Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Professional response and attitudes toward female-perpetrated child sexual abuse: a study of psychologists, psychiatrists, probationary psychologists and child protection workers

Abstract Previous studies have suggested that lay people and professionals both tend to deny or minimise female-perpetrated sexual abuse of children. However, such abuse has been shown to have negative impacts on the victims. This study investigated whether professionals who might work with victims or perpetrators of childhood sexual abuse show a bias in processing scenarios and making decisions when confronted such abuse. A sample of 231 psychiatrists, psychologists, probationary psychologists and child protection workers responded to variations in vignettes in which women and men offended against children, and completed a questionnaire assessing attitudes to women's sexually abusive/offending behaviour toward children. All professional groups regarded cases involving female perpetrators of child sexual abuse as serious and deserving of professional attention. However, while there were some differences between groups, female perpetrators were more likely than male perpetrators to be considered leniently, suggesting that minimisation of female-perpetrated sexual abuse of children may persist in the professional arena. As a result, both female perpetrators of sexual abuse and their victims may go untreated, and in the case of perpetrators, their behaviour may go unsanctioned. Training for professionals to enhance their understanding of the seriousness of sexual abuse perpetrated by women is indicated.
Efficacy and side effects of intravenous theophylline in acute asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and objective Theophylline has been used for decades to treat both acute and chronic asthma. Despite its longevity in the practitioner’s formulary, no detailed meta-analysis has been performed to determine the conditions, including concomitant medications, under which theophylline should be used for acute exacerbations of asthma. We aimed to quantify the usefulness and side effects of theophylline with or without ethylene diamine (aminophylline) in acute asthma, with particular emphasis on patient subgroups, such as children, adults, and concomitant medications. Methods We searched PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the WHO Clinical Trials Registry for randomized, controlled clinical trials. We planned a priori subgroup analyses by time post-medication, concomitant medication, control type, and age. Results We included 52 study arms from 42 individual trials. Of these, 29 study arms included an active control, such as adrenaline, beta-2 agonists, or leukotriene receptor antagonists, and 23 study arms compared theophylline (with or without ethylene diamine) with placebo or no drug. Theophylline significantly reduced heart rate when compared with active control (p=0.01) and overall duration of stay (p=0.002), but beta-2 agonists were superior to theophylline at improving forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (p=0.002). Theophylline was not significantly different from other drugs in its effects on respiratory rate, forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow rate, admission rate, use of rescue medication, oxygen saturation, or symptom score. Closer examination of the data revealed that the medications given in addition to theophylline or control significantly changed the effectiveness of theophylline (subgroup difference: p<0.00001). Conclusion Given the low cost of theophylline, and its similar efficacy and rate of side effects compared with other drugs, we suggest that theophylline, when given with bronchodilators with or without steroids, is a cost-effective and safe choice for acute asthma exacerbations.
Controlling arterial hypertension in the French West Indies: a separate strategy for women?

BACKGROUND To estimate the prevalence, awareness and treatment of arterial hypertension in Guadeloupe. METHODS In 2007, a cross-sectional study of 1005 men and women (54%) aged 25-74 years from Guadeloupe, stratified by sex, age and region was set up to determine the prevalence of hypertension. Blood pressure (BP) was measured using an automated device and hypertension was defined as having a mean BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg or receiving drug treatment. RESULTS The prevalence of hypertension was 33% for men and 37% for women (P = 0.62). Among hypertensive respondents, 57% of men and 80% of women were aware of being hypertensive (P < 0.001). BP was controlled for 22 and 44% of hypertensive men and women, respectively (P < 0.001). Compared with men (14%), 31% of women were obese (≥ 30 kg/m²). In multivariate analyses, body mass index (BMI) was associated with hypertension in both sexes after controlling for age, occupation, education, alcohol consumption, smoking status and physical activity. Compared with subjects with a normal BMI, obese men were three times [odds ratio (OR) = 3.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.8-6.6 P < 0.001] and obese women two times more likely (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.2-3.4, P = 0.017) to be hypertensive. In women, low educational attainment was also associated with hypertension (OR = 2.1 95% CI = 1.1-4.0, P = 0.030) and mean diastolic BP decreased as educational attainment increased after controlling for confounders (F = 5.0, df 2, P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS Strong gender disparities in hypertension were identified. Separate strategies in addressing hypertension in men and women are needed, with an improvement in men's follow-up care and health promotion, focussed on nutrition, targeted at women.
Graph clustering based on mixing time of random walks

