraduate Student)
Title: Synaptic Regulation and Chronic Pain: Exploring the Role of SIP30 in Neuropathic Pain Mechanisms
Abstract:
Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition caused by damage to the somatosensory nervous system. It is associated with disorders like peripheral nerve injury, diabetes, and spinal cord trauma. Patients describe neuropathic pain through symptoms including burning sensations, tingling, and heightened sensitivity. Unlike acute nociceptive pain, neuropathic pain usually persists after the original injury has taken place. Despite its deleterious effects and impact on quality of life, there is currently no predominant/effective cure for neuropathic pain. The current treatments, such as anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and opioid analgesics, focus on relieving symptoms rather than providing relief for longer-term pain.
Recently, research studies have emphasized identifying molecular markers and pathways involved in pain signaling. For example, SIP30 (SNAP25 interacting protein of 30 kDa), which has been shown to have great expression levels during neuropathic pain. SIP30 interacts with SNAP25, which complements syntaxin and synaptobrevin to create a complex that connects synaptic vesicles with the membrane. Importantly, this allows neurotransmitters to be released. Numerous studies highlight that SIP30 is highly expressed in areas of the spinal cord associated with pain. This increased expression coincides with pain signaling, implying that SIP30 is significant in the development of neuropathic pain. As a result, learning the regulatory mechanisms of SIP30 could reveal ways of suppressing neuropathic pain. This can also guide the development of therapeutic strategies to more effectively treat this unsolved condition.
Name of Presenter: Andrea Manuela Lopez
Presenting Author: Andrea Manuela Lopez
Co-Authors: Andrea Manuela Lopez, Marley J. Doring, BA, Margaret A. Swarbrick, PhD, Marilyn L. Piccirillo, PhD, Keith Murphy
Title: The Role of Course-based Interventions in Promoting Awareness of Harm Reduction and Reducing Stigma
Abstract:
Background: College reflects a period of increased risk for substance use problems. However, substance-related stigma and limited knowledge around harm reduction strategies prevent college students from recognizing overdose and engaging in help-seeking behaviors. This study examined the impact of delivering interactive harm reduction education on changes in awareness of (opioid) overdose recognition and substance-related stigma, via a Communication course.
Methods: Students completed a self-report survey at the beginning (N = 9), middle (n = 5), and end of the semester (n = 3). The survey measured awareness of harm reduction strategies and engagement in supportive bystander behaviors in potential opioid overdose situations and stigma towards people with substance use. Descriptive analyses were used to examine changes in substance related knowledge and stigma over the semester.
Results: Mean scores in regards to confidence of identifying an opioid overdose increased from baseline (M= 51.75, SD=23.52) to mid-semester (M=73.67, SD= 2.31), and at the end of the semester (M=70.33, SD= 5.13). Perceived ability to address substance use problems on campus (reverse scored item) increased from baseline (M=2.25, SD=1.04) to mid-semester (M=1.75, SD=0.50) and at the end of the semester (M=1.50, SD= 0.71) .
Discussion: Preliminary findings suggest that integrating harm reduction information into undergraduate courses may improve awareness and positively influence behavior. Future research should examine how course-based interventions in larger samples support stigma reduction and substance use awareness on campus.
Name of Presenter: Leigh Lustig
Presenting Author: Leigh Lustig
Co-Authors: Leigh Lustig, BA, Maia Choi, PhD, Holly Poore, PhD, Fazil Aliev, PhD, Danielle M. Dick, PhD, Sarah J. Brislin, PhD
Title: Mapping the contributions of externalizing and internalizing genetic risk to behavioral phenotypes in childhood through adolescence
Abstract:
Theoretical models posit externalizing and internalizing are distinct constructs with unique etiology. However, there is evidence to suggest that these two constructs are moderately correlated at a phenotypic and genetic level (~0.50) and both can precede substance use problems. Therefore, research is needed to understand their unique and overlapping nomological networks.
