Publications

@article{parsons_controlled_2007,

title = {A controlled clinical comparison of attention performance in children with ADHD in a virtual reality classroom compared to standard neuropsychological methods},

author = {Thomas D. Parsons and Todd Bowerly and John Galen Buckwalter and Albert Rizzo},

url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/A%20CONTROLLED%20CLINICAL%20COMPARISON%20OF%20ATTENTION%20PERFORMANCE%20IN%20CHILDREN%20WITH%20ADHD%20IN%20A%20VIRTUAL%20REALITY%20CLASSROOM%20COMPARED%20TO%20STANDARD%20NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL%20METHODS.pdf},

doi = {10.1080/13825580600943473},

year  = {2007},

date = {2007-01-01},

journal = {Child Neuropsychology},

volume = {13},

pages = {363–381},

abstract = {In this initial pilot study, a controlled clinical comparison was made of attention performance in children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a virtual reality (VR) classroom. Ten boys diagnosed with ADHD and ten normal control boys participated in the study. Groups did not significantly differ in mean age, grade level, ethnicity, or handedness. No participants reported simulator sickness following VR exposure. Children with ADHD exhibited more omission errors, commission errors, and overall body movement than normal control children in the VR classroom. Children with ADHD were more impacted by distraction in the VR classroom. VR classroom measures were correlated with traditional ADHD assessment tools and the flatscreen CPT. Of note, the small sample size incorporated in each group and higher WISC-III scores of normal controls might have some bearing on the overall interpretation of results. These data suggested that the Virtual Classroom had good potential for controlled performance assessment within an ecologically valid environment and appeared to parse out significant effects due to the presence of distraction stimuli.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{macedonio_immersiveness_2007,

title = {Immersiveness and Physiological Arousal within Panoramic Video-Based Virtual Reality},

author = {Mary F. Macedonio and Thomas D. Parsons and Raymond A. Digiuseppe and Brenda K. Wiederhold and Albert Rizzo},

url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Immersiveness%20and%20Physiological%20Arousal%20within%20Panoramic%20Video-Based%20Virtual%20Reality.pdf},

year  = {2007},

date = {2007-01-01},

journal = {CyberPsychology and Behavior},

volume = {10},

number = {4},

pages = {508–515},

abstract = {In this paper, we discuss findings from a study that used panoramic video-based virtual environments (PVVEs) to induce self-reported anger. The study assessed "immersiveness" and physiological correlates of anger arousal (i.e., heart rate, blood pressure, galvanic skin response [GSR], respiration, and skin temperature). Results indicate that over time, panoramic video-based virtual scenarios can be, at the very least, physiologically arousing. Further, it can be affirmed from the results that hypnotizability, as defined by the applied measures, interacts with group on physiological arousal measures. Hence, physiological arousal appeared to be moderated by participant hypnotizability and absorption levels.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{parsons_motor_2007,

title = {Motor Based Assessment of Neurocognitive Functioning in Resource-Limited International Settings.},

author = {Thomas D. Parsons and Steven A. Rogers and Colin D. Hall and R. Kevin Robertson},

url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Motor%20based%20assessment%20of%20neurocognitive%20functioning%20in%20resource-limited%20Iinternational%20settings.pdf},

year  = {2007},

date = {2007-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology},

volume = {29},

pages = {59–66},

abstract = {This study compared variance accounted for by neuropsychological tests in both a brief motor battery and in a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. 327 HIV + subjects received a comprehensive cognitive battery and a shorter battery (Timed Gait, Grooved Pegboard, and Fingertapping). A significant correlation existed between the motor component tests and the more comprehensive battery (52% of variance). Adding Digit symbol and Trailmaking increased the amount of variance accounted for (73%). Motor battery sensitivity to impairment diagnosis was 0.79 and specificity was 0.76. A motor battery may have broader utility to diagnose and monitor HIV related neurocognitive disorders in international settings.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{robertson_prevalence_2007,

title = {The Prevalence and Incidence of Neurocognitive Impairment in the HAART Era},

author = {R. Kevin Robertson and Marlene Smurzynski and Thomas D. Parsons and Kunling Wu and Ronald J. Bosch and Julia Wu and Justin C. McArthur and Ann C. Collier and Scott R. Evans and Ron J. Ellis},

url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/The%20prevalence%20and%20incidence%20of%20neurocognitive%20impairment%20in%20the%20HAART%20era.pdf},

