Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evidence-Based Evaluation of Diagnostic Accuracy of Resting EEG in Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment

Cognitive impairment is the most frequent chronic condition in the elderly, and dementia is the most disabling form of cognitive impairment in elderly. In the absence of specific and reliable markers of etiologically different dementia syndromes and their preclinical stages, diagnosis in living patients is probabilistic and based on standardized clinical diagnostic criteria. There is still not enough information on the validity of the EEG method in dementia work-up, and an updated evidence-based consensus on appropriateness of this method in the initial evaluation of patients with suspected cognitive disorder and dementia is missing. Using an evidence-based technique we searched for articles on diagnostic accuracy of spontaneous EEG in dementia disorders published from 1980 until June 2008. Inclusion criteria were: original article published in English with 10 or more subjects per diagnostic group, diagnosed according to the established consensus clinical diagnostic criteria used as a “gold standard. ” In addition, it should have been possible to calculate from the reported results indexes of diagnostic test accuracy: sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios and diagnostic odds ratios. Forty-six articles were retrieved that satisfied eligibility criteria. Thirty-four (74%) studies employed case-control design where study population was recruited from consecutive patients at specialist clinic settings, 12 (26%) were prospective in terms of reported clinical follow-up of study population. Four (9%) studies used population-based samples and 5 (11%) studies stated in methods the recruitment procedures for patients and healthy subjects. Number of patients included in diagnostic groups and healthy subjects varied in included studies between 10 and 180 and 10 and 171, respectively. Figures on sensitivity and specificity across the studies varied widely. Positive likelihood ratio in studies reporting classification accuracies between Alzheimer's disease and controls ranged between 2.3 and 38.5, and diagnostic odds ratios consequently showed large variations between 7 and 219. In conclusion, despite the wealth of published research and reported high indexes of diagnostic accuracy of EEG, and qEEG in particular, in individual studies, evidence of diagnostic utility of resting EEG in dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is still not sufficient to establish this method for the initial evaluation of subjects with cognitive impairment in the routine clinical practice. Joint effort of preferably multicenter studies using uniform standards should develop optimized methods, investigate added diagnostic value of EEG in clinically established dementia diagnosis and predictive utility of EEG in MCI and questionable dementia.
Hedge Fund Return Dependence: Model Misspecification or Liquidity Spirals?

We test whether model misspecification or liquidity spirals primarily explain the observed excess dependence in filtered (for economic fundamentals) hedge fund index returns and the links between volatility, liquidity shocks, and hedge fund return clustering. Evidence supports the model misspecification hypothesis: i) hedge fund filtered return clustering is symmetric, ii) filtered Short Bias fund returns exhibit negative dependence with filtered returns for other hedge fund types, iii) negative liquidity shocks are associated with clustering in both tails and market volatility subsumes the role of negative liquidity shocks, and iv) these same patterns appear in size-sorted equity portfolios.
Effect of Rapid Normalization of Plasma Glucose Levels on Microvascular Dysfunction and Polyol Metabolism in Diabetic Rats

Effects of rapid normalization of plasma glucose levels (by insulin infused via Alzet pumps implanted intraperitoneally) on plasma insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) levels, granulation tissue polyol levels, and vascular permeation by 125I-labeled albumin were examined in male Sprague-Dawley rats with streptozocin-induced (60–65 mg/kg) diabetes. Two days after implantation of pumps, plasma insulin levels were twice normal levels and remained elevated (1.4–2.5 times normal) throughout the remainder of the study. Plasma glucose levels and granulation tissue polyol levels were normalized within 2 days after initiation of insulin treatment. Plasma IGF-I levels were significantly increased (2 times) by 2 days, but were not normalized until 7 days. In contrast, 125I-albumin permeation normalized at a much slower relatively linear rate and was still not completely normal after 14 days of insulin treatment. In view of 1) previous studies demonstrating that diabetes-induced increases in 125I-albumin permeation in this tissue are linked to increased metabolism of glucose to sorbitol and 2) the rapid normalization of tissue polyol levels in this study, the relatively linear rate of normalization of vascular permeability over 14 days in these studies suggests that impaired vascular barrier functional integrity in this model is mediated by structural and/or functional vascular alterations associated with sustained increased polyol metabolism rather than by increased polyol levels per se and/or by readily reversible functional and metabolic alterations associated with acute increases in polyol metabolism. The relatively long lag time after normalization of plasma glucose and tissue polyol levels before near normalization of vascular permeability in this model isconsistent with corresponding observations on the relationship between improved glycemic control and normalization of microangiopathy and neuropathy in diabetic humans and animals. The slow relatively linear rate of normalization of vascular permeability after normalization of plasma insulin and glucose levels and tissue polyol levels suggests that normalization of impaired vascular barrier function in this model is accomplished by a repair process (probably involving turnover of altered vascular constituents), the precise nature of which remains to be elucidated.
Factors associated with duration of new antidepressant treatment: analysis of a large primary care database.

