Loma Linda University

About: Loma Linda University is a education organization based out in Loma Linda, California, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Medicine. The organization has 9220 authors who have published 13485 publications receiving 447094 citations. The organization is also known as: University of Loma Linda.

Accuracy and predictability of intraocular lens power calculation after laser in situ keratomileusis.

Abstract: Purpose To study the accuracy and predictability of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation in eyes that had laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Setting Gimbel Eye Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Methods Refractive outcomes in 6 cataract surgery and lensectomy eyes after previous LASIK were analyzed retrospectively. Target refractions based on measured and refraction-derived keratometric values were compared with postoperative achieved refractions. Differences between target refractions calculated using 5 IOL formulas and 2 A-constants and achieved refractions were also compared. Results The refractive error of IOL power calculation in postoperative LASIK eyes was significantly reduced when refraction-derived keratometric values were used for IOL power calculation. Persistent residual hyperopia still occurred in some cases; this was corrected by hyperopic LASIK. Refractive results appeared more accurate and predictable when the Holladay 2 or Binkhorst 2 formula was used for IOL power calculation. Conclusion Hyperopic error after cataract surgery in post-LASIK eyes was significantly reduced by using refraction-derived keratometric values for IOL power calculation. Persistent hyperopic error was corrected by hyperopic LASIK.

Predictors of Outpatient Mental Health Service Use—The Role of Foster Care Placement Change

Abstract: This study examined the relationship between placement change and outpatient mental health service use. It is based on (1) conceptual propositions about the impact of the foster care living context on mental health service use, and (2) empirical knowledge about the adverse consequences of placement change. Results of the study, which were based on a cohort of 570 children in foster care in San Diego County, suggest an association between placement changes in child welfare and use of outpatient mental health services. Specifically, an increase in the number of placement changes predicted a greater rate of outpatient mental health visits. The study further found that children who experienced behavior-related placement changes received more outpatient mental health visits than children who experienced placement changes for other reasons. Follow-up analyses of the 144 children who experienced any behavior-related placement changes further indicated that the rate of outpatient mental health service use almost doubled in the 90 days following the first behavior-related placement change. Findings from this study have implications for the practice, policy and research fields in child welfare as well as mental health.

Current Usage of Symbiosis and Associated Terminology

Abstract: Confusion has afflicted the definition of symbiosis for over 130 years. Despite the lack of discussion in recent times, the usage of symbiosis has evolved and appears to be stabilizing to broader interpretations. Current usage of symbiosis and its associated terminology in 10 current general biology (GB) and 10 general ecology (GE) textbooks is presented. The restrictive definition (i.e. symbiosis = mutualism) has essentially disappeared. All GB textbooks (100%) surveyed used an explicit or implicit “de Bary” definition of symbiosis (i.e. mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism), while only 40% of GE textbooks did the same. General ecology textbooks also included 30% defining symbiosis to constitute all species interactions and 30% that completely avoided usage of the term. When combining GB and GE textbooks to analyze symbiotic usage, 85% defined mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism as symbiotic interactions. Also, 70% considered a symbiosis to be a species interaction that is “intimate,” with 45% of those both “intimate and constant.” Unfortunately, only 5% used the terms ecto -/ endosymbiosis , which help discern intimacy and constancy in species interactions. Usage of symbiont (55%) was preferred over symbiote (0%). Predator and prey were defined as organisms (vs. animals) in 90% of GB and GE textbooks, while 55% and 75% described carnivores and herbivores as organisms, respectively. Only 25% discussed predation, parasitism, parasitoidism, and grazing/herbivory, with only one (5%) integrating these +/- agonistic interactions in relation to intimacy and lethality. Data reveals trend of biologists/ecologists using broader definitions.

Stigma and Shame Experiences by MSM Who Take PrEP for HIV Prevention: A Qualitative Study.

Abstract: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake has been extremely low among key groups. PrEP-related stigma and shaming are potential barriers to uptake and retention in PrEP programs. There is a lack of literature describing PrEP stigma. In order to fill this gap, we recruited online 43 HIV-negative Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) who use PrEP. Semistructured interviews were conducted to explore their perceptions and experience of stigma related to PrEP use. Data were analyzed using Strauss and Corbin's grounded theory and constant comparison techniques to enhance understanding of the lived experiences of MSM who use PrEP. The participants experienced PrEP stigma as rejection by potential/actual partners, stereotypes of promiscuity or chemsex, and labeling of both the user and the medication. They connected PrEP stigma with HIV stigma, generational differences, moralization of condom use, and inability to embrace one's own sexuality. These findings point to a need to develop tailored interventions to address PrEP-related stigma and shaming for individuals, health-care professionals, and the MSM community-at-large.

Low frequency amplitude modulated microwave fields change calcium efflux rates from synaptosomes.

Abstract: Calcium (45Ca2+) efflux from preloaded synaptosomes was studied with a continuous perfusion technique and the rate constants of a two-phase efflux process calculated When 16-Hz sinusoidally amplitude modulated 450-MHz microwave field (maximal incident intensity 05 mW/cm2, modulation depth 75%) was applied during the second phase, the rate constant increased by 38% Unmodulated or 60-Hz modulated signals were not effective This microwave field-induced change can be distinguished from CaCl2-stimulated 45Ca2+ efflux which is most probably derived intracellularly These data suggest that the microwave-field induced change in calcium efflux probably did not involve intracellular calcium Also, this change in the dynamic property of synaptosomes did not require gross anatomically intact tissue as a substrate for field-tissue interaction