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Chen J, Martingano AJ, Ravuri S, Foor K, Fortney C, Carnell S, Batheja S, Persky S. Teaching gene-environment interaction concepts with narrative vignettes: Effects on knowledge, stigma, and behavior motivation. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300452. [PMID: 38722839 PMCID: PMC11081345 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene-environment interaction (GxE) concepts underlie a proper understanding of complex disease risk and risk-reducing behavior. Communicating GxE concepts is a challenge. This study designed an educational intervention that communicated GxE concepts in the context of eating behavior and its impact on weight, and tested its efficacy in changing knowledge, stigma, and behavior motivation. The study also explored whether different framings of GxE education and matching frames with individual eating tendencies would result in stronger intervention impact. The experiment included four GxE education conditions and a control condition unrelated to GxE concepts. In the education conditions, participants watched a video introducing GxE concepts then one of four narrative vignettes depicting how a character's experience with eating hyperpalatable or bitter tasting food (reward-based eating drive vs. bitter taste perception scenario) is influenced by genetic or environmental variations (genetic vs. environmental framings). The education intervention increased GxE knowledge, genetic causal attributions, and empathetic concern. Mediation analyses suggest that causal attributions, particularly to genetics and willpower, are key factors that drive downstream stigma and eating behavior outcomes and could be targeted in future interventions. Tailoring GxE education frames to individual traits may lead to more meaningful outcomes. For example, genetic (vs. environmental) framed GxE education may reduce stigma toward individuals with certain eating tendencies among individuals without such tendencies. GxE education interventions would be most likely to achieve desired outcomes such as reducing stigma if they target certain causal beliefs and are strategically tailored to individual attributes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhan Chen
- Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | | | - Siri Ravuri
- Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Kaylee Foor
- Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Christopher Fortney
- Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Susan Carnell
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Sapna Batheja
- College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States of America
| | - Susan Persky
- Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
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Thompson CM, Bishop MJ, Dillard TC, Maurice JM, Rollins DD, Pulido MD, Salas MJ, Mendelson EA, Yan J, Gerlikovski ER, Benevento SV, Zeinstra C, Kesavadas T. Healing Health Care Disparities: Development and Pilot Testing of a Virtual Reality Implicit Bias Training Module for Physicians in the Context of Black Maternal Health. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38711251 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2024.2347000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Grounded in communication models of cultural competence, this study reports on the development and testing of the first module in a larger virtual reality (VR) implicit bias training for physicians to help them better: (a) recognize implicit bias and its effects on communication, patients, and patient care; (b) identify their own implicit biases and exercise strategies for managing them; and (c) learn and practice communicating with BIPOC patients in a culture-centered manner that demonstrates respect and builds trust. Led by communication faculty, a large, interdisciplinary team of researchers, clinicians, and engineers developed the first module tested herein focused on training goal (a). Within the module, participants observe five scenes between patient Marilyn Hayes (a Black woman) and Dr. Richard Flynn (her obstetrician, a White man) during a postpartum visit. The interaction contains examples of implicit bias, and participants are asked to both identify and consider how implicit bias impacts communication, the patient, and patient care. The team recruited 30 medical students and resident physicians to participate in a lab-based study that included a pretest, a training experience of the module using a head-mounted VR display, and a posttest. Following the training, participants reported improved attitudes toward implicit bias instruction, greater importance of determining patients' beliefs and perspectives for history-taking, treatment, and providing quality health care; and greater communication efficacy. Participants' agreement with the importance of assessing patients' perspectives, opinions, and psychosocial and cultural contexts did not significantly change. Implications for medical education about cultural competency and implicit bias are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charee M Thompson
- Department of Communication, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
| | - Mardia J Bishop
- Department of Communication, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
| | | | - Joseph M Maurice
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Creighton University School of Medicine
| | - Déjà D Rollins
- Department of Communication, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
| | - Manuel D Pulido
- Department of Communication Studies, California State University, Long Beach
| | - M J Salas
- School of Communication and Information, Rutgers University
| | - Emily A Mendelson
- Department of Communication, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
| | - Jia Yan
- Department of Communication, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
| | | | - Sarah V Benevento
- Department of Communication, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
| | | | - Thenkurussi Kesavadas
- Division of Research and Economic Development, University at Albany, The State University of New York
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Gafni-Amsalem C, Aboleil-Zoubi O, Chervinsky E, Aleme O, Khayat M, Bashir H, Perets LP, Mamluk E, Hakrosh S, Kurtzman S, Tamir L, Baram-Tsabari A, Shalev SA. Educational tools support informed decision-making for genetic carrier screening in a heterogenic Israeli population. J Community Genet 2024; 15:137-146. [PMID: 38114746 PMCID: PMC11031536 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-023-00694-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive genetic carrier screening (RGCS) aims to provide couples with information to make informed decisions. Since 2013, the Israeli Carrier Screening Program has been offered routinely and free of charge to all Israelis of reproductive age, personalized based on religion, ethnicity, and village/tribe where a disorder is frequent. This study evaluated the impact of two educational tools on an informed choice on RGCS uptake and satisfaction with counselling within a heterogeneous population in northern Israel. Participants from diverse sociodemographic population groups were randomly assigned to watch an animated film, read a booklet conveying the same information, or receive no information before counselling for RGCS, and asked to complete pre- and post-counselling questionnaires. A higher informed-decision rate was demonstrated in the film (n=93/141, 66%) and booklet (n=88/131, 67%) groups vs. the non-intervention group (n=62/143, 43%) (P<0.001), assessed by the Multidimensional Measure of Informed Choice. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that allocation to an intervention group, Jewish ethnicity and higher education level, best predicted informed choice. Most participants expressed high levels of satisfaction with the counselling process, regardless of group assignment. While only a minority of participants reported seeking information prior to visiting the clinic, the pre-counselling information interventions were well accepted. Pre-counselling self-learning educational tools should be promoted, easily available, and adjusted linguistically and culturally to targeted populations, to avoid unwanted "automatic" compliance of tested individuals and maximize the potential of informed decision-making. Our study can be applied to other countries where majority and minority ethnic groups access genetic services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Gafni-Amsalem
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel.
