bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antiepileptic Drug Use and the Risk of Stroke Among Community‐Dwelling People With Alzheimer Disease: A Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Sarycheva Tatyana , Lavikainen Piia , Taipale Heidi , Tiihonen Jari , Tanskanen Antti , Hartikainen Sirpa , Tolppanen Anna‐Maija 
Published: September 2018

Background

People with Alzheimer disease (
AD
) are more predisposed to seizures than older people in general, and use of antiepileptic drugs (
AED
s) is more frequent.
AED
use has been linked to a higher risk of vascular events in the general population; however, it is not evident whether the same risk exists in people with
AD
. We assessed the risk of stroke associated with incident
AED
use among people with
AD
.

Methods and Results

The
MEDALZ
(Medication Use and Alzheimer's Disease) cohort includes all Finnish people who received a clinically verified
AD
diagnosis (N=70718) from 2005 to 2011. People with previous strokes were excluded. For each incident
AED
user (n=5617) one nonuser was matched according to sex, age, and time since
AD
diagnosis. Analyses were conducted with Cox proportional hazards models and inverse probability of treatment weighting. Compared with nonuse,
AED
use was associated with an increased risk of stroke (inverse probability of treatment weighting hazard ratio (
HR
), 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07–1.74). The risk was strongest during the first 90 days (adjusted
HR
, 2.36; 95%
CI
, 1.25–4.47) of
AED
use. According to stroke type, the association was with ischemic strokes (inverse probability of treatment weighting
HR
, 1.34; 95%
CI
, 1.00–1.79) and hemorrhagic ones (inverse probability of treatment weighting
HR
, 1.44; 95%
CI
, 0.86–2.43). The stroke risk of users of older
AED
s did not differ from that of the users of newer
AED
s (adjusted
HR
, 1.04; 95%
CI
, 0.71–1.53).

Conclusions

AED
use was related to an increased risk of stroke, regardless of
AED
type. Our results highlight caution in
AED
use in this vulnerable population.
Renin‐Angiotensin‐Aldosterone System, Glucose Metabolism and Incident Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: MESA
Authors: Joseph Joshua J. , Echouffo Tcheugui Justin B. , Effoe Valery S. , Hsueh Willa A. , Allison Matthew A. , Golden Sherita H. 
Published: September 2018

Background

Mechanistic studies suggest that aldosterone impairs glucose metabolism. We investigated the cross‐sectional associations of aldosterone and plasma renin activity with fasting plasma glucose, insulin resistance (
IR
), β‐cell function, and longitudinal association with incident diabetes mellitus among adults in MESA (the multiethnic study of atherosclerosis) prospective cohort study.

Methods and Results

Homeostatic model assessment of
IR
(
HOMA
2‐
IR
) and
HOMA
2‐β were used to estimate
IR
and β‐cell function, respectively. Incident diabetes mellitus was defined as fasting plasma glucose ≥126 mg/dL or anti‐diabetic medication use at follow‐up. Linear regression was used to examine cross‐sectional associations of aldosterone with fasting plasma glucose,
HOMA
2‐
IR
and
HOMA
2‐β; Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (
HR
) for incident diabetes mellitus with multivariable adjustment. There were 116 cases of incident diabetes mellitus over 10.5 years among 1570 adults (44% non‐Hispanic white, 13% Chinese American, 19% Black, 24% Hispanic American, mean age 64±10 years, 51% female). A 100% increase in log‐aldosterone was associated with a 2.6 mg/dL higher fasting plasma glucose, 15% higher
HOMA
2‐
IR
and 6% higher
HOMA
2‐β (
P
<0.01). A 1‐
SD
increase in log‐aldosterone was associated with a 44% higher risk of incident diabetes mellitus (
P
<0.01) with the greatest increase of 142% (
P
<0.01) observed in Chinese Americans (
P
for interaction=0.09 versus other ethnicities). Similar cross‐sectional findings for log‐plasma renin activity existed, but log‐plasma renin activity was not associated with incident diabetes mellitus after full adjustment.

