MIRECC / CoE
2017 VISN 20 MIRECC Staff Research Articles and Presentations
VISN 20 MIRECC Staff Research Articles and Presentations
The findings of NW MIRECC research are disseminated through MIRECC Presents, lectures and presentations, and publications. Below is a list of publications and presentations by VISN 20 NW MIRECC researchers and fellowship program faculty that were published in 2017.Callahan, M., Binder, L., O’Neil, M., Zaccari, B., Roost, M., Golshan, S., … & Storzbach, D. (2017). Sensory sensitivity
ABSTRACT: To examine factors associated with noise and light sensitivity among returning Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) Veterans with a self-reported history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) due to blast exposure, we compared the self-report of noise and light sensitivity of 42 OEF/OIF Veterans diagnosed with mTBI resulting from combat blast-exposure to that of 36 blast-exposed OEF/OIF Veterans without a history of mTBI. Results suggest a statistically significant difference between Veterans with and without a history of mTBI in the experience of noise and light sensitivity, with sensory symptoms reported most frequently in the mTBI group.
Cao, J., Gaamouch, F., Meabon, J., Meeker, K., Zhu, L., Zhong, M., … & Cai, D. (2017). ApoE4-associated
ABSTRACT: The apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) genotype combines with traumatic brain injury (TBI) to increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease (AD). However, the underlying mechanism(s) is not well-understood. We found that after exposure to repetitive blast-induced TBI, phosphoinositol biphosphate (PIP2) levels in hippocampal regions of young ApoE3 mice were elevated and associated with reduction in expression of a PIP2 degrading enzyme, synaptojanin 1 (synj1). In contrast, hippocampal PIP2 levels in ApoE4 mice did not increase after blast TBI.
Cline, M., Yumul, J., Hysa, L., Murra, D., Garwin, G., Cook, D. G., … & Cross, D. (2017). Novel application of a Radial
ABSTRACT: The use of forced-swim, rat-validated cognition tests in mouse models of traumatic brain injury (TBI) raises methodological concerns; such models are vulnerable to a number of confounding factors including impaired motor function and stress-induced non-compliance (failure to swim). This study evaluated the ability of a Radial Water Tread (RWT) maze, designed specifically for mice, that requires no swimming to distinguish mice with controlled cortical impact (CCI) induced TBI and Sham controls.
Danziger, S., Miller, L., Singh, K., Whitney, G., Peskind, E. R., Li, G., … & Smith, J. (2017). An indicator cell assay
ABSTRACT: We have established proof of principle for the Indicator Cell Assay Platform™ (iCAP™), a broadly applicable tool for blood-based diagnostics that uses specifically-selected, standardized cells as biosensors, relying on their innate ability to integrate and respond to diverse signals present in patients’ blood. To develop an assay, indicator cells are exposed in vitro to serum from case or control subjects and their global differential response patterns are used to train reliable, disease classifiers based on a small number of features. In a feasibility study, the iCAP detected pre-symptomatic disease in a murine model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with 94% accuracy (p-Value = 3.81E-6) and correctly identified samples from a murine Huntington’s disease model as non-carriers of ALS.
Demidenko, M. I., Dobscha, S. K., Morasco, B. J., Meath, T. H. A., Ilgen, M. A., & Lovejoy, T. I. (2017). Suicidal ideation
ABSTRACT: Little is known about patient outcomes following discontinuation of opioid therapy, which may include suicidal ideation and suicidal self-directed violence. Five hundred-nine Veterans Health Administration (VHA) patients whose clinicians discontinued them from LTOT were selected from a national cohort of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) patients who discontinued opioids in 2012. The purpose of this study was to examine correlates of suicidal ideation and non-fatal suicidal self-directed violence in a sample of patients discontinued from long-term opioid therapy. Read full research: Suicidal ideation and suicidal self-directed violence following clinician-initiated prescription opioid discontinuation among long-term opioid users
Durazzo, T., Meyerhoff, D. J., Yoder, K. K., & Murray, D. (2017). Cigarette smoking is associated with amplified age-related
ABSTRACT: Magnetic resonance imaging studies of cigarette smoking-related effects on human brain structure have primarily employed voxel-based morphometry, and the most consistently reported finding was smaller volumes or lower density in anterior frontal regions and the insula. Much less is known about the effects of smoking on subcortical regions. We compared smokers and non-smokers on regional subcortical volumes, and predicted that smokers demonstrate greater age-related volume loss across subcortical regions than non-smokers.