Clustering of a graph is the task of grouping its nodes in such a way that the nodes within the same cluster are well connected, but they are less connected to nodes in different clusters. In this paper we propose a clustering metric based on the random walks' properties to evaluate the quality of a graph clustering. We also propose a randomized algorithm that identifies a locally optimal clustering of the graph according to the metric defined. The algorithm is intrinsically distributed and asynchronous. If the graph represents an actual network where nodes have computing capabilities, each node can determine its own cluster relying only on local communications. We show that the size of clusters can be adapted to the available processing capabilities to reduce the algorithm's complexity.
Family Resource Scale-Revised: Psychometrics and Validation of a Measure of Family Resources in a Sample of Low-Income Families

In studying child and family outcomes it is often critical to assess families' general availability of resources. Traditionally, many researchers have used income and SES to assess family resources. This study examined an alternative measure in a national sample of low-income families. Hypothesizing that Dunst and Leet's (1987) Family Resource Scale (FRS) assesses specific aspects of perceived family resources, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted. Analyses supported a four-factor structure: Basic Needs, Money, Time for Self, and Time for Family. External validity was assessed by examining the relationship of subscale scores to other measures of family resources. Predictive validity was examined by evaluating the relationship with child cognitive and social outcomes. Subscales were found to fit the data consistently, to be moderately related to other measures of family resources, and to predict a meaningful amount of variance in child outcomes above and beyond family income, parent education, and parent work status.
Psychological characteristics of Norwegian adolescents reporting no likelihood of visiting a dentist in a situation with toothache.

OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to explore and compare psychological characteristics in two groups of 18-year-old adolescents: (i) subjects reporting no likelihood of visiting the dentist in a situation with toothache (avoiders); and (ii) subjects who definitely would see the dentist in the same situation (non-avoiders). METHODS The study included a representative sample (n = 1385) of 18-year-old adolescents attending high schools in the county of Hordaland, Norway. Data were collected by use of questionnaires completed in classrooms. RESULTS The following factors increased the risk of being included in the avoider group: negative beliefs of the dentist (communication, trust and control) (OR = 4.3), high dental anxiety (OR = 3.5), and being a male (OR = 2.4). No predictive power for being included in the avoider group was found for general self-efficacy, coping style, multiple fears, or anxiety and depression. CONCLUSIONS Adolescents with avoidance behaviour have more negative beliefs of the dentist and higher dental anxiety compared to non-avoiders, but were found to have no other specific psychological characteristics. These results indicate a high potential for prevention of future avoidance of care for dentists that are focusing on patient communication and to give young patients perceptions of trust and control during dental treatment.
Transforming Growth Factor &bgr;1 and Extracellular Matrix Protease Expression in the Uterosacral Ligaments of Patients With and Without Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Objectives This study was undertaken to evaluate the expression of transforming growth factor &bgr;1 (TGF-&bgr;1) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), key regulators of the extracellular matrix composition, in the uterosacral ligaments (USLs) of women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) compared with controls. Methods Under an institutional review board approval, USL samples were obtained from women undergoing vaginal hysterectomy for stage 2 or greater POP (cases, n = 21) and from women without POP undergoing vaginal hysterectomy for benign indications (controls, n = 19). Hematoxylin and eosin and trichrome staining were performed on the USL sections, and the distribution of smooth muscle and fibrous tissue were quantified. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using anti–TGF-&bgr;1 and anti–MMP-9 antibodies. The expressions of TGF-&bgr;1 and MMP-9 were evaluated by the pathologist, who was blinded to all clinical data. Results Transforming growth factor &bgr;1 expression positively correlated with MMP-9 expression (R = 0.4, P = 0.01). The expressions of TGF-&bgr;1 and MMP-9 were similar in subjects with POP versus controls. There was a significant increase in fibrous tissue (P = 0.008) and a corresponding decrease in smooth muscle (P = 0.03), associated with increasing age. The TGF-&bgr;1 expression, but not MMP-9 expression, also significantly increased with age (P = 0.02). Discussion Although our study uncovered age-related alterations in USL composition and TGF-&bgr;1 expression, there was no difference in the expression of TGF-&bgr;1 or MMP-9 in the subjects with POP versus controls.
Effects of Whole Class, Ability Grouped, and Individualized Instruction on Mathematics Achievement

