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Anhedonia, but not Irritability, Is Associated with Illness Severity Outcomes in Adolescent Major Depression

Gabbay, Vilma; Johnson, Amy R; Alonso, Carmen M; Evans, Lori K; Babb, James S; Klein, Rachel G
OBJECTIVES: Unlike adult major depressive disorder (MDD) which requires anhedonia or depressed mood for diagnosis, adolescent MDD can be sufficiently diagnosed with irritability in the absence of the former symptoms. In addition, the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) schema does not account for the interindividual variability of symptom severity among depressed adolescents. This practice has contributed to the high heterogeneity and diagnostic complexity of adolescent MDD. Here, we sought to examine relationships between two core symptoms of adolescent M
PMCID:4403015
PMID: 25802984
ISSN: 1557-8992
CID: 1513952

Methylphenidate effects on functional outcomes in the Preschoolers with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Treatment Study (PATS)

Abikoff, Howard B; Vitiello, Benedetto; Riddle, Mark A; Cunningham, Charles; Greenhill, Laurence L; Swanson, James M; Chuang, Shirley Z; Davies, Mark; Kastelic, Elizabeth; Wigal, Sharon B; Evans, Lori; Ghuman, Jaswinder K; Kollins, Scott H; McCracken, James T; McGough, James J; Murray, Desiree W; Posner, Kelly; Skrobala, Anne M; Wigal, Tim
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of methylphenidate (MPH) on functional outcomes, including children's social skills, classroom behavior, emotional status, and parenting stress, during the 4-week, double-blind placebo controlled phase of the Preschoolers with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Treatment Study (PATS). METHODS: A total of 114 preschoolers who had improved with acute MPH treatment, were randomized to their best MPH dose (M = 14.22 mg/day; n = 63) or placebo (PL; n = 51). Assessments included the Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S), parent and teacher versions of the Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD-Symptoms and Normal Behaviors (SWAN), Social Competence Scale (SCS), Social Skills Rating System (SSRS), and Early Childhood Inventory (ECI), and Parenting Stress Index (PSI). RESULTS: Medication effects varied by informant and outcome measure. Parent measures and teacher SWAN scores did not differentially improve with MPH. Parent-rated depression (p < 0.02) and dysthymia (p < 0.001) on the ECI worsened with MPH, but scores were not in the clinical range. Significant medication effects were found on clinician CGI-S (p < 0.0001) and teacher social competence ratings (SCS, p < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Preschoolers with ADHD treated with MPH for 4 weeks improve in some aspects of functioning. Additional improvements might require longer treatment, higher doses, and/or intensive behavioral treatment in combination with medication
PMID: 17979579
ISSN: 1044-5463
CID: 76332

Comorbidity moderates response to methylphenidate in the Preschoolers with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Treatment Study (PATS)

Ghuman, Jaswinder K; Riddle, Mark A; Vitiello, Benedetto; Greenhill, Laurence L; Chuang, Shirley Z; Wigal, Sharon B; Kollins, Scott H; Abikoff, Howard B; McCracken, James T; Kastelic, Elizabeth; Scharko, Alexander M; McGough, James J; Murray, Desiree W; Evans, Lori; Swanson, James M; Wigal, Tim; Posner, Kelly; Cunningham, Charles; Davies, Mark; Skrobala, Anne M
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine whether demographic or pretreatment clinical and social characteristics influenced the response to methylphenidate (MPH) in the Preschoolers with ADHD Treatment Study (PATS). METHODS: Exploratory moderator analyses were conducted on the efficacy data from the PATS 5-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled six-site titration trial. Children (N = 165, age 3-5.5 years) were randomized to 1 week each of four MPH doses (1.25, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 mg) and placebo administered three times per day (t.i.d.). We assessed the fixed effects on the average slope in the regression outcome on moderators, weight-adjusted dose, and the moderator-by-dose interaction using SAS PROC GENMOD. RESULTS: A significant interaction effect was found for a number of co-morbid disorders diagnosed in the preschoolers at baseline (p = 0.005). Preschoolers with three or more co-morbid disorders did not respond to MPH (Cohen's d at 7.5 mg dose relative to placebo = -0.37) compared to a significant response in the preschoolers with 0, 1, or 2 co-morbid disorders (Cohen's d = 0.89, 1.00, and 0.56, respectively). Preschoolers with more co-morbidity were found to have more family adversity. No significant interaction effect was found with the other variables. CONCLUSIONS: In preschoolers with ADHD, the presence of no or one co-morbid disorder (primarily oppositional defiant disorder) predicted a large treatment response at the same level as has been found in school-aged children, and two co-morbid disorders predicted moderate treatment response; whereas the presence of three or more co-morbid disorders predicted no treatment response to MPH
PMID: 17979578
ISSN: 1044-5463
CID: 78407