- Genetics Institute, Emek Medical Center, 18101, Afula, Israel.
| | - Olfat Aboleil-Zoubi
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
- Genetics Institute, Emek Medical Center, 18101, Afula, Israel
| | | | - Ola Aleme
- Genetics Institute, Emek Medical Center, 18101, Afula, Israel
| | - Morad Khayat
- Genetics Institute, Emek Medical Center, 18101, Afula, Israel
| | - Husam Bashir
- Genetics Institute, Emek Medical Center, 18101, Afula, Israel
| | | | - Efrat Mamluk
- Genetics Institute, Emek Medical Center, 18101, Afula, Israel
| | - Shadia Hakrosh
- Genetics Institute, Emek Medical Center, 18101, Afula, Israel
| | - Shoshi Kurtzman
- Genetics Institute, Emek Medical Center, 18101, Afula, Israel
| | - Liron Tamir
- Genetics Institute, Emek Medical Center, 18101, Afula, Israel
| | | | - Stavit A Shalev
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
- Genetics Institute, Emek Medical Center, 18101, Afula, Israel
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Zhuang JH, Chen HX, Gao N, Sun RD, Xiao CY, Zeng DH, Yu ZT, Peng J, Xia Y. CircUCK2 regulates HECTD1-mediated endothelial-mesenchymal transition inhibition by interacting with FUS and protects the blood-brain barrier in ischemic stroke. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2023; 39:40-51. [PMID: 36326248 DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke (IS) has become a cerebrovascular disease of widespread concern. Overexpression of circUCK2 alleviates neuronal damage in IS. However, the specific regulatory mechanisms of circUCK2 are not fully understood. In this study, we found that circUCK2 and HECT domain E3 ubiquitin ligase 1 (HECTD1) were downregulated in IS models in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of circUCK2 or HECTD1 inhibited endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) and protected the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in transient middle cerebral artery occlusion mice from damage. It was further discovered that circUCK2 regulated HECTD1 expressions by interacting with fused in sarcoma (FUS). Moreover, FUS overexpression partially restored the effect of circUCK2 on EndoMT, and overexpression of HECTD1 weakened the effect of FUS on EndoMT. Collectively, circUCK2 upregulates the expression of HECTD1 by combining with FUS and inhibits EndoMT to alleviate BBB damage in IS both in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Hong Zhuang
- Department of Neurology, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Huan-Xiong Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Ning Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Rong-Dao Sun
- Department of Neurology, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Cheng-Ye Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - De-Hua Zeng
- Department of Neurology, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Zheng-Tao Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Jun Peng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Ying Xia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
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Hovick SR, Coduto KD, Medero K, Moyer-Gusé E, Senter-Jamieson L. Effects of Exposure to an Entertainment-Based Genetic Testing Narrative on Genetic Testing Knowledge, Attitudes and Counseling Discussion Intentions. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022; 27:510-519. [PMID: 36281694 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2022.2131941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This study explores the effects of exposure to a reality television narrative depicting genetic testing on attitudes and intentions, looking particularly at the effects of narratives containing elements of misinformation on genetics-related knowledge accuracy. In an experiment, participants completed a baseline survey, viewed a high versus low-accuracy narrative, then completed a follow-up survey. Exposure to a low-accuracy narrative was associated with lower knowledge accuracy. Indirect effects of identification and transportation on intentions to talk to a doctor about genetic testing also were detected via attitudes and reduced message counterarguing. Results illustrate the negative implications of inaccurate narratives on knowledge, which is concerning given the public's low level of genetic literacy, as well as the critical role narrative engagement may play in shaping public attitudes and intentions regarding genetic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelly R Hovick
- School of Communication, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Kathryn D Coduto
- Department of Mass Communication, Advertising & Public Relations, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kristina Medero
- School of Communication, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Emily Moyer-Gusé
- School of Communication, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Taiwo RO, Ipadeola J, Yusuf T, Fagbohunlu F, Jenfa G, Adebamowo SN, Adebamowo CA. Qualitative study of comprehension of heritability in genomics studies among the Yoruba in Nigeria. BMC Med Ethics 2020; 21:124. [PMID: 33298068 PMCID: PMC7726892 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-020-00567-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With growth of genomics research in Africa, concern has arisen about comprehension and adequacy of informed consent given the highly technical terms used in this field. We therefore decided to study whether there are linguistic and cultural concepts used to communicate heritability of characters, traits and diseases in an indigenous African population. METHODS We conducted Focus Group Discussions among 115 participants stratified by sex, age and socio-economic status and Key Informant Interviews among 25 stakeholders and Key Opinion Leaders among Yoruba living in Ibadan, Nigeria. We used Atlas-ti v.8.3.17 software to analyze the data, using thematic approach. RESULTS The study participants identified several linguistic and cultural concepts including words, proverbs, and aphorisms that are used to describe heritable characters, traits and diseases in their local dialect. These included words that can be appropriated to describe dominant and recessive traits, variations in penetrance and dilution of strength of heritable characteristics by time and inter-marriage. They also suggested that these traits are transmitted by "blood", and specific partner's blood may be stronger than the other regardless of sex. CONCLUSIONS Indigenous Yoruba populations have words and linguistic concepts that describe the heritability of characters, traits and diseases which can be appropriated to improve comprehension and adequacy of informed consent in genomics research. Our methods are openly available and can be used by genomic researchers in other African communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasheed O Taiwo
