Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Parent–Adolescent Sexual Communication and Its Association With Adolescent Sexual Behaviors: A Nationally Representative Analysis in the Netherlands

Sexual communication is a principal means of transmitting sexual values, beliefs, expectations, and knowledge from parents to children. Although this area has received considerable research attention, more studies with representative samples are needed to assure that findings are reflective of populations of interest. A nationally representative sample of parent–adolescent dyads (N = 2,965; mean adolescent age = 13.8 years) in the Netherlands was employed to examine the frequency of parent–adolescent sexual communication and its association with adolescent sexual behaviors (defined as sexual initiation, condom use, and contraceptive pill use). Nine communication topics in the areas of anatomy, relationships and rights, and protection and contraception were examined. In all, 75%of parents reported having discussed at least one topic multiple times with their adolescents. Romantic relationships were discussed most frequently. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses indicated that parent–adolescent sexual communication on protection and contraception was positively associated with adolescent sexual initiation and contraceptive pill use but not condom use. This may reflect that adolescents, when they become sexually active, are more likely to discuss sexuality with their parents. Findings are interpreted within the context of Dutch culture, which is generally accepting of adolescent sexuality and characterized by open sexual communication.
Regulation of hepatic cholesterol metabolism in humans: stimulatory effects of cholestyramine on HMG-CoA reductase activity and low density lipoprotein receptor expression in gallstone patients.

To characterize the metabolic regulatory response to interruption of the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids, we examined the effects of cholestyramine treatment on the rate-limiting steps in cholesterol biosynthesis (HMG-CoA reductase) and bile acid production (cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase) as well as on the heparin-sensitive binding of low density lipoproteins (LDL) (reflecting LDL receptor expression) in human liver. Altogether, 18 normolipidemic patients with uncomplicated cholesterol gallstone disease were treated with cholestyramine (8 g b.i.d.) for 2-3 weeks prior to cholecystectomy, and another 34 cholesterol gallstone patients served as untreated controls. Cholestyramine treatment stimulated cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase more than sixfold, and increased both HMG-CoA reductase activity (552 +/- 60 pmol/min per mg protein vs 103 +/- 9 pmol/min per mg protein) and LDL receptor expression (6.1 +/- 0.8 ng/mg protein; n = 6 vs 2.2 +/- 0.3 ng/mg protein; n = 7). Moreover, there was a good correlation between HMG-CoA reductase activity and LDL receptor binding (rs = +0.71; n = 13), suggesting a simultaneous stimulatory effect to compensate for the increased hepatic cholesterol catabolism due to bile acid depletion caused by cholestyramine. Further evidence for this assumption was the finding of a significant relationship between cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase activity and both LDL receptor expression (rs = +0.77; n = 13) and HMG-CoA reductase activity (rs = +0.76; n = 46). We conclude that in human liver a parallel stimulation of cholesterol synthesis and LDL receptor expression occurs in response to stimulation of bile acid synthesis.
Clinical comparison of the Isolator 1.5 microbial tube and the BACTEC radiometric system for detection of bacteremia in children

The Isolator 1.5 microbial tube (E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., Inc., Wilmington , Del.) was compared with the BACTEC radiometric detection system (Johnston Laboratories, Inc., Cockeysville, Md.) for the detection of bacteremia in children. The Isolator 1.5 is a blood culture system designed for small volumes of blood (0.5 to 1.5 ml). The method involves lysis of the cells of the patient and the direct plating of the entire blood lysate on agar media appropriate for the growth of fastidious microorganisms. Of 1,500 paired samples inoculated into the two systems, 68 were positive for 73 clinically significant organisms. The Isolator 1.5 recovered 81% of the positive cultures compared with 84% recovered by the BACTEC system. When paired blood samples with disproportionate volumes were excluded, the Isolator 1.5 detected 3% more positive cultures. More isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis were recovered by the Isolator 1.5, whereas Haemophilus influenzae was recovered most often in the BACTEC bottles (P greater than 0.1). The contamination rates were 8.7 and 3.1% for the Isolator 1.5 and the BACTEC system, respectively. In cultures positive by both systems, the mean time to detection was 4.1 h faster with the Isolator 1.5. The mean time to obtain isolated colonies was 26.6 h faster with the Isolator 1.5. These data indicate the potential value of the Isolator 1.5 microbial tube as a simple, rapid, and sensitive method for the detection of bacteremia in children.
Toll-like Receptor 3 and STAT-1 Contribute to Double-stranded RNA+ Interferon-γ-induced Apoptosis in Primary Pancreatic β-Cells*

