bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mortality and Cause of Death in Younger Homeless Veterans
Authors: Schinka John A. , Leventhal Katherine C. , Lapcevic William A. , Casey Roger 
Published: February 2018

Objectives: Increased mortality has been documented in older homeless veterans. This retrospective study examined mortality and cause of death in a cohort of young and middle-aged homeless veterans. Methods: We examined US Department of Veterans Affairs records on homelessness and health care for 2000-2003 and identified 23 898 homeless living veterans and 65 198 non-homeless living veterans aged 30-54. We used National Death Index records to determine survival status. We compared survival rates and causes of death for the 2 groups during a 10-year follow-up period. Results: A greater percentage of homeless veterans (3905/23 898, 16.3%) than non-homeless veterans (4143/65 198, 6.1%) died during the follow-up period, with a hazard ratio for risk of death of 2.9. The mean age at death (52.3 years) for homeless veterans was approximately 1 year younger than that of non-homeless veterans (53.2 years). Most deaths among homeless veterans (3431/3905, 87.9%) and non-homeless veterans (3725/4143, 89.9%) were attributed to 7 cause-of-death categories in the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (cardiovascular system; neoplasm; external cause; digestive system; respiratory system; infectious disease; and endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases). Death by violence was rare but was associated with a significantly higher risk among homeless veterans than among non-homeless veterans (suicide hazard ratio = 2.7; homicide hazard ratio = 7.6). Conclusions: Younger and middle-aged homeless veterans had higher mortality rates than those of their non-homeless veteran peers. Our results indicate that homelessness substantially increases mortality risk in veterans throughout the adult age range. Health assessment would be valuable for assessing the mortality risk among homeless veterans regardless of age.
Spiritual Struggles and Religious Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial in those with Depression and Chronic Medical Illness
Authors: Pearce Michelle J. , Koenig Harold G. 
Published: February 2018

Objectives Compared the effectiveness of religious cognitive-behavioral therapy (RCBT) versus conventional CBT (CCBT) on reducing spiritual struggles in persons with major depressive disorder (MDD) and medical illness. Methods Participants were randomized to receive 10 sessions of RCBT (n = 65) or CCBT (n = 67). Spiritual struggles were assessed at baseline, 12, and 24 weeks using the Brief RCOPE. Mixed effects growth curve models compared the effects of treatment on change in spiritual struggles. Results RCBT and CCBT reduced spiritual struggles to a similar degree over time (B = −0.48, SE = 0.31, df = 151, t = −1.53, p = .127, d = 0.25). Similar results were found in those with high religiosity and with high spiritual struggles at baseline. Higher baseline spiritual struggles predicted a slower decline in MDD (B = 0.47, SE = 0.20, t = 2.30, p = .022) independent of treatment group. Conclusions RCBT and CCBT are equally effective in reducing spiritual struggles in persons with MDD and medical illness. High spiritual struggles decrease the response of MDD to both RCBT and CCBT. These findings have treatment implications.
AN Integrative Approach to Psychological and Christian Thought Based on A Christian World View
Authors: Pascoe Jack P. 
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this study is to formulate a metapsychological foundation for psychology which is consistent with Christian thought. The approach taken is epistemological in nature and integrative in scope. It concentrates on constructing a Christian world view which will provide a frame of reference for the integration of psychological and Christian thought. A world view based on six Christian presuppositions is constructed. The six presuppositions discussed are: (a) one unifying truth –- God, (b) the reality of Christ, (c) a supernatural orientation, (d) human personalism, (e) the awareness of evil, and (f) ultimate purpose and meaning in life. This world view is a constructive synthesis of the Christian thought of Blamires (1963), Dooyeweerd (1936, 1960) and Trueblood (1969, 1970). A metapsychological analysis of psychology is accomplished via a basic issues approach. Eight fundamental psychological issues described by Wertheimer (1972) are reviewed: (a) the individual as master versus the individual as victim of fate, (b) human nature as good versus human nature as evil, (c) andsum versus transsum, (d) mind versus body, (e) subjectivity versus objectivity, (f) past versus present, (g) nature versus nurture, and (h) simplicity versus complexity. In conclusion, an integrative psychology is formulated which understands and explains the data of human behavior and experience in terms of the original metaphysical presuppositions which underlie all phenomena. The psychological issues examined earlier are analyzed from a Christian world view base. This is a formulation of a methodology for the further investigation and development of integrative psychology.
Pastoral Counseling as Sacramental Act
Authors: Meyer Charles 
Published: February 2018