Frank, J. W., Lovejoy, T. I., Becker, W. C., Morasco, B. J., Koenig, C. J., Hoffecker, L., ... Krebs, E. E. (2017). Patient
ABSTRACT: Expert guidelines recommend reducing or discontinuing long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) when risks outweigh benefits, but evidence on the effect of dose reduction on patient outcomes has not been systematically reviewed. The purpose of this study is to synthesize studies of the effectiveness of strategies to reduce or discontinue LTOT and patient outcomes after dose reduction among adults prescribed LTOT for chronic pain. Read full research article: Patient outcomes in dose reduction or discontinuation of long-term opioid therapy A systematic review
Gonzales, R., & Rasmussen, D. D. (2017). The neglected catecholamine: Noradrenergic mechanisms in regulation of alcohol-
Hoggatt, K., Lehavot, K., Krenek, M., Schweizer, C., & Simpson, T. L. (2017). Prevalence of substance misuse among US
ABSTRACT: Epidemiologic data on substance misuse prevalence among US Veterans are crucial to plan for Veterans' future healthcare needs. We estimated US Veterans' age-specific, overall, and age-adjusted prevalence of substance misuse, assessed whether prevalence differed between Veterans and civilians, and examined temporal trends in prevalence.
Kruse, L., Schindler, A., Williams, R., Weber, S., & Clark, J. (2017). Maladaptive decision making in adults with a
ABSTRACT: According to recent WHO reports, alcohol remains the number one substance used and abused by adolescents, despite public health efforts to curb its use. Adolescence is a critical period of biological maturation where brain development, particularly the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system, undergoes substantial remodeling. These circuits are implicated in complex decision making, incentive learning and reinforcement during substance use and abuse. An appealing theoretical approach has been to suggest that alcohol alters the normal development of these processes to promote deficits in reinforcement learning and decision making, which together make individuals vulnerable to developing substance use disorders in adulthood. Previously we have used a preclinical model of voluntary alcohol intake in rats to show that use in adolescence promotes risky decision making in adulthood that is mirrored by selective perturbations in dopamine network dynamics.
Lehavot, K., Blosnich, J., Glass, J., & Williams, E. (2017). Alcohol use and receipt of alcohol screening and brief
ABSTRACT: Despite evidence of alcohol disparities between sexual minority and heterosexual individuals in the general population, research has not examined whether there are disparities in receipt of alcohol screening and brief intervention - together considered one of the highest prevention priorities for US adults. This study examined differences in alcohol use and receipt of alcohol screening and brief intervention across sexual minority status.
Lehavot, K., Katon, J., Simpson, T. L., & Shipherd, J. (2017). Transgender veterans’ satisfaction with care and unmet
ABSTRACT: Transgender individuals are overrepresented among Veterans. However, little is known regarding their satisfaction with Veterans Administration (VA) care and unmet health needs. This study examined transgender Veterans' satisfaction with VA medical and mental health care, prevalence of delaying care, and correlates of these outcomes.
Lehavot, K., Litz, B., Millard, S., Hamilton, A., Sadler, A., & Simpson, T. L. (2017). Study adaptation, design, and
ABSTRACT: Women Veterans are a rapidly growing population with high risk of exposure to potentially traumatizing events and PTSD diagnoses. Despite the dissemination of evidence-based treatments for PTSD in the VA, most women Veteran VA users underutilize these treatments. Web-based PTSD treatment has the potential to reach and engage women Veterans with PTSD who do not receive treatment in VA settings. Our objective is to modify and evaluate Delivery of Self Training and Education for Stressful Situations (DESTRESSS), a web-based cognitive-behavioral intervention for PTSD, to target PTSD symptoms among women Veterans.
Li, G., Mayer, C., Morelli, D., Millard, S., Raskind, W., Petrie, E., … & Peskind, E. R. (2017). Effect of simvastatin
ABSTRACT: To examine potential disease-modifying effects of statin drugs, we conducted a 12-month randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of simvastatin in cognitively normal adults using change in CSF Alzheimer disease biomarkers as primary outcome measure.
Li, G., Shofer, J., Petrie, E., Yu, C., Wilkinson, C., Figlewicz, D., … & Peskind, E. R. (2017). Cerebrospinal fluid
ABSTRACT: This study sought to evaluate gender and APOE genotype-related differences in the concentrations of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cerebrovascular injury across the life span of cognitively normal adults.