Viral infections and local production of cytokines probably contribute to the pathogenesis of Type 1 diabetes. The viral replicative intermediate double-stranded RNA (dsRNA, tested in the form of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid, PIC), in combination with the cytokine interferon-γ (IFN-γ), triggers β-cell apoptosis. We have previously observed by microarray analysis that PIC induces expression of several mRNAs encoding for genes downstream of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) signaling pathway. In this report, we show that exposure of β-cells to dsRNA in combination with IFN-α, -β, or -γ significantly increases apoptosis. Moreover, dsRNA induces TLR3 mRNA expression and activates NF-κB and the IFN-β promoter in a TRIF-dependent manner. dsRNA also induces an early (1 h) and sustained increase in IFN-β mRNA expression, and blocking IFN-β with a specific antibody partially prevents PIC plus IFN-γ-induced β-cell death. On the other hand, dsRNA plus IFN-γ does not induce apoptosis in INS-1E cells, and expression of TLR3 and type I IFNs mRNAs is not detected in these cells. Of note, disruption of the STAT-1 signaling pathway protects β-cells against dsRNA plus IFN-γ-induced β-cell apoptosis. This study suggests that dsRNA plus IFN-γ triggers β-cell apoptosis by two complementary pathways, namely TLR3-TRIF-NF-κB and STAT-1.
Information Management: The Evaluation Of Information Systems Investments

Introduction: of capital importance. - Introduction: of capital importance. - Overviews. - Why companies invest in information technology. - Evaluating the feasibility of information systems investments: recent UK evidence and new approaches. - The Strategic Dimension. - A portfolio approach to evaluating information systems investments and setting priorities. - Evaluating your computer investment strategy. - The real value of strategy formulation for information technology. - Assessing the value of strategic information technology investments. - Techniques. - Justifying IT investments. - Information economics: a practical approach to valuing information systems. - Beyond return on investment. - Risk and information systems: developing the analysis. - Process and Perspectives. - Responsibility for IT: a grey area of management. - Evaluation of information systems investments: towards multiple perspectives.
Formation, Growth and Morphology of Multicellular Tumor Spheroids from a Human Colon Carcinoma Cell Line (LoVo)

LoVo human colon carcinoma cells cultured by a liquid overlay technique form and grow as multicellular tumor spheroids. The growth curve of LoVo spheroids exhibits Gompertzian growth kinetics, i.e., exponential growth for 10 days, followed by exponential retardation in the rate of growth. Doubling time in the exponential growth phase is longer than in monolayer cultures (5 days for LoVo spheroids vs. 37 h for monolayers). When LoVo spheroids reach a diameter of about 300 ūm, a necrotic core appears in their center and continuously increases with spheroid growth. The cell ultrastructure and organization in spheroids closely resemble those of the same cells when grown as tumors in vivo or as monolayer, i.e. intestinal epithelium, desmosomes, intracytoplasmic lumina and acinar structures. Individual cells from spheroids can be obtained by trypsinization and assayed for colony formation. LoVo spheroids provide a model which can be readily manipulated and appears to be suitable for evaluation of anticancer drugs. A comparison of LoVo spheroids exposed to doxorubicin with the same cells grown in monolayers emphasized the role of cell organization in determining drug resistance.
Prevalence of schizophrenia and related disorders in Malaga (Spain): results using multiple clinical databases

