Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The increased trend of non‐drinking in adolescence: The role of parental monitoring and attitudes toward offspring drinking

INTRODUCTIONS AND AIMS The proportion of adolescents who do not drink alcohol has increased during the last decade in many European countries, the USA and Australia. Few studies have addressed why this positive trend has occurred. The aim of the present study is to examine associations between parenting factors, peers' alcohol use and non-drinking among 15- to 16-year-old adolescents over time, from 2003 to 2015, and to evaluate potential gender differences. DESIGN AND METHODS Data from the Swedish subsample of European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs were used. Data were available for 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015 in nation-based samples with responses from 11 531 adolescents in total. RESULTS The proportion of non-drinkers increased from 23.2% in 2003 to 48.7% in 2015. For each year, indicators of especially restrictive attitudes toward offspring drinking were robustly associated with an increased probability of non-drinking. However, neither indicators of parental monitoring nor parental attitudes toward offspring drinking were associated with the increase in the proportion of non-drinkers that occurred from 2003 to 2015. Two indicators of parental monitoring were more strongly associated with non-drinking among girls than among boys, while paternal restrictive attitudes toward offspring drinking were more strongly associated with non-drinking among boys than girls. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Parenting characteristics are important for adolescents who do not use alcohol, which has implications for prevention strategies. However, the increased trend of non-drinkers could not be attributed to parental factors.
Frequent HIV Testing: Impact on HIV Risk Among Chinese Men Who Have Sex with Men

Background:The HIV epidemic continues to expand among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. The NIMH Project Accept/HPTN 043 trial suggested a borderline significant trend toward HIV incidence reduction among persons with higher testing rates. Methods:We assessed HIV testing histories and infection status among a community-based Beijing MSM. HIV serostatus was lab confirmed. We ascertained demographic/behavioral factors through questionnaire-based interviews. Associations of previous HIV testing with odds of current HIV infection were assessed, seeking improved like-with-like risk comparisons through multivariable logistic regression analysis with propensity score adjustment and restricted cubic spline modeling. Results:Among 3588 participants, 12.7% were HIV infected; 70.8% reported having ever tested for HIV. Compared with MSM who never tested, those ever testing had a 41% reduction in the odds of being HIV positive [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.59; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.48 to 0.74. Higher HIV testing frequencies were associated with a decreasing trend in the odds of being infected with HIV vs. a referent group with no previous testing [>6 tests (aOR: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.41); 4–6 (aOR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.39 to 0.78); 2–3 (aOR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.45 to 0.82); P for trend <0.001]. The multivariable-adjusted model with restricted cubic spline of HIV testing frequency showed a higher frequency of previous HIV testing associated with lower odds of HIV infection, particularly among men with ≥10 lifetime male sexual partners. Conclusions:Using risk probability adjustments to enable less biased comparisons, frequent HIV testing was associated with a lower HIV odds among Chinese MSM.
Cancer risk in people infected with human immunodeficiency virus in the United States

Data are limited regarding cancer risk in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected persons with modest immunosuppression, before the onset of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). For some cancers, risk may be affected by highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) widely available since 1996. We linked HIV/AIDS and cancer registries in Colorado, Florida and New Jersey. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) compared cancer risk in HIV‐infected persons (initially AIDS‐free) during the 5‐year period after registration with the general population. Poisson regression was used to compare incidence across subgroups, adjusting for demographic factors. Among 57,350 HIV‐infected persons registered during 1991–2002 (median CD4 count 491 cells/mm3), 871 cancers occurred during follow‐up. Risk was elevated for Kaposi sarcoma (KS, SIR 1,300 [n = 173 cases]), non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL, 7.3 [n = 203]), cervical cancer (2.9 [n = 28]) and several non‐AIDS‐defining malignancies, including Hodgkin lymphoma (5.6 [n = 36]) and cancers of the lung (2.6 [n = 109]) and liver (2.7 [n = 14]). KS and NHL incidence declined over time but nonetheless remained elevated in 1996–2002. Incidence increased in 1996–2002 compared to 1991–1995 for Hodgkin lymphoma (relative risk 2.7, 95%CI 1.0–7.1) and liver cancer (relative risk infinite, one‐sided 95%CI 1.1‐infinity). Non‐AIDS‐defining cancers comprised 31.4% of cancers in 1991–1995, versus 58.0% in 1996–2002. For KS and NHL, risk was inversely related to CD4 count, but these associations attenuated after 1996. We conclude that KS and NHL incidence declined markedly in recent years, likely reflecting HAART‐related improvements in immunity, while incidence of some non‐AIDS‐defining cancers increased. These trends have led to a shift in the spectrum of cancer among HIV‐infected persons. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DNA compaction by the higher-order assembly of PRH/Hex homeodomain protein oligomers