Lovejoy, T., Demidenko, M., Morasco, B., Meath, T., & Dobscha, S. (2017). (242) Suicidal ideation and behaviors
ABSTRACT: Rates of clinician-initiated discontinuation of long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) for chronic pain are increasing, particularly for patients who may be considered "complex" given significant medical, mental health, and substance use disorder comorbidities. Although it is unclear if opioid therapy discontinuation leads to exacerbation of pain... Read full research article: Suicidal ideation and behaviors following clinician-initiated prescription opioid discontinuation among long-term opioid users
Lovejoy, T. I., Morasco, B. J., Demidenko, M. I., Meath, T. H. A., Frank, J. W., & Dobscha, S. K. (2017). Reasons for
ABSTRACT: Several factors may accelerate opioid discontinuation rates, including lack of information about the long-term effectiveness of opioids for chronic pain, heightened awareness about opioid-related adverse events, closer monitoring of patients for opioid-related aberrant behaviors, and greater restrictions around opioid prescribing. Rates of discontinuation may be most pronounced in patients deemed to be at "high risk." The purpose of this study was to compare reasons for discontinuation of long-term opioid therapy between patients with and without Substance Use Disorder diagnoses. This retrospective cohort study assembled a cohort of Veterans Health Administration patients prescribed opioid therapy for at least 12 consecutive months... Read full research article: Reasons for discontinuation of long-term opioid therapy in patients with and without substance use disorders
Morasco, B. J., Yarborough, B. J., Smith, N. X., Dobscha, S. K., Deyo, R. A., Perrin, N. A., & Green, C. A. (2017). Higher
ABSTRACT: Some previous research has examined pain-related variables on the basis of prescription opioid dose, but data from studies involving patient-reported outcomes have been limited. This study examined the relationships between prescription opioid dose and self-reported pain intensity, function, quality of life, and mental health. Read full research article: Higher prescription opioid dose is associated with worse patient-reported pain outcomes and more health care utilization
Nugent, S., Dobscha, S., Morasco, B., Demidenko, M., Meath, T., Frank, J., ... Lovejoy, T. I. (2017). Substance Use
OBJECTIVE: To describe the proportion of patients who were referred to, and engaged in, substance use disorder (SUD) treatment following long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) discontinuation and to examine differences in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment referral and engagement based on the substances that led to discontinuation. Read full research article: Substance Use Disorder treatment following clinician-initiated discontinuation of long-term opioid therapy resulting from an aberrant urine drug test
Nugent, S. M., Morasco, B. J., O'Neil, M. E., Freeman, M., Low, A., Kondo, K., ... Kansagara, D. (2017). The effects
ABSTRACT: Cannabis is increasingly available for the treatment of chronic pain, yet its efficacy remains uncertain. The purpose of this study is To review the benefits of plant-based cannabis preparations for treating chronic pain in adults and the harms of cannabis use in chronic pain and general adult populations. Read full research article: The effects of cannabis among adults with chronic pain and an overview of general harms: A systematic review
O’Neil, M. E., Nugent, S. M., Morasco, B. J., Freeman, M., Low, A., Kondo, K., ... Kansagara, D. (2017). Benefits and
ABSTRACT: Cannabis is available from medical dispensaries for treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in many states of the union, yet its efficacy in treating PTSD symptoms remains uncertain. The purpose of this study is to identify ongoing studies and review existing evidence regarding the benefits and harms of plant-based cannabis preparations in treating PTSD in adults. Read full research article: Benefits and harms of plant-based cannabis for posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review
Pagulayan, K. F., O'Neil, M., Williams, R. M., Turner, A. P., Golshan, S., Roost, M. S., … & Twamley, E. W. (2017).
ABSTRACT: To examine the potential moderating effects of mental health symptoms on the efficacy of compensatory cognitive training (CCT) for Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn veterans with a history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial of CCT. Posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and substance dependence symptom severity were examined as potential moderators of CCT efficacy for subjective cognitive complaints, use of cognitive strategies, and objective neurocognitive performance.
Pottiez, G., Yang, L., Stewart, T., Song, N., Aro, P., Galasko, D., … & Zhang, J. (2017). Mass-spectrometry-based method
ABSTRACT: Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, afflicts about 50 million people worldwide. Currently, AD diagnosis is primarily based on psychological evaluation and can only be confirmed post-mortem. Reliable and objective biomarkers for prognosis and diagnosis have been sought for years. Together, tau and amyloid β 1-42 (Aβ42) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have been shown to provide good diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Additionally, phosphorylated forms of tau, such as tau pS181, have also shown promising results. However, the measurement of such markers currently relies on antibody-based immunoassays that have shown variability, leading to discrepant results across laboratories.