BACKGROUND It is not known how much the duration of newly prescribed antidepressant treatment is influenced by patient characteristics or practice variation. AIM To describe the relationship between patient characteristics and the duration of new antidepressant treatment by general practices. DESIGN AND SETTING Large primary care database cohort study of all patients with a newly initiated course of eligible antidepressant treatment during 1 year, from a database of 237 Scottish practices. METHOD Detailed prescription data were used to estimate the duration of new antidepressant treatment for each patient. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the influence of patient characteristics on continuation of treatment and, by multilevel modelling, the variation between practices. RESULTS A total of 28 027 (2.2%) patients commenced antidepressant treatment during the year; 75% continued beyond 30 days, 56% beyond 90 days, and 40% beyond 180 days. Treatment was less likely to be continued in patients from areas of high socioeconomic deprivation: hazard ratio 1.22 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.16 to 1.29); in patients under 35 years, 1.33 (95% CI = 1.28 to 1.37); and in those for whom the GP recorded no relevant diagnostic code, 1.16 (95% CI = 1.13 to 1.18). Models accounted for between 2.2% and 3.9% of the variation in treatment duration. CONCLUSION Patient demographic characteristics account for relatively little variation in the duration of new antidepressant treatment, though treatment was shorter in younger patients and those with greater socioeconomic deprivation. There is variation in treatment duration between practices and according to whether patients have a depression diagnosis coded in their records.
The Angel Investment Decision: Insights from Australian Business Angels

While much has been written about the investment criteria of business angels, few studies explore why these particular criteria are important to them. The Australian context has a diverse range of actors along with complex jurisdictional arrangements, making for an interesting background for investigation of the angel finance phenomenon. We examine 12 business angels in the rapidly changing Australian context and use nine corroborating participants to validate responses and identify four key drivers &#8211; personal experience, trust, the need to contribute and realistic expectations &#8211; that influence business angels during the initial investment process.
Green tea and the risk of gastric cancer in Japan.

BACKGROUND Although laboratory experiments and case-control studies have suggested that the consumption of green tea provides protection against gastric cancer, few prospective studies have been performed. METHODS In January 1984, a total of 26,311 residents in three municipalities of Miyagi Prefecture, in northern Japan (11,902 men and 14,409 women 40 years of age or older), completed a self-administered questionnaire that included questions about the frequency of consumption of green tea. During 199,748 person-years of follow-up, through December 1992, we identified 419 cases of gastric cancer (in 296 men and 123 women). We used Cox regression to estimate the relative risk of gastric cancer according to the consumption of green tea. RESULTS Green-tea consumption was not associated with the risk of gastric cancer. After adjustment for sex, age, presence or absence of a history of peptic ulcer smoking status, alcohol consumption, other dietary elements, and type of health insurance, the relative risks associated with drinking one or two, three or four, and five or more cups of green tea per day, as compared with less than one cup per day, were 1.1 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.8 to 1.6), 1.0 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.7 to 1.4), and 1.2 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.9 to 1.6), respectively (P for trend=0.13). The results were similar after the 117 cases of gastric cancer that were diagnosed in the first three years of follow-up had been excluded, with respective relative risks of 1.2 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.8 to 1.8) 1.0 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.7 to 1.5), and 1.4 (95 percent confidence interval, 1.0 to 1.9) (P for trend=0.07). CONCLUSIONS In a population-based, prospective cohort study in Japan, we found no association between green-tea consumption and the risk of gastric cancer.
Ccr4-Not and TFIIS Function Cooperatively To Rescue Arrested RNA Polymerase II

ABSTRACT Expression of the genome requires RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) to transcribe across many natural and unnatural barriers, and this transcription across barriers is facilitated by protein complexes called elongation factors (EFs). Genetic studies in Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast suggest that multiple EFs collaborate to assist RNAPII in completing the transcription of genes, but the molecular mechanisms of how they cooperate to promote elongation are not well understood. The Ccr4-Not complex participates in multiple steps of mRNA metabolism and has recently been shown to be an EF. Here we describe how Ccr4-Not and TFIIS cooperate to stimulate elongation. We find that Ccr4-Not and TFIIS mutations show synthetically enhanced phenotypes, and biochemical analyses indicate that Ccr4-Not and TFIIS work synergistically to reactivate arrested RNAPII. Ccr4-Not increases the recruitment of TFIIS into elongation complexes and enhances the cleavage of the displaced transcript in backtracked RNAPII. This is mediated by an interaction between Ccr4-Not and the N terminus of TFIIS. In addition to revealing insights into how these two elongation factors cooperate to promote RNAPII elongation, our study extends the growing body of evidence suggesting that the N terminus of TFIIS acts as a docking/interacting site that allows it to synergize with other EFs to promote RNAPII transcription.
A demographic and psychometric assessment of the Connor-Davidson resilience scale 10 (CD-RISC 10) with a US public accounting sample