Protein self-organization is essential for the establishment and maintenance of nuclear architecture and for the regulation of gene expression. We have shown previously that the Proline-Rich Homeodomain protein (PRH/Hex) self-assembles to form oligomeric complexes that bind to arrays of PRH binding sites with high affinity and specificity. We have also shown that many PRH target genes contain suitably spaced arrays of PRH sites that allow this protein to bind and regulate transcription. Here, we use analytical ultracentrifugation and electron microscopy to further characterize PRH oligomers. We use the same techniques to show that PRH oligomers bound to long DNA fragments self-associate to form highly ordered assemblies. Electron microscopy and linear dichroism reveal that PRH oligomers can form protein–DNA fibres and that PRH is able to compact DNA in the absence of other proteins. Finally, we show that DNA compaction is not sufficient for the repression of PRH target genes in cells. We conclude that DNA compaction is a consequence of the binding of large PRH oligomers to arrays of binding sites and that PRH is functionally and structurally related to the Lrp/AsnC family of proteins from bacteria and archaea, a group of proteins formerly thought to be without eukaryotic equivalents.
The informative error: A framework for the construction of individualized phenotypes

For the goal of individualized medicine, it is critical to have clinical phenotypes at hand which represent the individual pathophysiology. However, for most of the utilized phenotypes, two individuals with the same phenotype assignment may differ strongly in their underlying biological traits. In this paper, we propose a definition for individualization and a corresponding statistical operationalization, delivering thereby a statistical framework in which the usefulness of a variable in the meaningful differentiation of individuals with the same phenotype can be assessed. Based on this framework, we develop a statistical workflow to derive individualized phenotypes, demonstrating that under specific statistical constraints the prediction error of prediction scores contains information about hidden biological traits not represented in the modeled phenotype of interest, allowing thereby internal differentiation of individuals with the same assigned phenotypic manifestation. We applied our procedure to data of the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania to construct a refined definition of obesity, demonstrating the utility of the definition in prospective survival analyses. Summarizing, we propose a framework for the individualization of phenotypes aiding personalized medicine by shifting the focus in the assessment of prediction models from the model fit to the informational content of the prediction error.
Nitrogen and carbohydrate fractions in exclusive Tifton 85 and in pasture oversown with annual winter forage species - 10.4025/actascianimsci.v34i1.11428

The experiment was undertaken at the Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (FCAV) Jaboticabal, Sao Paulo State, Brazil, during winter-spring-summer of 2001-2002, to determine the fractionation of nitrogen and carbohydrates in Tifton 85 (Cynodon dactylon Vanderyst x Cynodon nlemfuensis (L.) Pers), exclusively or oversown with winter annual forage species. Treatments comprised bristle oat (Avena strigosa Schreb), yellow oat (Avena byzantina C. Koch), triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack), bristle oat + yellow oat, bristle oat + triticale, yellow oat + triticale, bristle oat + yellow oat + triticale seeded in Tifton 85 and sole crop (control). Experimental design was composed of completely randomized blocks with three replications. Fodder was cut 20 cm high (presence of winter forage) and 10 cm high (Tifton 85 pasture). Crude protein, total carbohydrate and the fractions of nitrogen compounds and carbohydrates were determined. Decrease was reported in the levels of chemical compounds in winter forage species and in Tifton 85 during the evaluation periods. The content of nitrogen compounds and carbohydrates varied widely during the evaluation period according to the morphological characteristics of grass species and botanical composition of pastures.
PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACT IVITY STUDY OF SARACA INDICA LEAVES EXTRACT

To know the role of different ph yto chemicals in relation to the in vitro antibacterial activity of both the ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Saraca indica (Family - Caesalpinaceae), present stu dy was conducted. Following standard methods , p hytochemical screening of each extract was perfo r med. For antibacterial activity study, b oth the extracts were used at 100 µg /ml and 200 µg /ml concentrations . The largest zone of inhibition was produced when ethanolic extract (100 µg/ml and 200 µg /ml) was used against Escherichia coli , whereas the zone was least in case of Staphylococcus aureus . However, methanolic extract (100 µg /ml and 200 µg /ml) gave maximum zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aure us and it was minimum in case of Bacillus subtilis . Although our extracts were inferior to the positive control (chloramphenicol) as far as zones of inhibition were concerned, the differences between the zones of inhibition produced by t he positive control and the extracts against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis were not remarkable . So, it may be noted that both the extracts, even at low er concentration, possess antibacterial activity. From the results of both the studies, it may be concluded that th e ethanolic extract showed antibacterial activity was probably due to the presence of alk aloids, tannins, saponins, flavo noids and glycosides. On the other hand, due to different phytochemicals such as steroids, saponins and glycosides, the methanolic extr act indicated antibacterial activity. Preliminary phytochemical studies revealed the presence of glycosides and saponins as the phyto chemical class es present in both the extracts.
Physical Aggression During Admission to a Child and Adolescent Inpatient Unit: Predictors and Impact on Clinical Outcomes