This study used data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study (analytic N = 10,634) to examine unique and joint contributions of externalizing (EXT) and internalizing (INT) polygenic scores (PGS; an aggregate index of genetic propensity) to behavioral and trait phenotypes relevant to externalizing and internalizing at three timepoints: late childhood, early adolescence, and late adolescence. Linear mixed effects models were used to examine associations between the EXT PGS, INT PGS, and associated phenotypes in univariable and multivariable models.
Both the EXT and INT PGS were associated with externalizing phenotypes (e.g., aggression, conduct problems) in univariable models. In multivariable models, both PGS remained significant, indicating that EXT and INT genetic liability have unique contributions to externalizing phenotypes. While the EXT and INT PGS were broadly associated with internalizing phenotypes (e.g., anxiety, catastrophizing) in univariable models, only the INT PGS was significant in most multivariable models. This indicates that contributions of the EXT PGS are non-independent of the INT PGS. There were minimal developmental differences across all models.
These findings improve our understanding of the shared and unique etiology of internalizing and externalizing behaviors and problems, highlighting specific contributions of the INT PGS to externalizing behaviors early in development.
Name of Presenter: Saule Mikaliunaite
Presenting Author: Saule Mikaliunaite
Co-Authors: Haydn K. Gock, Alexander Lemenze, Nihali Patel, Saule Mikaliunaite, Thomas P. Richardson, Lei Yu
Title: Gene Expression Signatures Associated With Therapeutic Efficacy For Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
Abstract:
Background: Diabetes is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting approximately 463 million people worldwide, of whom 40% develop neuropathy and 8–35% experience pain. Following a failed CCR2 antagonist trial for painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN), we analyzed trial gene expression data to identify treatment response biomarkers as a potential precision medicine approach for PDN.
Methods: RNA-seq data (GSE302658) were quantified via Salmon and TMM-normalized. Using Python 3.11, we applied a multi-criteria filter to identify protein-coding, lncRNA, or to-be-experimentally confirmed transcripts whose elevated expression predicted treatment response. Candidates were required to show significant mean/median expression differences between low-dose responders versus low-dose non-responders and placebo responders, with no significant difference between placebo and low-dose groups. Additionally, transcripts were required a positive linear regression slope between expression and NRS reduction in active dose groups (versus a non-positive slope in placebo), detectable expression in at least 5 placebo patients, and >0.70 specificity across Youden, chi-squared, or AUC metrics for identified thresholds.
Results: The analysis yielded 14 transcripts whose high expression correlated with a higher therapeutic response probability: 9 protein-coding, 4 lncRNA, and 1 TEC. Several were linked to the NF-kB pathway and chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), with associations to oxidative stress, apoptosis, DNA damage/repair, neuropathy, and inflammation; 3 transcripts had unknown functions.
Conclusions: Our exploratory method identified biomarkers associated with inflammation-based PDN pathophysiology theories. These transcripts address a gap in predictive biomarkers for drug efficacy, illustrating how quantitative transcriptomic analysis of clinical trial data can inform patient stratification and future therapeutic development.
Name of Presenter: Lindsey Norton
Presenting Author: Lindsey Norton
Co-Authors: Lindsey Norton, BA, Meghan Deshais, PhD, BCBA-D, & Margaret Swarbrick, PhD.
Title: Exploring CM strategies to improve engagement in behavioral health services among individuals receiving MAT for OUD in a community-based health center
Abstract:
The existence of contingency management (CM) within the field of opioid use disorder (OUD) has been evaluated in recent research, specifically for its ability to reinforce positive recovery outcomes (Becker et al., 2019). Additional literature emphasizes the benefits of engaging in co-occurring behavioral health services alongside substance use treatment, including higher rates of treatment utilization, more consistent attendance, enhanced coping skills, improved motivation, and reduced relapse risk among participants (McHugh et al., 2013). The present project aims to understand clinician perspectives on feasibility and acceptability of utilizing CM for individuals receiving medication assisted treatment (MAT) for OUD. More specifically, the goal is to identify factors that would aid CM interventions in motivating existing patients enrolled in MAT to engage in behavioral healthcare support, generating consequential positive outcomes and therapeutic skill acquisitions for patients (Proctor, 2022). Long-term, these findings would be used to co-develop a CM protocol at our community partnership site, CAMcare Health Corporation. Focus groups were conducted at this site with clinicians who currently provide behavioral health services to clients receiving MAT for OUD. The questions focused on their perceptions of CM, clinical workflow, client populations, operational considerations, and barriers or facilitators impacting CM acceptability. Data analysis will utilize inductive thematic analysis, highlighting a bottom-up approach using a co-developed qualitative coding scheme. These findings will be used to inform the long-term goal of peer reviewed publication and CM protocol development for community implementation.