Purpose This paper aims to evaluate the efficacy of the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale 10 (CD-RISC 10) (Campbell-Sills and Stein, 2007) for use in public accounting settings. Design/methodology/approach The analyses include an examination of possible demographic differences in overall score, the scale’s factor structure, the invariance of its factor structure across gender and age groups, the scale’s reliability and its convergent and divergent validity. Findings There are significant gender and age group difference in scores, but a common univariate factor structure for the scale. The authors further find that a two-factor solution provides a superior fit to the data compared to the single factor structure used in the most prior research. Spearman–Brown reliability coefficients, item-total correlations and coefficient alphas each support the reliability of the items loading on the scale for the full sample, as well as for each of the above-referenced demographic subsamples. Research limitations/implications Limitations are acknowledged related to the use of self-report measures, absence of test-retest score comparisons and convergent and divergent assessments limited to the heterotrait–homomethod approach. Practical implications The CD-RISC 10 is an expedient resilience measure, as it can be completed and scored in just a few minutes. Human resource administrators at public accounting firms can use it as an initial screening measure to identify staff who might benefit from resilience training. The paper adds to the appreciation of what not to do in the face of crisis by the government and those in charge of large accounting organizations. Social implications The CD-RISC 10 can be used in research and clinical efforts to reduce voluntary turnover of audit staff and enhance the well-being of auditors in the workplace. Originality/value This study provides empirical evidence that the CD-RISC 10 is a valid and reliable measure for future assessments of auditor resilience levels.
Non-adherence to diabetes treatment at Mulago Hospital in Uganda: prevalence and associated factors.

BACKGROUND Non-adherence to diabetes treatment leads to poor glucose control and increases the risk of disease complications. The prevalence and factors associated with non-adherence in resource limited settings should be determined so as to lower the impact of a disease that is on the increase, on the health systems which are already overburdened with communicable diseases. OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence and factors associated with non-adherence to diabetes treatment. METHODS A cross sectional study was carried out from February to April 2004 in Mulago Hospital, Uganda. The participants were 402 type 1 and 2 diabetic patients selected from the outpatients' diabetic clinic using systematic sampling. They were aged 18 years and above, had been taking diabetes treatment for at least one month and gave informed consent to participate. Non-adherence was assessed using patients' self reports. RESULTS The prevalence of non-adherence was 28.9% (n = 116, 95%CI = 24.5 - 33.3%). Factors that were independently associated with non-adherence were: female gender (OR = 2.9, 95%CI = 1.4 - 6.3), not understanding the drug regimen well (OR = 4.0, 95%CI = 1.0 - 16.3), affording only some or none of prescribed drugs (OR = 3.7, 95%CI = 1.8 - 7.6) and longer time since last since last visit to a health worker (OR = 7.3, 95%CI = 2.7 - 19.9). CONCLUSIONS Adherence to diabetic treatment was suboptimal. There is need to improve it through strategies helping patients understand their drug regimens, always availing drugs in the hospital so that they do not have to buy them and giving shorter time between visits to health worker. Further studies should be done to find out why females were not adhering to treatment so as to improve their adherence.
Recurrence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasias with negative cone margins: risk factors.

PURPOSE The percent of young patients treated for cervical intraepithelial neoplasias (CIN) has been increasing, thus it is very important to define patients in high risk for relapse. The aim of this study was to establish any possible association of persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, age, smoking, parity, use of oral contraceptives, and Chlamydia infection, with relapse of CIN. METHODS Between March 2006 and March 2009 a prospective clinical study was performed at the Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Nis, with the study group comprising the first 35 patients with disease relapse after conization and the control group consisting of 30 patients with more than one year after treatment without relapse. HPV typization was done at the Laboratory for Molecular Biology and Cytogenetics of the Clinical Centre Nis using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS A statistically significant higher percentage of recurrences with lower pathologic stage (CIN I) was found in younger women (below 29 years) (p<0.01). Women in the control group were more commonly non smokers (56.66 vs. 40%) but without statistical significance (p>0.05). The distribution of smoked cigarettes in the study and control subjects showed no statistically significant difference (p>0.05). Patients with recurrences were more commonly HPV-positive compared to controls (68.57 vs. 6.66%; p <0.05). In the study group, HPV-positive smokers recurred with more advanced grades (CIN III and microinvasive carcinoma/MIC; p<0.01). In non smokers, the severity of recurrence was not statistically correlated with HPV positivity. CONCLUSION Persistent HPV infection, smoking associated with HPV infection and more advanced age were demonstrated to be of statistical significance for CIN recurrence. Parity, use of oral contraceptives, Chlamydia infection, and smoking as independent etiologic factors were not significantly associated with CIN relapse.
Social Norms and Stigma Regarding Unintended Pregnancy and Pregnancy Decisions: A Qualitative Study of Young Women in Alabama.