issn = {0269-9370},

year  = {2007},

date = {2007-01-01},

journal = {AIDS},

volume = {21},

pages = {1915–1921},

abstract = {Objectives: HAART suppresses HIV viral replication and restores immune function. The effects of HAART on neurological disease are less well understood. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and incidence of neurocognitive impairment in individuals who initiated HAART as part of an AIDS clinical trial. Design: A prospective cohort study of HIV-positive patients enrolled in randomized antiretroviral trials, the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) Longitudinal Linked Randomized Trials (ALLRT) study. Methods: We examined the association between baseline and demographic characteristics and neurocognitive impairment among 1160 subjects enrolled in the ALLRT study. Results: A history of immunosuppression (nadir CD4 cell count textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless 200 cells/ml) was associated with an increase in prevalent neurocognitive impairment. There were no significant virological and immunological predictors of incident neurocognitive impairment. Current immune status (low CD4 cell count) was associated with sustained prevalent impairment. Conclusion: The association of previous advanced immunosuppression with prevalent and sustained impairment suggests that there is a non-reversible component of neural injury that tracks with a history of disease progression. The association of sustained impairment with worse current immune status (low CD4 cell count) suggests that restoring immunocompetence increases the likelihood of neurocognitive recovery. Finally, the lack of association between incident neurocognitive impairment and virological and immunological indicators implies that neural injury continues in some patients regardless of the success of antiretroviral therapy on these laboratory measures.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{parsons_cognitive_2006,

title = {Cognitive sequelae of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease: a meta-analysis},

author = {Thomas D. Parsons and Steven A. Rogers and Alyssa J. Braaten and Steven Paul Woods and Alexander I. Tröster},

url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Cognitive%20sequelae%20of%20subthalamic%20nucleus%20deep%20brain%20stimulation%20in%20Parkinson%E2%80%99s%20disease-%20a%20meta-analysis.pdf},

year  = {2006},

date = {2006-06-01},

journal = {Lancet Neurology},

volume = {5},

pages = {578–588},

abstract = {Summary: Background Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN DBS) is an increasingly common treatment for Parkinson's disease. Qualitative reviews have concluded that diminished verbal fluency is common after STN DBS, but that changes in global cognitive abilities, attention, executive functions, and memory are only inconsistently observed and, when present, often nominal or transient. We did a quantitative meta-analysis to improve understanding of the variability and clinical significance of cognitive dysfunction after STN DBS. Methods: We searched MedLine, PsycLIT, and ISI Web of Science electronic databases for articles published between 1990 and 2006, and extracted information about number of patients, exclusion criteria, confirmation of target by microelectrode recording, verification of electrode placement via radiographic means, stimulation parameters, assessment time points, assessment measures, whether patients were on levodopa or dopaminomimetics, and summary statistics needed for computation of effect sizes. We used the random-effects meta-analytical model to assess continuous outcomes before and after STN DBS. Findings: Of 40 neuropsychological studies identified, 28 cohort studies (including 612 patients) were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. After adjusting for heterogeneity of variance in study effect sizes, the random effects meta-analysis revealed significant, albeit small, declines in executive functions and verbal learning and memory. Moderate declines were only reported in semantic (Cohen's d 0·73) and phonemic verbal fluency (0·51). Changes in verbal fluency were not related to patient age, disease duration, stimulation parameters, or change in dopaminomimetic dose after surgery. Interpretation: STN DBS, in selected patients, seems relatively safe from a cognitive standpoint. However, diffculty in identification of factors underlying changes in verbal fluency draws attention to the need for uniform and detailed reporting of patient selection, demographic, disease, treatment, surgical, stimulation, and clinical outcome parameters.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{parsons_neurocognitive_2006,

title = {Neurocognitive functioning and HAART in HIV and hepatitis C virus co-infection},

author = {Thomas D. Parsons and Karen A. Tucker and Colin D. Hall and Wendy T. Robertson and Joseph J. Eron and Michael W. Fried and R. Kevin Robertson},

url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Neurocognitive%20functioning%20and%20HAART%20in%20HIV%20and%20hepatitis%20C%20virus%20co-infection.pdf},

