Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Physical Aggressiveness And Gray Matter Deficits In Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex, David S. Chester, Donald R. Lynam, Richard Milich, C. Nathan Dewall

Psychology Faculty Publications

What causes individuals to hurt others? Since the famous case of Phineas Gage, lesions of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) have been reliably linked to physically aggressive behavior. However, it is unclear whether naturally-occurring deficits in VMPFC, among normal individuals, might have widespread consequences for aggression. Using voxel based morphometry, we regressed gray matter density from the brains of 138 normal female and male adults onto their dispositional levels of physical aggression, verbal aggression, and sex, simultaneously. Physical, but not verbal, aggression was associated with reduced gray matter volume in the VMPFC and to a lesser extent, frontopolar cortex. Participants …

Influence Of Dietary Salt Knowledge, Perceptions, And Beliefs On Consumption Choices After Stroke In Uganda, Martin N. Kaddumukasa, Elly Katabira, Martha Sajatovic, Svetlana Pundik, Mark Kaddumukasa, Larry B. Goldstein

Neurology Faculty Publications

Background

Previous research on Uganda's poststroke population revealed that their level of dietary salt knowledge did not lead to healthier consumption choices.

Purpose

Identify barriers and motivators for healthy dietary behaviors and evaluate the understanding of widely accepted salt regulation mechanisms among poststroke patients in Uganda.

Methods

Convergent parallel mixed methods triangulation design comprised a cross-sectional survey (n = 81) and 8 focus group discussions with 7-10 poststroke participants in each group. We assessed participant characteristics and obtained insights into their salt consumption attitudes, perceptions, and knowledge. Qualitative responses were analyzed using an inductive approach with thematic analytic procedures. Relationships …

Organic Solvent Exposure And Depressive Symptoms Among Licensed Pesticide Applicators In The Agricultural Health Study, Miriam Siegel, Sarah E. Starks, Wayne T. Sanderson, Freya Kamel, Jane A. Hoppin, Fred Gerr

Epidemiology and Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Purpose

Although organic solvents are often used in agricultural operations, neurotoxic effects of solvent exposure have not been extensively studied among farmers. The current analysis examined associations between questionnaire-based metrics of organic solvent exposure and depressive symptoms among farmers.

Methods

Results from 692 male Agricultural Health Study participants were analyzed. Solvent type and exposure duration were assessed by questionnaire. An “ever-use” variable and years of use categories were constructed for exposure to gasoline, paint/lacquer thinner, petroleum distillates, and any solvent. Depressive symptoms were ascertained with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D); scores were analyzed separately as continuous (0–60) …

A Nationwide Study On The Prevalence Of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders In School-Children., Miguel Saps, Jairo Enrique Moreno-Gomez, Carmen Rossy Ramírez-Hernández, John M. Rosen, C A. Velasco-Benitez

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Introduction: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are highly prevalent worldwide and are thought to result from the interplay of multiple factors that can vary from region to region. Nationwide studies can help understand the regional epidemiology and the pathogenesis of FGIDs. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of FGIDs in school-children of Colombia and assess associated factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at twelve private and public schools in ten cities distributed through the four main geographic regions of Colombia. School-children completed a validated questionnaire to assess functional gastrointestinal disorders according to Rome III criteria. …

A Longitudinal Study Of The Reciprocal Relationship Between Ever Smoking And Urgency In Early Adolescence, Jessica L. Burris, Elizabeth N. Riley, Gabriella E. Puleo, Gregory T. Smith

Psychology Faculty Publications

Background—Among early adolescents in the United States (U.S.), the prevalence of cigarette smoking is at its lowest level in recent decades. Nonetheless, given the risks of smoking in early development, it remains critically important to study both risk factors for smoking and risks from smoking. This longitudinal study with U.S. early adolescents examines smoking initiation and tests a model of reciprocal prediction between ever smoking and the personality trait of urgency (i.e., mood-based impulsivity), a trait that increases risk for multiple forms of dysfunction.