Name of Presenter: Max Ostroff
Presenting Author: Max Ostroff
Co-Authors: Max Ostroff, Sonali Singal, Psy.M, Tanya C. Saraiya, Ph.D.,
Title: Substance Use Treatment: Histories Among Asian American Adults
Abstract:
Despite their rapidly increasing rates of substance use, Asian Americans (AAs) have been historically underrepresented in substance use disorder (SUD) research. Thus, little is known about the social and clinical profiles of AAs with SUD or their treatment preferences. This qualitative study explores these missing pieces.
AAs (N=9) were recruited through online listservs and clinical referrals to participate in 60-minute interviews. Inclusion criteria included: at least one parent of Asian ethnicity and previous engagement in informal and/or formal SUD support. Interviews collected demographic information, substance use history, treatment history, and family dynamics. Demographic information was analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were coded using Thematic Analysis.
Participants (M=29.1 years; 55% female) identified as Multiracial (44.4%), East Asian (44.4%), and South Asian (11.1%). 88% of participants were second-generation immigrants. 44% reported drug-related charges. Lifetime substance use included alcohol (100%), cannabis (75%), stimulants (66%), and psychedelics (44%). 55% stopped using substances, while 33% had not stopped using any. Treatment experiences included medication (56%), peer recovery groups (35%), individual therapy (88%), and inpatient/outpatient programs (22%). 24% reported PTSD, 47% reported depression, and 41% reported anxiety. Qualitative themes highlighted showed distant parenting and strict expectations (75%), untreated mental health problems (89%), family SUD history (56%), and stigma around help-seeking (67%).
Although preliminary, descriptive findings suggest that treatment-seeking AAs with current/past SUD show multiple co-occurring mental health conditions. Results suggest the need for more research to better understand the complex needs of this growing population.
Name of Presenter: Gladys Paulino Moreno
Presenting Author: Gladys Paulino Moreno
Co-Authors: Gladys Paulino Moreno, Marilyn L. Piccirillo, PhD
Title: From Treatment to Work: The Role of Mental Health Symptoms in Securing and Maintaining Employment Post-Treatment
Abstract:
Background:
Securing stable employment after substance use intensive outpatient treatment is an important component of long-term recovery. Previous research shows that symptom severity, low self-efficacy, and psychiatric distress can create barriers to employment. However, many studies focus on outcomes during early recovery (3–6 months post-discharge), limiting understanding of longer-term recovery. ‘Using data from the National Treatment Improvement Evaluation Study (NTIES), this study examines whether baseline co-occurring mental health symptoms are associated with vocational outcomes at 12 months post-discharge.
Methods:
Participants (N = 4,411) completed self-report measures at treatment intake and again at 12 months post-discharge from outpatient, short-term, long-term residential, correctional settings, or outpatient methadone programs. Mental health symptoms included severe depression, suicidal ideation, and previous suicide attempts. Vocational outcomes included employment status and months worked. Linear regression analyses will assess whether baseline mental health symptoms predict vocational outcomes at 12 months post-discharge.
Results:
Among participants, 55.1% (n = 3,630) reported severe depression, 20.1% (n = 1,327) reported suicidal thoughts, and 22.9% (n = 1,511) reported suicide attempts at intake. Vocational outcomes included employment status and months worked during the 12-month follow-up. At follow-up, 36.3% (n = 1,956) were employed and 11.3% worked 10–12 months.
Discussion:These findings advance the field by highlighting the relationship between mental health distress at intake and reduced employment outcomes following substance use treatment. Anticipated data might support integrating mental health services and vocational support within treatment programs to improve long-term recovery and workforce participation.