Objective: Aggressive behaviour is common in young people admitted to child and adolescent inpatient services. Little is known about how physical aggression during admission influences patient outcomes. The aim of the present study was to identify predictors of aggression in a child and adolescent inpatient unit and examine differences in clinical outcomes between aggressive and non-aggressive patients. Method: Episodes of aggression occurring within a child and adolescent inpatient unit were prospectively documented between October 2004 and December 2005. Patient factors (demographics, diagnoses, clinical history) were examined as predictors of aggression. Outcomes for admissions in which more than one episode of physical aggression occurred were compared to those in which no aggression occurred. Outcomes assessed were changes in symptom severity (as rated by the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales for Children and Adolescents) length of stay, and initiation of medications. Results: A total of 134 patients were admitted during the study period (61.9% female, mean age=13.8years, SD=2.9); 31 patients (23.1%) exhibited physical aggression during admission and 20 of these exhibited more than one episode of physical aggression. Factors that predicted persistent physical aggression included history of aggression, use of medications at presentation and absence of self-harm. Persistent aggression was also associated with increased length of stay, but did not compromise improvements in clinical symptom ratings between admission and discharge or lead to increased medication prescribing Conclusion: Contrary to hypotheses and existing research, aggression during admission does not appear to be a barrier to clinical improvement. Further research is necessary to clarify how aggressive children can receive the most benefit from inpatient admission while minimizing the risks to the patient and those around them.
A multivariate cure model for left‐censored and right‐censored data with application to colorectal cancer screening patterns

We develop a multivariate cure survival model to estimate lifetime patterns of colorectal cancer screening. Screening data cover long periods of time, with sparse observations for each person. Some events may occur before the study begins or after the study ends, so the data are both left‐censored and right‐censored, and some individuals are never screened (the ‘cured’ population). We propose a multivariate parametric cure model that can be used with left‐censored and right‐censored data. Our model allows for the estimation of the time to screening as well as the average number of times individuals will be screened. We calculate likelihood functions based on the observations for each subject using a distribution that accounts for within‐subject correlation and estimate parameters using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. We apply our methods to the estimation of lifetime colorectal cancer screening behavior in the SEER‐Medicare data set. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Abnormal B Cell Development in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus What the Genetics Tell Us

Citing this paper Please note that where the full-text provided on King's Research Portal is the Author Accepted Manuscript or Post-Print version this may differ from the final Published version. If citing, it is advised that you check and use the publisher's definitive version for pagination, volume/issue, and date of publication details. And where the final published version is provided on the Research Portal, if citing you are again advised to check the publisher's website for any subsequent corrections.
The temporal binding deficit hypothesis of autism

Frith has argued that people with autism show “weak central coherence,” an unusual bias toward piecemeal rather than configurational processing and a reduction in the normal tendency to process information in context. However, the precise cognitive and neurological mechanisms underlying weak central coherence are still unknown. We propose the hypothesis that the features of autism associated with weak central coherence result from a reduction in the integration of specialized local neural networks in the brain caused by a deficit in temporal binding. The visuoperceptual anomalies associated with weak central coherence may be attributed to a reduction in synchronization of high-frequency gamma activity between local networks processing local features. The failure to utilize context in language processing in autism can be explained in similar terms. Temporal binding deficits could also contribute to executive dysfunction in autism and to some of the deficits in socialization and communication.
Intimate partner abuse factors associated with women's health: a general population study.

AIM This paper is a report of a study to investigate the correlates of physical and psychological health in a general population-based sample of Icelandic women who experienced abuse in close relationships. BACKGROUND Most studies examining the health concerns associated with intimate partner abuse have been based on clinical populations; however, their findings may not be representative of the general population of women experiencing intimate partner abuse. METHOD A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted. The Women's Response to Battering Model was used to guide the choice of variables. Questionnaires were mailed to 7523 randomly-selected Icelandic women. Data collection started in December 2005 and ended a year later. A total of 1974 married and 772 cohabiting women answered the questionnaires (n = 2746). Independent t-tests and stepwise regression were used to analyse the data. FINDINGS Health risk behaviours (e.g. alcohol misuse, smoking), chronic health conditions/illnesses (e.g. sleep disturbance, depression, eating disorders) and currently being victim of intimate partner violence predicted the women's physical and psychological health. CONCLUSION Interventions designed to decrease health risk behaviours, treat chronic health conditions/illnesses and offer best practice first response to women who are victims of intimate partner violence can be offered to reduce the short- and long-term effects of violence on their physical and psychological health. Public health policy needs to focus specifically on intimate partner violence against women and the role that public health nurses can have in early identification and offering appropriate interventions within primary healthcare settings.
In-Network Computation of the Optimal Weighting Matrix for Distributed Consensus on Wireless Sensor Networks

