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Purpose The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an age-specific diabetes prevention program in young adults with prediabetes. Methods A one-group pretest-posttest design was used. The inclusion criteria were age 18 to 29 years and the presence of prediabetes (either impaired fasting glucose of 100-125 mg/dL [5.55-6.94 mmol/L] or A1C of 5.7%-6.4%). Fifteen participants were enrolled in the study. A technology-based lifestyle coaching program focused on diet and physical activity and incorporating a handheld device and digital platforms was developed and tested. Psychosocial factors (health literacy, illness perception, self-efficacy, therapeutic efficacy) based on social cognitive theory, changes in diet and physical activity, and cardiometabolic risk factors were assessed at baseline and week 12 after the intervention. A paired-samples t test was performed to examine changes between baseline and postintervention on each psychosocial and physical variable. Results Participants' (n = 13 completers) mean age was 24.4 ± 2.2 years, 23.1% were male, and 53.8% were African American. Overall, the participants were satisfied with the intervention (mean score, 4.15 on a 5-point, Likert-type scale). Between pre- and posttesting, mean body mass index and mean A1C decreased from 41.0 ± 7.3 kg/m[sup 2] and 6.0 ± 0.5% to 40.1 ± 7.0 kg/m[sup 2] and 5.6 ± 0.5%, respectively, whereas mean fasting glucose did not significantly change (from 92.6 ± 11 to 97.6 ± 14.3 mg/dL [5.14 ± 0.61 to 5.42 ± 0.79 mmol/L]). Conclusions The intervention resulted in reduced A1C and a trend toward decreased body mass index in obese sedentary young adults with prediabetes after 12 weeks. Further study through a randomized clinical trial with a longer intervention period is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary aim of this study was to develop statistical models to predict peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak) using OMNI Ratings of Perceived Exertion measured during submaximal cycle ergometry. Male (M = 20.9 yr., SE = 0.4) and female (M = 21.6 yr., SE = 0.5) participants (N = 81) completed a load-incremented maximal cycle ergometer exercise test. Simultaneous multiple linear regression was used to develop separate VO2 peak statistical models using submaximal ratings of perceived exertion for the overall body, legs, and chest/breathing as predictor variables. VO2 peak (L·min−1) predicted for men and women from ratings of perceived exertion for the overall body (3.02 ± 0.06; 2.03 ± 0.04), legs (3.02 ± 0.06; 2.04 ± 0.04), and chest/breathing (3.02 ± 0.05; 2.03 ± 0.03) were similar to measured VO2 peak (3.02 ± 0.10; 2.03 ± 0.06, ps > .05). Statistical models based on submaximal OMNI Ratings of Perceived Exertion provide an easily administered and accurate method to predict VO2 peak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To examine relationships among health literacy, self-efficacy, food label use, and dietary quality in young adults aged 18-29. Methods: Health literacy, self-efficacy, food label use, and dietary quality were assessed. Participants were categorized into low, medium and high health literacy groups based on Newest Vital Sign score. Results: Self-efficacy and health literacy were predictors of food label use, which positively predicted dietary quality. The low health literacy group had significantly lower use of food labels than the high health literacy group. However, there was no significant difference between medium and high health literacy groups. Conclusion: Strategies to enhance health literacy, self-efficacy and food label use should be developed to improve dietary quality and health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At least one third of youth involved with juvenile justice experienced child maltreatment. Child welfare samples thus provide a means to examine how child welfare services moderate the relationship between maltreatment and delinquency, producing information essential for tailoring services to disrupt this link. This article contributes to understandings of which youth are likely to become involved with juvenile justice by examining its relationships with child welfare experiences and mental health and substance abuse service receipt, with particular attention to racial and gender differences. In multivariate analyses of a birth cohort of child welfare-involved youth, mental health services are associated with juvenile justice, and substance abuse services are predictive for White boys and out-of-home placement for girls. For youth experiencing out-of-home placement, mental health services are associated with increased likelihood of juvenile justice and substance abuse services with decreased likelihood, while congregate care predicts juvenile justice for girls and White youth. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Introduction: While cigarette use is declining, smoking tobacco with a waterpipe is an emerging trend. We aimed to determine the prevalence of waterpipe use in a large diverse sample of U.S. university students and to assess the association of waterpipe use with individual and institution-related characteristics. Methods: We assessed students from 152 U.S. universities participating in the National College Health Assessment during 2008–2009. We used multivariable regression models to determine independent associations between individual and institutional characteristics and waterpipe tobacco use in the past 30 days and ever. Results: Of 105,012 respondents included in the analysis, most were female (65.7%), White (71.2%), and attending public (59.7%) nonreligious (83.1%) institutions. Mean age was 22.1 years. A total of 32,013 (30.5%) reported ever using a waterpipe to smoke tobacco. Rates for current tobacco use were 8.4% for waterpipes, 16.8% for cigarettes, 7.4% for cigars (including cigarillos), and 3.5% for smokeless tobacco. Of current waterpipe users, 51.4% were not current cigarette smokers. Although current waterpipe use was reported across all individual and institutional characteristics, fully adjusted multivariable models showed that it was most strongly associated with younger age, male gender, White race, fraternity/sorority membership, and nonreligious institutions in large cities in the western United States. Conclusions: After cigarettes, waterpipe use was the most common form of tobacco use among university students. Because waterpipe use affects groups with a wide variety of individual and institutional characteristics, it should be included with other forms of tobacco in efforts related to tobacco surveillance and intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which analyzed the state of participation of the minority community, specifically African American and Latin communities, in informed consent studies. Issues such as the level of satisfaction of the respondents, need to use plain language and the lack of comprehension assessment tools are discussed. Part of the results show that the minority communities have a preferred method of learning about the study vis-a-vis what the studies apply.

