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PURPOSE: A breast cancer diagnosis has a substantial economic impact. Study aims were to evaluate for inter-individual differences in cancers level of interference with employment and identify phenotypic and symptom characteristics associated with higher levels of interference. METHODS: Patients (n = 387) were enrolled prior to breast cancer surgery and followed for 12 months. Interference with employment was measured using a 0 (no problem) to 10 (severe problem) numeric rating scale. Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) was used to evaluate for inter-individual differences in trajectories of employment interference and characteristics associated with employment interference at enrollment and over 12 months. RESULTS: Patients mean age was 55.0 (±11.7) years and the majority underwent breast conservation surgery (80.6%). Mean employment interference score was 3.2 (±3.7). Unconditional model for employment interference demonstrated a decreasing linear trend (-.076/month). Younger age, lower income, higher pain intensity, and having an axillary lymph node dissection were associated with higher pre-surgical interference scores. Having a sentinel lymph node biopsy was associated with ongoing employment interference scores. Higher sleep disturbance scores were associated with both initial and ongoing employment interference scores. Receipt of chemotherapy, use of complementary or alternative therapies, and re-excision or mastectomy following surgery were significant time varying covariates. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to use HLM to describe inter-individual differences in the trajectories of cancers interference with employment and associated factors prior to and for 12 months following breast cancer surgery. Patients with the identified risk factors warrant ongoing assessments of employment interference and appropriate referrals.

Many researchers have illustrated the multi-faceted nature of classroom mathematics discussions, but few have demonstrated the effect of discussion on students’ assessment performance. We developed and employed a discussion observation instrument in 20 third and fourth grade classrooms in an economically disadvantaged, linguistically diverse school district and used hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) to determine whether between-class variation in word-problem-test scores can be explained by levels of class discussion. Results suggest overall class discussion scores, as well as two specific discussion features, variety of approaches and opportunities to speak, are significantly related to test performance. These results suggest classroom instruction including high-level math discussion may improve students’ performance on written measures of achievement.

PurposeBetween 19 and 58% of oncology patients experience chemotherapy-induced nausea (CIN). In a sample of outpatients with breast, gastrointestinal (GI), gynecological, and lung cancer, the study purposes were to evaluate for inter-individual differences in the severity of CIN over two cycles of chemotherapy (CTX) and to determine which demographic and clinical characteristics and GI symptoms were associated with higher initial levels as well as with the trajectories of CIN severity.MethodsPatients completed study questionnaires at six time points over two cycles of CTX. These questionnaires provided information on demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as the occurrence of twelve GI symptoms. Hierarchical linear modeling based on full maximum likelihood estimation was performed.ResultsOf the 1251 patients, 47.2% reported CIN. Across two cycles of CTX, lower functional status scores and higher levels of comorbidity were associated with higher initial levels of CIN. Younger age and emetogenicity of the CTX regimen were associated with higher initial levels as well as worse trajectories of CIN. The occurrence of five GI symptoms (i.e., vomiting, lack of appetite, constipation, feeling bloated, and difficulty swallowing) was associated with higher initial levels of CIN. The occurrence of mouth sores was associated with higher initial levels as well as with worst trajectories of CIN.ConclusionsThis study is the first to identify distinct demographic, clinical, and GI symptom characteristics associated with CIN severity. These findings suggest that the etiology of CIN is complex and may warrant interventions beyond standard antiemetics.