- Division of Research Ethics, Center for Bioethics and Research, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - John Ipadeola
- Division of Research Ethics, Center for Bioethics and Research, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Temilola Yusuf
- Division of Research Ethics, Center for Bioethics and Research, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Faith Fagbohunlu
- Division of Research Ethics, Center for Bioethics and Research, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Gbemisola Jenfa
- Division of Research Ethics, Center for Bioethics and Research, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Sally N Adebamowo
- Division of Research Ethics, Center for Bioethics and Research, Ibadan, Nigeria.,Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Clement A Adebamowo
- Division of Research Ethics, Center for Bioethics and Research, Ibadan, Nigeria. .,Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Institute of Human Virology, Abuja, Nigeria. .,Institute of Human Virology Building, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, 725 West Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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7
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Zapelini do Nascimento D, Marques GM, Schuelter-Trevisol F. Potential Psychotropic Drug Interactions among Drug-dependent People. J Psychoactive Drugs 2020; 53:168-176. [PMID: 33225871 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2020.1849878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Using psychiatric drugs to treat drug dependence and its comorbidities is very common. The objective of this study was to analyze the interactions between prescribed drugs for patients treated at a specialized mental health-care center for persons who use drugs, located in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted on secondary data collected from 2010 to 2018. We reviewed the medical records of patients aged 18 years or older who took psychotropic drugs and had any type of substance dependence. The analysis of psychotropic drug interactions was conducted in three databases: Medscape, Drug Interactions Checker, and Micromedex. We included 1,022 of the 2,322 patients attending the care center during the study period. Psychotropic drug interactions were found in 779 (76.4%) study participants, and they presented 2,292 (100%) interactions, out of which 136 (6.0%) had minor clinical risk, 537 (23.4%) had moderate risk, and 1,619 (70.6%) had major risk for the patient, totaling 172 incompatible combinations between two psychotropic drugs. Of the total number of interactions, 128 were pharmacokinetic and 44 were pharmacodynamic. The high number of psychotropic drug interactions is a serious public health issue. Psychopharmacological treatment should be carefully addressed to be safe for the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriela Moreno Marques
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina, Brazil
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Mahmood Z, Keller AV, Burton CZ, Vella L, Matt GE, McGurk SR, Twamley EW. Modifiable Predictors of Supported Employment Outcomes Among People With Severe Mental Illness. Psychiatr Serv 2019; 70:782-792. [PMID: 31185856 PMCID: PMC6718295 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.201800562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Among people with severe mental illnesses, neuropsychological abilities may contribute to vocational outcomes, such as job attainment, job tenure, and wages earned. The current study aimed to determine the strongest neuropsychological and other modifiable predictors of work outcomes in 153 people with severe mental illness (schizophrenia, 38%; bipolar disorder, 24%; and major depression, 38%) who participated in a 2-year supported employment study. METHODS Assessments of neuropsychological performance, functional capacity, social skills, and psychiatric symptom severity were administered at baseline; work outcomes (job attainment, weeks worked, and wages earned) were collected weekly for 2 years. RESULTS Independent of education, diagnosis, and estimated intellectual functioning, more recent work history and less severe negative symptoms significantly predicted job attainment during the 2-year study. Among the 47% who obtained jobs, better global neuropsychological performance (i.e., lower global deficit score) was a significant predictor of greater weeks worked. Both global neuropsychological performance and more recent work history predicted higher wages earned. CONCLUSIONS Modifiable predictors of supported employment outcomes included cognitive functioning and negative symptom severity; thus, interventions to improve these factors may improve work outcomes and decrease the loss of productivity associated with severe mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zanjbeel Mahmood
- San Diego State University and University of California, San Diego (SDSU/UC San Diego), Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego (Mahmood); Research Service (Mahmood, Keller) and Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (Twamley), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego (Twamley); Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Burton), Department of Quality, University of California, San Francisco Health, San Francisco (Vella); Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego (Matt); Department of Occupational Therapy and Psychological and Brain Sciences, Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Boston University, Boston (McGurk). Drs. Burton and Vella were with the SDSU/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology at the time of this research
| | - Amber V Keller