The article discusses a study exploring potential factors affecting the self-management behaviors of Korean immigrants with type 2 diabetes mellitus (KIT2Ds). Treatment regimens, physician-patient relationships and resources influence self-management behaviors including the belief that an imbalance in yin and yang leads to illness. The study concluded that specific cultural factors need to be factored in while designing Diabetes self-management education (DSME) programs.

This investigation examined the validity of newly developed Adult OMNI Elliptical Ergometer Ratings of Perceived Exertion Scales. 60 men and women performed a graded exercise test on an elliptical ergometer. Oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), and ratings of perceived exertion were recorded at each stage from the Borg 15 Category, scale and two different OMNI scales. One scale employed an elliptical ergometer format of the OMNI Picture System of Perceived Exertion. The second scale modified verbal, numerical, and pictorial descriptors at the low end of the response range. Concurrent and construct validity were established by the positive relation between ratings of perceived exertion from each OMNI scale with VO2, HR, and Borg scale ratings of perceived exertion (men, r=.94-.97; women, r=.93-.98). Validity was established for both OMNI scales, indicating either metric can be used to estimate ratings of perceived exertion during partial weight-bearing exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal depression in low-income women is a significant problem because of its negative consequences for both mothers and their children. Economic stress increases risk for depression; however, mechanisms linking economic stress and depression are not well understood. The social support deterioration model suggests that chronic stressors can exert effects on psychological well-being directly and, also, indirectly when stressors undermine social support. The analysis presented in this article tested the relationships suggested by the social support deterioration model by examining the direct and indirect links among economic stress, social support, and depressive symptoms in a sample of 336 mothers with children in mental health care. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the hypothesized paths depicted by this model and the relevant demographic variables. Economic stress was associated with depressive symptoms and appeared to exert part of its influence by reducing social support. Future research should consider social support and economic stress as potential targets for prevention of and intervention regarding maternal depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This secondary analysis used E. Goffman''s (1963) model of stigma to examine how social support and health status are related to HIV stigma, after controlling for specific sociodemographic factors, and how these relationships differed between men and women living with HIV. Baseline data from 183 subjects in a behavioral randomized clinical trial were analyzed using multigroup structural equation modeling. Women reported significantly higher levels of stigma than men after controlling for race, history of injection drug use, and exposure category. HIV-related stigma was negatively predicted by social support regardless of gender. The theorized model explained a significant amount of the variance in stigma for men and women (24.4% and 44%, respectively) and may provide novel and individualized intervention points for health care providers to effect positive change in perceived stigma for the person living with HIV. The study offers insight into understanding the relationships among gender, health status, social support, and HIV-related stigma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents the results of a study which investigated the relative accuracy of various methods of calculating peak oxygen consumption, also known as aerobic capacity. An overview of related previous research is provided, along with details of the experimental protocol, which involved cycle and elliptical ergometers and treadmills. The strengths and weaknesses of the various methods are described.

