Substance addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences. Non-substance addiction has recently been defined as compulsive engagement in non-drug-related rewarding activities (e.g., gambling) despite negative consequences. Although differences exist with respect to addictive objects, substances, and non-substance, addictions may share overlapping biological, epidemiological, clinical, and genetic features. Studies have...

Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) are crucial to disaster response, yet their organizational structure and operational dynamics remain understudied. Through qualitative analysis of federal and state emergency management documents, including Federal Emergency Management Agency guidance and the Oklahoma State Emergency Operations Plan, this research examines mechanistic and organic organizational elements. Using organizational theory as an analytical framework, we identify three key findings:...

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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model represents a landmark opportunity to improve outcomes for persons with dementia and their caregivers and scale comprehensive dementia care through a structured service delivery and alternative payment approach. The National Dementia Care Collaborative (NDCC), a coalition of scientific and clinical leaders in evidence-based dementia care, works to promote comprehensive dementia care. Drawing...

Environmental toxins, including toxic metal(oid)s such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic, as well as endocrine-disrupting chemicals like bisphenol A and phthalates, play a critical role in the onset and progression of autoimmune diseases. These substances accumulate in biological tissues and disrupt immune homeostasis through oxidative stress, molecular mimicry, and epigenetic modifications, mechanisms that contribute to autoantibody production and chronic inflammation, hallmarks of...