- San Diego State University and University of California, San Diego (SDSU/UC San Diego), Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego (Mahmood); Research Service (Mahmood, Keller) and Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (Twamley), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego (Twamley); Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Burton), Department of Quality, University of California, San Francisco Health, San Francisco (Vella); Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego (Matt); Department of Occupational Therapy and Psychological and Brain Sciences, Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Boston University, Boston (McGurk). Drs. Burton and Vella were with the SDSU/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology at the time of this research
| | - Cynthia Z Burton
- San Diego State University and University of California, San Diego (SDSU/UC San Diego), Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego (Mahmood); Research Service (Mahmood, Keller) and Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (Twamley), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego (Twamley); Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Burton), Department of Quality, University of California, San Francisco Health, San Francisco (Vella); Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego (Matt); Department of Occupational Therapy and Psychological and Brain Sciences, Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Boston University, Boston (McGurk). Drs. Burton and Vella were with the SDSU/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology at the time of this research
| | - Lea Vella
- San Diego State University and University of California, San Diego (SDSU/UC San Diego), Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego (Mahmood); Research Service (Mahmood, Keller) and Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (Twamley), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego (Twamley); Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Burton), Department of Quality, University of California, San Francisco Health, San Francisco (Vella); Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego (Matt); Department of Occupational Therapy and Psychological and Brain Sciences, Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Boston University, Boston (McGurk). Drs. Burton and Vella were with the SDSU/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology at the time of this research
| | - Georg E Matt
- San Diego State University and University of California, San Diego (SDSU/UC San Diego), Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego (Mahmood); Research Service (Mahmood, Keller) and Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (Twamley), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego (Twamley); Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Burton), Department of Quality, University of California, San Francisco Health, San Francisco (Vella); Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego (Matt); Department of Occupational Therapy and Psychological and Brain Sciences, Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Boston University, Boston (McGurk). Drs. Burton and Vella were with the SDSU/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology at the time of this research
| | - Susan R McGurk
- San Diego State University and University of California, San Diego (SDSU/UC San Diego), Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego (Mahmood); Research Service (Mahmood, Keller) and Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (Twamley), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego (Twamley); Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Burton), Department of Quality, University of California, San Francisco Health, San Francisco (Vella); Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego (Matt); Department of Occupational Therapy and Psychological and Brain Sciences, Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Boston University, Boston (McGurk). Drs. Burton and Vella were with the SDSU/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology at the time of this research
| | - Elizabeth W Twamley
- San Diego State University and University of California, San Diego (SDSU/UC San Diego), Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego (Mahmood); Research Service (Mahmood, Keller) and Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (Twamley), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego (Twamley); Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Burton), Department of Quality, University of California, San Francisco Health, San Francisco (Vella); Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego (Matt); Department of Occupational Therapy and Psychological and Brain Sciences, Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Boston University, Boston (McGurk). Drs. Burton and Vella were with the SDSU/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology at the time of this research
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Peinkhofer C, Knudsen GM, Moretti R, Kondziella D. Cortical modulation of pupillary function: systematic review. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6882. [PMID: 31119083 PMCID: PMC6510220 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pupillary light reflex is the main mechanism that regulates the pupillary diameter; it is controlled by the autonomic system and mediated by subcortical pathways. In addition, cognitive and emotional processes influence pupillary function due to input from cortical innervation, but the exact circuits remain poorly understood. We performed a systematic review to evaluate the mechanisms behind pupillary changes associated with cognitive efforts and processing of emotions and to investigate the cerebral areas involved in cortical modulation of the pupillary light reflex. METHODOLOGY We searched multiple databases until November 2018 for studies on cortical modulation of pupillary function in humans and non-human primates. Of 8,809 papers screened, 258 studies were included. RESULTS Most investigators focused on pupillary dilatation and/or constriction as an index of cognitive and emotional processing, evaluating how changes in pupillary diameter reflect levels of attention and arousal. Only few tried to correlate specific cerebral areas to pupillary changes, using either cortical activation models (employing micro-stimulation of cortical structures in non-human primates) or cortical lesion models (e.g., investigating patients with stroke and damage to salient cortical and/or subcortical areas). Results suggest the involvement of several cortical regions, including the insular cortex (Brodmann areas 13 and 16), the frontal eye field (Brodmann area 8) and the prefrontal cortex (Brodmann areas 11 and 25), and of subcortical structures such as the locus coeruleus and the superior colliculus. CONCLUSIONS Pupillary dilatation occurs with many kinds of mental or emotional processes, following sympathetic activation or parasympathetic inhibition. Conversely, pupillary constriction may occur with anticipation of a bright stimulus (even in its absence) and relies on a parasympathetic activation. All these reactions are controlled by subcortical and cortical structures that are directly or indirectly connected to the brainstem pupillary innervation system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Peinkhofer