The purpose of this investigation was to identify a perceptually based warning zone to anticipate termination of Bruce treadmill tests. Apparently healthy adult women (n = 116) and men (n = 55) participated. The time to test termination was measured from the point during the treadmill test at which participants estimated a rating of perceived exertion of 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 using the Borg 6-20 scale to specify the rating of perceived exertion which was less than or equal to one exercise test stage. Women exercised for 141.9 ± 99.2 sec. after reporting a rating of perceived exertion of 14. Men terminated the treadmill test 120.1 ± 80.0 sec. after estimating their rating of perceived exertion to be 15, indicating volitional test termination will occur before the next exercise stage is completed. Accurate and timely prediction of test termination using ratings of perceived exertion may enhance the safety of exercise tests administered to apparently healthy adults and facilitate obtaining endpoint measures upon which to prescribe exercise intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical evidence suggests that patients with liver disease and HIV have poorer quality of life (QOL). Because little research exists to support this observation, this study examined the relationships between people with HIV and liver disorders and their QOL. Cella''s multidimensional (functional, social, emotional, physical) conceptualization of QOL guided this study. The sample included 80 participants with liver disorders and HIV; 48.8% had chronic or permanent hepatitis. Cella''s four dimensions significantly correlated with QOL: functional, r = .329, p < .01; social, r = .636, p < .01; emotional, r = −.549, p < .01; and physical, r = −.480, p < .01. Linear regression analysis with QOL as the dependent variable and the four dimensions as predictors resulted in significant associations explaining approximately 50% of the variance (R2 = .532). Confirmatory factor analysis supported Cella''s model with the four subdomains loading on one factor (QOL). Understanding the multiple dimensions of QOL may assist in developing interventions for patients with HIV and comorbid liver disorders. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study examined the efficacy of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TpB) among Korean college students on intentions of condom use. A cross-sectional, correlational design was conducted with an exploratory survey method. Young men and women aged 18–25 were recruited from a university in Seoul, Korea using a flyer and self-referral. Students completed a background and sexual behavior questionnaire, a parent–adolescent communication scale, and instruments derived from the TpB. Age, parent–adolescent communication, and perceived risk of sexual behavior were added to the model as potential determinants of intention of condom use. All the TpB components significantly predicted intention of condom use for young men, but only condom attitude and condom efficacy significantly predicted intention of condom use for young women. Age and quality of parent–adolescent communication indirectly affected the intention of condom use; however, perceived risk of sexual behavior did not predict intention of condom use, nor was it affected by age. Older students had a higher condom efficacy and a higher perceived peer norm of condom use. The quality of parent–adolescent communication significantly predicted a higher condom efficacy for young men, but not women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: When an installment is translated for use in cross-cultural research, it needs to account for cultural factors without distorting the psychometric properties of the instrument. Objectives: To validate the psychometric properties of the condom self-efficacy scale (CSE) originally developed for American adolescents and young adults after translating the scale to Korean (CSE-K) to determine its suitability for cross-cultural research among Korean college students. Methods: A cross-sectional, correlational design was used with an exploratory survey methodology through self-report questionnaires. A convenience sample of 351 students, aged 18 to 25 years, were recruited at a university in Seoul, Korea. The participants completed the CSE-K and the intention of condom use scales after they were translated from English to Korean using a combined translation technique. A demographic and sex history questionnaire, which included an item to assess actual condom usage, was also administered. Mean, variance, reliability, criterion validity, and factorial validity using confirmatory factor analysis were assessed in the CSE-K. Results: Norms for the CSE-K were similar, but not identical, to norms for the English version. The means of all three subscales were lower for the CSE-K than for the original CSE; however, the obtained variance in CSE-K was roughly similar with the original CSE. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the total scale was higher for the CSE-K (.91) than that for either the CSE (.85) or CSE in Thai (.85). Criterion validity and construct validity of the CSE-K were confirmed. Discussion: The CSE-K was a reliable and valid scale in measuring condom self-efficacy among Korean college students. The findings suggest that the CSE was an appropriate instrument to conduct cross-cultural research on sexual behavior in adolescents and young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the mediating role of condom self-efficacy between the parent–adolescent relationship and the intention to use condoms with a submodel based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. Male students aged 18–25 years ( n = 176) were recruited from a university in Seoul, South Korea, using a flyer and self-referral in 2004. A sample of 170 male students was retained for the final data analyses as six subjects had incomplete data on more than one instrument. Condom self-efficacy completely mediated the prediction