1.
Models of communication for polygenic scores and associated psychosocial and behavioral effects on recipients: A systematic review.
Wallingford, CK, Kovilpillai, H, Jacobs, C, Turbitt, E, Primiero, CA, Young, MA, Brockman, DG, Soyer, HP, McInerney-Leo, AM, Yanes, T
Genetics in medicine : official journal of the American College of Medical Genetics. 2023;(1):1-11
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to systematically review current models for communicating polygenic scores (PGS) and psycho-behavioral outcomes of receiving PGSs. METHODS Original research on communicating PGSs and reporting on psycho-behavioral outcomes was included. Search terms were applied to 5 databases and were limited by date (2009-2021). RESULTS In total, 28 articles, representing 17 studies in several disease settings were identified. There was limited consistency in PGS communication and evaluation/reporting of outcomes. Most studies (n = 14) presented risk in multiple ways (ie, numerically, verbally, and/or visually). Three studies provided personalized lifestyle advice and additional resources. Only 1 of 17 studies reported using behavior change theory to inform their PGS intervention. A total of 8 studies found no evidence of long-term negative psychosocial effects up to 12 months post result. Of 14 studies reporting on behavior, 9 found at least 1 favorable change after PGS receipt. When stratified by risk, 7 out of 9 studies found high PGS was associated with favorable changes including lifestyle, medication, and screening. Low-risk PGS was not associated with maladaptive behaviors (n = 4). CONCLUSION PGS has the potential to benefit health behavior. High variability among studies emphasizes the need for developing standardized guidelines for communicating PGSs and evaluating psycho-behavioral outcomes. Our findings call for development of best communication practices and evidence-based interventions informed by behavior change theories.
2.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Pediatric Adherence and Self-Management.
Plevinsky, JM, Young, MA, Carmody, JK, Durkin, LK, Gamwell, KL, Klages, KL, Ghosh, S, Hommel, KA
Journal of pediatric psychology. 2020;(9):977-982
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unique circumstances that have the potential to both positively and negatively affect pediatric adherence and self-management in youth with chronic medical conditions. The following paper discusses how these circumstances (e.g., stay-at-home orders, school closures, changes in pediatric healthcare delivery) impact disease management at the individual, family, community, and healthcare system levels. We also discuss how barriers to pediatric adherence and self-management exacerbated by the pandemic may disproportionately affect underserved and vulnerable populations, potentially resulting in greater health disparities. Given the potential for widespread challenges to pediatric disease management during the pandemic, ongoing monitoring and promotion of adherence and self-management is critical. Technology offers several opportunities for this via telemedicine, electronic monitoring, and mobile apps. Moreover, pediatric psychologists are uniquely equipped to develop and implement adherence-promotion efforts to support youth and their families in achieving and sustaining optimal disease management as the current public health situation continues to evolve. Research efforts addressing the short- and long-term impact of the pandemic on pediatric adherence and self-management are needed to identify both risk and resilience factors affecting disease management and subsequent health outcomes during this unprecedented time.
3.
Effects of obeticholic acid on lipoprotein metabolism in healthy volunteers.
Pencek, R, Marmon, T, Roth, JD, Liberman, A, Hooshmand-Rad, R, Young, MA
Diabetes, obesity & metabolism. 2016;(9):936-40
Abstract
The bile acid analogue obeticholic acid (OCA) is a selective farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist in development for treatment of several chronic liver diseases. FXR activation regulates lipoprotein homeostasis. The effects of OCA on cholesterol and lipoprotein metabolism in healthy individuals were assessed. Two phase I studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of repeated oral doses of 5, 10 or 25 mg OCA on lipid variables after 14 or 20 days of consecutive administration in 68 healthy adults. Changes in HDL and LDL cholesterol levels were examined, in addition to nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of particle sizes and sub-fraction concentrations. OCA elicited changes in circulating cholesterol and particle size of LDL and HDL. OCA decreased HDL cholesterol and increased LDL cholesterol, independently of dose. HDL particle concentrations declined as a result of a reduction in medium and small HDL. Total LDL particle concentrations increased because of an increase in large LDL particles. Changes in lipoprotein metabolism attributable to OCA in healthy individuals were found to be consistent with previously reported changes in patients receiving OCA with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
4.
The effect of topical wheatgrass cream on chronic plantar fasciitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Young, MA, Cook, JL, Webster, KE
Complementary therapies in medicine. 2006;(1):3-9
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the efficacy of a topical wheatgrass cream for improving pain and function in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. DESIGN Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING Eighty participants with chronic plantar fasciitis were randomly assigned to a treatment group (wheatgrass cream) or a control group (placebo cream). All participants applied a cream twice daily for 6 weeks. Follow up was conducted at 6 and 12 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for daily first-step pain and the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) for overall foot function. Secondary measures of foot posture, calf muscle strength and range of ankle dorsiflexion were also assessed. RESULTS No significant differences were found between groups with respect to main outcomes of first-step pain or foot function at any time. Both groups improved significantly from baseline to 6 weeks, and these improvements were maintained at 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS The topical application of wheatgrass cream is no more effective than a placebo cream for the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis.