Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trends in heart failure incidence and survival in a community-based population.

CONTEXT The epidemic of heart failure has yet to be fully investigated, and data on incidence, survival, and sex-specific temporal trends in community-based populations are limited. OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that the incidence of heart failure has declined and survival after heart failure diagnosis has improved over time but that secular trends have diverged by sex. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Population-based cohort study using the resources of the Rochester Epidemiology Project conducted in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Patients were 4537 Olmsted County residents (57% women; mean [SD] age, 74 [14] years) with a diagnosis of heart failure between 1979 and 2000. Framingham criteria and clinical criteria were used to validate the diagnosis MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Incidence of heart failure and survival after heart failure diagnosis. RESULTS The incidence of heart failure was higher among men (378/100 000 persons; 95% confidence interval [CI], 361-395 for men; 289/100 000 persons; 95% CI, 277-300 for women) and did not change over time among men or women. After a mean follow-up of 4.2 years (range, 0-23.8 years), 3347 deaths occurred, including 1930 among women and 1417 among men. Survival after heart failure diagnosis was worse among men than women (relative risk, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.24-1.43) but overall improved over time (5-year age-adjusted survival, 43% in 1979-1984 vs 52% in 1996-2000, P<.001). However, men and younger persons experienced larger survival gains, contrasting with less or no improvement for women and elderly persons. CONCLUSION In this community-based cohort, the incidence of heart failure has not declined during 2 decades, but survival after onset of heart failure has increased overall, with less improvement among women and elderly persons.
Alpha generation in portfolio management: Long-run Australian equity fund evidence

This study provides the first long-run analysis of the skill of active Australian equity fund managers based on trades inferred from a market-wide database of monthly portfolio holdings over the period 1994–2009. In addition to confirming previous findings that skill exists amongst active Australian managers using a more comprehensive sample, we also deepen the understanding of this skill in two ways. First, we sharpen the identification of skill by categorizing trades. We find that alpha is concentrated in trades that are more likely to involve informed trading rather than portfolio rebalancing. Second, we investigate skill across manager types. Alpha for growth-oriented managers is found to stem from selection skill, while that for value managers appears more related to characteristic exposure. We also find stronger evidence of skill amongst boutique firms relative to more institutionalized managers.
From 'Market Umpires' yo 'Relationship Managers'? The future of the NHS regional offices in a time of transition

This article considers the theoretical and management implications of the recent reorganization of UK cancer services on network lines in which the intermediate tier of the Regional Office (RO) has played an important implementation role. Empirical evidence drawn from the first stage of a national evaluation of the Calman-Hine report (1995) is used to explore regional approaches to the setting-up of 'cancer care networks'. The literature predicted that strategic differences between the regions would permeate the implementation process, reinforcing variations in service change. The study highlights mixed evidence to support this claim. Initially there was a pattern of organizational divergence at RO level. However, this diversity has eroded and appears to be a transitional phenomenon. The findings of the study indicate that service reorganization is now leading towards a possible convergence around a model of the 'delivery network' which is 'instrumental' in nature.
Probing Sequence Variation in the Receptor-Targeting Domain of Feline Leukemia Virus Envelope Proteins with Peptide Display Libraries

ABSTRACT Determinants of cellular tropism and receptor targeting lie within a short peptide in the Vr1 region of the envelope (Env) proteins of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) subgroups A and C. Libraries of FeLV Env proteins with random amino acid substitutions in the peptide were screened for their ability to deliver a marker gene to D17 and AH927 cells. Screening on D17 canine cells yielded D17-specific Env proteins that used the FeLV-C receptor. Screening on AH927 cells yielded Env proteins with a broader host range, with maximal titers on AH927 cells and similar or lower titers on other cells. These Env proteins used an unidentified non-FeLV receptor for entry. The A5 isolate obtained from the AH927 screen was readily concentrated to yield titers of 105 on human PC-3 prostate tumor cells. The sequence divergence observed among targeting peptides of library-selected Env proteins was greater than that found in parental FeLV isolates. Substitution analyses of a conserved R in the middle of the targeting peptide held constant during screening indicated that maximal titers were obtained only when R was present in both a D17 selected isolate and an AH927 selected isolate. The ability to isolate Env proteins with unique tropisms dependent on the cells on which the library is screened has direct implications for targeting gene delivery vectors.
The Parachute Technique: Valgus Impaction Osteotomy for Two-Part Fractures of the Surgical Neck of the Humerus

Abstract Fourteen elderly patients with a two-part fracture, in osteopenic bone, of the surgical neck of the humerus were treated with a valgus impaction osteotomy and tension band fixation—that is, the parachute technique. Thirteen patients were followed, and all were able to perform activities of daily living without difficulty and were satisfied with the result of the surgery. The average age of these thirteen patients was sixty-eight years, and the average duration of follow-up was 18.5 months. Union was achieved in all patients, at an average of 45.5 days. No patient demonstrated osteonecrosis of the humeral head. This technique of valgus impaction osteotomy with Dacron-tape tension band fixation leads to rapid union. Patient satisfaction and function were excellent.
Bra Wearing Not Associated with Breast Cancer Risk: A Population-Based Case–Control Study

Despite the widespread use of bras among U.S. women and concerns in the lay media that bra wearing may increase breast cancer risk, there is a scarcity of credible scientific studies addressing this issue. The goal of the study was to evaluate the relationship between various bra-wearing habits and breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women. We conducted a population-based case–control study of breast cancer in the Seattle–Puget Sound metropolitan area that compared 454 invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) cases and 590 invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) cases diagnosed between 2000 and 2004 with 469 control women between 55 to 74 years of age. Information on bra-wearing habits and other breast cancer risk factors was collected from study participants through in-person interviews. Multivariate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and their associated 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using polytomous logistic regression. No aspect of bra wearing, including bra cup size, recency, average number of hours/day worn, wearing a bra with an underwire, or age first began regularly wearing a bra, was associated with risks of either IDC or ILC. Our results did not support an association between bra wearing and increased breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(10); 2181–5. ©2014 AACR.
Growth and distribution

This article discusses some aspects of the relationship between economic growth and income distribution. The perspective taken is that of authors such as Kalecki, Keynes and the late Josef Steindl. First, the controversy between Malthus and Ricardo on the possibility of a ‘general glut’ of commodities is summarized. Next Keynes' criticism of ‘Says Law’ and Kaldor's attempt to generalize the principle of effective demand to the long run are dealt with. There follows a brief discussion of the investment-saving mechanism and of the paradox of thrift. The article concludes with some remarks on the relationship between the Sraffian and the Keynesian Criticism of neoclassical theory.
European Accounting Research – A Comment

A paper published in a British journal (Chan et al., 2006) attempted to rank accounting research output across Europe through the metric of published articles in refereed journals. One of its findings was that, for the period 1991–2002, 24 of the top 25 researchers in Europe were British (or Anglophone). As the editor of a European accounting journal and someone who has been attending the European Accounting Association and other European conferences on accounting research for more than 25 years, this finding seems, to say the least, counter-intuitive. Leaving aside the question of the perversity of league tables and their abuse, it appears to be at least a misunderstanding of how accounting research in Europe is disseminated and calls for some comment. Essentially the methodology used in the article was to count articles in Englishlanguage academic journals, and had been developed from a US study. Such an intuitively unlikely finding would lead one to speculate that the methodology could not be transferred across borders. Hopwood (2008, p. 17) comments on current research trends:
Lifestyle and cardiovascular disease in middle-aged British men: the effect of adjusting for within-person variation.

AIMS To examine the effect that within-person variation has on the estimated risk associations between cigarette smoking, physical inactivity, and increased body mass index (BMI) and the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in middle-aged British men. METHODS AND RESULTS In total, 6452 men aged 40-59 with no prior evidence of CVD were followed for major CVD events (fatal/non-fatal myocardial infarction or stroke) and all-cause mortality over 20 years; lifestyle characteristics were ascertained at regular points throughout the study. A major CVD event within the first 20 years was observed in 1194 men (18.5%). Use of baseline assessments of cigarette smoking and physical activity in analyses resulted in underestimation of the associations between average cumulative exposure to these factors and major CVD risk. After correction for within-person variation, major CVD rates were over four times higher for heavy smokers (> or =40 cigarettes/day) compared with never smokers and three times higher for physically inactive men compared with moderately active men. Major CVD risk increased by 6% for each 1 kg/m(2) increase in usual BMI. If all men had experienced the risk levels of the men who had never regularly smoked cigarettes, were moderately active, and had a BMI of < or =25 kg/m(2) (6% of the population), 66% of the observed major CVD events would have been prevented or postponed (63% before adjustment for within-person variation). Adjustment for a range of other risk factors had little effect on the results. Similar results were obtained for all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION Failure to take account of within-person variation can lead to underestimation of the importance of lifestyle characteristics in determining CVD risk. Primary prevention through lifestyle modification has a great preventive potential.
Quadruple Pregnancy after Post-advanced Assisted Technique Transfer of Blastocysts

Report the case of a quadruple pregnancy (monochorionic diamniotic and dichorionic diamniotic) after the transfer of two blastocysts generated by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). A 29-year-old woman patient with transfer of two blastocysts after long cultivation of 6 embryos generated by ICSI and vitrified in d+3, in a couple with primary infertility diagnosis due to male factor. This revealed quadruple pregnancy (monochorionic diamniotic and dichorionic diamniotic) of 56 days of evolution by transvaginal ultrasound. The couple decided to have selective embryo reduction of the monochorionic diamniotic gestation after receiving information about the risks arising from it. After that embryo reduction the uncomplicated pregnancy continued until 36 weeks of gestation, achieving reproductive success with the birth of two babies alive and healthy.
Safety and efficacy of commonly used antiemetics

Introduction: Clinicians use antiemetic drugs in a multitude of scenarios. Despite the differences in subspecialty and etiology of the nausea, practitioners of all subspecialties use the same drugs in similar ways to provide relief for their patients. Areas covered: Multiple classes of antiemetics are used frequently but no single treatment course works for all types of patients. The complex etiology of nausea often requires a multimodal approach that targets the same symptom through different sites of action. Antiemetics have unique side effects and safety profiles which are covered in this review. Antihistamines, phenothiazines, corticosteroids, benzamindes, anticholinergic, neurokinin-1 antagonists, 5-HT3 receptor antagonist and cannabinoids are discussed. These drugs were evaluated based on an in-depth literature review including a review of the original research that led to many of the drugs initial FDA approval, via internet and PubMed searches. Expert opinion: The key to providing relief for patients suffering from nausea and vomiting is to consider multiple drugs to approach the nausea in a systematic way. Anesthesiologists identify patients who are at high risk of nausea and vomiting based on physical characteristics and surgical procedures. Oncologists treat nausea based on the prescribed chemotherapeutics regimen and known risk of emesis while palliative care physicians and others balance the etiology of the nausea while optimizing patients other co morbid conditions.
Consumer behaviour in tourism: Concepts, influences and opportunities

Although consumer behaviour (CB) is one of the most researched areas in the field of tourism, few extensive reviews of the body of knowledge in this area exist. This review article examines what we argue are the key concepts, external influences and opportune research contexts in contemporary tourism CB research. Using a narrative review, we examine the CB literature published in three major tourism journals from 2000 to 2012. Of 519 articles identified and reviewed, 191 are included in this article. We examine the development of and scope for future research on nine key concepts, including decision-making, values, motivations, self-concept and personality, expectations, attitudes, perceptions, satisfaction, trust and loyalty. We then examine three important external influences on tourism behaviour, technology, Generation Y and the rise in concern over ethical consumption. Finally, we identify and discuss five research contexts that represent major areas for future scholarship: group and joint decision-making, under-researched segments, cross-cultural issues in emerging markets, emotions and consumer misbehaviour. Our examination of key research gaps is concluded by arguing that the hedonic and affective aspects of CB research in tourism must be brought to bear on the wider CB and marketing literature.
Inferring policy objectives from policy actions

including the Federal Reserve, set interest rates, they do so purposefully, with particular goals and objectives in mind. But what are these goals and objectives? And if the Federal Reserve behaves systematically, what is it systematically responding to? These questions are important. Knowing what the goals of monetary policy are—and how policymakers trade off different goals when shocks hit the economy—presumably enables consumers and businesses to make better economic decisions themselves.This Economic Letter explores these questions by trying to infer Federal Reserve goals and objectives from Federal Reserve policy actions.
Technical Change and the Distribution of Income in Rural Areas

It is not . the new technology which is the primary cause of the accentuated imbalances in the countryside. It is not the fault of the new technology that the credit service does not serve those for whom it was originally intended; that the extension services are not living up to expectations; that the panchayats are political rather than development bodies; that security of tenure is a luxury of the few; that rents are exorbitant; that for the greater part tenurial legislation is deliberately miscarried; or that wage scales are hardly sufficient to keep soul and body together. [25] Wolf Ladejinsky--1969
Nonlinear thermal gradients shape broad-scale patterns in geographic range size and can reverse Rapoport's rule