of intention to use condoms by the quality of the mother–son relationship. However, condom self-efficacy did not mediate the relationship between the quality of the father–son relationship and the intention to use condoms. Only an indirect effect between the quality of the father–son relationship and the intention to use condoms existed. The suggested sex education programs should develop culture-specific, theory-based, and family-based interventions in order to reduce risky sexual behavior among South Korean adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing test statistics for assessing whether incomplete data represent a missing completely at random sample from a single population are based on a normal likelihood rationale and effectively test for homogeneity of means and covariances across missing data patterns. The likelihood approach cannot be implemented adequately if a pattern of missing data contains very few subjects. A generalized least squares rationale is used to develop parallel tests that are expected to be more stable in small samples. Three factors were varied for a simulation: number of variables, percent missing completely at random, and sample size. One thousand data sets were simulated for each condition. The generalized least squares test of homogeneity of means performed close to an ideal Type I error rate for most of the conditions. The generalized least squares test of homogeneity of covariance matrices and a combined test performed quite well also. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study objective Opportunistic brief in-person emergency department (ED) interventions can be effective at reducing hazardous alcohol use in young adult drinkers, but require resources frequently unavailable. Mobile telephone text messaging (short message service [SMS]) could sustainably deliver behavioral support to young adult patients, but efficacy remains unknown. We report 3-month outcome data of a randomized controlled trial testing a novel SMS-delivered intervention in hazardous-drinking young adults. Methods We randomized 765 young adult ED patients who screened positive for past hazardous alcohol use to one of 3 groups: SMS assessments+feedback (SA+F) intervention who were asked to respond to drinking-related queries and received real-time feedback through SMS each Thursday and Sunday for 12 weeks (n=384), SMS assessments (SA) who were asked to respond to alcohol consumption queries each Sunday but did not receive any feedback (N=196), and a control group who did not participate in any SMS (n=185). Primary outcomes were self-reported number of binge drinking days and number of drinks per drinking day in the past 30 days, collected by Web-based timeline follow-back method and analyzed with regression models. Secondary outcomes were the proportion of participants with weekend binge episodes and most drinks consumed per drinking occasion during 12 weekends, collected by SMS. Results With Web-based data, there were decreases in the number of self-reported binge drinking days from baseline to 3 months in the SA+F group (–0.51 [95% confidence interval {CI} –0.10 to –0.95]), whereas there were increases in the SA group (0.90 [95% CI 0.23 to 1.6]) and the control group (0.41 [95% CI –0.20 to 1.0]). There were also decreases in the number of self-reported drinks per drinking day from baseline to 3 months in the SA+F group (–0.31 [95% CI –0.07 to –0.55]), whereas there were increases in the SA group (0.10 [95% CI –0.27 to 0.47]) and the control group (0.39 [95% CI 0.06 to 0.72]). With SMS data, there was a lower mean proportion of SA+F participants reporting a weekend binge during 12 weeks (30.5% [95% CI 25% to 36%) compared with the SA participants (47.7% [95% CI 40% to 56%]). There was also a lower mean drinks consumed per weekend during 12 weeks in the SA+F group (3.2 [95% CI 2.6 to 3.7]) compared to the SA group (4.8 [95% CI 4.0 to 5.6]). Conclusion A text message intervention can produce small reductions in self-reported binge drinking and the number of drinks consumed per drinking day in hazardous-drinking young adults after ED discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of a collaborative care intervention in reducing depression, pain, and fatigue and improve quality of life.Methods: A total of 261 patients with advanced cancer and 179 family caregivers were randomized to a web-based collaborative care intervention or enhanced usual care. The intervention included the following: 1) a web site with written and audiovisual self-management strategies, a bulletin board, and other resources; 2) visits with a care coordinator during a physician's appointment every 2 months; and 3) telephone follow-up every 2 weeks. Primary patient outcomes included measures of depression, pain, fatigue, and health-related quality of life. Secondary outcomes included Interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 levels, Natural Killer (NK) cell numbers, and caregiver stress and depression.Results: At the baseline, 51% of the patients reported 1 or more symptoms in the clinical range. For patients who presented with clinical levels of symptoms and were randomized to the intervention, reductions in depression (Cohen's d = 0.71), pain (Cohen's d = 0.62), and fatigue (Cohen's d = 0.26) and improvements in quality of life (Cohen's d = 0.99) were observed when compared to those in the enhanced usual car arm at 6 months. Reductions in IL-6 (φ = 0.18), IL-1β (φ = 0.35), IL-1α (φ = 0.19), and IL-8 (φ = 0.15) and increases in NK cell numbers (φ = 0.23) were observed in comparison with enhanced usual care arm at 6 months. Reductions in caregiver stress (Cohen's d = 0.75) and depression (Cohen's d = 0.37) were observed at 6 months for caregivers whose loved ones were randomized to the intervention arm.Conclusions: The integration of screening and symptom management into cancer care is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity among young adults is a growing problem in the United States and is related to unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as high caloric intake and inadequate exercise. Accurate assessment of lifestyle habits across obesity stages is important for informing age-specific intervention strategies to prevent and reduce obesity progression. Using a modified version of the Edmonton Obesity Staging System ( mEOSS), a new scale for defining obesity risk and predicting obesity morbidity and mortality, this cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of overweight/obese conditions in 105 young adults and compared their lifestyle habits across the mEOSS stages. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and one-way analyses of variance were performed. Eighty percent of participants ( n = 83) fell into the mEOSS-2 group and had obesity-related chronic disorders, such as diabetes, hypertension, and/or dyslipidemia. There were significant differences in dietary quality and patterns across the mEOSS stages. Findings highlighted the significance of prevention and early treatment for overweight and obese young adults to prevent and cease obesity progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Creative teamwork in multidisciplinary teams is a topic of interest to cognitive psychologists on the one hand, and to both social and organizational psychologists on the other. However, the interconnections between cognitive and social layers have been rarely explored. Drawing on mental models and dissonance theories, the current study takes a central variable studied by cognitive psychologists—analogy—and examines its relationship to a central variable examined by social psychologists—conflict. In an observational, field study, over 11h of audio–video data from conversations of the Mars Exploration Rover scientists were coded for different types of analogy and micro-conflicts that reveal the character of underlying psychological mechanisms. Two different types of time-lagged logistic models applied to these data revealed asymmetric patterns of associations between analogy and conflict. Within-domain analogies, but not within-discipline or outside-discipline analogies, preceded science and work process conflicts, suggesting that in multidisciplinary teams, representational gaps in very close domains will be more likely to spark conflict. But analogies also occurred in reaction to conflict: Process and negative conflicts, but not task conflicts, preceded within-discipline analogies, but not to within-domain or outside-discipline analogies. This study demonstrates ways in which cognition can be bidirectionally tied to social processes and discourse. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: To date, only a few studies have examined the mediating role of self-efficacy on the relationship between depressive symptoms or perceived social support and medication adherence in persons with HIV. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of perceived social support, depressive symptoms and medication-taking self-efficacy on self-reported medication adherence in persons with HIV. A proposed comprehensive model included three mediation hypotheses in order to examine the mediating roles of medication-taking self-efficacy and depressive symptoms. Method: Baseline data from “Adherence to Protease Inhibitors” were used. The 215 persons with HIV aged 19–61 (mean=40.7, S.D.=7.58) were recruited from multiple sites in Pittsburgh, PA (USA) and through self-referral. The participants were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory, Interpersonal Support Evaluation List, the Medication Taking Self-Efficacy Scale, and the modified Morisky Self-report Medication Taking Scale. Structural equation modeling (EQS version 6.1) was used. The Satorra–Bentler Scaled χ 2 test statistics (S–B χ 2), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), and the Standardized Root Mean Squared Residual (SRMR) were used to assess the fit of a comprehensive model including three mediation hypotheses. Results: A comprehensive model with the three hypotheses showed a good model fit (S–B χ 2 (24, N=215)=69.06, p<.001; CFI=.95; SRMR=.057). Medication adherence self-efficacy fully mediated the prediction of self-reported medication adherence by perceived social support and depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms partially mediated the prediction of medication-taking self-efficacy by perceived social support. Conclusions: The findings of this study provide researchers with increased understanding of the mediating role of medication-taking self-efficacy beliefs between selected psychological variables and self-reported medication adherence in persons with HIV. Future studies need to test the moderating effect of gender, ethnicity and risk factors for HIV on this model and the intervention effect of self-efficacy beliefs using longitudinal data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: To reduce risky adolescent sexual behavior, education programs must be tailored to specific cultures and stage of adolescence. Objectives: This study describes the self-reported sexual behavior of Korean college students and examines the efficiency of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TpB) in explaining intention of engaging in premarital sex in order to provide insights for a potential sex education program designed to reduce risky sexual behavior. Design: A cross-sectional, correlational design using an exploratory survey method was used. Participants: Participants were recruited from a university in Korea with a flyer posted at the entrance of the student health service center, and self-referral in 2004. Male and female unmarried college students aged 18 to 25 were included. Foreign students and students with visible physical problems were excluded. Three hundred and twenty of 550 students returned the questionnaire packets. Final data analysis included 298 students after deleting incomplete data. Methods: Participants completed six questionnaires: (1) Background and Sexual Behavior Questionnaire, including items related to perceived risk of sexual behavior, (2) Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale, and four scales related to TpB construct: (3) modified Premarital Sexual Attitude Scale, (4) Referent group Approval of Sex Behavior Scale, (5) Sexual Abstinence Efficacy Scale and (6) modified version of Doswell''s Intention of Sexual Behavior Scale. Results: Premarital sexual attitude, abstinence self-efficacy and referent group norms were significant predictors of intention of premarital sex for male students with a large effect, but only attitude and norms predicted intention of premarital sex for female students. Conclusion: The TpB may be an effective theory to guide the development of theory-driven sexual abstinence interventions to reduce risky sexual behavior for Korean males, while the Theory of Reasoned Action may be an effective theory for Korean females. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background There is limited knowledge of the course of social anxiety disorder (SAD) from adolescence into adulthood, and how SAD and alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptoms change together over time. The current study examined how persistent and adolescent-limited SAD relate to alcohol symptom trajectories across adolescence and into adulthood, as well as gender differences in the course of SAD and AUD symptoms. Methods Participants were 788 youth (ages 12 to 18 at the baseline assessment; 46.2% female; 80.5% White) recruited from the community ( n = 220) and from clinical programs ( n = 568). Youth completed clinical interviews on their lifetime history of AUD symptoms and SAD at baseline and were followed through age 25. Multivariate polynomial growth mixture modeling was used to estimate developmental trajectories for SAD and AUD symptoms separately, then together in a dual trajectory model. Gender differences were examined using a classify-analyze approach. Results Three SAD trajectory classes were identified: adolescent-limited (15%), persistent (6%), and no SAD (79%). For AUD symptoms, 5 trajectories were identified: severe (10%), moderate (22%), remitting (18%), young adult onset (22%), and stable low (28%). Those with a history of SAD were about twice as likely to be in the severe AUD symptom class compared to those without a history of SAD. Compared to those with persisting SAD, those in the adolescent-limited SAD class were more likely to belong to the stable low AUD trajectory. Compared to males with SAD, females with SAD were less likely to be in the moderate AUD symptom class and were more likely to be in stable low and young adult onset AUD symptom classes. Conclusions A history of SAD was associated with membership in the severe AUD trajectory group. The association of gender with SAD and AUD differed depending on developmental period. Future research should examine whether treating SAD in early adolescence may prevent subsequent AUD symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper adds to the growing body of research examining the experiences of youth aging out of the child welfare system. Through a comparison of youth aging out with two other groups of child welfare-involved youth—those whose families received child welfare services but were never placed out of home and those who were in out-of-home placement but did not age out—it presents a profile of their care careers and other system involvement (e.g., mental health, justice system). Analyses indicate that young people aging out of care have experienced significant amounts of time in out-of-home placement, a great deal of placement instability, and high levels of other system involvement. In general, their involvement is more extensive than that of the two comparison groups. However, the justice system involvement of youth who experienced out-of-home placement but did not age out is just as high as that of youth who have aged out. This finding highlights the importance of devoting resources not only to youth aging out of care but also to similarly-aged young people with prior child welfare involvement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study has three goals: (1) to provide an extensive review of research on the assets/expectation relationship, (2) to provide a conceptual framework for how children''s savings effects children''s college-bound identity (children''s college expectations are a proxy for children''s college-bound identity), and (3) to conduct a simultaneous test of whether owning a savings account leads to college-bound identity or college-bound identity lead to owning a savings account using path analytic technique with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Our review reveals asset researchers theorize about college-bound identity in two distinct but compatible ways: college-bound identity as a “linking mechanism”, and college-bound identity as a mediator. However, there has been little theoretical development on the attitudinal effects of assets. In this study, we posit a conceptual framework for how children''s savings affects children''s college-bound identity. Findings from the simultaneous test of the assets/college-bound identity relationship suggest that savings has modest effect on college-bound identity and vice versa. A policy implication is that asset building policies that seek to build children''s college-bound identity in addition to their savings may be more effective than policies that only seek to build children''s savings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: Acute compartment syndrome of the hand is a rare medical emergency, most often associated with trauma or fracture., Case Report: Here, we describe a rare case of isolated thenar compartment syndrome of the hand in the absence of major trauma as the presenting symptom of pancytopenia due to Evans syndrome, an uncommon autoimmune hematologic disorder., Conclusion: In cases of atraumatic compartment syndrome, it is critical to evaluate for underlying coagulopathy in patients presenting to the emergency department.