year  = {2006},

date = {2006-05-01},

journal = {AIDS},

volume = {20},

pages = {1591–1595},

abstract = {Objectives: This study examined the effects of HAART on neurocognitive functioning in persons with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV co-infection. Design: A prospective study examining neurocognitive performance before and after HAART initiation. Method: Participant groups included a mono-infected group (45 HIV/HCV-participants) and a co-infected group (20 HIV/HCV participants). A neuropsychological battery (attention/concentration, psychomotor speed, executive functioning, verbal memory, visual memory, fine motor, and gross motor functioning) was used to evaluate all participants. After 6 months of HAART, 31 HIV mono-infected and 13 HCV/ HIV co-infected participants were reevaluated. Results: Neurocognitive functioning by domain revealed significantly worse performance in the co-infected group when compared to the monoinfected group on domains of visual memory and fine motor functioning. Assessment of neurocognitive functioning after antiretroviral therapy revealed that the co-infected group was no longer performing worse than the monoinfected group. Conclusions: The findings of the current study suggest that persons with HCV/HIV co-infection may have greater neurocognitive declines than persons with HIV infection alone. HCV/HIV co-infection may accelerate the progression of HIV related neurocognitive decline.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{parsons_dhea_2006,

title = {DHEA Supplementation and Cognition in Postmenopausal Women},

author = {Thomas D. Parsons and K. M. Kratz and E. Thompson and F. Z. Stanczyk and John Galen Buckwalter},

url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/DHEA%20Supplementation%20and%20Cognition%20in%20Postmenopausal%20Women.pdf},

doi = {10.1080/00207450500341506},

issn = {0020-7454},

year  = {2006},

date = {2006-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Neuroscience},

volume = {16},

pages = {141–155},

abstract = {Previous work has suggested that DHEA supplementation may have adverse cognitive effects in elderly women. This article analyzed 24-h measurements of DHEA, DHEAS, and cortisol to determine if cognitive decrease with treatment is mediated by DHEA’s impact on endogenous cortisol. It was found that DHEA administration increased cortisol at several hours during the day. In the treatment group, cortisol was positively associated with cognition at study completion. An increase in negative associations between DHEA(S) levels and cognition was found at completion. Increased cortisol does not explain the cognitive deficits associated with DHEA, suggesting a direct negative effect of exogenous DHEA on cognition.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{nelson_mmpi-2_2006,

title = {The MMPI-2 Fake Bad Scale: Concordance and Specificity of True and Estimated Scores},

author = {Nathaniel W. Nelson and Thomas D. Parsons and Christopher L. Grote and Clifford A. Smith and James R. Sisung II},

url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/The%20MMPI-2%20Fake%20Bad%20Scale-%20Concordance%20and%20Specificity%20of%20True%20and%20Estimated%20Scores.pdf},

doi = {10.1080/13803390490919272},

year  = {2006},

date = {2006-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology},

volume = {28},

pages = {1–12},

series = {1380-339},

abstract = {A number of recent studies have supported the use of the MMPI-2 Fake Bad Scale (FBS) as a measure of negative response bias, the scale at times demonstrating greater sensitivity to negative response bias than other MMPI-2 validity scales. However, clinicians may not always have access to True FBS (T-FBS) scores, such as when True-False answer sheets are unavailable or published research studies do not report FBS raw scores. Under these conditions, Larrabee (2003a) suggests a linear regression formula that provides estimated FBS (E-FBS) scores derived from weighted validity and clinical T-Scores. The present study intended to validate this regression formula of MMPI-2 E-FBS scores and demonstrate its specificity in a sample of non-litigating, clinically referred, medically intractable epilepsy patients. We predicted that the E-FBS scores would correlate highly (textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextgreater.70) with the T-FBS scores, that the E-FBS would show comparable correlations with MMPI-2 validity and clinical scales relative to the T-FBS, and that the E-FBS would show an adequate ability to match T-FBS scores using a variety of previously suggested T-FBS raw score cutoffs. Overall, E-FBS scores correlated very highly with T-FBS scores (r = .78, p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .0001), though correlations were especially high for women (r = .85, p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .0001) compared to men (r = .62, p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .001). Thirty-one of 32 (96.9%) comparisons made between E-FBS/T-FBS correlates with other MMPI-2 scales were nonsignificant. When matching to T-FBS "high" and "low" scores, the E-FBS scores demonstrated the highest hit rate (92.5%) through use of Lees-Haley's (1992) revised cutoffs for men and women. These same cutoffs resulted in excellent overall specificity for both the T-FBS scores (92.5%) and E-FBS scores (90.6%). The authors conclude that the E-FBS represents an adequate estimate of T-FBS scores in the current epilepsy sample. Use of E-FBS scores may be especially useful when clinicians conduct the MMPI-2 short form, which does not include all of the 43 FBS items but does include enough items to compute each of the validity and clinical T-Scores. Future studies should examine E-FBS sensitivity in compensation-seekers with incomplete effort.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{gold_effectiveness_2006,