ContextAlthough chemotherapy-induced vomiting is well controlled with evidence-based antiemetic regimens, chemotherapy-induced nausea (CIN) remains a significant clinical problem.ObjectivesStudy purposes, in a sample of outpatients with breast, gastrointestinal, gynecological, or lung cancer who received two cycles of chemotherapy (CTX, n = 1251), were to evaluate for interindividual differences in the severity of CIN and to determine which demographic, clinical, symptom, and stress characteristics are associated with higher initial levels as well as with the trajectories of CIN.MethodsPatients were recruited during their first or second cycle of CTX. Patients completed self-report questionnaires a total of six times over two cycles of CTX. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to evaluate for interindividual differences in and characteristics associated with the severity of CIN.ResultsAcross the two cycles of CTX, higher levels of sleep disturbance, depression, and morning fatigue, as well as higher levels of intrusive thoughts, were associated with higher initial levels of CIN. In addition, lower functional status scores and shorter cycle lengths were associated with higher initial levels of CIN, and younger age and higher emetogenicity of the CTX regimen were associated with both higher initial levels as well as worse trajectories of CIN severity.ConclusionThese findings suggest that common symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment are associated with increased severity of CIN. Targeted interventions for these symptoms may reduce the burden of unrelieved CIN.

BackgroundPatients who receive autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for the treatment of hematologic malignancies are at risk of serious adverse outcomes including infections and death. Hyperglycemia following the HCT is associated with increased risk of these adverse outcomes. However, limited information is available on demographic and clinical characteristics that contribute to changes in blood glucose levels following HCT.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine the trajectories of fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels as well as the demographic and clinical characteristics that predicted interindividual differences in these FBG trajectories.MethodsA sample of adult patients with hematologic malignancies who were scheduled to receive autologous HCT (n = 53) was enrolled in the study. Patients with preexisting diabetes were excluded. Demographic and clinical characteristics were abstracted from electronic medical records. Morning fasting laboratory tests (ie, FBG and absolute neutrophil counts) were obtained. Data were analyzed using hierarchical linear modeling from the day of HCT (day 0) through 14 days post-HCT.ResultsAmong 8 characteristics evaluated, pre-HCT FBG was associated with variability in both the initial levels and the trajectories of FBG. Body mass index was only associated with initial levels of FBG.ConclusionsThe large amount of interindividual variability in the trajectories of FBG levels following autologous HCT suggests that glucose control in these patients warrants ongoing assessments and preemptive tailoring.Implications for practiceFasting blood glucose monitoring is warranted. Additional research with larger samples is warranted to identify additional modifiable and nonmodifiable characteristics associated with interindividual variability in FBG levels.

The Stanford Educational Data Archive (SEDA) is the first data set to allow comparisons of district academic achievement and growth from Grades 3 to 8 across the United States, shining a light on the distribution of educational opportunities. This study describes a convergent validity analysis of the SEDA growth estimates in mathematics and English Language Arts (ELA) by comparing the SEDA estimates against estimates derived from NWEA's MAP Growth assessments. We find strong precision-adjusted correlations between growth estimates from SEDA and MAP Growth in math (.90) and ELA (.82). We also find that the discrepancy between the growth estimates in ELA is slightly more pronounced in high socioeconomic districts. Our analyses indicate a high degree of congruence between the SEDA estimates and estimates derived from the vertically scaled MAP Growth assessment. However, small systematic discrepancies imply that the SEDA growth estimates are less likely to generalize to estimates obtained through MAP Growth in some states.

ContextStudies on physical function trajectories in older adults during chemotherapy remain limited.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to determine demographic, clinical, and symptom characteristics associated with initial levels as well as trajectories of physical function over two cycles of chemotherapy in adults aged ≥65 years with breast, gastrointestinal, gynecological, or lung cancer.MethodsOlder adults with cancer (n = 363) who had received chemotherapy within the preceding four weeks were assessed six times over two cycles of chemotherapy using the Short Form-12 Physical Component Summary (PCS) score. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to evaluate for interindividual variability in initial levels and trajectories of PCS scores.ResultsMean age was 71.4 years (SD 5.5). Mean PCS score at enrollment was 40.5 (SD .45). On average, PCS scores decreased slightly (i.e., 0.21 points) at each subsequent assessment. Lower PCS scores at enrollment were associated with older age, greater comorbidity, being unemployed, lack of regular exercise, higher morning fatigue, lower evening energy, occurrence of pain, lower trait anxiety, and lower attentional function. Only higher morning fatigue and lower enrollment PCS scores were associated with decrements in physical function over time.ConclusionWhile several symptoms were associated with decrements in PCS scores at enrollment in older adults with cancer receiving chemotherapy, morning fatigue was the only symptom associated with decreases in physical function over time. Regular assessments of symptoms and implementation of evidence-based interventions should be considered to maintain physical function in older adults during chemotherapy.