Pastoral Counseling centers are burgeoning because a whole new community of persons is developing with new sacramental needs. The anachronistic methods of the institutional church have resulted in the pastoral counselor taking on the role of priest and performing the fourfold Eucharistic function (take, bless, break, give) in therapy. Pastoral counseling is now a sacramental act, and may in fact develop into a sacrament. Pastoral counselors have a unique combination of psychological and theological training, though in their zeal for professional acceptance they often emphasize the former at the expense of the latter. The pastoral counseling community has a responsibility to use its unique training to influence the institutional church to effectively meet the new sacramental, liturgical, and spiritual needs of its people. To be able to inform the growth of the historical community of faith and to adequately function sacramentally in the therapeutic setting, pastoral counselors must first examine their own spirituality.
Detection and Analysis of Small-Amplitude Seasonal Variation in a Short Time Series
Authors: Marrero Osvaldo 
Published: February 2018

We discuss a procedure for seasonality analyses of short time-series data with small amplitude. Such analyses are often performed in medical research. In economics, however, time series are typically long and of appreciable amplitude; therefore, economists are used to analyzing such data. Our procedure provides one more tool for the economists’ data-analysis toolbox. We illustrate the procedure’s application with three examples of real economics data. The examples demonstrate that the procedure can be profitably applied to short economics time series. JEL Classifications: C12, C22, C23, C49, F31
Parent-Focused Preventive Interventions for Youth Substance Use and Problem Behaviors: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ladis Barry A. , Macgowan Mark , Thomlison Barbara , Fava Nicole M. , Huang Hui , Trucco Elisa M. , Martinez Marcos J. 
Published: February 2018

Research indicates substance use initiation increases the risk of other youth problem behaviors and substance dependence. Preventing these problematic behaviors through parenting has the potential for avoiding deleterious consequences for youth, their families, and the community. Purpose: This systematic review provides an assessment of parent-focused preventive interventions that are effective in preventing early substance use (SU) and other problem behaviors among youth. Method: A systematic search following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was conducted to identify prevention studies. Studies were then assessed utilizing the Society for Prevention Research (SPR) efficacy criteria. Results: Ten studies, utilizing 11 preventive interventions, met all inclusion criteria. Discussion: The efficacious interventions emphasized parent skills training and engagement, were school-based, and utilized multiple prevention strategies. The Strengthening Families Program met the most SPR efficacy criteria. This review suggests parenting interventions are effective at preventing early youth SU and other problem behaviors. Implications for social work practice are discussed.
Functional Results of Open Broström Ankle Ligament Repair Augmented With a Suture Tape
Authors: Coetzee J. Chris , Ellington J. Kent , Ronan James A. , Stone Rebecca M. 
Published: February 2018

Background: The Broström procedure is the most commonly used lateral ligament repair for chronic instability, but there is concern about the strength of the repair and the risk of reinjury. Currently, the InternalBraceTM ligament augmentation repair is an accepted augmentation method for management of a Broström procedure. Our hypothesis was that augmentation of the Broström repair with an InternalBraceTM would allow accelerated rehabilitation and return to activity and would aid in stability of the repair without a tendency to stretch. Methods: Eighty-one patients with lateral ankle instability procedures repaired with a Broström and InternalBraceTM augmentation were evaluated at a one-time postoperative visit between 6 and 24 months. Outcomes included demographics, surgical time, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score, Veterans Rand 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), satisfaction, and objective clinical measurements. Eighty-one patients were analyzed including 30 males and 51 females. Median age was 34 years (range, 18-62 years) with a median return for follow-up of 11.5 months (range, 6-27 months). Results: Average postoperative VAS and satisfaction were 0.8 ± 1.4 and 9.1 ± 1.6, respectively. Mean return to sport (n = 68) was 84.1 days. Average AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot score was 94.3. A score of 90 or higher on the FAAM Sports subscale was seen in 79.0% of the subjects. The single-leg hop test (Limb Symmetry Index %) showed that 86.4% of patients returned to normal or near normal function. The tape measure method and ankle dorsiflexion comparisons showed a significant difference: 9.2 ± 3.3 cm (operative side) and 10.4 ± 3.7 cm (contralateral side) ( P = .034). Ankle plantar flexion comparison (goniometer) was 48.5 ± 11.5 degrees (operative side) and 49.7 ± 11.9 degrees (contralateral side), showing no difference ( P = .506). Conclusion: These results suggest that InternalBraceTM augmentation of a Broström procedure is a safe and efficacious procedure that produces favorable outcomes in patients in terms of preventing recurrent instability in the ankle in the short term. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.
Fall Hazards Within Senior Independent Living: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Kim Daejin , Portillo Margaret 
Published: February 2018