Communities' readiness for health information exchange: the National Landscape in 2004

Overhage, J Marc; Evans, Lori; Marchibroda, Janet
BACKGROUND: The Secretary of Health and Human Services recently released a report calling for the nation to create a national health information network (NHIN) that would interconnect Regional Health Information Organizations (RHIOs). These RHIOs, which others have called Local or Regional Health Information Infrastructures (LHII), would in turn interconnect local as well as national health information resources. Little data exist about the activities taking place in communities to create LHIIs. APPROACH: The authors analyzed data that communities submitted in response to a request for capabilities issued by the Foundation for eHealth as part of their Connecting Communities for Better Health program using descriptive statistics and subjective evaluation. IMPRESSION: The authors analyzed data from 134 responses from communities in 42 states and the District of Columbia. Communities are enthusiastic about moving forward with health information exchange to create LHIIs to improve the efficiency, quality, and safety of care. They have identified significant local sources of investment and plan to use some clinical data standards but not as broadly as was expected. The communities have not yet developed the specific technical approaches or the sustainable business models that will be required. Many communities are interested in creating an LHII and are developing the leadership commitment needed to translate that interest into an operational reality. Clinical information standards can be incorporated into a community's plans as often as they need to be. Communities have to overcome funding issues, develop deeper understanding of the technical and organizational issues, and aggressively share their learning to succeed within their community and to help other communities succeed
PMCID:551542
PMID: 15561785
ISSN: 1067-5027
CID: 78408

TGFbeta1 enhances formation of cellular Abeta/apoE deposits in vascular myocytes

Mazur-Kolecka, Bozena; Frackowiak, Janusz; Le Vine, Harry 3rd; Haske, Taraneh; Evans, Lori; Sukontasup, Thirasak; Golabek, Adam
Brain injury increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) through unknown mechanisms. We studied deposition of amyloid-beta protein (Abeta) in cells exposed to transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1), a cytokine that regulates cell metabolism during brain injury, and apolipoproteinE (apoE), the major lipid transporter in the brain. The studies were conducted by using brain vascular smooth muscle cells that are engaged in beta-amyloidosis in vivo and produce Abeta in cell culture. We found that cell treatment with TGFbeta1 together with apoE4 strongly increased the amount of cellular Abeta. The intracellular Abeta co-localized with apoE but not with TGFbeta, similarly as in vascular beta-amyloid. Some cellular Abeta/apoE deposits increased in size and persisted in culture even after the TGFbeta1 and apoE4 were removed. The appearance of cellular deposits of Abeta was associated with increased production of the amyloid-beta precursor protein and cellular retention of its mature form. The results suggest that the concomitant presence of apoE and TGFbeta1 can trigger vascular beta-amyloidosis by inducing intracellular formation of stable Abeta/apoE deposits
PMID: 12498970
ISSN: 0197-4580
CID: 78409

Helping your child manage test anxiety

Evans, Lori
ORIGINAL:0009458
ISSN: n/a
CID: 1451012

Elderly patients memories of physical restraint use in the intensive care unit (ICU) [Letter]

Happ, M B; Kagan, S H; Strumpf, N E; Evans, L K; Sullivan-Marx, E
PMID: 11548573
ISSN: 1062-3264
CID: 166715

Initiation of physical restraint in nursing home residents following restraint reduction efforts

Sullivan-Marx, E M; Strumpf, N E; Evans, L K; Baumgarten, M; Maislin, G
In this pilot study a one group pretest posttest design was employed to identify resident characteristics and environmental factors associated with initiation of physical restraint. Predictors of restraint initiation for older adults were examined using secondary analysis of an existing data set of nursing home residents who were subjected to a federal mandate and significant restraint reduction efforts. Lower cognitive status (OR = 1.5 [for every 7-point decrease in Mini-Mental State Examination], 95% CI = 1.0, 2.1) and a higher ratio of licensed nursing personnel (OR = 3.7, 95% CI = 1.2, 11.9) were predictive of restraint initiation. Key findings suggest that restraint initiation occurs, despite significant restraint reduction efforts, when a nursing home resident is cognitively impaired or when more licensed nursing personnel (predominantly licensed practical nurses) are available for resident care. Achievement of restraint-free care in nursing homes requires specific and individualized approaches for residents who are cognitively impaired, as well as greater attention to staff mix of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nursing aides.
PMID: 10520189
ISSN: 0160-6891
CID: 166719

Predictors of continued physical restraint use in nursing home residents following restraint reduction efforts