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Medical Faculty, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gitte M. Knudsen
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rita Moretti
- Medical Faculty, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Neurological Unit, Trieste University Hospital, Cattinara, Trieste, Italy
| | - Daniel Kondziella
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Technology and Science, Trondheim, Norway
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Venkatesh G, Sankar V, Ramanathan M. Molecular mechanism of tuberoinfundibular peptide of 39 on glucocorticoid receptor mediated glutamate/GABA imbalance and cerebral abnormalities against cognitive deficit model. J Pharm Pharmacol 2019; 71:996-1006. [DOI: 10.1111/jphp.13085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
This study is designed to evaluate the role of tuberoinfundibular peptide of 39 (TIP39) in connection with glucocorticoid receptor-mediated glutamate/GABA abnormalities in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model.
Methods
Male Sprague–Dawley rats were treated with TIP39 (1 and 10 nmol, i.c.v) and diazepam 2 mg/kg throughout the stress period (28 days) in alternate days. Then, rats were subjected for different behavioural activity followed by biochemical, gene expression and histological examinations.
Key findings
Chronic unpredictable mild stress rats showed significant cognitive impairment in Morris water maze, Novel object recognition and Y maze test. This was reversed after TIP39 administration. Moreover, TIP39 significantly decreased the brain glutamate and acetyl cholinesterase levels in CUMS rats, whereas it increases the level of GABA after TIP39 treatment. These changes were evident with increased glutamic acid decarboxylase enzyme activity by TIP39. TIP39 significantly decreased the brain glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptor expression ratio in comparison with CUMS rats. Moreover, histological abnormalities in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were markedly improved after TIP39 administration in CUMS rats.
Conclusions
Tuberoinfundibular peptide of 39 can be a potent neuroendocrine modulator in treating cognitive impairment induced by CUMS rats by controlling glucocorticoid receptor-mediated glutamate/GABA abnormalities in brain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Veintramuthu Sankar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, PSG College of Pharmacy, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Muthiah Ramanathan
- Department of Pharmacology, PSG College of Pharmacy, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
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11
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Jaiteh F, Masunaga Y, Okebe J, D'Alessandro U, Balen J, Bradley J, Gryseels C, Ribera JM, Grietens KP. Community perspectives on treating asymptomatic infections for malaria elimination in The Gambia. Malar J 2019; 18:39. [PMID: 30777112 PMCID: PMC6378745 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2672-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Innovative and cost-effective strategies that clear asymptomatic malaria infections are required to reach malaria elimination goals, but remain a challenge. This mixed methods study explored people's attitudes towards the reactive treatment of compound contacts of malaria cases with a 3-day course of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHAP), the socio-cultural representations of asymptomatic infections, and more specifically their treatment. METHODS Prior to the start of the intervention, a sequential mixed method study was carried out. Qualitative data collection involved in-depth interviews and participant observations (including informal conversations) with key informants from the trial communities and the trial staff. Quantitative data were derived from a pre-trial cross-sectional survey on health literacy and health-seeking behaviour among randomly selected members of the study communities. RESULTS In the pre-trial cross-sectional survey, 73% of respondents reported that malaria could be hidden in the body without symptoms. Whilst this may be interpreted as people's comprehension of asymptomatic malaria, qualitative data indicated that informants had different interpretations of asymptomatic disease than the biomedical model. It was described as: (i) a minor illness that does not prevent people carrying out daily activities; (ii) an illness that oscillates between symptomatic and asymptomatic phases; and, (iii) a condition where disease agents are present in the body but remain hidden, without signs and symptoms, until something triggers their manifestation. Furthermore, this form of hidden malaria was reported to be most present in those living in the same compound with a malaria case (71%). CONCLUSION Treating asymptomatic malaria with pharmaceuticals was considered acceptable. However, people felt uncertain to take treatment without screening for malaria first, largely due to the lack of symptoms. Knowledge of asymptomatic malaria was not a strong re-inforcement for treatment adherence. In this study, the pre-intervention active engagement of communities existed of having people co-design accurate information messages about their personal risk of malaria, which increased their trust in expert knowledge and thus proved essential for the successful implementation of the community-based intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatou Jaiteh
- Medical Anthropology Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
- Medical Research Council Unit the Gambia at the London, School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia.