In a network, a distributed consensus algorithm is fully characterized by its weighting matrix. Although there exist numerical methods for obtaining the optimal weighting matrix, we have not found an in-network implementation of any of these methods that works for all network topologies. In this paper, we propose an in-network algorithm for finding such an optimal weighting matrix.
On selection of objective functions in multi-objective community detection

There is a surge of community detection of complex networks in recent years. Different from conventional single-objective community detection, this paper formulates community detection as a multi-objective optimization problem and proposes a general algorithm NSGA-Net based on evolutionary multi-objective optimization. Interested in the effect of optimization objectives on the performance of the multi-objective community detection, we further study the correlations (i.e., positively correlated, independent, or negatively correlated) of 11 objective functions that have been used or can potentially be used for community detection. Our experiments show that NSGA-Net optimizing over a pair of negatively correlated objectives usually performs better than the single-objective algorithm optimizing over either of the original objectives, and even better than other well-established community detection approaches.
Axl and MerTK receptor tyrosine kinases maintain human macrophage efferocytic capacity in the presence of viral triggers

The requirement to remove apoptotic cells is equally important in homeostasis and inflammatory disease. In particular, during viral infections large quantities of infected cells undergo apoptosis and need to be efficiently cleared by phagocytes to prevent secondary necrosis. Although specific roles of several apoptotic cell sensors, such as the TAM (Tyro3, Axl, MerTK) receptor family, have been characterized in mouse models, little is known about their regulation and involvement in apoptotic cell uptake (efferocytosis) by human macrophages under inflammatory conditions. We show that whereas pro‐inflammatory stimuli consistently downregulated MerTK expression in human monocyte‐derived macrophages (MDMs), stimuli indicative of a viral infection, interferon‐α (IFN‐α) and the TLR3 ligand poly(I:C), specifically induced Axl expression and promoted binding of the bridging molecule Gas6. Axl induction by IFN‐α and poly(I:C) was associated with higher MDM efferocytic capacity compared to cells treated with other pro‐inflammatory stimuli, such as LPS and IFN‐γ. While MerTK blocking antibody uniformly suppressed apoptotic cell uptake by MDMs, Axl blocking antibody significantly reduced efferocytosis by poly(I:C)‐stimulated MDMs, but not by resting MDMs. Our observations demonstrate that Axl induction during viral infections contributes to maintaining macrophage capacity to engulf apoptotic cells, which may have important consequences for resolution of anti‐viral immune responses.
Determining Risk of Colorectal Cancer and Starting Age of Screening Based on Lifestyle, Environmental, and Genetic Factors.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Guidelines for initiating colorectal cancer (CRC) screening are based on family history but do not consider lifestyle, environmental, or genetic risk factors. We developed models to determine risk of CRC, based on lifestyle and environmental factors and genetic variants, and to identify an optimal age to begin screening. METHODS We collected data from 9748 CRC cases and 10,590 controls in the Genetics and Epidemiology of Colorectal Cancer Consortium and the Colorectal Transdisciplinary study, from 1992 through 2005. Half of the participants were used to develop the risk determination model and the other half were used to evaluate the discriminatory accuracy (validation set). Models of CRC risk were created based on family history, 19 lifestyle and environmental factors (E-score), and 63 CRC-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms identified in genome-wide association studies (G-score). We evaluated the discriminatory accuracy of the models by calculating area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values, adjusting for study, age, and endoscopy history for the validation set. We used the models to project the 10-year absolute risk of CRC for a given risk profile and recommend ages to begin screening in comparison to CRC risk for an average individual at 50 years of age, using external population incidence rates for non-Hispanic whites from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program registry. RESULTS In our models, E-score and G-score each determined risk of CRC with greater accuracy than family history. A model that combined both scores and family history estimated CRC risk with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value of 0.63 (95% confidence interval, 0.62-0.64) for men and 0.62 (95% confidence interval, 0.61-0.63) for women; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values based on only family history ranged from 0.53 to 0.54 and those based only E-score or G-score ranged from 0.59 to 0.60. Although screening is recommended to begin at age 50 years for individuals with no family history of CRC, starting ages calculated based on combined E-score and G-score differed by 12 years for men and 14 for women, for individuals with the highest vs the lowest 10% of risk. CONCLUSIONS We used data from 2 large international consortia to develop CRC risk calculation models that included genetic and environmental factors along with family history. These determine risk of CRC and starting ages for screening with greater accuracy than the family history only model, which is based on the current screening guideline. These scoring systems might serve as a first step toward developing individualized CRC prevention strategies.