Conclusions
Aldosterone is associated with glucose homeostasis and diabetes mellitus risk with graded associations among Chinese Americans and blacks, suggesting that pleiotropic effects of aldosterone may represent a modifiable mechanism in diabetes mellitus pathogenesis with potential racial/ethnic variation.
The Drama of Infertility: Reading Isa 56:1-8 from a Krobo Perspective
Authors: Gatti Nicoletta , Ossom-Batsa George 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn most cultures in Ghana, both male and female infertility are believed to be a curse and a sign of an unfruitful life. The ability to procreate thus defines the identity of the person and his/her existential value in relation to others. Furthermore, childlessness becomes an overwhelming drama as it is perceived to depict an inferior state of being or a life of incompleteness. This type of social identity construction raises serious hermeneutical issues in its engagement with the Judeo-Christian message of inclusiveness. Against this backdrop, this study reads the drama surrounding infertility within the Krobo worldview from the horizon of Isa 56:1-8, using the Communicative hermeneutic approach. Our findings are that an engagement between the Krobo worldview and the Isaian text creates both tension and transformation. The tension comes about because of the contrast of views; and the transformation resides in the change of perspective. The text provides a rich and an alternative understanding of infertility: another way of being and not a curse.
Pious Eli? The Characterization of Eli in 1 Samuel 3:18
Authors: Cook Ryan 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn 1 Sam 3:18b, Eli responds to a prophetic judgment with the phrase “it is the Lord, may he do what is good in his eyes.” Most commentators understand this response as an example of pious acceptance of divine judgment. The claim of this article is that a plausible case can be made for reading Eli’s response as culpably passive. This case will be made following two lines of evidence. First, I will examine an oracle of judgment against an individual and the response as a type-scene in Samuel-Kings. Second, I will examine how this culpable passivity fits with the characterization of Eli in 1 Samuel 1-3.
The Good Shepherd παροιμία (John 10:1-21) and John’s Implied Audience: A Thought Experiment in Reading the Fourth Gospel
Authors: Skinner Christopher William 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIt is often said that the Johannine Jesus never utters a narrative parable like those that are so ubiquitous throughout the Synoptics. However, in John 10, we have the closest parallel in the so-called “Good Shepherd” discourse, where Jesus uses a “figure of speech” (παροιµία) to compare himself to a benevolent or noble shepherd. The present article will explore this παροιµία in light of the unfolding narrative Christology over the first nine chapters. Against that backdrop, we will examine the questions: “What historical information can reasonably be inferred as part of the literary construct known as the implied audience?”, and “How has the implied audience been prepared by the narrator to receive this metaphorical speech?”
The Ozone Water–Land Environmental Transition Study: An Innovative Strategy for Understanding Chesapeake Bay Pollution Events
Authors: Sullivan John T. , Berkoff Timothy , Gronoff Guillaume , Knepp Travis , Pippin Margaret , Allen Danette , Twigg Laurence , Swap Robert , Tzortziou Maria , Thompson Anne M. , Stauffer Ryan M. , Wolfe Glenn M. , Flynn James , Pusede Sally E. , Judd Laura M. , Moore William , Baker Barry D. , Al-Saadi Jay , McGee Thomas J. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractCoastal regions have historically represented a significant challenge for air quality investigations because of water–land boundary transition characteristics and a paucity of measurements available over water. Prior studies have identified the formation of high levels of ozone over water bodies, such as the Chesapeake Bay, that can potentially recirculate back over land to significantly impact populated areas. Earth-observing satellites and forecast models face challenges in capturing the coastal transition zone where small-scale meteorological dynamics are complex and large changes in pollutants can occur on very short spatial and temporal scales. An observation strategy is presented to synchronously measure pollutants “over land” and “over water” to provide a more complete picture of chemical gradients across coastal boundaries for both the needs of state and local environmental management and new remote sensing platforms. Intensive vertical profile information from ozone lidar systems and ozonesondes, obtained at two main sites, one over land and the other over water, are complemented by remote sensing and in situ observations of air quality from ground-based, airborne (both personned and unpersonned), and shipborne platforms. These observations, coupled with reliable chemical transport simulations, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Air Quality Forecast Capability (NAQFC), are expected to lead to a more fully characterized and complete land–water interaction observing system that can be used to assess future geostationary air quality instruments, such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO), and current low-Earth-orbiting satellites, such as the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-5 Precursor (S5-P) with its Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI).
The Role of Stochastic Forcing in Generating ENSO Diversity
Authors: Thomas Erin E. , Vimont Daniel J. , Newman Matthew , Penland Cécile , Martínez-Villalobos Cristian 
Published: September 2018