- Faculty of Social and Behavioural Science, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Yoriko Masunaga
- Medical Anthropology Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Faculty of Social and Behavioural Science, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joseph Okebe
- Medical Research Council Unit the Gambia at the London, School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Umberto D'Alessandro
- Medical Research Council Unit the Gambia at the London, School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Julie Balen
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - John Bradley
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Charlotte Gryseels
- Medical Anthropology Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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12
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Rigopoulos N, Thomou E, Kouloumpis Α, Lamprou ER, Petropoulea V, Gournis D, Poulios E, Karantonis HC, Giaouris E. Optimization of Silver Nanoparticle Synthesis by Banana Peel Extract Using Statistical Experimental Design, and Testing of their Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2018; 20:858-873. [PMID: 30526454 DOI: 10.2174/1389201020666181210113654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using Banana Peel Extract (BPE), and characterized using UV- Vis absorbance spectroscopy, X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). UV-Vis absorbance spectroscopy showed the characteristic plasmon resonance of AgNPs at 433 nm. The synthesized AgNPs were tested for their antibacterial and antioxidant properties. METHODS Nanoparticle size (between 5 and 9 nm) was measured using AFM, whereas their crystallinity was shown by XRD. FTIR identified the ligands that surround the nanoparticle surface. The synthesis conditions were optimised using Central Composite Design (CCD) under Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Silver nitrate (AgNO3) and BPE concentrations (0.25-2.25 mM, 0.2-1.96 % v/v respectively), incubation period (24-120 h) and pH level (2.3-10.1) were chosen as the four independent factors. The fitting parameters (i.e. the wavelength at peak maximum, the peak area, and the peak width) of a Voigt function of the UV- Vis spectra were chosen as the responses. The antibacterial properties of the AgNPs were tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using the tube dilution test. The synthesized nanoparticles were tested for total phenolic composition (TPC) using the Folin - Ciocalteau method, whereas their radical scavenging activity using the 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical assay. RESULTS An optimum combination of all independent factors was identified (BPE concentration 1.7 % v/v, AgNO3 concentration 1.75 mM, incubation period 48 h, pH level 4.3), giving minimum peak wavelength and peak width. The nanoparticles inhibited the growth of E. coli, whereas S. aureus growth was not affected. However, no superiority of AgNPs compared to AgNO3 used for their fabrication (1.75 mM), with respect to antibacterial action, could be here demonstrated. AgNPs were found to present moderate antioxidant activity (44.71± 3.01%), as measured using DPPH assay, while the BPE (used for their fabrication) presented alone (100%) an antioxidant action equal to 86±1%, something expected due to its higher total phenolic content (TPC) compared to that of nanoparticles. CONCLUSION Altogether, the results of this study highlight the potential of an eco-friendly method to synthesize nanoparticles and its promising optimization through statistical experimental design. Future research on the potential influence of other synthesis parameters on nanoparticles yield and properties could further promote their useful biological activities towards their successful application in the food industry and other settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nickolas Rigopoulos
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, Mitropoliti Ioakim 2, Myrina Lemnos, 81400, Greece
| | - Eleni Thomou
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Αntonios Kouloumpis
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Eleni Rafaela Lamprou
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, Mitropoliti Ioakim 2, Myrina Lemnos, 81400, Greece
| | - Varvara Petropoulea
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, Mitropoliti Ioakim 2, Myrina Lemnos, 81400, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Gournis
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Efthymios Poulios
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, Mitropoliti Ioakim 2, Myrina Lemnos, 81400, Greece
| | - Haralampos C Karantonis
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, Mitropoliti Ioakim 2, Myrina Lemnos, 81400, Greece
| | - Efstathios Giaouris
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, Mitropoliti Ioakim 2, Myrina Lemnos, 81400, Greece
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13