Aim: The main purpose of this research was to identify significant relationships between environmental hazards and older adults’ falling. Background: Falls can present a major health risk to older persons. Identifying potential environmental hazards that increase fall risks can be effective for developing fall prevention strategies that can create safer residential environments for older adults. Methods: The research included a retrospective analysis of 449 fall incident reports in two case-control buildings. In the homes of 88 older adults residing in independent living, an observational study was conducted to identify environmental hazards using two assessment tools including Westmead Home Safety Assessment (WeHSA) and resident interviews. Results: A fall history analysis indicated that falls occurred in the bathroom were significantly associated with hospitalization. The observational study revealed that the bathroom was the most common place for environmental hazards. The research showed, with increasing age and use of mobility assistive aids, there was a corresponding increase in the total number of environmental hazards. Home hazards were significantly and independently associated with the incidence rate of falls. In other words, the high fall rate building included more environmental hazards compared to the low fall rate building while controlling for residents’ age and mobility. Conclusion: The current study provides empirical evidence of the link between environmental hazards and older adults’ falling, which is useful for developing effective fall intervention design strategies.
Plate Alone Versus Plate and Lag Screw for Lapidus Arthrodesis: A Biomechanical Comparison of Compression
Authors: Garas Peter Kameel , DiSegna Steven Thomas , Patel Abhay R. 
Published: February 2018

Background. Arthrodesis of the first tarsal metatarsal joint can be accomplished in many ways. The compressive force attained between various constructs remains unclear. This study compares compression achieved through a locking/compression Lapidus plate both with and without the addition of a lag screw. Methods: A dorsal medial Lapidus/locking compression plate (Total Compression Plate System, OrthoPro, Salt Lake City, UT, now Wright Medical) was applied to one cadaveric limb, while the same plate with the addition of a 4.0-mm cannulated lag screw was applied to the contralateral limb for a total of 5 matched pairs of cadaveric specimens. Compressive force was recorded over time and compared between the constructs using a compression sensor (8” FlexiForce Resistive Force Sensor, Phidgets Inc, Calgary, Alberta, Canada). Results: Compression was maintained for 45.4 minutes in the plate only construct, and 317 minutes with the addition of the lag screw ( P = .010). The mean time to 50% peak compression for the plate only construct was 4.90 minutes compared with 15.11 minutes for plate with lag screw construct (P = .012). Conclusion: The addition of a lag screw is recommended for extending the length of compression and possibly reducing nonweightbearing time and the risk of nonunion. Levels of Evidence: Level V
Impaired Sleep Mediates the Negative Effects of Training Load on Subjective Well-Being in Female Youth Athletes
Authors: Watson Andrew , Brickson Stacey 
Published: February 2018

Background: Although increased training load (TL) and impaired sleep are associated with decreases in subjective well-being in adult athletes, these relationships among female youth athletes are unclear. It is unknown whether the effects of sleep and TL on well-being are independent or whether alterations in sleep mediate the effects of TL on subjective well-being. Hypothesis: Sleep and TL exert independent effects on subjective well-being among youth athletes, although alterations in sleep mediate a significant portion of the effect of TL on well-being in female youth athletes. Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Methods: A total of 65 female soccer athletes (age range, 13-18 years) were monitored for 1 year. Daily TL was determined by session rating of perceived exertion and converted to z-scores. Every morning, participants recorded sleep duration in hours and rated stress, mood, fatigue, and soreness on a scale from −3 to +3 (worst to best). Linear mixed-effects models and mediation analysis were used to evaluate the independent effects of TL and sleep on well-being. Results: Average sleep duration was 7.9 ± 1.4 hours during the study period. In the multivariable model, TL and sleep duration were independently associated with fatigue (TL: β = −0.19, P < 0.001; sleep: β = 0.15, P < 0.001), mood (TL: β = −0.030, P = 0.014; sleep: β = 0.13, P < 0.001), stress (TL: β = −0.055, P = 0.001; sleep: β = 0.13, P < 0.001), and soreness (TL: β = −0.31, P < 0.001; sleep: β = 0.022, P = 0.042). Sleep duration mediated a significant portion of the effect of TL on mood (26.8%, P < 0.001), fatigue (12.6%, P < 0.001), and stress (24.5%, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Among female youth athletes, decreased sleep duration and increased TL are independently associated with impairments of subjective well-being. In addition, decreased sleep mediates a significant portion of the negative effect of increases in TL on subjective well-being. Clinical Relevance: Monitoring and promoting sleep among female adolescent athletes may significantly improve subjective well-being, particularly during periods of increased TL.
Sagittal band reconstruction in the index finger using a modified Elson technique
Authors: Takahashi Nobuyuki , Iba Kousuke , Hanaka Megumi , Ozasa Yasuhiro , Kanaya Kohei , Yamashita Toshihiko 
Published: February 2018