Achievement and attitudinal effects of three mathematics instruction methods directed in varying degrees toward accommodating diversity in student performance levels were compared in two randomized field experiments. Treatments included an individualized model, Team Assisted Individualization (TAI); an ability grouped model, Ability Grouped Active Teaching (AGAT); a group-paced model, the Missouri Mathematics Program (MMP); and, in Experiment 2 only, untreated Control classes. Analysis of Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills (CTBS) Computations scores adjusted for pretests indicated that in both experiments, TAI and AGAT exceeded MMP. TAI, AGAT, and MMP also exceeded Control. No effects on CTBS Concepts and Applications were found, and there were no treatment by prior achievement interactions on either scale. Effects on Liking of Math Class and Self-Concept in Math generally favored TAI.
The Human Platelet as a Model for the Glutamatergic Neuron: Platelet Uptake of L‐Glutamate

Abstract: L‐Glutamate uptake into human platelets revealed two components: a high‐affinity system (KmH= 3.1 μM), which was sodium‐dependent, and a low‐affinity site (KmL= 88 μM) displaying temperature rather than sodium dependency. These kinetic properties were similar to those found in crude synaptosomal preparations and brain slices. However, Vmax values were far higher in brain(VmaxH= 325 ± 96, VmaxH= 3759 ± 1116 pmol/mg wet weight per min) than in platelets (VmaxH, = 14 ± 6, VmaxL= 313 ± 63 pmol/mg platelet protein per 10 min), indicating a denser population in brain than in platelets of qualitatively similar sites. Pharmacological analysis substantiated the resemblance of nerve endings and platelets: the specific uptake inhibitors threo‐3‐hydroxy‐DL‐aspartate and DL‐aspartate‐β‐hydroxamate as well as D‐and L‐glutamate and L‐aspartate showed similar—though not identical—IC50 values in both preparations; a spectrum of compounds devoid of inhibitory effects in synaptosomes also did not interfere with glutamate uptake in platelets. Uptake parameters were studied in a population of human volunteers to determine the variability of platelet glutamate uptake. Whole blood could be stored up to 6 h after venipuncture without any appreciable change in experimental values. Percentage of variation between 0.09 and 0.28 for three repetitive (weekly) assays in single subjects indicated that glutamate uptake measurements in human platelets are sufficiently suited for future clinical studies.
Effect of surface roughness of Ti, Zr, and TiZr on apatite precipitation from simulated body fluid

