VA Palo Alto Healthcare System

About: VA Palo Alto Healthcare System is a healthcare organization based out in Palo Alto, California, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 2548 authors who have published 4605 publications receiving 209938 citations.

Sleep Disturbance in Euthymic Bipolar Patients

Abstract: Sleep disturbance is a common feature during mood episodes in bipolar disorder. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of such symptoms among euthymic bipolar patients, and their association with risk for mood episode recurrence. A cohort of bipolar I and II subjects participating in the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder who were euthymic for at least 8 weeks were included in this analysis. Survival analysis was used to examine the association between sleep disturbance on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and recurrence risk. A total of 73/483 bipolar I and II subjects reported at least mild sleep disturbance (MADRS sleep item ≥2) for the week prior to study entry. The presence of sleep problems was associated with a history of psychosis, number of previous suicide attempts, and anticonvulsant use. Sleep disturbance at study entry was significantly associated with risk for mood episode recurrence. Sleep disturbance is not uncommon between episodes for individuals with bipolar disorder and may be associated with a more severe course of illness. This suggests that sleep disturbance is an important prodromal symptom of bipolar disorder and should be considered a target for pharmacologic or psychosocial maintenance treatment.

Ethnic differences in beliefs regarding Alzheimer disease among dementia family caregivers.

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine ethnic differences in female dementia family caregivers' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about Alzheimer disease (AD). Methods: Baseline data were collected from 215 female caregivers before their participation in various psychoeducational intervention programs. Caregivers were questioned about the epidemiology, etiology, and treatment of AD. Logistic regressions and one-way analysis of variance were conducted to assess ethnic differences. Results: Hispanic and Chinese caregivers were more likely to believe that AD is a normal part of aging and that AD can be diagnosed by a blood test than the white group. These beliefs about AD may delay help-seeking activities for these patients and their family caregivers. Conclusion: Increased public education about AD is needed in these communities. Results are discussed in terms of barriers to accessing information about AD and ways to improve public informational outreach activities, so that the intended audiences are reached more effectively.

Flexor tendon tissue engineering: acellularization of human flexor tendons with preservation of biomechanical properties and biocompatibility.

Abstract: Objective: Acellular human tendons are a candidate scaffold for tissue engineering flexor tendons of the hand This study compared acellularization methods and their compatibility with allogeneic human cells Method: Human flexor tendons were pretreated with 01% ethylenediaminetetracetic acid (EDTA) for 4 h followed by 24 h treatments of 1% Triton X-100, 1% tri(n-butyl)phosphate, or 01% or 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in 01% EDTA Outcomes were assessed histologically by hematoxylin and eosin and SYTO green fluorescent nucleic acid stains and biochemically by a QIAGEN DNeasy kit, Sircol collagen assay, and 1,9 dimethylmethylene blue glycosaminoglycan assay Mechanical data were collected using a Materials Testing System to pull to failure tendons acellularized with 01% SDS Acellularized tendons were re-seeded in a suspension of human dermal fibroblasts Attachment of viable cells to acellularized tendon was assessed biochemically by a cell viability assay and histologically by a live/dead stain D