Rasmussen, D. D. (2017). Variability in alcohol drinking responses to suppression of noradrenergic signaling in outbred
Rasmussen, D. D., Kincaid, C. L., & Froehlich, J. C. (2017). Prazosin prevents increased anxiety behavior that occurs in
ABSTRACT: Stress-induced anxiety is a risk factor for relapse to alcohol drinking. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the central nervous system (CNS)-active α1-adrenergic receptor antagonist, prazosin, would block the stress-induced increase in anxiety that occurs during alcohol deprivations.
Rau, H., Hendrickson, R. C., Roggenkamp, H., Peterson, S., Parmenter, B., Cook, D. G., … & Pagulayan, K. F. (2017). Fatigue,
Schindler, A., Meabon, J., Pagulayan, K. F., Hendrickson, R. C., Meeker, K., Cline, M., … & Cook, D. G. (2017). Blast–related
Schmidt, N. B., Norr, A. M., Allan, N. P., Raines, A. M., & Capron, D. W. (2017). A randomized clinical trial targeting
Simpson, T. L., Lehavot, K., & Petrakis, I. (2017). No wrong doors: Findings from a critical review of behavioral randomized
Storzbach, D., Twamley, E. W., Roost, M. S., Golshan, S., Williams, R. M., O’Neil, M., … & Huckans, M. (2017). Compensatory
Szot, P., Franklin, A., Figlewicz, D., Beuca, T., Bullock, K., Hansen, K., … Peskind, E. R. (2017). Multiple lipopolysaccharide
Wilson, S., Krenek, M., Dennis, P., Yard, S. S., Browne, K., & Simpson, T. L. (2017). Daily associations between PTSD,
Zaccari, B., Layne, W., Loftis, J., & Penn, P. (2017). The participant’s voice: A mixed-method evaluation of a mixed-gender
Zou, Y., Murray, D., Durazzo, T., Schmidt, T. P., Murray, T. A., & Meyerhoff, D. J. (2017). Effects of abstinence and chronic
VA VISN 20 consists of four states across three time zones; Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The primary research center located at VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS) is affiliated with University of Washington (UW). VAPSHCS serves Veterans from a five-state area in the Pacific Northwest with two main divisions: American Lake and Seattle. Veterans in Washington are also served by VA Medical Centers in Spokane, Vancouver, and Walla Walla. In Washington, there are VA Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC's) located in Bellevue, Bremerton, Chehalis, Edmunds, Everett, Federal Way, Mount Vernon, Olympia, Port Angeles, Puyallup, Richland, Renton, Silverdale, Seattle, Wenatchee, and Yakima. The research center located at VA Portland Heath Care System (VAPORHCS) is affiliated with Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU). VAPORHCS serves Veterans from Oregon and Southwest Washington with two main divisions: Portland and Vancouver. Veterans in Oregon are also served by VA Medical Centers in Roseburg and White City. In Oregon, there are CBOC's located in Bend, Boardman, Brookings, Enterprise, Eugene, Fairview, Grants Pass, Hines, Hillsboro, Klamath Falls, LaGrande, Lincoln City, Newport, Portland, Salem, The Dalles, Warrenton, and West Linn. VA provides health care for Veterans from providers in your local community outside of VA. Veterans may be eligible to receive care from a community provider when VA cannot provide the care needed.
Vet Centers in the VISN 20 Health Care Network are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, active-duty Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Space Force service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families. 1-877-WAR-VETS is an around the clock confidential call center where Veterans, service members and their families can talk about their military experience or any other issue they are facing in transitioning after military service or trauma and get connected to their nearest Vet Center.
Vet Centers in VISN 20
Vet Centers provide counseling to make a successful transition from military to civilian life or after a traumatic event experienced in the military. Individual, group, marriage and family counseling is offered in addition to referral and connection to other VA or community benefits and services. If you can’t make it to a nearby Vet Center, VA offers satellite Vet Center locations and Mobile Vet Centers that may be closer to you.