AbstractNumerous oceanic and atmospheric phenomena influence El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variability, complicating both prediction and analysis of the mechanisms responsible for generating ENSO diversity. Predictability of ENSO events depends on the characteristics of both the forecast initial conditions and the stochastic forcing that occurs subsequent to forecast initialization. Within a linear inverse model framework, stochastic forcing reduces ENSO predictability when it excites unpredictable growth or interference after the forecast is initialized, but also enhances ENSO predictability when it excites optimal initial conditions that maximize deterministic ENSO growth. Linear inverse modeling (LIM) allows for straightforward separation between predictable signal and unpredictable noise and so can diagnose its own skill. While previous LIM studies of ENSO focused on deterministic dynamics, here we explore how noise forcing influences ENSO diversity and predictability. This study identifies stochastic forcing details potentially contributing to the development of central Pacific (CP) or eastern Pacific (EP) ENSO characteristics. The technique is then used to diagnose the relative roles of initial conditions and noise forcing throughout the evolution of several ENSO events. LIM results show varying roles of noise forcing for any given event, highlighting its utility in separating deterministic from noise-forced contributions to the evolution of individual ENSO events. For example, the strong 1982 event was considerably more influenced by noise forcing late in its evolution than the strong 1997 event, which was more predictable with long lead times due to its deterministic growth. Furthermore, the 2014 deterministic trajectory suggests that a strong event in 2014 was unlikely.
Tolerance of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) Inhibitors in Patients With Self-Reported Statin Intolerance
Authors: Davidson Erica R. , Snider Melissa J. , Bartsch Kelly , Hirsch Andrea , Li Junan , Larry John 
Published: September 2018

Background: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors have been shown to lower atherogenic lipid markers in patients with statin intolerance; however, external validity of these findings is unclear in patients with self-reported statin intolerance. Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the tolerability of evolocumab and alirocumab in patients with self-reported statin intolerance. Secondary objectives were to describe their efficacy and obtainability. Methods: A retrospective chart review was completed and included adult patients with self-reported statin intolerance who were prescribed a PCSK9 inhibitor. Patient-reported side effects, laboratory values, and insurance information were collected for assessment of study objectives. Results: During the study period, 55 patients were prescribed PCSK9 inhibitor, 42 started therapy, and 34 had at least 1 follow-up visit. While myalgias occurred in 14.7% (n = 5) of patients, flu-like symptoms in 11.8% (n = 4), and fatigue in 2.9% (n = 1), only 5.9% (n = 2) of prescriptions for PCSK9 inhibitors were discontinued. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was reduced 48.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.7%-99.1%), and 20 (58.8%) patients achieved a ≥50% reduction in LDL-C. Regarding obtainability, of the 57 prescriptions written, 77.2% (n = 44) required prior authorization and 5.3% (n = 3) were denied by insurance. Conclusion: PCSK9 inhibitors were well tolerated in patients with self-reported statin intolerance.
Pulmonary Function Testing Procedures: A Preliminary Study of Local Occupational Health Clinics
Authors: Burke-Klein Eileen 
Published: September 2018

For the results of pulmonary function testing to be valid, the examination must be administered by a knowledgeable technician and the instrument must fulfill performance criteria. In general, most small to mid-sized industries rely upon local medical clinics to provide pulmonary function tests. Because of this, a survey was undertaken to study the pulmonary function testing services available at occupational medical clinics in a large metropolitan area. The purpose of this study was: 1. to determine the percentage of clinics complying with the program prerequisites mentioned above, and 2. to identify the other predictive characteristics of clinics more likely to meet these standards. A random sample of occupational medical clinics providing pulmonary function testing were selected for this study. Of the 31 clinics providing pulmonary function testing services, a random sample of 14 were chosen to perticipate; for these clinics, administrators and/or physicians were interviewed and testing equipment was examined. It was found that 17% of clinics employed certified technicians to conduct testing and 42% had instruments meeting performance specifications. Overall, only 8% of the sample met both prerequisites. No significant relationship was found between selected variables that it was hoped would identify clinics more likely to perform valid pulmonary function testing. It is believed that a larger sample size would be necessary to establish such significant correlations.
Health Hazards in the Workplace: An Approach to Surveillance
Authors: Sutherland Jean , Clegg Susan , DeCourcey Karen 
Published: September 2018