Background. To calculate the 1-year prevalence of schizophrenia and related disorders in a catchment area of Malaga (Spain) and determine the prevalence by gender, dwelling (rural or urban) and socioeconomic area (deprived or non-deprived area). Method. This cross-sectional study comprised the mental health area covered by Carlos Haya Hospital. We used multiple large clinical databases and key informants to identify cases. Results. The mean 1-year prevalence of schizophrenia and related disorders was 6.27 per 1000. It was nearly double in men (8.45 per 1000) than in women (4.26 per 1000) (p < 0.001), with a male-to-female ratio of 1.98. The rate was higher in urban (6.64 per 1000) than rural areas (3.95 per 1000) (p < 0.0001) and in socioeconomic deprived areas (7.56 per 1000) than non-deprived areas (6.12 per 1000) (p = 0.005). For the subgroup of schizophrenia, the rates were: men, 5.88 per 1000 and women, 2.2 per 1000 (p < 0.0001), with a male-to-female ratio of 2.67. The rate was also higher in urban (4.2 per 1000) than rural areas (2.49 per 1000) (p < 0.0001) and in socioeconomic deprived areas (4.49 per 1000) than non-deprived areas (3.9 per 1000) (p = 0.149). Conclusions. The use of multiple clinical sources of information not only from mental health services, but also from emergency departments, primary care and private settings revealed high prevalence rates of schizophrenia and related disorders. This diagnosis is more common in men and in cities. Such precise estimates of the prevalence of schizophrenia have important repercussions for resource allocation and policy planning.
Oral continuous positive airway pressure for sleep apnea: effectiveness, patient preference, and adherence.

BACKGROUND Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most definitive medical therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Many patients have difficulty tolerating nasal CPAP due to nasal airway problems, mouth leak, and general discomfort from the mask and headgear. These limitations may be overcome by an oral mask (Oracle; Fisher & Paykel Healthcare; Languna Hills, CA) that does not require headgear. We performed a study to compare the Oracle mask to conventional nasal and oronasal masks in the effectiveness of CPAP delivery and patient satisfaction and adherence. METHODS Ninety-eight, consecutive CPAP-naïve patients with OSA diagnosed by overnight polysomnography (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] > 5) were referred for CPAP therapy. All patients were presented with a variety of CPAP masks, including nasal, oronasal, and Oracle, and reasons for mask choice were documented. After 3 weeks of acclimatization to the mask of their choice, patients had a CPAP titration sleep study to determine their optimal CPAP level. Further follow-up was obtained 2 months and 6 months later with a subjective patient assessment of CPAP use and efficacy, mask comfort, and upper airway dryness. RESULTS Patients were predominantly male (70%), middle aged (50.6 +/- 11.7 years), and moderately obese (body mass index, 32.5 +/- 9.0) with severe OSA (AHI, 40.6 +/- 25.8/h) [mean +/- SD]. Patients were classified into three groups based on their choice of mask: nasal (66%), Oracle (27%), and oronasal (7%). Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between groups. Optimal CPAP was not significantly different between mask groups (nasal, 7.7 +/- 2.1 cm H(2)O; Oracle, 8.0 +/- 2.0 cm H(2)O; oronasal, 9.7 +/- 3.2 cm H(2)O; p = 0.267). Subjective ratings of adherence, efficacy, and mask comfort were also similar between groups. However, the Oracle group had more complaints of upper airway dryness and "rain-out. " The oronasal group had a disproportionately greater number of dropouts from CPAP therapy than the Oracle group (57% vs 19%, p = 0.046). Nine patients changed from the Oracle mask to a nasal mask during the study, whereas no patients changed from their nasal or oronasal masks. CONCLUSIONS The Oracle mask is an efficacious interface for long-term CPAP therapy in patients with OSA. The main limitations of the mask are upper airway dryness and rain-out associated with heated humidification, which may be improved by further technical modifications. Oracle may be more acceptable than oronasal masks for patients who cannot rely exclusively on the nasal airway for CPAP therapy.
Cost Containment and Managed Care: Evidence from German Macro Data

