2009 — 2010 |
Jacobus, Joanna |
F31Activity Code Description: To provide predoctoral individuals with supervised research training in specified health and health-related areas leading toward the research degree (e.g., Ph.D.). |
White Matter Integrity, Drug Use, and Risk Taking in Adolescence @ University of California San Diego
DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Neuroimaging studies have identified both macrostructural and microstructural evidence of white matter (WM) tissue maturation continuing through adolescence and into young adulthood. WM development is important for smooth and efficient communication between brain regions. Frontal WM association fibers are important pathways for higher order executive functioning (e.g., inhibition, attention, problem-solving), yet are slower to mature. The relationship between WM integrity and cognition is beginning to be explored in adolescence, with studies showing relationships between microstructural integrity and performance on tests of executive functioning such as response inhibition. Notably, adolescents are at increased risk for engaging in risky behaviors such as substance misuse and delinquency, yet limited studies have explored the relationship between WM changes and risk taking during adolescent development. Therefore, this study will utilize diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to examine the influence of WM microstructural integrity and executive functioning on changes in real-word risk taking behaviors, including drug and alcohol use, measured over an 18-month interval during adolescence. If empirical support exists for structure-function associations such as WM integrity and risk taking, structural predictors can be used in accordance with other assessment tools (e.g., neuropsychological, personality, socio-cultural) and imaging modalities (FMRI) to better understand behavioral manifestation of real-world risk taking. Understanding the neural substrates of risky behaviors has implications for not only clinical assessment, but for designing intervention and prevention programs that take into account developmental differences in cognitive control capacities during the transitional window between childhood and adulthood. Such information may be used to provide healthier outlets for teenagers, which could influence healthcare, education, criminal justice systems, and society as a whole.
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2011 — 2014 |
Jacobus, Joanna |
F32Activity Code Description: To provide postdoctoral research training to individuals to broaden their scientific background and extend their potential for research in specified health-related areas. |
Brain Structure Predictors of Substance Use in Adolescence @ University of California San Diego
DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Neuroimaging studies have identified ongoing neural tissue development throughout adolescence and early adulthood. Increases in myelination and white matter (WM) integrity along with decreases in gray matter (GM) cortical thickness (e.g., pruning) are thought to strengthen synaptic connections and allow for efficient communication between brain regions. Adolescents are at increased risk for engaging in substance use behaviors, and problematic use often begins to peak during this developmental time period. The relationship between WM microstructural integrity and GM cortical thickness is only beginning to be explored in adolescent populations, with cross sectional studies showing relationships between substance misuse and both macrostructural and microstructural neural tissue status. Research has shown a large neurobiological component to risk taking behaviors during adolescence, however the link between the biological underpinnings of risky behaviors has not been clearly defined. It is possible that indices of WM integrity and GM cortical thickness used in conjunction will help us understand the predictive validity of two commonly used structural imaging measurements, particularly their utility in predicting future adolescent substance use. Therefore, this study will utilize diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) to examine the influence of WM integrity and GM cortical thickness on real world risk taking behaviors such as drug and alcohol use, measured over a 36-month interval in adolescents ages 16-18 at baseline. If empirical support exists for WM integrity and GM cortical thickness as predictors of substance use behaviors, these measures may be used to help identify teens at risk for substance use disorders. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Understanding the brain features behind adolescent substance use will aid clinical assessment and help in design of prevention and intervention programs and strategies that limit risk taking opportunity and construct healthier outlets for teenagers. In the future, multi-domain risk taking assessment (e.g., brain imaging, personality) may be used to identify and guide high-risk teenagers, which could advantageously reduce disease transmission and costs to the healthcare and criminal justice system overall.
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2019 — 2020 |
Jacobus, Joanna |
R21Activity Code Description: To encourage the development of new research activities in categorical program areas. (Support generally is restricted in level of support and in time.) |
Effects of Comorbid Cannabis and Tobacco Product Use On Adolescent Neurodevelopment @ University of California, San Diego
PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The unique effects of comorbid cannabis and nicotine and tobacco product (NTP) use on neuromaturational brain changes is unknown despite preclinical evidence of a functional interaction between delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and nicotine in the brain that may enhance susceptibility to the development of problematic substance use patterns and addiction severity symptoms. As cannabis becomes more accepted and accessible and nicotine delivery methods more advanced and widespread among youth, the neurobiological effects of co-use of these two substances during adolescence must be better understood. Adolescents who use both cannabis and NTPs may be at unique risk for neural and cognitive changes that increase vulnerability for future substance-related problems. The primary objective of the proposed research is to recruit a sample of adolescents (N=100) ages 16-22 who report concurrent and simultaneous cannabis and NTP co-use, cannabis only, NTP use only, and minimal to no use of either substance to compare differences in: (1) structural and vascular brain integrity, (2) neurocognition, and (3) substance-related problems (e.g., negative affect, craving). The study will use cutting- edge magnetic resonance imaging techniques (restriction spectrum imaging and pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling), cognitive testing, and detailed mental health assessment for a precise understanding of the unique and combined effects of cannabis and NTP use on white matter and gray matter integrity, cerebral blood flow, cognitive control and impulsivity, and addiction severity symptoms. Adolescents are one of our most vulnerable populations (e.g., high peak use rates, high vulnerability for addiction, high susceptibility to peer use attitudes and perceptions), and as a result are specifically targeted by the tobacco industry. These individuals may be similarly vulnerable to cannabis use, particularly if the regulatory environment continues to become increasingly permissive. Yet, there is a remarkable paucity of research examining co-use of these two substances on neural health and neurocognitive functioning in youth. The proposed research will lead to a greater understanding of the unique and combined effects of these commonly used substances on brain development and risk for substance use disorders, which will guide neuroscience-informed prevention and intervention programs, public health messages, and public policy.