Surveillance programs serve as a useful tool in assisting occupational health nurses in identifying employees with existing or potential health problems due to toxic exposures. They also assist the company in pinpointing potential health hazards in the work environment. The surveillance assessment can serve as a useful tool in encouraging safe practices in the workplace and encouraging management to comply with OSHA, state, or company regulations. The surveillance assessment further serves asa vehicle for assisting the occupational health nurse in developing a procedure for collecting information regarding hazards in the workplace. When developing a protocol for conducting physical examinations, the occupational health nurse mustbe able to identify those toxinswhich are present in the workplace, describe signs and symptoms which employees mayexhibit when suffering from overexposure to a hazard, and plan for dealing with such exposure situations.
The Multidimensional: Health Locus of Control: Applied to Four Classifications of Working Adults
Authors: Rieth Lori 
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this study was to apply the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale to the Perceived Control portion of Pender's Health Belief Model. The sample respondents consisted of healthy adults employed by a major corporation in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, area. The first aim of this study was to determine how a sample of adult office workers perceived control of their own health status. The second aim was to explore whether perception of control of health status differed according to occupational class among a sample of clerical, technical, professional, and managerial workers. The literature was reviewed in the following areas: locus of control, health locus of control, and the relationship between the two as they relate to the health belief model. Rationale for studying health locus of control is supported in the literature. Using a descriptive survey approach with questionnaire instrumentation, data were collected from 226 employees employed by a Fortune 500 Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Descriptive statistics were utilized in the data analysis. The results of the study indicated that this particular sample of adult employees generally perceive themselves to have a high degree of internal control over their health status. Further, there was little difference among the mean scores of perception of control among clerical, technical, professional, and managerial workers. Recommendations were made that the study be repeated using a blue-collar population. In addition, hypotheses were generated about the relationship of age, sex, education, and occupational class to determine the degree of their impact on health locus of control. The implications for nursing practice and recommendations for health promotion activities are presented.
Understandings of Health
Authors: Ness Pat 
Published: September 2018

The purpose of the study was to discover what the concept of health means to the participants and to determine how an organization can assist its members in developing and maintaining their notion of health. The participants for this study were drawn from the employees at a post secondary educational institution. Tape recorded interviews were transcribed by the researcher, and the transcripts were analyzed for common topics and predominant themes. Imbedded in the data were four themes that provided an over arching conceptual framework from which to view health and health promoting activities: well being as a broad definition of health; the concept of balance as a prime contributor to health; the notion of self efficacy in determining one's health, and the value of caring as a significant determinant of health. Findings of the study have significance for individual health, organizations and health, health promoters, and further research.
Risk of Tuberculosis Transmission in Dentistry
Authors: Murphy Denise C. , Younai Fariba S. 
Published: September 2018

This pilot project was conducted for the purpose of performing a retrospective chart review on selected clients and using the results for evaluating purified protein derivative (PPD) conversion rates among the student population. The occupational risk of exposure to active tuberculosis was assessed in a large dental educational setting. Charts of clients seen in the College's Oral Medicine Clinic, referred out for health care consultation for one of several reasons potentially associated with active tuberculosis disease over a 1 year period, were reviewed. Data sources included the medical consultation log and the tuberculosis log, which were maintained by faculty in the Oral Medicine Clinic. Ninety-six clients met the authors' criteria. However, compiling data was severely hampered for two reasons: missing charts (19 of 96, or 19.8%) and non-returning clients (55, or 57%). Four clients with potentially active cases of tuberculosis were identified. Follow up revealed, however, that none of these four clients was contagious when seen at the Dental Center. The protocol and definition recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1994 Guidelines, and the results of PPD screening and chart audit conducted by the authors, suggest that the employees and students of the College of Dentistry are at low risk for workplace exposure to active tuberculosis.
Worksite Cholesterol and Nutrition: An Intervention Project in Colorado
Authors: Anderson Jennifer , Dusenbury Linda 
Published: September 2018

The study purpose was to determine whether group intervention or an individual self help program proved to be more effective at lowering heart disease risk factors among employees in different worksites. Eight worksites and 502 employees in the Denver metropolitan area were selected for the project, with four randomized to Usual Care and four to the Special Intervention. Most worksites had <200 employees. Employees were randomly assigned to either a control group receiving usual nutrition education or one of two special intervention groups in which employees selected to attend group nutrition education classes or complete an individual self paced nutrition education program. Results indicated that offering a choice of methods for the special nutrition education intervention was valuable, and both approaches modified behavior and certain physiological outcomes. Results suggested that enhanced nutrition education efforts in worksites may be effective and will realize greater benefits than a pamphlet or brief discussion following a worksite screening.
Case Management for Injured Workers: A Descriptive Study using a Record Review
Authors: Tsai Jenny Hsin-Chun , Salazar Mary K. , Graham Katherine Young , Brines Julie 
Published: September 2018

A record review was used to examine case management services provided to 36 workers who sustained a catastrophic or medically complex injury, and who were referred to a case management program. The aims of this phase of the evaluation were to identify and describe: • Workers' demographics and personal attributes, • The structures and processes that affected the course of these cases, and • The role of the nurse case manager (NCM). A data collection instrument was developed to collect quantitative and qualitative information. Structural factors that emerged as most consequential included the quality and quantity of the injured worker's social support and the employment situation, including the availability of a job post-injury, employer support, and worker motivation. Process variables identified included the interactions of service providers including communication, and collaboration. The NCM was described as a monitor, coordinator, supporter, and advocate for the worker. Additionally, the NCM served as a consultant to other service providers and played a key role in the implementation of cost containment strategies.