Purpose: The Elson technique is a rigid reconstruction method for a hypoplastic or absent sagittal band in the treatment of chronic extensor digitorum communis (EDC) tendon dislocation. We performed a modified procedure based on the Elson technique for reconstruction of the radial sagittal band in case involving the index finger. We investigated the postoperative outcomes of chronic EDC dislocation after treatment with the original and modified Elson technique. Methods: We examined five fingers of five patients (2 males and 3 females) with a mean age of 41 years. The chronic EDC tendon dislocation was due to an old trauma, or a spontaneous or congenital condition involving the index in two, middle in two, and ring finger in one patient. Sagittal band reconstruction was performed using the modified Elson technique for the index finger and the original technique for the other fingers. The mean duration of postoperative follow-up was 58 months. Clinical findings such as pain and discomfort at metacarpophalangeal flexion associated with the tendon dislocation, range of motion (ROM), and disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand were evaluated. We also examined postoperative recurrence and subjective patient evaluation. Results: All cases achieved pain-free stability of the EDC tendon with no recurrence, and full ROM was maintained at the latest examination after surgery. The postoperative subjective evaluation by the patients was “very satisfied” in four fingers and “neutral” in one finger. Conclusion: We demonstrated our modified Elson technique for the treatment of chronic extensor tendon dislocation of the index finger.
Allele-selective RUNX1 binding regulates P1 blood group status by transcriptional control of A4GALT
Authors: Westman Julia S. , Stenfelt Linn , Vidovic Karina , Möller Mattias , Hellberg Åsa , Kjellström Sven , Olsson Martin L. 
Published: February 2018

Key PointsThe intronic A4GALT SNP rs5751348 defines a hematopoietic transcription factor–binding site present in P1 but not P2 blood group alleles. RUNX1 selectively binds to this regulatory site in P1 alleles; small interfering RNA knockdown of RUNX1 downregulates A4GALT transcript levels.
The effect of text messaging on latent tuberculosis treatment adherence: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Johnston James C. , van der Kop Mia L. , Smillie Kirsten , Ogilvie Gina , Marra Fawziah , Sadatsafavi Mohsen , Romanowski Kamila , Budd Matthew A. , Hajek Jan , Cook Victoria , Lester Richard T. 
Published: February 2018

There is limited high-quality evidence available to inform the use of text messaging to improve latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) treatment adherence.We performed a parallel, randomised controlled trial at two sites to assess the effect of a two-way short message service on LTBI adherence. We enrolled adults initiating LTBI therapy from June 2012 to September 2015 in British Columbia, Canada. Participants were randomised in a 1:1 ratio to standard LTBI treatment (control) or standard LTBI treatment plus two-way weekly text messaging (intervention). The primary outcome was treatment completion, defined as taking ≥80% prescribed doses within 12 months (isoniazid) or 6 months (rifampin) of enrolment. The trial was unblinded except for the data analyst.A total of 358 participants were assigned to the intervention (n=170) and control (n=188) arms. In intention-to-treat analysis, the proportion of participants completing LTBI therapy in the intervention and control arms was 79.4% and 81.9%, respectively (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.88–1.07; p=0.550). Results were similar for pre-specified secondary end-points, including time-to-completion of LTBI therapy, completion of >90% of prescribed LTBI doses and health-related quality of life.Weekly two-way text messaging did not improve LTBI completion rates compared to standard LTBI care; however, completion rates were high in both treatment arms.
Findings of Multiple Myeloma in Afro-Caribbean Patients in the United States
Authors: Banavali Ashtami , Neculiseanu Elvira , Draksharam Padma L. , Datla Sireesha , Savjani Maushmi , Park Jennifer , Sidhu Gurinder , Taiwo Evelyn O. 
Published: February 2018

Background Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common malignancy in the United States and has a higher incidence in the black and Afro-Caribbean population. There remain limited data on disease presentation and clinical characteristics in this patient group in the United States. The clinical profile of MM in this underrepresented patient group is described here. Methods This retrospective study was conducted at Kings County Hospital, an urban New York City hospital in a majority Afro-Caribbean neighborhood. Data from patients diagnosed with MM from 2000 through 2013 were collected from the institution’s tumor registry. Clinical and demographic characteristics of these patients were then analyzed. Results Patients with a diagnosis of MM were identified (N = 287). Data were available for 231 patients and of these, 97% self-identified as black. 55% were female, and there was a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.2. The mean age of female patients was 64 years; that of male patients was 63 years. Of the 231 patients, 81% had anemia, 68% had bone lesions, 47% had renal impairment, and 29% had hypercalcemia. Low levels of monoclonal protein were present in 27% of patients and 57% had disease of International Staging System stages I and II. Women had higher BMI than men. Conclusion The mean age of presentation of MM in Afro-Caribbean patients is similar to that in the standard population; however, unlike the general US population, there was a higher incidence in women; mean BMI of women also was higher than that of male patients. A sizeable percentage of Afro-Caribbean patients with MM presented with low levels of monoclonal protein in the presence of multiorgan involvement and damage, suggesting the need for early and aggressive diagnostic testing.