Methods—Participants (n=1906; 90% 10–11 years old, 50% female, 39% racial minorities at …

Sources Of Medical Student Stress, Krishna Subhash Vyas, Terry D. Stratton, Neelkamal S. Soares

Behavioral Science Faculty Publications

Background: Key elements in the clinical practice of prevention, health and wellness are best cultivated in medical professionals during undergraduate medical training. This study explores students' self-assessed stress relative to gender, academic expectations, and level of medical training to guide development of targeted wellness interventions. Methods: In early 2012, undergraduate (M1-M4) students in four Southeastern U.S. allopathic medical schools were surveyed about health-related attitudes and behaviors. Results: A total of 575 students returned completed questionnaires. Students in the preclinical years (M1-M2), especially females, reported significantly higher stress levels. Academic expectations and satisfaction were also significantly implicated. Discussion: These findings highlight …

Is Sex With Older Male Partners Associated With Higher Sexual Risk Behavior Among Young Black Msm?, Nicholas Chamberlain, Leandro A. Mena, Angelica Geter, Richard A. Crosby

Health, Behavior & Society Faculty Publications

Participants at a sexual health clinic completed a survey with questions regarding sexual risk behavior and partner characteristics. Of 585 participants eligible for analysis, 124 reported generally having older male partners. These participants were significantly more likely to be HIV-infected (p < 0.001), have four or more sex partners as a “bottom” (p = 0.04), have concurrent partners (p = 0.01), and have partners suspected of having an sexually transmitted infection (p = 0.05) than participants without older partners. With analysis restricted to HIV− individuals, risk behaviors did not differ significantly between the groups. HIV− individuals with older partners may be at increased risk of HIV infection due …

Construction And Validation Of The Fatigue Impact And Severity Self-Assessment For Youth And Young Adults With Cerebral Palsy., Laura K Brunton, Doreen J Bartlett

Physical Therapy Publications

Purpose: The Fatigue Impact and Severity Self-Assessment (FISSA) was created to assess the impact, severity and self-management of fatigue for individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) aged 14-31.

Methods Used: Items were generated from a review of measures and interviews with individuals with CP. Focus groups with healthcare professionals were used for item reduction. A mailed survey was conducted (n=163/367) to assess the factor structure, known-groups validity and test-retest reliability.

Results Obtained: The final measure contained 31-items in two factors and discriminated between individuals expected to have different levels of fatigue. Individuals with more functional abilities reported less fatigue (p< 0.002) and those with higher pain reported higher fatigue (p< 0.001). The FISSA was shown to have adequate test-retest reliability, ICC(3,1)=0.74 (95% CI 0.53-0.87).

Conclusions …

Cancer Center Regional Benchmarks For Psychosocial Care, Desiree R. Azizoddin

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The American College of Surgeons (ACoS) Commissions on Cancer (CoC) formulated and implemented standard 3.2 for Psychosocial Distress Screening. This standard requires that all accredited cancer centers evaluate psychosocial distress and provide appropriate triage and intervention for all cancer patients. Over the past decade, Loma Linda University Medical Oncology Center (LLUMOC) administration, physicians, nurses, psychosocial care staff, and chaplaincy collaborated to implement a psychosocial screening and referral program throughout cancer patient services. This current research includes qualitative analysis assessing strengths and barriers of the psychosocial program at LLUMOC from the perspective of LLUMOC providers and two directors of Supportive Care …

Contextual Factors And Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Young, Black Men, Jamal Jones, Laura F. Salazar, Richard A. Crosby

Health, Behavior & Society Faculty Publications

Young Black men (YBM), aged 13 to 24 years, face a disproportionate burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STI acquisition among YBM is due to incorrect and inconsistent condom use and is exacerbated by multiple sexual partners. Sexual and reproductive health is influenced by a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and social determinants that contribute to increased risk for STI acquisition. However, there are key social determinants of sexual health that play a major role in adolescent sexual risk-taking behaviors: gender norms, environment, peers, and families as well as a desire to impregnate a woman. Associations between contextual factors (risky …

Sex-Specific Associations Of Maternal Birthweight With Offspring Birthweight In The Omega Study., Collette N Ncube, Amelia R Gavin, Michelle A Williams, Chunfang Qiu, Tanya K Sorensen, Daniel A Enquobahrie

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

PURPOSE: We investigated nonlinear and offspring sex-specific associations of maternal birthweight (BW) with offspring BW among participants of the Omega study, a pregnancy cohort.