The current study addressed whether two institution-wide interventions in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, that increased caregiver sensitivity (Training Only: TO) or both caregiver sensitivity and consistency (Training plus Structural Changes: T+SC) promoted better socioemotional and cognitive development than did a No Intervention (NoI) institution during the first year of life for children who were placed soon after birth. It also assessed whether having spent less than 9 versus 9 to 36 months with a family prior to institutionalization was related to children's subsequent socioemotional and cognitive development within these three institutions. The Battelle Developmental Inventory (J. Newborg, J.R. Stock, L. Wnek, J. Guidubaldi, & J. Svinicki, 1988) was used to assess the socioemotional and cognitive functioning of children in NoI (n = 95), TO (n = 104), and T+SC (n = 86) at two to three time points during their first 6 to 12 months of residency. Results suggest that improving caregiver sensitivity can improve the cognitive development of infants in the first year of institutionalization whereas improving caregiver consistency in addition to sensitivity is more beneficial for socioemotional development than is sensitivity alone. Similarly, for children in T+SC, longer time with a family prior to institutionalization (consistent caregiver, unknown sensitivity) was associated with better socioemotional, but not cognitive, baseline scores and more rapid cognitive than socioemotional development during institutionalization. These results suggest caregiver sensitivity is more highly related to cognitive development whereas caregiver consistency is more related to socioemotional development in the first years of life.

PurposeIn a sample of outpatients with breast, gastrointestinal, gynecological, and lung cancer who received at least two cycles of chemotherapy (CTX), the purposes were to evaluate for inter-individual differences in the severity of sleep disturbance and determine which demographic, clinical, and symptom characteristics were associated with initial levels as well as the trajectories of sleep disturbance.MethodsA total of 1331 patients completed study questionnaires in their homes, at six time points over two cycles of CTX (prior to CTX administration, approximately 1 week after CTX administration, and approximately 2 weeks after CTX administration). Questionnaires included demographic, clinical, and symptom assessments (i.e., General Sleep Disturbance Scale, Lee Fatigue Scale, Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale, Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventories, Attentional Function Index). Hierarchical linear modeling based on full maximum likelihood estimation was performed.ResultsCharacteristics associated with higher initial levels of sleep disturbance included higher body mass index, poorer functional status, higher trait anxiety, higher depressive symptoms, and higher evening fatigue. Characteristics associated with the worse trajectories of sleep disturbance were higher levels of education and higher sleep disturbance at enrollment. Characteristics associated with both higher initial levels and worse trajectories of sleep disturbance were higher morning fatigue and worse attentional function.ConclusionsA large amount of inter-individual variability exists in sleep disturbance during CTX. The modifiable and non-modifiable characteristics found in this study can be used to identify higher risk patients and provide earlier interventions to reduce sleep disturbance.