Some of the critical properties for a successful orthopedic or dental implant material are its biocompatibility and bioactivity. Pure titanium (Ti) and zirconium (Zr) are widely accepted as biocompatible metals, due to their non‐toxicity. While the bioactivity of Ti and some Ti alloys has been extensively investigated, there is still insufficient data for Zr and titanium–zirconium (TiZr) alloys. In the present study, the bioactivity, that is, the apatite forming ability on the alkali and heat treated surfaces of Ti, Zr, and TiZr alloy in simulated body fluid (SBF), was studied. In particular, the effect of the surface roughness characteristics on the bioactivity was evaluated for the first time. The results indicate that the pretreated Ti, Zr and TiZr alloy could form apatite coating on their surfaces. It should be noted that the surface roughness also critically affected the bioactivity of these pretreated metallic samples. A surface morphology with an average roughness of approximately 0.6 µm led to the fastest apatite formation on the metal surfaces. This apatite layer on the metal surface is expected to bond to the surrounding bones directly after implantation. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;101: 378–387. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Krüppel-Like Factors 4 and 5: Unity in Diversity

Krüppel-like factors (Klf) 4 and 5 belong to a family of zinc finger-containing transcription factors that share homology with the Drosophila gene Krüppel. They regulate proliferation and differentiation of a wide variety of cells and have been linked to tumorigenesis. Their most striking role so far has turned out to be their ability to reprogram/ maintain embryonic stem cell fate. In this review, the data available in the field regarding their role in proliferation and differentiation and their coupling to carcinogenesis are summarized. The emphasis is on their context dependence and how they might be able to regulate diverse transcriptional outputs from the genome.
Traumatisierung und Dissoziationsneigung bei Zwangserkrankten: Ein Überblick

Hintergrund: Traumatisierung und eine erhöhte Dissoziationsneigung bei Zwangserkrankten erweisen sich ätiologisch, symptomatisch und therapeutisch als relevant. Die vorliegende Arbeit stellt bisherige Ergebnisse hierzu im Überblick dar. Methode: Vorgestellt werden alle in MEDLINE und PSYCINFO verfügbaren Studien, die Traumatisierung und/oder Dissoziationsneigung bei Zwangserkrankten anhand repräsentativer Stichproben systematisch untersuchten. Ergebnisse: Die Ergebnisse zu Traumatisierungen bei Zwangserkrankten zeigen ein heterogenes Bild. Einige Studien berichten eine klare Häufung von Traumata, andere können dieses Ergebnis nicht bestätigen. Gehäuft treten vor allem leichte Traumatisierungen auf. Die Dissoziationsneigung bei Zwangserkrankten ist höher als in der Allgemeinbevölkerung und ist vergleichbar mit anderen klinischen Stichproben. Sowohl Traumatisierungen als auch Dissoziationsneigung sind häufiger mit den Symptomdimensionen «Kontrollzwänge» und «Symmetrie-/Ordnungszwänge» assoziiert. Schlussfolgerung: Bisherige Ergebnisse lassen keine eindeutigen Schlüsse auf eine Interaktion von Traumatisierung, Dissoziationsneigung und Zwangserkrankung zu. Die Datenlage spricht tendenziell für häufigere Typ-II-Traumatisierungen bei Zwangserkrankten, ohne Hinweise auf häufigere Typ-I-Traumata in der Vorgeschichte. Aktuelle Publikationen legen interessante Hypothesen bezüglich eines spezifischen Zusammenhangs zu einzelnen Symptomdimensionen nahe.
Translating the Diabetes Prevention Program to Primary Care: A Pilot Study

Background: Research on the translation of efficacious lifestyle change programs to prevent type 2 diabetes into community or clinical settings is needed. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the reach, implementation, and efficacy of a 6-month lifestyle program implemented in primary care by nurse practitioners (NPs) for adults at risk of type 2 diabetes. Methods: The NP sites (n = 4) were randomized to an enhanced standard care program (one NP and one nutrition session) or a lifestyle program (enhanced standard care and six NP sessions). These NPs recruited adults at risk of diabetes from their practice (n = 58), with an acceptance rate of 70%. Results: The program reached a diverse, obese, and moderately low income sample. The NPs were able to successfully implement the protocols. The average length of the program was 9.3 months. Attendance was high (98%), and attrition was low (12%). The NPs were able to adopt the educational, behavioral, and psychosocial strategies of the intervention easily. Motivational interviewing was more difficult for NPs. Mixed-model repeated-measures analysis indicated significant trends or improvement in both groups for nutrition and exercise behavior. Participants of the lifestyle program demonstrated trends for better high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and exercise behavior compared with the enhanced standard care participants. Twenty-five percent of lifestyle participants met treatment goals of 5% weight loss compared with 11% of standard care participants. Discussion: A lifestyle program can be implemented in primary care by NPs, reach the targeted population, and be modestly successful. Further research is indicated.
Perceived Structural Barriers and Academic Performance among American Indian High School Students