METHODS: Maternal BW was modeled as a continuous variable, linear spline and binary variable indicating low birthweight (LBW;≥2500 grams). Offspring BW was modeled as a continuous and binary variable in regression models. Nonlinearity was assessed using likelihood ratio tests (LRTs) in marginal linear spline models.

RESULTS: For every 100-gram increase of maternal BW, offspring BW increased by 22.29 (95% CI: 17.57, 27.02) or 23.41 (95% CI: 6.87, 39.96) grams among mothers with normal BW or born …

Evaluating Parents' Self-Efficacy For Diabetes Management In Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes., Amy E. Noser, Susana R. Patton, Jason Van Allen, Michael B. Nelson, Mark A. Clements

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Objective: To examine the factor structure and construct validity of the Maternal Self-Efficacy for Diabetes Management Scale (MSED) in 135 youth ( Mage  = 13.50  ±  1.83 years), with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Method: The study used exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to examine the factor structure and correlations to examine relationships among MSED factors and select parent and child diabetes-related health behaviors and outcomes.

Results: EFA identified an 11-item three-factor solution (χ 2 (25, n  = 133)  = 40.22, p  < .03, RMSEA = 0.07, CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.97), with factors corresponding to parents' perceived ability to manage their child's diabetes (MSED-M), problem-solve issues surrounding glycemic control (MSED-P), and teach their child about diabetes care (MSED-T). Correlational analyses revealed significant associations between the MSED-M and MSED-T and parent-reported optimism and youth's diabetes-specific self-efficacy. The MSED-T was also associated with glycated hemoglobin and self-monitoring blood glucose.

Conclusions: Results provide preliminary evidence for the reliability and validity of a three-factor solution of the MSED.

Diet And Polycystic Kidney Disease: A Pilot Intervention Study., Jacob M. Taylor, Jill M. Hamilton-Reeves, Debra K. Sullivan, Cheryl A. Gibson, Catherine Creed, Susan E. Carlson, Donald E. Wesson, Jared J. Grantham

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Dietary sodium, protein, acid precursors, and water have been linked to cyst growth in polycystic kidney disease; yet, no studies in patients have examined the feasibility of using a dietary intervention that controls all of these factors. The aim of this study was to determine if a diet, appropriate for persons of most ages, reduces the excretion of sodium, urea, acid, and decreases mean urine osmolality while gaining acceptance by patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).

METHODS: Twelve adults with ADPKD enrolled in a pre-post pilot feasibility study and served as their own controls. Individuals …

Usage Of 3d Models Of Tetralogy Of Fallot For Medical Education: Impact On Learning Congenital Heart Disease., Yue-Hin Loke, Ashraf S Harahsheh, Axel Krieger, Laura J Olivieri

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common human birth defect, and clinicians need to understand the anatomy to effectively care for patients with CHD. However, standard two-dimensional (2D) display methods do not adequately carry the critical spatial information to reflect CHD anatomy. Three-dimensional (3D) models may be useful in improving the understanding of CHD, without requiring a mastery of cardiac imaging. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of 3D models on how pediatric residents understand and learn about tetralogy of Fallot following a teaching session.