Fatigue, a highly prevalent and distressing symptom during chemotherapy (CTX), demonstrates diurnal and interindividual variability in severity. Little is known about the associations between variations in genes involved in inflammatory processes and morning and evening fatigue severity during CTX. The purposes of this study, in a sample of oncology patients (N=543) with breast, gastrointestinal (GI), gynecological (GYN), or lung cancer who received two cycles of CTX, were to determine whether variations in genes involved in inflammatory processes were associated with inter-individual variability in initial levels as well as in the trajectories of morning and evening fatigue. Patients completed the Lee Fatigue Scale to determine morning and evening fatigue severity a total of six times over two cycles of CTX. Using a whole exome array, 309 single nucleotide polymorphisms SNPs among the 64 candidate genes that passed all quality control filters were evaluated using hierarchical linear modeling (HLM). Based on the results of the HLM analyses, the final SNPs were evaluated for their potential impact on protein function using two bioinformational tools. The following inflammatory pathways were represented: chemokines (3 genes); cytokines (12 genes); inflammasome (11 genes); Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT, 10 genes); mitogen-activated protein kinase/jun amino-terminal kinases (MAPK/JNK, 3 genes); nuclear factor-kappa beta (NFkB, 18 genes); and NFkB and MAP/JNK (7 genes). After controlling for self-reported and genomic estimates of race and ethnicity, polymorphisms in six genes from the cytokine (2 genes); inflammasome (2 genes); and NFkB (2 genes) pathways were associated with both morning and evening fatigue. Polymorphisms in six genes from the inflammasome (1 gene); JAK/STAT (1 gene); and NFkB (4 genes) pathways were associated with only morning fatigue. Polymorphisms in three genes from the inflammasome (2 genes) and the NFkB (1 gene) pathways were associated with only evening fatigue. Taken together, these findings add to the growing body of evidence that suggests that morning and evening fatigue are distinct symptoms.

ObjectiveTotal knee arthroplasty is a painful procedure. No studies have evaluated modifiable predictors of acute postoperative pain trajectories during hospitalization.MethodsConsecutive patients (N = 188) were enrolled in a longitudinal cohort study and completed a demographic questionnaire, as well as the Brief Pain Inventory, Hospital Depression and Anxiety Scale, Lee Fatigue Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, and Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire on the day before surgery. Clinical data were extracted from medical records.Setting and patientsEach patient completed a pain diary that assessed pain at rest and with activity, and hours per day in pain every evening from day of surgery until postoperative day 3. Using hierarchical linear modeling, we investigated which demographic, clinical, symptom, and psychological characteristics predicted initial levels as well as the trajectories of acute pain at rest and with activity, and hours per day in pain.ResultsHigher levels of all three acute pain characteristics on the day of surgery resulted in worse trajectories. Higher pain scores with rest and with activity on the day of surgery were associated with more days with femoral block, higher average dose of opioids, and higher emotional response to osteoarthritis. Higher number of comorbidities, higher average dose of opioids, and lower perceived control predicted more hours per day in pain on the day of surgery.ConclusionsThis study identified several potentially modifiable predictors of worsening pain trajectories following total knee arthroplasty. Optimal pain management warrants identification of these high-risk patients and treatment of modifiable risk factors.

ContextFatigue is the most common symptom in oncology patients during chemotherapy. Little is known about the predictors of interindividual variability in initial levels and trajectories of morning fatigue severity in these patients.ObjectivesAn evaluation was done to determine which demographic, clinical, and symptom characteristics were associated with initial levels as well as the trajectories of morning fatigue and to compare findings with our companion paper on evening fatigue.MethodsA sample of outpatients with breast, gastrointestinal, gynecological, and lung cancer (n = 586) completed demographic and symptom questionnaires a total of six times over two cycles of chemotherapy. Fatigue severity was evaluated using the Lee Fatigue Scale. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to answer the study objectives.ResultsA large amount of interindividual variability was found in the morning fatigue trajectories. A piecewise model fit the data best. Patients with higher body mass index, who did not exercise regularly, with a lower functional status, and who had higher levels of state anxiety, sleep disturbance, and depressive symptoms reported higher levels of morning fatigue at enrollment. Variations in the trajectories of morning fatigue were predicted by the patients' ethnicity and younger age.ConclusionThe modifiable risk factors that were associated with only morning fatigue were body mass index, exercise, and state anxiety. Modifiable risk factors that were associated with both morning and evening fatigue included functional status, depressive symptoms, and sleep disturbance. Using this information, clinicians can identify patients at higher risk for more severe morning fatigue and evening fatigue, provide individualized patient education, and tailor interventions to address the modifiable risk factors.