Name of Presenter: Luke Poole
Presenting Author: Luke Poole
Co-Authors: Luke Poole, Marsha Bates, Brandon Alderman
Title: Alcohol Cue Reactivity and Inhibitory Control in Young Adults at Risk for Alcohol Use Disorder
Abstract:
This study examined whether automatic and reflective neurocognitive processes differ as a function of alcohol use risk, sex, and cue type among young adult binge drinkers. Eighty healthy young adults (71% female; mean age = 20.8 years) who reported at least two binge drinking episodes in the past month completed alcohol-cued Oddball and Go/NoGo tasks while electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded. Event-related potentials (ERPs) indexing alcohol cue reactivity (ACR P3) and inhibitory control (NoGo N2) were analyzed. Participants were stratified into higher- and lower-risk groups using k-means cluster analysis based on typical alcohol use, binge frequency, alcohol sensitivity, and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scores. Linear mixed models examined effects of risk group, sex, and task condition on ERP and behavioral outcomes. Participants were successfully stratified into distinct risk groups. Inhibitory control, but not cue reactivity, differed by risk status and cue type. Higher-risk individuals demonstrated reduced NoGo accuracy and faster false alarm reaction times to alcohol cues. Among higher-risk males, alcohol-cued NoGo trials elicited more-negative N2 amplitudes, indicating increased conflict-related neural activity. Findings highlight alcohol-cued inhibitory control conflict, particularly among higher-risk males, as a potential neurocognitive marker of vulnerability to alcohol use disorder. While automatic cue reactivity did not differ across risk groups, differences in reflective control processes underscore the value of ERP markers for identifying mechanisms of alcohol-related risk. Person-centered approaches may enhance risk stratification and clarify how cognitive control systems operate in at-risk drinkers.
Name of Presenter: Natalie Pucheta
Presenting Author: Natalie Pucheta
Co-Authors: Natalie Pucheta, BA
Title: Frontostriatal Control and Impulsivity Across Disorders
Abstract:
Frontostriatal circuits linking the prefrontal cortex and striatum play a key role in inhibitory control, reward processing, and the regulation of impulsive behavior. Disruptions in these pathways have been implicated in impulsivity-related disorders, including substance use disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Prior research suggests that differences in white matter integrity and functional engagement within frontostriatal pathways may contribute to difficulties in impulse regulation, particularly during emotionally negative states associated with negative urgency. This proposed study examines whether structural and functional differences in frontostriatal circuitry are associated with impulsivity across diagnostic groups. Adolescents aged 14–18 with ADHD and matched controls would complete behavioral assessments measuring impulsivity and negative urgency. Neuroimaging measures would include diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to assess white matter integrity in frontostriatal tracts such as the anterior internal capsule, and functional MRI during inhibitory control and reward-processing tasks. Analyses would examine group differences and whether frontostriatal connectivity predicts impulsivity measures and risk for substance use over time. We hypothesize that reduced white matter integrity and altered functional engagement in frontostriatal pathways will be associated with greater impulsivity and higher levels of negative urgency. Findings may support a transdiagnostic model in which impulsivity reflects shared neural mechanisms across disorders and may inform early identification of risk and targeted interventions.
Name of Presenter: Ishita Sharma
Presenting Author: Ishita Sharma
Co-Authors: Ishita Sharma, Shivani Bisabathuni, Leigh Lustig, Maia Choi, Sarah J. Brislin
Title: Examining the role of parent psychopathology and perceived stress on youth internalizing and externalizing behaviors
Abstract:
Previous studies have found significant associations between parent psychopathology and internalizing and externalizing behavior in their offspring. However, further research is needed to clarify this association. This study aims to expand current understanding by investigating how parent stress mediates the association between parent and child psychopathology.
We analyzed participant data (N analytic = 9626) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study—a US-based study of adolescent development. Parent psychopathology was measured via a Total Problems score from the Adult Self Report (ASR) administered at wave 2. Child psychopathology was measured via the parent-report Child Behavior Checklist’s (CBCL) Internalizing and Externalizing Problems t-scores (normed for sex and age) at wave 3 (M age = 12). Parents self-reported on their level of stress via the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) at wave 3. We examined the associations between ASR Total Problems, CBCL Internalizing and Externalizing, and Perceived Stress by running a series of linear regression models.