METHODS: Pediatric residents rotating through an inpatient Cardiology rotation were recruited. The …

Mri Ventilation Abnormalities Predict Quality-Of-Life And Lung Function Changes In Mild-To-Moderate Copd: Longitudinal Tincan Study, Miranda Kirby, Rachel L Eddy, Damien Pike, Sarah Svenningsen, Harvey O Coxson, Don D Sin, David G Mccormack, Grace Parraga

Medical Biophysics Publications

CT biomarkers of emphysema (15th percentile of the CT density histogram, HU15%) and airways disease (wall thickness of airways with 10 mm internal perimeter, Pi10) have shown promise for providing prognostic information.2 Although recent data3 showed that the change in CT emphysema may be used to estimate the efficacy of therapy in patients with α-1-antitrypsin-deficiency, thus far none of the currently developed CT biomarkers have been shown to reflect changes in outcomes that are important to patients with COPD. MRI with inhaled noble gases provide highly sensitive and unique microstructural and functional information in COPD.4 MRI biomarkers of COPD are …

Assessment Of Dietary Intake Of Children With Chronic Kidney Disease., Wun Fung Hui, Aisha Betoko, Jonathan D. Savant, Alison G. Abraham, Larry A. Greenbaum, Bradley A. Warady, Marva M. Moxey-Mims, Susan L. Furth

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to characterize the nutrient intake of children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) relative to recommended intake levels.

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of dietary intake assessed by Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) in The North American Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) prospective cohort study. Nutrient intake was analyzed to estimate the daily consumption levels of various nutrients and compared with national guidelines for intake.

RESULTS: There were 658 FFQs available for analysis; 69.9 % of respondents were boys, with a median age [Interquartile range (IQR)] of 11 years (8-15). Median daily sodium, potassium, and phosphorus …

Utilization Of Free Medication Samples In The United States In A Nationally Representative Sample: 2009-2013, Joshua D. Brown, Pratik A. Doshi, Jeffery C. Talbert

Institute for Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy Faculty Publications

Background—Manufacturers provide free sample medications as a means to increase use of branded medications. Sample use varies year-to-year as branded product patents expire and new products come to market.

Objective—This study sought to describe the use of sample medications during 2009–2013 and assess individual characteristics associated with sample use.

Methods—Data from the 2009–2013 U.S. Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) were used. MEPS asks participants whether they received each medication they are taking as a sample. The top 10 medications and medication classes used each year by volume were identified as well as the proportion of people who …

Reliability And Validity Of The Hd-Pro-Triadtm, A Health-Related Quality Of Life Measure Designed To Assess The Symptom Triad Of Huntington's Disease., Nicholas R Boileau, Julie C Stout, Janes S Paulsen, David Cella, Michael K Mccormack, Martha A Nance, Samuel Frank, Jin-Shei Lai, Noelle E Carlozzi

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Faculty Scholarship

BACKGROUND: Huntington's disease (HD), is a neurodegenerative disorder that is associated with cognitive, behavioral, and motor impairments that diminish health related quality of life (HRQOL). The HD-PRO-TRIADTM is a quality of life measure that assesses health concerns specific to individuals with HD. Preliminary psychometric characterization was limited to a convenience sample of HD participants who completed measures at home so clinician-ratings were unavailable.

OBJECTIVES: The current study evaluates the reliability and validity of the HD-PRO-TRIADTM in a well-characterized sample of individuals with HD.

METHODS: Four-hundred and eighty-two individuals with HD (n = 192 prodromal, n = 193 early, and n …

Validation Of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Short Forms For Use In Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus., Jordan T. Jones, Adam C. Carle, Janet Wootton, Brianna Liberio, Jiha Lee, Laura E. Schanberg, Jun Ying, Esi Morgan Dewitt, Hermine I. Brunner

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

OBJECTIVE: To validate the pediatric Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System short forms (PROMIS-SFs) in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a clinical setting.

METHODS: At 3 study visits, childhood-onset SLE patients completed the PROMIS-SFs (anger, anxiety, depressive symptoms, fatigue, physical function-mobility, physical function-upper extremity, pain interference, and peer relationships) using the PROMIS assessment center, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) legacy measures (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire, Simple Measure of Impact of Lupus Erythematosus in Youngsters [SMILEY], and visual analog scales [VAS] of pain and well-being). Physicians rated childhood-onset SLE activity on a VAS and completed …