title = {Effectiveness of Virtual Reality for Pediatric Pain Distraction during IV Placement},

author = {Jeffrey I. Gold and Seok Hyeon Kim and Alexis J. Kant and Michael H. Joseph and Albert Rizzo},

url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Effectiveness%20of%20Virtual%20Reality%20for%20Pediatric%20Pain%20Distraction%20during%20IV%20Placement.pdf},

year  = {2006},

date = {2006-01-01},

journal = {CyberPsychology and Behavior},

volume = {9},

number = {2},

pages = {207–212},

abstract = {The objective of this study was to test the efficacy and suitability of virtual reality (VR) as apain distraction for pediatric intravenous (IV) placement. Twenty children (12 boys, 8 girls) requiring IV placement for a magnetic resonance imaging/computed tomography (MRI/CT) scan were randomly assigned to two conditions: (1) VR distraction using Street Luge(5DT), presented via a head-mounted display, or (2) standard of care (topical anesthetic) with no distraction. Children, their parents, and nurses completed self-report questionnaires that assessed numerous health-related outcomes. Responses from the Faces Pain Scale–Revisedindicated a fourfold increase in affective pain within the control condition; by contrast, nosignificant differences were detected within the VR condition. Significant associations between multiple measures of anticipatory anxiety, affective pain, IV pain intensity, and measures of past procedural pain provided support for the complex interplay of a multimodalassessment of pain perception. There was also a sufficient amount of evidence supportingthe efficacy of Street Luge as a pediatric pain distraction tool during IV placement: an adequate level of presence, no simulator sickness, and significantly more child-, parent-, and nurse-reported satisfaction with pain management. VR pain distraction was positively endorsed by all reporters and is a promising tool for decreasing pain, and anxiety in childrenundergoing acute medical interventions. However, further research with larger sample sizesand other routine medical procedures is warranted.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{robertson_thoughts_2006,

title = {Thoughts of death and suicidal ideation in nonpsychiatric human immunodeficiency virus seropositive individuals},

author = {R. Kevin Robertson and Thomas D. Parsons and Charles Horst and Colin D. Hall},

url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/THOUGHTS%20OF%20DEATH%20AND%20SUICIDAL%20IDEATION%20IN%20NONPSYCHIATRIC%20HUMAN%20IMMUNODEFICIENCY%20VIRUS%20SEROPOSITIVE%20INDIVIDUALS.pdf},

doi = {10.1080/07481180600614435},

issn = {0748-1187},

year  = {2006},

date = {2006-01-01},

journal = {Death Studies},

volume = {30},

pages = {455–469},

abstract = {The present study examines the prevalence of death thoughts and suicidality in HIV infection. Subjects (n = 246) were examined for psychiatric morbidity and suicidality. Compared to high risk HIV seronegatives, HIV seropositives (HIV•) had significantly increased frequency and severity of both suicidal ideation and death thoughts. Two-thirds of seropositives had suicidal ideation at some point; half of the seropositives reported suicide plans and one quarter suicide attempts; and third of seropositives reported current suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation did not increase with advancing disease. The high prevalence of suicidal ideation suggests inclusion of its assessment in HIV treatment regardless of stage.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{feintuch_integrating_2006,

title = {Integrating haptic-tactile feedback into a video capture based VE for rehabilitation},

author = {Uri Feintuch and Raz Liat and Jane Hwang and Naomi Josman and Noomi Katz and Rachel Kizony and Debbie Rand and Albert Rizzo and Meir Shahar and Jang Yongseok and Patrice L. (Tamar) Weiss},

url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Integrating%20Haptic-Tactile%20Feedback%20into%20a%20Video-Capture%E2%80%93Based%20Virtual%20Environment%20for%20Rehabilitation.pdf},

year  = {2006},

date = {2006-01-01},

journal = {CyberPsychology and Behavior},

volume = {9},

number = {2},

pages = {129–132},

abstract = {Video-capture virtual reality (VR) systems are gaining popularity as intervention tools. Todate, these platforms offer visual and audio feedback but do not provide haptic feedback. Wecontend that adding haptic feedback may enhance the quality of intervention for various theoretical and empirical reasons. This study aims to integrate haptic-tactile feedback into avideo capture system (GX VR), which is currently applied for rehabilitation. The proposedmulti-modal system can deliver audio-visual as well as vibrotactile feedback. The latter isprovided via small vibratory discs attached to the patient's limbs. This paper describes thesystem, the guidelines of its design, and the ongoing usability study.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{parsons_better_2006,