Sullivan-Marx, E M; Strumpf, N E; Evans, L K; Baumgarten, M; Maislin, G
OBJECTIVES: To examine predictors of continued restraint use in nursing home residents following efforts aimed at restraint reduction. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of data from a clinical trial using a one-group, pre-test post-test design. SETTING: Three nonprofit, religion-affiliated nursing homes in a metropolitan area. PARTICIPANTS: The sample consisted of 201 physically restrained nursing home residents. Following restraint reduction efforts, 135 of the sample were still restrained. Mean age of participants was 83.9 years. MEASUREMENTS: Physical restraint use was measured by observation and included any chest/vest, wrist, mitt, belt, crotch, suit, or harness restraint plus any sheet used as restraint or a geriatric chair with fixed tray table. Nursing home residents were subjected to any one of three conditions aimed at restraint reduction, including adherence to the mandate of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA '87), staff education, and education with consultation from a gerontological clinical nurse specialist. Resident characteristics including dependency, health status, mental status, depression, behavior, fall risk; presence of treatment devices and institutional factors were determined. RESULTS: Physical dependency, lower cognitive status, behavior, presence of treatment devices, presence of psychiatric disorders, fall risk, and fall risk as staff rationale for restraint were associated (P < .10) with continued restraint use. Nursing hours, staff mix, prevalence of restraint use by unit, and site were also associated (P < .10) with continued use of physical restraints. Following bivariate analysis, associated resident characteristics were subjected to logistic regression. Lower cognitive status (OR = 2.4 (for every 7-point decrease in MMSE), 95% CI, 1.7, 3.3) and fall risk as staff rationale for restraint (OR = 3.5, 95% CI., 1.5, 8.0) were predictive of continued restraint use. Adding nursing hours, staff mix, and prevalence of restraint use by unit to the logistic regression model was not statistically significant (partial chi-square = 2.79, df = 6, P = .834). Nursing home site was added to the model without changing the significance (P < .05) of cognitive status or fall risk as a staff rationale for restraint use. CONCLUSION: Continued restraint use in nursing home residents in this study most often occurred with severe cognitive impairment and/or when fall risk was considered by staff as a rationale for restraint. Efforts to reduce or eliminate physical restraint use with these groups will require greater efforts to educate staff in the assessment and analysis of fall risk, along with targeted interventions, particularly when cognition is also impaired.
PMID: 10078898
ISSN: 0002-8614
CID: 166720

The CARE Program: a nurse-managed collaborative outpatient program to improve function of frail older people. Collaborative Assessment and Rehabilitation for Elders

Evans, L K; Yurkow, J; Siegler, E L
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Frail older adults are especially vulnerable in a health system that is fragmented and fails to focus on preservation or restoration of function. The School of Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania, together with the School of Medicine and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, established the Collaborative Assessment and Rehabilitation for Elders (CARE) Program to meet the needs of this population. We used the British Day Hospital as a model because it provides a comprehensive approach to care and a bridge between acute, home-based, and institutional long-term care. We have designed our program to provide innovative, interdisciplinary care as well as to be reimbursable under current and future payment structures. This nurse-managed, collaborative practice seeks to maximize independent functioning, promote health, and enhance quality of life for chronically ill, frail older adults living in the community whose needs are left unmet by existing services. The program was certified as a Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility (CORF) in December 1993 to maximize reimbursement of services through Medicare and other third party payers. With a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner as care manager, clients receive an intensive, individualized, time-limited program of nursing, rehabilitation, mental health, social, and medical services in one setting several days each week. Additional geriatric services, such as primary care, are available in the same location when needed. SETTING: The program is housed in renovated space devoted to the care of older people. The academic and clinical offices of the University of Pennsylvania's nursing and medical gerontologic and geriatric faculty are in the same building. PARTICIPANTS: We have targeted those persons older than age 65 who have complex health problems and are living at home. Individuals must need multiple services, including at least one rehabilitation therapy, and they must be unsuitable-for inpatient rehabilitation. DESCRIPTION OF THE POPULATION: In its first 8 months of operation, the program received 97 referrals and admitted 53 clients. Clients were, on average, 78 years of age. Over three-fourths (77%) were women and 58% were black. The average stay in the program was 6 weeks. FIM scores, which improved a mean of 2.4 points, were found to lack sensitivity to the functional improvements achieved by clients. CONCLUSION: Under existing Medicare and third party reimbursement policies, it is feasible to establish a nurse-managed comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation program designed to meet the needs of frail older persons. Preliminary data support the beneficial effects of the program as well as the economic feasibility of this approach.
PMID: 7560709
ISSN: 0002-8614
CID: 213102