Aim Species living at latitudes that have greater annual temperature variations are expected to achieve broader geographic ranges than species living at latitudes that have smaller annual temperature variations, generating a positive relationship between range size and latitude (Rapoport’s rule). However, this prediction fails to take into account the greater latitudinal extent of tropical temperatures relative to those at higher latitudes. Here we model the contributions of the broader latitudinal extent of equal-temperature habitats at low latitudes and the greater annual temperature variation at high latitudes to the range size–latitude relationship, and test whether the latitudinal variation in geographic range size in marine bivalves can be explained by models that account for both annual temperature variation and the steepness of latitudinal thermal gradients.
Phase II trial of paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatin in patients with recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE To assess the activity and toxicity profile of combined taxol (paclitaxel), ifosfamide, and platinum (cisplatin) (TIP) in patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck. PATIENTS AND METHODS Recurrent or metastatic head and neck SCC patients received paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 in a 3-hour infusion on day 1; ifosfamide 1,000 mg/m2 in a 2-hour infusion on days 1 through 3; mesna 600 mg/m2 on days 1 through 3; and cisplatin 60 mg/m2 on day 1, repeated every 3 to 4 weeks. All were premedicated with dexamethasone, diphenhydramine, and cimetidine. Prophylactic hematopoietic growth factors were not permitted. RESULTS Fifty-two patients were assessable for response and toxicity; 53 for survival (local-regional recurrence alone in 57% and distant metastasis with or without local-regional recurrence in 43%). Overall response rate was 58% (30 of 52) of patients; complete response rate was 17% (nine of 52) of patients, with six complete responses that continued for a median 15.7+ months. Median follow-up of all patients was 17.7 months. Median survival was 8.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 8.1 to 17.5 months). Toxicity was relatively well tolerated and caused no deaths. The most frequent moderate-to-severe toxicity (90% of patients) was transient grades 3 to 4 neutropenia; neutropenic fever occurred in 27%. Grade 3 peripheral neuropathy occurred in three patients, none had grade 4. Grade 3 mucositis occurred in only one patient, none had grade 4. CONCLUSION TIP had major activity in this setting, with a 58% objective response rate, 17% complete response rate, durable complete responses (six of nine persisting), and relatively well-tolerated toxicity, with no toxic deaths. The activity of TIP, a novel taxol-cisplatin-based regimen, in recurrent or metastatic head and neck SCC should be confirmed in a phase III trial.
The Use of the Integrated Discrete Multiple Organ Co-culture (IdMOC®) System for the Evaluation of Multiple Organ Toxicity

The application of the Integrated Discrete Multiple Organ Co-culture (IdMOC®) system in the evaluation of organ-specific toxicity is reviewed. In vitro approaches to predict in vivo toxicity have met with limited success, mainly because of the complexity of in vivo toxic responses. In vivo properties that are not well-represented in vitro include organ-specific responses, multiple organ metabolism, and multiple organ interactions. The IdMOC system has been developed to address these deficiencies. The system uses a ‘wells-within-a-well’ concept for the co-culturing of cells or tissue slices from different organs as physically separated (discrete) entities in the small inner wells. These inner wells are nevertheless interconnected (integrated) by overlying culture medium in the large outer containing well. The IdMOC system thereby models the in vivo situation, in which multiple organs are physically separated but interconnected by the systemic circulation, permitting multiple organ interactions. The IdMOC system, with either cells or tissue slices from multiple organs, can be used to evaluate cell type-specific or organ-specific toxicity.
The imprinting mechanism of the Prader–Willi/Angelman regional control center

The 2 Mb domain on chromosome 15q11–q13 that carries the imprinted genes involved in Prader–Willi (PWS) and Angelman (AS) syndromes is under the control of an imprinting center comprising two regulatory regions, the PWS‐SRO located around the SNRPN promoter and the AS‐SRO located 35 kb upstream. Here we describe the results of an analysis of the epigenetic features of these two sequences and their interaction. The AS‐SRO is sensitive to DNase I, and packaged with acetylated histone H4 and methylated histone H3(K4) only on the maternal allele, and this imprinted epigenetic structure is maintained in dividing cells despite the absence of clearcut differential DNA methylation. Genetic analysis shows that the maternal AS‐SRO is essential for setting up the DNA methylation state and closed chromatin structure of the neighboring PWS‐SRO. In contrast, the PWS‐SRO has no influence on the epigenetic features of the AS‐SRO. These results suggest a stepwise, unidirectional program in which structural imprinting at the AS‐SRO brings about allele‐specific repression of the maternal PWS‐SRO, thereby preventing regional activation of genes on this allele.
CASE REPORT A 42-year-old patient with alcoholic cardiomyopathy

Introduction: Alcoholic cardiomyopathy represents about 3.8% of all cardiomyopathy cases and it is a result of long-term (>5 years) alcohol consumption (>90 g of alcohol per day). It occurs twice as frequently in men as in women. Case report: We present the case of a 42-year-old patient, not treated for chronic diseases so far, with positive incriminating familiar anamnesis for ischemic heart disease, who was hospitalized in our Department because of progressive reduction of effort tolerance for 2 weeks with squeezing in the chest and dyspnea ("asthma cardiale" type). Basing on the clinical course, anamnesis from family members and additional tests performed, alcoholic cardiomyopathy was diagnosed. Conclusions: Alcoholism is one of the main causes of myocardial damage. Treatment of patients with alcoholic cardiomyopathy should include alcohol abstinence and recommended heart failure pharmacotherapy.