CONTEXT Social norms and stigma may play important roles in reproductive health behavior and decision making among young women in the U.S. South, who disproportionately experience unintended pregnancies. No research has described the presence and manifestations of social norms and stigmas associated with unintended pregnancy and related decision making from the perspective of this population. METHODS Six focus groups and 12 cognitive interviews were conducted between December 2013 and July 2014 with 46 low-income women aged 19-24 living in Birmingham, Alabama; respondents were recruited from two public health department centers and a community college. Semistructured interview guides were used to facilitate discussion about social perceptions of unintended pregnancy and related pregnancy decisions. Sessions were audio-recorded, and transcripts were analyzed using a theme-based approach. RESULTS Participants described community expectations that pregnancy occur in the context of monogamous relationships, in which both partners are mature, educated and financially stable. However, respondents reported that unintended pregnancy outside of these circumstances was common, and that the community expected young women faced with unintended pregnancies to bear and raise their children. Women who chose to do so were viewed more positively than were women who chose abortion or adoption. The community generally considered these alternatives to parenting unacceptable, and participants discussed them in terms of negative labels, social judgment and nondisclosure. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest a need to reduce stigma and create a social environment in which young women are empowered to make the best reproductive decisions for themselves.
The double-orifice technique in mitral valve repair: a simple solution for complex problems.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to report our results with the central double-orifice technique used for the treatment of complex mitral valve lesions. METHODS The central double-orifice repair has been used in 260 patients (mean age, 56 +/- 14.3 years) over a period of 7 years. The mechanism responsible for mitral regurgitation was prolapse of both leaflets in 148 patients, prolapse of the anterior leaflet in 68, prolapse of the posterior leaflet with annular calcification or other unfavorable features in 31, and lack of leaflet coaptation for restricted motion or erosion of the free edge in 13. Degenerative disease was the cause of mitral regurgitation in 80.8% of the patients, rheumatic disease was the cause in 9.6%, endocarditis was the cause in 6.1%, and ischemic disease was the cause in 2.3%. RESULTS Hospital mortality was 0.7%, and the overall survival at 5 years was 94.4% +/- 2.59%. Thirteen patients required a reoperation (2 early postoperatively and 11 late during the follow-up), for an overall freedom from reoperation of 90.0% +/- 3.37% at 5 years. Freedom from reoperation was lower in patients with rheumatic valve disease and in patients who did not undergo an annuloplasty procedure. CONCLUSIONS The effectiveness and durability of the central double-orifice technique were assessed in this study. This type of repair can be a useful addition to the surgical armamentarium in mitral valve reconstruction.
[Retinol levels in human colostrum: influence of child, maternal and socioeconomic variables].

OBJECTIVES To determine colostrum retinol levels in breastfeeding women from the city of Natal, state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, and to investigate the relationship between retinol levels in colostrum and child, maternal and socioeconomic variables. METHODS Forty-two healthy women aged 18 to 39 years were evaluated 48 hours after delivery. Socioeconomic, anthropometric, and dietary data were collected by means of a questionnaire. Body mass index was used to determine nutritional status. The Virtual Nutri software was used to analyze data on daily intake of vitamin A. Retinol levels were determined in 2 ml of colostrum using high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS Most women were of low socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. Vitamin A intake was adequate in 55% of the women (mean intake = 1,398.8 micro g RE/day). The mean amount of retinol in colostrum was 93.1 51.1 micro gRE/100 ml. No significant differences were found in terms of milk retinol levels for the variables income (p = 0.503), educational level (p = 0.708) and birth weight (p = 0. 499). However, a statistically significant difference was observed for nutritional status during pregnancy (0.016). CONCLUSION The lack of influence of socioeconomic factors on colostrum retinol levels suggests the existence of an adaptive mechanism of the mammary gland to maintain adequate retinol levels that meet the infantacute;s daily needs.