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Rajkovic O, Potjewyd G, Pinteaux E. Regenerative Medicine Therapies for Targeting Neuroinflammation After Stroke. Front Neurol 2018; 9:734. [PMID: 30233484 PMCID: PMC6129611 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is a major pathological event following ischemic stroke that contributes to secondary brain tissue damage leading to poor functional recovery. Following the initial ischemic insult, post-stroke inflammatory damage is driven by initiation of a central and peripheral innate immune response and disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), both of which are triggered by the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and infiltration of circulating immune cells. Stroke therapies are limited to early cerebral blood flow reperfusion, and whilst current strategies aim at targeting neurodegeneration and/or neuroinflammation, innovative research in the field of regenerative medicine aims at developing effective treatments that target both the acute and chronic phase of inflammation. Anti-inflammatory regenerative strategies include the use of nanoparticles and hydrogels, proposed as therapeutic agents and as a delivery vehicle for encapsulated therapeutic biological factors, anti-inflammatory drugs, stem cells, and gene therapies. Biomaterial strategies-through nanoparticles and hydrogels-enable the administration of treatments that can more effectively cross the BBB when injected systemically, can be injected directly into the brain, and can be 3D-bioprinted to create bespoke implants within the site of ischemic injury. In this review, these emerging regenerative and anti-inflammatory approaches will be discussed in relation to ischemic stroke, with a perspective on the future of stroke therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivera Rajkovic
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Geoffrey Potjewyd
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Emmanuel Pinteaux
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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14
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Persky S, Kistler WD, Klein WMP, Ferrer RA. Internet Versus Virtual Reality Settings for Genomics Information Provision. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2018; 22:7-14. [PMID: 29932735 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2017.0453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Current models of genomic information provision will be unable to handle large-scale clinical integration of genomic information, as may occur in primary care settings. Therefore, adoption of digital tools for genetic and genomic information provision is anticipated, primarily using Internet-based, distributed approaches. The emerging consumer communication platform of virtual reality (VR) is another potential intermediate approach between face-to-face and distributed Internet platforms to engage in genomics education and information provision. This exploratory study assessed whether provision of genomics information about body weight in a simulated, VR-based consultation (relative to a distributed, Internet platform) would be associated with differences in health behavior-related attitudes and beliefs, and interpersonal reactions to the avatar-physician. We also assessed whether outcomes differed depending upon whether genomic versus lifestyle-oriented information was conveyed. There were significant differences between communication platforms for all health behavior-oriented outcomes. Following communication in the VR setting, participants reported greater self-efficacy, dietary behavioral intentions, and exercise behavioral intentions than in the Internet-based setting. There were no differences in trust of the physician by setting, and no interaction between setting effects and the content of the information. This study was a first attempt to examine the potential capabilities of a VR-based communication setting for conveying genomic content in the context of weight management. There may be benefits to use of VR settings for communication about genomics, as well as more traditional health information, when it comes to influencing the attitudes and beliefs that underlie healthy lifestyle behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Persky
- 1 Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - William D Kistler
- 1 Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - William M P Klein
- 2 Behavioral Research Program, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Rebecca A Ferrer
- 3 Basic Biobehavioral and Psychological Sciences Branch, Behavioral Research Program, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
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15
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Birch PH. Interactive e-counselling for genetics pre-test decisions: where are we now? Clin Genet 2014; 87:209-17. [PMID: 24828354 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Revised: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In-person genetic counselling (GC) is the model typically used to provide patients with information regarding their genetic testing options. Current and emerging demand for genetic testing may overburden the health care system and exceed the available numbers of genetic counsellors. Furthermore, GC is not always available at times and places convenient for patients. There is little evidence that the in-person model alone is always optimal and alternatives to in-person GC have been studied in genetics and other areas of health care. This review summarizes the published evidence between 1994 and March 2014 for interactive e-learning and decisional support e-tools that could be used in pre-test GC. A total of 21 papers from 15 heterogeneous studies of interactive e-learning tools, with or without decision aids, were reviewed. Study populations, designs, and outcomes varied widely but most used an e-tool as an adjunct to conventional GC. Knowledge acquisition and decisional comfort were achieved and the e-tools were generally well-accepted by users. In a time when health care budgets are constrained and availability of GC is limited, research is needed to determine the specific circumstances in which e-tools might replace or supplement some of the functions of genetic counsellors.
