Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J Grigsby

Publications and source records attributed to J Grigsby.

45 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

Neuroscience, modularity and personality theory: conceptual foundations of a model of complex human functioning.

The purpose of this paper is to lay the groundwork for the development of a scientific theory of complex human functioning. We first discuss the assumptions on which our thinking is based, then advance the argument that behavior, and human activity in general, may be more fully understood in light of current data on the structural organization of the central nervous system. The brain is organized as a modular, distributed, self-organizing system, which is in constant transaction with the environment. Because of its plasticity, structural and functional change occurs in the brain as a result of experience throughout life. It is our thesis that complex human behavior is organized in a similar manner - that is, human personality and behavior manifest themselves as modular systems. The insights provided by an understanding of the relationship of brain and behavior may enhance the capacity to explain both normal and pathological personality functioning.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1990

Prediction of independent functioning and behavior problems in geriatric patients.

Folstein's Mini Mental State Exam, a test assessing the capacity to perform novel and/or repetitive motor tasks (Behavioral Dyscontrol Scale) and a brief measure of working memory were used in a sample of 50 male Veterans Affairs geriatric clinic patients who ranged in age from 63 to 105 (mean, 80.1). The purpose of this study was to attempt to predict the patients' capacity to regulate their behavior independently. We hypothesized that frontal lobe disorders often impair a patient's ability to function autonomously and that the Behavioral Dyscontrol Scale, a measure of frontal lobe impairment, would best predict the capacity for independent regulation of purposeful behavior. Therefore, we examined the relationship of the Behavioral Dyscontrol Scale with spouses' and caregivers' ratings of patients' independent living skills, and with behaviors that interfere with independent functioning. The results of hierarchial regression analyses indicated that the Behavioral Dyscontrol Scale was the only predictor of functional autonomy and was the best predictor of both impulsivity and apathy among geriatric patients. The Behavioral Dyscontrol Scale appears to assess a different functional domain than do the MMSE and similar measures, which rely heavily on the evaluation of orientation and gross cognitive status.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Verbal learning and memory among heterozygous fragile X females.

In this paper we report the results of a brief examination of verbal learning and memory in 20 heterozygous fragile X [fra(X)] positive females and in 2 control groups of 20 subjects each. One control group was composed of fra(X)-negative mothers (obligate carriers) and sisters of male probands with fra(X) syndrome, while the other consisted of 14 head injured and 6 learning disabled females. Intellectual functioning was assessed by means of the Wechsler scales, and learning was assessed by several different clinical memory tests. Significant differences were found between groups on measures of short-term memory and learning efficiency. Groups did not differ on measures of cued recall or delayed recall. The findings are consistent with other data and suggest the possibility that central information processing and/or specific encoding processes are defective in persons with fra(X).

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Behavioral disturbance and impairment of executive functions among the elderly.

Among the elderly, measures of general cognitive ability are not consistently related to the capacity for independent functioning. Some elder patients perform well on global tests of cognition, yet demonstrate behavior that is disruptive to their lives and those of their families. The genesis of these behavior problems is poorly understood, and caregivers, both professional and non-professional, frequently attribute their behavior to wilful misconduct. We propose that there are sufficient data concerning the so-called executive functions of the brain and their impairment in both normal aging and various types of dementia, to support the hypothesis that many behavioral disturbances among demented older adults are a function of different degrees of loss of the capacity to engage in purposeful, goal-directed activity. The executive functions are complex, and include the capacities for planning, organization and active problem solving, and the ability to engage in purposeful, goal-directed behavior. Impaired executive functioning is common in dementia, but also may be present in the context of an age-related decline in the speed and capacity of information processing and varying levels of general cognitive impairment. We review data in support of this model, and discuss a patient whose case illustrates deficits in the independent regulation of behavior, an important executive function mediated primarily by the prefrontal area. In the discussion we address several hypotheses suggested by this perspective.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Rural telemedicine data/image transfer methods and purposes of interactive video sessions.

A national survey conducted for the Office of Rural Health Policy in 1995 identified 558 participants in rural telemedicine; 499 (89%) responded to a detailed follow-up survey to describe type of use. While 84% of respondents reported using interactive video, only 25% reported access to e-mail for exchange of data. The challenge to medical informatics is to connect dispersed providers, not just with videoconferencing, but also with other information-sharing methods.

Computer Communication Networks↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Adequate dietary calcium mitigates osteopenia induced by chronic lead exposure in adult rats.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate bone changes in the adult rat exposed to low lead levels during intake of normal dietary calcium and to contrast these findings with data from our earlier studies performed with animals receiving low dietary calcium concurrent with lead exposure. The present study exposed adult rats to 100 ppm lead via drinking water for 12 weeks and assessed bone histology, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, 25(OH)vitamin D and parathyroid hormone levels. No osteopenia was evident by quantitative bone histology, and circulating levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, 25(OH) vitamin D and parathyroid hormone were normal. Bone ash findings documented incorporation of significant amounts of lead into bone mineral. These findings document absence of interference with vitamin D metabolism, absence of secondary hyperparathyroidism and absence of osteopenia following 12 weeks of low lead exposure in the adult rat maintained on normal calcium intake. Results stress the importance of adequate calcium intake in our elderly population who may be exposed to cumulative, low-level lead exposure.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Incidence and correlates of depersonalization following head trauma.

Using the criteria of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R Dissociative Disorders (SCID-D), we assessed the incidence of feelings of unreality among a sample of 70 persons who had sustained head injuries. Among those whose head trauma could be classified as mild, more than 60% complained of a depersonalization syndrome. Among those with a significant period of unconsciousness, only 11% had similar complaints. There was a high comorbidity with post-traumatic stress disorder and vertigo. Feelings of unreality were not associated with cognitive impairment or elevated personality test scores, nor were there significant relationships with gender or involvement in litigation. A conservative estimate of incidence of depersonalization among persons with minor head trauma is 13%, while, at the upper end, as many as 67% of persons who sustain mild head injury may experience feelings of unreality.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Rural teleradiology: a snapshot.

A national survey was conducted among rural hospitals active in teleradiology and their affiliated health care providers to delineate the current status of rural telemedicine. 109 telemedicine programs were identified that use teleradiology as well as other telemedicine applications, and 340 programs were identified that use only teleradiology. Programs that use only teleradiology have been in operation longer than programs that combine teleradiology with other telemedicine services. Most teleradiology facilities are adjacent to small metropolitan areas or in more rural counties with a population of at least 2500. Only 22% of the teleradiology-only facilities spend more than $60,000 on initial equipment, and annual transmission costs average less than $4,000 for most facilities. Ordinary copper telephone lines are the transmission medium most commonly used for transfer of radiology images. Radiographs and CT scans are the types of studies most commonly transmitted, followed by MRI and nuclear medicine studies.

Diffusion of Innovation↗