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2020 |
Jacobus, Joanna Tapert, Susan F [⬀] |
U01Activity Code Description: To support a discrete, specified, circumscribed project to be performed by the named investigator(s) in an area representing his or her specific interest and competencies. |
5/21 Abcd-Usa Consortium: Research Project Site At Uc San Diego @ University of California, San Diego
Abstract Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) is the largest long-term study of brain development and child health in the United States. The ABCD Research Consortium consists of 21 research sites across the country, a Coordinating Center, and a Data Analysis and Informatics Resource Center. In its first five years, under RFA-DA-15-015, ABCD enrolled a diverse sample of 11,878 9-10 year olds from across the consortium, and will track their biological and behavioral development through adolescence into young adulthood. All participants received a comprehensive baseline assessment, including state-of-the-art brain imaging, neuropsychological testing, bioassays, careful assessment of substance use, mental health, physical health, and culture and environment. A similar detailed assessment recurs every 2 years. Interim in-person annual interviews and mid-year telephone or mobile app assessments provide refined temporal resolution of developmental changes and life events that occur over time with minimal burden to participating youth and parents. Intensive efforts are made to keep the vast majority of participants involved with the study through adolescence and beyond, and retention rates thus far are very high. Neuroimaging has expanded our understanding of brain development from childhood into adulthood. Using this and other cutting-edge technologies, ABCD can determine how different kinds of youth experiences (such as sports, school involvement, extracurricular activities, videogames, social media, unhealthy sleep patterns, and vaping) interact with each other and with a child's changing biology to affect brain development and social, behavioral, academic, health, and other outcomes. Data, securely and privately shared with the scientific community, will enable investigators to: (1) describe individual developmental pathways in terms of neural, cognitive, emotional, and academic functioning, and influencing factors; (2) develop national standards of healthy brain development; (3) investigate the roles and interaction of genes and the environment on development; (4) examine how physical activity, sleep, screen time, sports injuries (including traumatic brain injuries), and other experiences influence brain development; (5) determine and replicate factors that influence mental health from childhood to young adulthood; (6) characterize relationships between mental health and substance use; and (7) specify how use of substances such as cannabis, alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine affects developmental outcomes, and how neural, cognitive, emotional, and environmental factors influence the risk for adolescent substance use.
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2021 |
Jacobus, Joanna |
R01Activity Code Description: To support a discrete, specified, circumscribed project to be performed by the named investigator(s) in an area representing his or her specific interest and competencies. |
Cannabis and Nicotine Co-Use Influences On Protracted Development of Neural Structure and Function @ University of California, San Diego
PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The distinctive effects of combined nicotine and tobacco product (NTP) and cannabis use on neuromaturational brain changes is unknown despite preclinical evidence of a functional interaction between delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and nicotine in the brain that may enhance susceptibility to the development of problematic substance use patterns and addiction severity symptoms. As cannabis becomes more socially accepted and accessible and nicotine delivery methods become more advanced and widespread among emerging adults, the neurobiological effects of co-use of these two substances during young adulthood must be better understood. The primary objective of the proposed prospective research is to recruit a sample of emerging adults (N=200) ages 18-19 at enrollment for three in-person assessments over three years, and a follow-up behavioral interview four years post-enrollment. At enrollment, participants will report either concurrent and simultaneous cannabis and NTP co-use, cannabis use only, NTP use only, and minimal to no use of either substance to compare how cannabis and nicotine use trajectories influence: (1) structural, vascular, and functional brain integrity, (2) neurocognition, (3) stress, emotional distress, and substance use, and (4) circulating endocannabinoid concentrations in blood serum. The study will use cutting-edge neuroimaging techniques (restriction spectrum imaging, pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling, and high-resolution magnetoencephalography), cognitive testing, bioassays, and detailed mental health assessments at all in- person visits for a more precise understanding of the unique and combined effects of cannabis and NTP use on neural health, behavior, and the endocannabinoid system from ages 18-25 years-old. Young adults are one of our most vulnerable populations (e.g., high peak substance use rates, high vulnerability for addiction, high susceptibility to peer use attitudes and perceptions). As a result, they are specifically targeted by the cannabis and tobacco industry, particularly as the regulatory environment continues to become increasingly permissive for cannabis products. Yet, there is a remarkable paucity of research examining co-use of these two commonly used substances on neural health and neurocognitive functioning in emerging adults. The proposed research will lead to a greater understanding of the unique and combined effects of these substances on protracted brain development and risk for substance use disorders, which will guide neuroscience-informed prevention and intervention programs, public health messages, and public policy.
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