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Affiliation(s)
- P H Birch
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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16
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Condit CM, Shen L. Public understanding of risks from gene-environment interaction in common diseases: implications for public communications. Public Health Genomics 2010; 14:115-24. [PMID: 20714109 DOI: 10.1159/000314915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2009] [Accepted: 05/06/2010] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Public understanding of the relationship between health behaviors and genes is likely to affect the motivational impact of learning information about one's own genes. Extant research has featured difficulty measuring public understandings of this relationship. This essay explores public understanding of the relationship between genes and behavior, especially with regard to the mathematical relationships to risk concept. It contributes a psychometrically valid scale for measuring beliefs about gene- behavior relationships. METHODS Three population representative surveys (n = 633, 658, 1,218) were conducted using the Knowledge Networks panel platform. RESULTS Interpretations of risk vary depending on whether genes and behavior are conceived of as health-damaging (loss frame) or health-protecting (gain frame). In the loss frame, the majority of the population adopts an additive model of the relationship with approximately one-third adopting an amplificative model. In the gain frame, beliefs are divided roughly equally among additive, amplificative and sub-additive models. Scores on the nonmathematically based scale indicate higher belief in the existence of interaction than scores on the more concrete question format. CONCLUSIONS The existence of different interpretations of gene-behavior relationships based on gain/loss frame and abstract/concrete modes indicates the need to select frame and mode carefully in both teaching and research. Research is needed to identify optimal configurations for teaching and presenting this relatively complex material.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Condit
- Department of Speech Communication, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-1725, USA.
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17
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Conveying Genetic Risk to Teenagers. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-5800-6_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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Persky S, McBride CM. Immersive virtual environment technology: a promising tool for future social and behavioral genomics research and practice. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2009; 24:677-682. [PMID: 20183376 PMCID: PMC2829714 DOI: 10.1080/10410230903263982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Social and behavioral research needs to get started now if scientists are to direct genomic discoveries to address pressing public health problems. Advancing social and behavioral science will require innovative and rigorous communication methodologies that move researchers beyond reliance on traditional tools and their inherent limitations. One such emerging research tool is immersive virtual environment technology (virtual reality), a methodology that gives researchers the ability to maintain high experimental control and mundane realism of scenarios; portray and manipulate complex, abstract objects and concepts; and implement innovative implicit behavioral measurement. This report suggests the role that immersive virtual environment technology can play in furthering future research in genomics-related education, decision making, test intentions, behavior change, and health-care provider behaviors. Practical implementation and challenges are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Persky
- Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
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19
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Kaphingst KA, Persky S, McCall C, Lachance C, Loewenstein J, Beall AC, Blascovich J. Testing the effects of educational strategies on comprehension of a genomic concept using virtual reality technology. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2009; 77:224-30. [PMID: 19409749 PMCID: PMC2794484 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2009.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2008] [Revised: 01/29/2009] [Accepted: 03/24/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Applying genetic susceptibility information to improve health will likely require educating patients about abstract concepts, for which there is little existing research. This experimental study examined the effect of learning mode on comprehension of a genomic concept. METHODS 156 individuals aged 18-40 without specialized knowledge were randomly assigned to either a virtual reality active learning or didactic learning condition. The outcome was comprehension (recall, transfer, mental models). RESULTS Change in recall was greater for didactic learning than for active learning (p<0.001). Mean transfer and change in mental models were also higher for didactic learning (p<0.0001 and p<0.05, respectively). Believability was higher for didactic learning (p<0.05), while ratings for motivation (p<0.05), interest (p<0.0001), and enjoyment (p<0.0001) were higher for active learning, but these variables did not mediate the association between learning mode and comprehension. CONCLUSION These results show that learning mode affects comprehension, but additional research is needed regarding how and in what contexts different approaches are best for educating patients about abstract concepts. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Didactic, interpersonal health education approaches may be more effective than interactive games in educating patients about abstract, unfamiliar concepts. These findings indicate the importance of traditional health education approaches in emerging areas like genomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Kaphingst
- Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Persky S, Kaphingst KA, McCall C, Lachance C, Beall AC, Blascovich J. Presence relates to distinct outcomes in two virtual environments employing different learning modalities. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 12:263-8. [PMID: 19366319 DOI: 10.1089/cpb.2008.0262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Presence in virtual learning environments (VLEs) has been associated with a number of outcome factors related to a user's ability and motivation to learn. The extant but relatively small body of research suggests that a high level of presence is related to better performance on learning outcomes in VLEs. Different configurations of form and content variables such as those associated with active (self-driven, interactive activities) versus didactic (reading or lecture) learning may, however, influence how presence operates and on what content it operates. We compared the influence of presence between two types of immersive VLEs (i.e., active versus didactic techniques) on comprehension and engagement-related outcomes. The findings revealed that the active VLE promoted greater presence. Although we found no relationship between presence and learning comprehension outcomes for either virtual environment, presence was related to information engagement variables in the didactic immersive VLE but not the active environment. Results demonstrate that presence is not uniformly elicited or effective across immersive VLEs. Educational delivery mode and environment complexity may influence the impact of presence on engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Persky
- National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
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