ContextFatigue is a distressing persistent sense of physical tiredness that is not proportional to a person's recent activity. Fatigue impacts patients' treatment decisions and can limit their self-care activities. Although significant interindividual variability in fatigue severity has been noted, little is known about predictors of interindividual variability in initial levels and trajectories of evening fatigue severity in oncology patients receiving chemotherapy.ObjectivesTo determine whether demographic, clinical, and symptom characteristics were associated with initial levels and the trajectories of evening fatigue.MethodsA sample of outpatients with breast, gastrointestinal, gynecological, and lung cancer (N = 586) completed demographic and symptom questionnaires a total of six times over two cycles of chemotherapy. Fatigue severity was evaluated using the Lee Fatigue Scale. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to answer the study objectives.ResultsA large amount of interindividual variability was found in the evening fatigue trajectories. A piecewise model fit the data best. Patients who were white, diagnosed with breast, gynecological, or lung cancer, and who had more years of education, childcare responsibilities, lower functional status, and higher levels of sleep disturbance and depression reported higher levels of evening fatigue at enrollment.ConclusionThis study identified both nonmodifiable (e.g., ethnicity) and modifiable (e.g., childcare responsibilities, depressive symptoms, sleep disturbance) risk factors for more severe evening fatigue. Using this information, clinicians can identify patients at higher risk for more severe evening fatigue, provide individualized patient education, and tailor interventions to address the modifiable risk factors.

PurposeAlthough fear of recurrence (FCR) is common among cancer survivors, it remains unclear what factors predict initial levels (e.g., prior to surgery) or changes in FCR in the post-treatment period. Among women treated for breast cancer, this study evaluated the effects of demographic, clinical, symptom, and psychosocial adjustment characteristics on the initial (preoperative) levels of FCR and trajectories of FCR over 6 months following surgery.MethodsPrior to and for 6 months following breast cancer surgery, 396 women were assessed for demographic and clinical (disease and treatment) characteristics, symptoms, psychological adjustment characteristics, and quality of life (QOL). FCR was assessed using a four-item subscale from the QOL instrument. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to examine changes in FCR scores and to identify predictors of inter-individual differences in preoperative FCR levels and trajectories over 6 months.ResultsFrom before surgery to 6 months post-operatively, women with breast cancer showed a high degree of inter-individual variability in FCR. Preoperatively, women who lived with someone, experienced greater changes in spiritual life, had higher state anxiety, had more difficulty coping, or experienced more distress due to diagnosis or distress to family members reported higher FCR scores. Patients who reported better overall physical health and higher FCR scores at enrollment demonstrated a steeper decrease in FCR scores over time.ConclusionsThese findings highlight inter-individual heterogeneity in initial levels and changes in FCR over time among women undergoing breast cancer surgery. Further work is needed to identify and provide interventions for women experiencing FCR during and after breast cancer treatment.

In this paper, we demonstrate the importance of conducting well-thought-out sensitivity analyses for handling clustered data (data in which individuals are grouped into higher order units, such as students in schools) that arise from cluster randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This is particularly relevant given the rise in rigorous impact evaluations that use cluster randomized designs across various fields including education, public health and social welfare. Using data from a recently completed cluster RCT of a school-based teacher professional development program, we demonstrate our use of four commonly applied methods for analyzing clustered data. These methods include: (1) hierarchical linear modeling (HLM); (2) feasible generalized least squares (FGLS); (3) generalized estimating equations (GEE); and (4) ordinary least squares (OLS) regression with cluster-robust (Huber–White) standard errors. We compare our findings across each method, showing how inconsistent results – in terms of both effect sizes and statistical significance – emerged across each method and our analytic approach to resolving such inconsistencies.