AlaskaAnchorage Vet Center (Anchorage, AK) Anchorage Satellite Vet Centers in Anchor Point and Homer Fairbanks Vet Center (Fairbanks, AK) Fairbanks Satellite Vet Centers in Fort Greely and Fort Wainwright Kenai Vet Center Outstation (Soldotna, AK) Wasilla Vet Center (Wasilla, AK) OregonCentral Oregon Vet Center (Bend, OR) Eugene Vet Center (Eugene, OR) Eugene Satellite Vet Centers in Florence and Reedsport Grants Pass Vet Center (Grants Pass, OR) Grants Pass Satellite Vet Center in Cave Junction and Grants Pass Mobile Vet Center Portland, OR Vet Center (Portland, OR) Portland Satellite Vet Centers in Oregon City, St. Helens, and Vancouver, Washington Salem Vet Center (Salem, OR) |
IdahoBoise Vet Center (Boise, ID) Boise Satellite Vet Center in Ontario, Oregon and Boise Mobile Vet Center Spokane Satellite Vet Centers in Couer d'Alene, Kootenai, Post Falls, Fairchild AFB, and Newport, Washington WashingtonBellingham Vet Center (Bellingham, WA) Everett Vet Center (Everett, WA) Federal Way Vet Center (Federal Way, WA) Lacey Vet Center Outstation (Lacey, WA) Seattle Vet Center (Seattle, WA) Spokane Vet Center (Spokane, WA) Spokane Satellite Vet Centers in Fairchild AFB, Newport, Post Falls and Couer d'Alene, Idaho Tacoma Vet Center (Tacoma, WA) Vancouver Vet Center - Washington State University, Clark County (Vancouver, WA) Walla Walla Vet Center (Walla Walla, WA) Yakima Valley Vet Center (Yakima, WA) Yakima Satellite Vet Center in Ellensburg |
Veterans Crisis "988" - The Military Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource for all service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserve, and Veterans, even if they’re not enrolled in VA benefits or health care. Call 988 then Press 1 If you are a Veteran, service member, or any person concerned about one who is hard of hearing, you can connect with professional, caring VA responders through online chat and text message (838255).
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Call 00800 1273 8255 or DSN 118
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Call 080-855-5118 or DSN 118
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Call 00 1 800 273 8255 or DSN 111
In the Philippines
Call #MYVA or 02-8550-3888 and press 7
A Veteran overseas may contact the Veterans Crisis Line via the chat modality at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat. If the Veteran prefers a phone call, they can request this within the chat venue. For TTY users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255. Are you looking for clinical care or counseling? Assistance with benefits? No matter what you’re experiencing, we’re here to connect you with resources and support systems to help. The Veterans Crisis Line is free and confidential. When you call, chat, or text, a qualified responder will listen and help. You decide how much information to share. Support doesn't end with your conversation. Our responders can connect you with the resources you need.
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VA has a variety of mental health resources, information, treatment options, and more — all accessible to Veterans, Veterans’ supporters, and the general public. Explore the pages below to learn more about a specific mental health topic. Each of these pages includes resources, information on treatment options, and more.
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Telehealth Therapy
For Daniel, Don, and Jennifer, convenient video counseling made it easier to put their health first. Adjusting from military service to civilian life can be both exciting and challenging. Make the Connection
Dial 988 then press 1
Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Veterans Crisis Line is free and confidential. Support doesn't end with your conversation. Our responders can connect you with the resources you need.
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Explore the latest mental health news, resources, and real-life stories of mental health recovery.
Plan your trip to VA
In 1946, Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) was established by law to provide comfort and well-being to America’s Veterans. With our many retail stores, cafés and coffee shops across the country, we serve those who have served our country. Our Canteens are whole health spaces for Veterans to connect, relax, share and care for themselves in an environment that is their benefit. We are proud to Serve America’s Veterans and those who provide for their care.
VCS operates over 200 Patriot Stores in Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Centers nationwide. Many of our stores have been recently updated and expanded to provide our customers with a modern, clean and comfortable shopping experience. Our stores welcome our customers with wider aisles, wood-like floors, enhanced lighting and directional signage. PatriotStores have expanded hours of operation to provide service for customers on weekends at most locations.
The Patriot Cafe is the best place in the VA Medical Center to enjoy delicious, freshly prepared breakfast or lunch served hot or cold each weekday. Providing Veterans, their families, VA employees, volunteers and visitors a place to relax and enjoy a meal or take-out for their convenience. With a wide variety of food from traditional comfort food, specialized menu selections and a large assortment of healthy choices; there is something for everyone's taste buds.