The major German health care reforms undertaken since the late 1990s resulted in the adoption of selective contracting mechanisms in a formerly sectorally separated health care system. These reforms marked the launch of managed care in Germany that is expected to yield both a higher quality of care and cost containment. We investigate if managed care had an in fluence on the structure of health care expenditure in Germany during the start-up phase of managed care from 2004 to 2008. We focus on pharmaceutical spending by statutory sickness funds (i.e. German law- enforced health insurance). We followed a macroeconomic evaluation approach based on a regional panel data set in contrast to previous research and were thus able to control for a comprehensive set of regional and demographic variables. We discuss alternative model specifications and include a range of sensitivity analyses. Our results suggest that in contrast to public perception the share of managed care contracts has a positive impact on pharmaceutical spending.
N-(2-Methylphenylsulfonyl)propanamide

In the title compound, C10H13NO3S, the conformations of the N—H and C=O bonds of the SO2—NH—CO—C segment are anti to each other, while the amide H atom is syn with respect to the ortho-methyl group in the benzene ring. The C—S—N—C torsion angle is −66.7 (2)°. The crystal structure features inversion-related dimers linked by pairs of N—H⋯O(S) hydrogen bonds.
Chronic hypercalcaemia from inactivating mutations of vitamin D 24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1): implications for mineral metabolism changes in chronic renal failure.

BACKGROUND Loss-of-function mutations of vitamin D-24 hydroxylase have recently been recognized as a cause of hypercalcaemia and nephrocalcinosis/nephrolithiasis in infants and adults. True prevalence and natural history of this condition are still to be defined. METHODS We describe two adult patients with homozygous mutations and six related heterozygous carriers. Mineral and hormonal data in these patients were compared with that in 27 patients with stage 2-3 chronic kidney disease and 39 healthy adult kidney donors. RESULTS Probands had recurrent nephrolithiasis, chronic hypercalcaemia with depressed parathyroid hormone (PTH) and increased 1,25(OH)(2)D levels; carriers had nephrolithiasis (two of six), hypercalciuria (two of six) and high or normal-high 1,25(OH)(2)D (four of four). Corticosteroids did not reduce plasma and urine calcium levels, but ketoconazole did, indicating that 1,25(OH)(2)D production is not maximally depressed despite coexisting hypercalcaemia, high 1,25(OH)(2)D and depressed PTH, and that 1,25(OH)(2)D degradation through vitamin D-24 hydroxylase is a regulator of plasma 1,25(OH)(2)D levels. Both probands had vascular calcifications and high bone mineral content. One developed stage 3b renal failure: in this patient 1,25(OH)(2)D decreased within normal limits as glomerular filtration rate (GFR) fell and PTH rose to high-normal values, yet hypercalcaemia persisted and the ratio of 1,25(OH)(2)D to GFR remained higher than normal for any degree of GFR. CONCLUSIONS This natural model indicates that vitamin D-24 hydroxylase is a key physiologic regulator of calcitriol and plasma calcium levels, and that balanced reduction of 1,25(OH)(2)D and GFR is instrumental for the maintenance of physiologic calcium levels and balance in chronic kidney diseases.
Influence of chronic heat exposure on the adrenocortical secretion.

Adrenocortical activity of rats kept at a high ambient temperature of 32°C. for approximately 3 weeks was studied.1. Adrenal weight, adrenal contents of cholesterol, ascorbic acid and corticosterone in rats kept at 32°C. did not depart from the values obtained in those kept at 20°C. Corticosterone content in the blood plasma of rats at 32°C. was slightly less than that in rats at 20°C. , but the difference was not statistically significant.2. In both groups of rats adrenal ascorbic acid concentration decreased to similar extent after administrations of epinephrine or ACTH.3. The increase in corticosterone content in the adrenal and blood plasma provoked by epinephrine or ACTH injections was significantly greater in rats at 20°C. than in those at 32°C.4. The reduced adrenal response to exogenous ACTH in rats kept at 32°C. was also demonstrated in hypophysectomized rats.
Applying a palliative care approach in residential care: effects on nurse assistants' experiences of care provision and caring climate.