American Indian students have long registered significantly lower academic performance than their White counterparts. The primary theoretical explanation for this differential that has guided research for many decades is the cultural discontinuity thesis. Drawing on a diverse literature, we propose an alternative to this conventional wisdom in which we emphasize the role of perceived structural barriers to mobility within the stratification system. We test both of these hypotheses on a sample of 352 American Indian and more than 1,000 White high school students who participated in a 1991 survey in selected Oklahoma public schools. Our findings show that perceived structural constraints play a significant role in reducing academic performance among American Indian students. Consequently, we argue that the impact of cultural discontinuities has likely diminished over time, whereas the impact of perceived structural barriers has likely increased—a development which seems to parallel Wilson's (1978) “declining significance of race” thesis regarding Black Americans. Directions for further study are suggested.
Interdistrict Transfers, Latino/White School Segregation, and Institutional Racism in a Small California Town

This article examines how the interdistrict transfer of White students from a majority-Latino school to a majority-White school increased school segregation in a small California town. The article argues that White parents' decisions to transfer their children, coupled with the sending school district's decision to allow the transfers, constituted institutional racism, as these practices further segregated Latino/a students in a high-poverty school. Qualitative data reveal that many of the transfer families were prejudiced toward Latino/a children and families, and ethnographic data show how local race relations, historical events, and the relationship between the school and the district contributed to segregation.
Remote Monitoring for Implantable Defibrillators: A Nationwide Survey in Italy

Background Remote monitoring (RM) permits home interrogation of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and provides an alternative option to frequent in-person visits. Objective The Italia-RM survey aimed to investigate the current practice of ICD follow-up in Italy and to evaluate the adoption and routine use of RM. Methods An ad hoc questionnaire on RM adoption and resource use during in-clinic and remote follow-up sessions was completed in 206 Italian implanting centers. Results The frequency of routine in-clinic ICD visits was 2 per year in 158/206 (76.7%) centers, 3 per year in 37/206 (18.0%) centers, and 4 per year in 10/206 (4.9%) centers. Follow-up examinations were performed by a cardiologist in 203/206 (98.5%) centers, and by more than one health care worker in 184/206 (89.3%) centers. There were 137/206 (66.5%) responding centers that had already adopted an RM system, the proportion of ICD patients remotely monitored being 15% for single- and dual-chamber ICD and 20% for cardiac resynchronization therapy ICD. Remote ICD interrogations were scheduled every 3 months, and were performed by a cardiologist in 124/137 (90.5%) centers. After the adoption of RM, the mean time between in-clinic visits increased from 5 (SD 1) to 8 (SD 3) months (P<.001). Conclusions In current clinical practice, in-clinic ICD follow-up visits consume a large amount of health care resources. The results of this survey show that RM has only partially been adopted in Italy and, although many centers have begun to implement RM in their clinical practice, the majority of their patients continue to be routinely followed-up by means of in-clinic visits.
The Interplay of International Students' Acculturative Stress, Social Support, and Acculturation Modes

This study examined the relationship between acculturation modes (assimilation, integration, separation and marginalization), social support, and acculturative stress in undergraduate and graduate international students (N=104) at a medium-sized public university in the Midwestern United States. The study found that international students with broad-based social support and an Integration approach to acculturation experienced lower levels of acculturative stress. Implications for more effective counseling with international students are addressed.