We found a significant (p < 0.05) positive association between ASR Total Problems and both Internalizing (beta = .35) and Externalizing scores (beta = .28). We found evidence for partial mediation of these associations by parent stress, with a larger effect on the association between parent psychopathology and Externalizing as opposed to Internalizing.
These results indicate that parent level of stress partially accounts for the positive association between parent and child psychopathology. These findings suggest that interventions that help parents decrease their levels of stress may also have a positive impact on youth mental health.
Name of Presenter: Sonali Singal
Presenting Author: Sonali Singal
Co-Authors: Sonali Singal, Psy.M., Max Ostroff, Denise Hien, Ph.D.,
& Tanya C. Saraiya, Ph.D.
Title: Attitudes Towards Substance Use Treatment Among Asian Americans: A Qualitative Analysis
Abstract:
Asian Americans (AA) have rapidly increasing rates of substance use, decreasing rates of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment attendance, and the most negative attitudes towards SUD treatment compared to people of other races. However, little is known about the content of these SUD treatment attitudes. This study qualitatively explores the attitudes towards SUD treatment among AA adults. A secondary analysis was conducted on a sample of AAs (N=9) who were recruited through online listservs and clinic referrals to complete ~60-minute virtual interviews. Inclusion criteria included having at least one biological parent of Asian descent and a history of participation in formal and/or informal support for substance use. Interviews questions included demographic information, substance use history, and attitudes, thoughts, and feelings toward SUD treatment prior to entering. Qualitative data was coded using inductive Thematic Analysis. Participants were on average 29.1 years old and 55.5% identified as women. Participants identified as Multiracial (44.4%), East Asian (44.4%), and South Asian (11.1%). Commonly self-reported misused substances included alcohol, cannabis, and stimulants. Prior to entering treatment, participants experienced neutral (55.6%) and negative (44.4%) attitudes towards SUD treatment. Factors contributing to attitudes towards SUD treatment included 1) increased feelings of shame and stigma (88.9%), 2) low awareness and little open discussion of SUDs and resources (77.8%), 3) low perceptions of problematic use (77.8%), and 4) involvement in social environments with increased substance use (55.6%). Findings provide patient-centered perspectives on factors contributing to negative attitudes towards SUD treatment and potential mechanisms of future SUD intervention.
Name of Presenter: Merna Zaki
Presenting Author: Merna Zaki
Co-Authors: Merna Zaki, B.A., Kathryn Biernacki, PhD, Travis E. Baker, PhD
Title: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Enhances Neural Markers of Reinforcement learning in Opioid Use Disorder
Abstract:
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is associated with impairments in reinforcement learning and decision-making (Redish et al., 2008), thought to reflect dysfunction in prefrontal cortical circuits involved in reward processing. Because these circuits play a key role in reward learning, neuromodulation approaches targeting the prefrontal cortex may help improve these processes. This study examined whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) enhances neural markers of reinforcement learning in individuals with OUD. Thirty-two participants (18 active TMS, 14 sham) completed a probabilistic selection task (PST) after receiving 1,500 pulses of either active or sham 10-Hz rTMS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, while EEG was recorded. Reinforcement learning signals were indexed using the feedback-related N200, an electrophysiological response believed to reflect anterior midcingulate cortex (MCC) activity involved in evaluating action outcomes and guiding adaptive decision-making (Yeung & Matthew, 2004). Results showed that the active group exhibited a more positive N200 to positive than negative feedback, indicating enhanced differentiation of reinforcement learning signals (F1, 30 = 4.79, p =.03, ηp2 = 0.13). At cue onset, the N200 became more positive in the second half of the task in the active group (F1, 30 = 6.57, p =.01, ηp2 =0.18), suggesting that outcome evaluation signals propagated to reward predictive cues once the cue feedback associations were learned. No comparable effects were observed in the sham condition. These findings suggest that TMS enhances neural markers of reinforcement learning in OUD and may represent a promising approach for improving decision-making processes relevant to treatment outcomes.