BACKGROUND A palliative care approach aims to integrate psychosocial and existential as well as relationship aspects in the care and is an approach that can be used in residential care. Nurse assistants are the ones who are closest to the residents but have limited prerequisites for working in accordance with the palliative care approach. We aimed to investigate the effects on nurse assistants' experiences of care provision and the caring climate of an intervention applying a palliative care approach in residential care. METHODS An intervention involving nurse assistants (n = 75) and their leaders (n = 9), in comparison with controls (n = 110), was evaluated using a questionnaire at three points in time. RESULTS In the intervention group, positive effects were seen concerning the nurse assistants' reports of the care provision in that they focused more on the residents' stories about their lives and on communicating with the residents about what gave meaning to their lives. Also, negative effects were seen when the nurse assistants rated that the residents' needs for medical and nursing care had not been met at the facility directly after the intervention. No effects were seen concerning the caring climate or the prerequisites of providing more person-centred care. CONCLUSION The intervention seemed to have encouraged the nurse assistants to focus on relationship aspects with the residents. So as not to jeopardise the NAs' well-being and to support NAs in keeping themselves involved in existential issues, their support most certainly needs to be continuous and ongoing. However, in spite of the leaders' involvement, the intervention was not sufficient for changing the organisational prerequisites for more person-centred care.
Credit Contractions and Unemployment

This paper investigates the impact of private credit contractions on labor market performance. Impulse responses for total, youth, and long-term unemployment are estimated using local projections for a panel of 20 OECD countries over the period 1980-2013. The empirical findings suggest that a decline in private credit can generate sizable and statistically significant increases in all three unemployment measures. On average, credit contractions in the sample increase total unemployment rates by nearly 1 percentage point at the peak. This effect is even stronger for youth unemployment. The persistent impact on long-term unemployment emphasizes the sluggish recovery of labor markets following a credit downturn. The results also reveal that increases in joblessness depend heavily on the scale of the build-up in financial leverage prior to the onset of a contraction. Specifically, excessive credit booms tend to be followed by a significantly larger rise in unemployment in the subsequent bust phase. Moreover, credit contractions associated with rigid labor market institutions lead to disproportionately greater increases in unemployment. These findings underline the important relationship between disruptions in the credit market and unemployment fluctuations.
Raman Spectroscopy of Oral Buccal Mucosa: A Study on Age-Related Physiological Changes and Tobacco-Related Pathological Changes

Biophysical techniques play an important role in detecting physiological alterations during pathogenesis. Raman spectroscopy has shown immense potential in identifying several diseased conditions, including oral cancers. Classification of normal, inflammatory, premalignant and malignant conditions has been demonstrated using ex vivo Raman spectroscopy. Feasibility of recording in vivo spectra in clinically implementable time has also been shown. Translation of this technology to clinics requires extensive validation of methodologies, building of robust models and testing the same under stringent conditions as well as on diverse populations. In this context, the ability of Raman spectroscopy in identifying subtle changes in oral mucosa with increasing age, and the influence of these aging related changes on classification with tobacco-related pathological changes was evaluated. A total of 451 spectra from 62 subjects were recorded from buccal mucosa of healthy subjects of 4 different age groups (aged 20–60 years). Also, 478 spectra from 85 subjects belonging to 4 different categories, tobacco exposed mucosa, contralateral normal (opposite side of tumor), premalignant patches and tumors on buccal mucosa were recorded using fiber optic probe-coupled commercial Raman spectrometer. Differences in spectra were explored by unsupervised Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and supervised Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), followed by Leave one out cross validation. Results indicate feasibility of classifying early and late age groups. Also, clear classification is observed between healthy and pathological groups, thus inherent heterogeneity in healthy groups seems to have no bearing on classification of normal with abnormal conditions. Findings of the study indicate high sensitivity of Raman spectroscopy in detecting subtle mucosal changes, further supporting efficacy of Raman spectroscopic approaches in oral cancer applications. Prospectively, more vigorous validation studies of Raman methodology would enable routine clinical applications.