ContextSleep disturbance is a problem for oncology patients.ObjectivesTo evaluate how sleep disturbance and daytime sleepiness (DS) changed from before to six months following surgery and whether certain characteristics predicted initial levels and/or the trajectories of these parameters.MethodsPatients (n=396) were enrolled prior to surgery and completed monthly assessments for six months following surgery. The General Sleep Disturbance Scale was used to assess sleep disturbance and DS. Using hierarchical linear modeling, demographic, clinical, symptom, and psychosocial adjustment characteristics were evaluated as predictors of initial levels and trajectories of sleep disturbance and DS.ResultsAll seven General Sleep Disturbance Scale scores were above the cutoff for clinically meaningful levels of sleep disturbance. Lower performance status; higher comorbidity, attentional fatigue, and physical fatigue; and more severe hot flashes predicted higher preoperative levels of sleep disturbance. Higher levels of education predicted higher sleep disturbance scores over time. Higher levels of depressive symptoms predicted higher preoperative levels of sleep disturbance, which declined over time. Lower performance status; higher body mass index; higher fear of future diagnostic tests; not having had sentinel lymph node biopsy; having had an axillary lymph node dissection; and higher depression, physical fatigue, and attentional fatigue predicted higher DS prior to surgery. Higher levels of education, not working for pay, and not having undergone neo-adjuvant chemotherapy predicted higher DS scores over time.ConclusionSleep disturbance is a persistent problem for patients with breast cancer. The effects of interventions that can address modifiable risk factors need to be evaluated.

ContextSleep disturbance is a significant problem in oncology patients.ObjectivesTo examine how actigraphy and self-report ratings of sleep disturbance changed over the course of and after radiation therapy (RT); investigate whether specific patient, disease, and symptom characteristics predicted the initial levels and/or the characteristics of the trajectories of sleep disturbance; and compare predictors of subjective and objective sleep disturbance.MethodsPatients (n=73) completed self-report questionnaires that assessed sleep disturbance, fatigue, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and pain before the initiation of RT through four months after the completion of RT. Wrist actigraphy was used as the objective measure of sleep disturbance. Hierarchical linear modeling was used for data analyses.ResultsMean wake after sleep onset was 11.9% and mean total score on the General Sleep Disturbance Scale was 45. More than 85% of the patients had an abnormally high number of nighttime awakenings. Substantial interindividual variability was found for both objective and subjective measures of sleep disturbance. Body mass index predicted baseline levels of objective sleep disturbance. Comorbidity, evening fatigue, and depressive symptoms predicted baseline levels of subjective sleep disturbance, and depressive symptoms predicted the trajectory of subjective sleep disturbance.ConclusionDifferent variables predicted sleep disturbance using subjective and objective measures. The slightly elevated wake after sleep onset found may be an underestimation of the degree of sleep disturbance when it is evaluated in the context of the high number of nighttime awakenings and patient's perception of poor sleep quality and quantity.

In most multi-campus studies of college impact that have been conducted over the past four decades, investigators have relied on ordinary least squares (OLS) regression as the analytic method of choice. Recently, however, some investigators have advocated the use of Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM), a method specifically designed for analyses that involve both individual (student) and aggregate (institutional) level measures. Cross-validation analyses using a national database show that the two methods yield an equally good “fit” with empirical data. Existing OLS software has the advantage of enabling one to perform path analytical causal modeling; HLM has the advantage of yielding a more conservative estimate of the significance of institution-level effects.

This workshop assembled thirty scholars with substantive or methodological interest in the study of global-scale socioeconomic processes across time and space. The purpose of the meeting was to develop ideas for research projects on the structure and dynamics of globalization using new research technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), spatial analysis methods (including network analysis), and sources of geographic information not usually employed by globalization researchers. This document provides the agenda, abstracts, and papers considered at the meeting, hosted by UC Riverside.