title = {Better quality of life with neuropsychological improvement on HAART},

author = {Thomas D. Parsons and Alyssa J. Braaten and Colin D. Hall and R. Kevin Robertson},

url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Better%20quality%20of%20life%20with%20neuropsychological%20improvement%20on%20HAART.pdf},

year  = {2006},

date = {2006-01-01},

journal = {Health and Quality of Life Outcomes},

volume = {4},

number = {11},

abstract = {Background: Successful highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens have resulted in substantial improvements in the systemic health of HIV infected persons and increased survival times. Despite increased systemic health, the prevalence of minor HIV-associated cognitive impairment appears to be rising with increased longevity, and it remains to be seen what functional outcomes will result from these improvements. Cognitive impairment can dramatically impact functional ability and day-to-day productivity. We assessed the relationship of quality of life (QOL) and neuropsychological functioning with successful HAART treatment. Methods: In a prospective longitudinal study, subjects were evaluated before instituting HAART (naïve) or before changing HAART regimens because current therapy failed to maintain suppression of plasma viral load (treatment failure). Subjects underwent detailed neuropsychological and neurological examinations, as well as psychological evaluation sensitive to possible confounds. Re-evaluation was performed six months after institution of the new HAART regimen and/or if plasma viral load indicated treatment failure. At each evaluation, subjects underwent ultrasensitive HIV RNA quantitative evaluation in both plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. Results: HAART successes performed better than failures on measures exploring speed of mental processing (p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .02). HAART failure was significantly associated with increased self-reports of physical health complaints (p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .01) and substance abuse (p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .01). An interesting trend emerged, in which HAART failures endorsed greater levels of psychological and cognitive complaints (p = 06). Analysis between neuropsychological measures and QOL scores revealed significant. correlation between QOL Total and processing speed (p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .05), as well as flexibility (p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .05). Conclusion: Our study investigated the relationship between HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment and quality of life. HAART failures experienced slower psychomotor processing, and had increased self-reports of physical health complaints and substance abuse. Contrariwise, HAART successes experienced improved mental processing, demonstrating the impact of successful treatment on functioning. With increasing life expectancy for those who are HIV seropositive, it is important to measure cognitive functioning in relation to the actual QOL these individuals report. The study results have implications for the optimal management of HIV-infected persons. Specific support or intervention may be beneficial for those who have failed HAART in order to decrease substance abuse and increase overall physical health.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{miller_memory_2006,

title = {Memory Improvement with Treatment of Hypothyroidism},

author = {Karen J. Miller and Thomas D. Parsons and Peter C. Whybrow and Katja Herle and Natalie Rasgon and Andre Herle and Dorothy Martinez and Dan H. Silverman and Michael Bauer},

url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Memory%20Improvement%20with%20Treatment%20of%20Hypothyroidism.pdf},

year  = {2006},

date = {2006-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Neuroscience},

volume = {16},

number = {8},

pages = {895–906},

abstract = {The consequences of inadequate thyroid hormone availability to the brain and treatment effects of levothyroxine function are still poorly understood. This study prospectively assessed the effects of thyroid replacement therapy on cognitive function in patients suffering from biochemical evidenced, untreated hypothyroidism. Significant effects between the untreated hypothyroid group and control group were limited to verbal memory retrieval. When assessing the effects of 3-month treatment, results revealed that the treated hypothyroid group had significant increased verbal memory retrieval. Results suggest that specific memory retrieval deficits associated with hypothyroidism can resolve after replacement therapy with levothyroxine.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{troster_sodium_2006,

title = {Sodium Amytal Testing and Language},

author = {Alexander I. Tröster and Thomas D. Parsons},

url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Sodium%20Amytal%20Testing%20and%20Language.pdf},

year  = {2006},

date = {2006-01-01},

journal = {Encyclopedia of Language and Linguistics},

volume = {11},

pages = {500–503},

abstract = {The intracarotid amobarbital test (IAT) was first described by Juhn Wada and thus is often referred to as the 'Wada test.' Wada originally developed this technique to study the interhemispheric spread of epileptiform discharges in patients undergoing unilateral electroconvulsive therapy. Based on his observation that an expressive aphasia resulted when the language dominant hemisphere was injected with amobarbital, he reasoned that this technique might be useful in determining hemispheric language dominance in neurosurgical candidates (and thus minimize speech and language dysfunction in patients undergoing dominant hemisphere surgery).},

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pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}