Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Feasibility and Accessibility of a Tailored Intervention for Informal Caregivers of People with Severe Psychiatric Disorders: a Pilot Study

Objectives This study aimed to assess the acceptability and feasibility of a new tailored intervention for informal caregivers: the Ensemble (Together) program. Methods An open pre–post within-subject comparison pilot study was conducted. Twenty-one informal caregivers completed the five-session Ensemble program. Two measurement tools were used: The Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) and the Life Orientation Scale (LOT-R). Results The results showed that informal caregivers were in need of individual support and were ready to participate in the Ensemble program independent of the patient’s diagnosis or stage of illness. The participants were very satisfied, and 95.4% completed the program. The preliminary results also showed that in five sessions, informal caregivers’ Global Severity Index measured by the BSI and their optimism about their future (measured by the LOT-R) were significantly improved. Conclusion This pilot study provided preliminary results concerning the feasibility and acceptability of the tailored Ensemble program and indicates the need for a randomized trial. The Ensemble program is appropriate for both the acute and chronic phases of disease. Individualized brief and useful interventions for informal caregivers may provide more positive outcomes in care.
Do Terrorist Attacks Impact Exchange Rate Behavior? New International Evidence

This study examines whether terrorist attacks affect bilateral exchange rates. Using historical 10-minute exchange rate data for 21 countries' currency vis-a-vis the U.S. dollar, we show that exchange rate returns of all countries are statistically significantly affected by terrorist attacks. Some exchange rates appreciate and some depreciate following a terrorist attack, some currencies experience exchange rate reversals while others experience a persistent effect. Generally, the effect declines but persists as terrorist attacks become stale information. (JEL F31, F37)
A long-term evaluation of composite-bonded natural/resin teeth as replacement of lower incisors with terminal periodontitis.

BACKGROUND In patients with severe peridontitis, lower incisors are prone to terminal breakdown. This study assessed the longevity of composite-bonded resin/natural teeth (reinforced only with a stainless steel mesh) as replacements for periodontally lost lower incisors. METHODS Besides the longevity of the restoration, the periodontal condition of the abutment teeth, and the general satisfaction of the patient were evaluated retrospectively via a phone interview, in combination with an analysis of the patient's clinical dental file. RESULTS The cumulative proportion of survival rate of these composite restorations was 80% after 5 years of function. No statistically significant difference was found between the survival distribution of one- and two-pontic bridges (P = 0.66). The abutment teeth demonstrated stable probing depths and a negligible loss in attachment (0.1 mm/year). The satisfaction ratings were also favorable. CONCLUSIONS The data seem to suggest that composite bonding of 1 or 2 teeth can be considered a semi-permanent rehabilitation for the replacement of 1 or 2 periodontally lost lower incisors.
Excess medical costs in patients with asthma and the role of comorbidity

Asthmatic patients frequently have comorbidities, but the role of comorbidities in the economic burden of asthma is unclear. We examined the excess direct medical costs, including asthma- and comorbidity-related costs, in patients with asthma. We created a propensity score-matched cohort of patients newly diagnosed with asthma and non-asthmatic comparison subjects, both aged 5–55 years, from health administrative data (1997–2012) in British Columbia, Canada. Health services use records were categorised into 16 major disease categories based on International Classification of Diseases codes. Excess costs (in 2013 Canadian dollars ($)) were estimated as the adjusted difference in direct medical costs between the two groups. Average overall excess costs were estimated at $1058/person-year (95% CI 1006–1110), of which $134 (95% CI 132–136) was attributable to asthma and $689 (95% CI 649–730) to major comorbidity classes. Psychiatric disorders were the largest component of excess comorbidity costs, followed by digestive disorders, diseases of the nervous system, and respiratory diseases other than asthma. Comorbidity-attributable excess costs greatly increased with age but did not increase over the time course of asthma. These findings suggest that both asthma and comorbidity-related outcomes should be considered in formulating evidence-based policies and guidelines for asthma management. Costs of comorbidities are much higher than costs associated with asthma itself http://ow.ly/Lutb303lPye
Immune responses of splenectomized trauma patients to the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine at 1 versus 7 versus 14 days after splenectomy.

OBJECTIVES Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is given after emergency splenectomy for trauma to lessen the risk of overwhelming postsplenectomy sepsis. This study was undertaken to determine optimal timing of vaccine administration as determined by serum type-specific polysaccharide antibody concentration titer and functional activity of the resulting antibodies. METHODS Fifty-nine consecutive patients undergoing splenectomy after trauma were randomized to receive pneumococcal vaccine postoperatively at 1, 7, or 14 days. Immunoglobulin G serum antibody concentrations against serogroup 4 and serotypes 6B, 19F, and 23F were measured before vaccination and 4 weeks postvaccination. Antibody concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and functional antibody by opsonophagocytosis. Results were compared with a normal adult control group (n = 12). RESULTS Postvaccination enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay immunoglobulin G antibody concentrations for all serogroups and serotypes studied were not significantly different in splenectomized patients and control subjects. Postvaccination functional antibody activity was significantly reduced in early vaccination groups (serotype 6B excepted). However, with the exception of 19F, all titers for the 14-day group approached those of the control subjects (p > 0.05). Fold-increases of opsonophagocytic titers for serogroup 4 and serotypes 6B and 19F showed progressive increases with delay in vaccination. Except for serotype 23F, the number of postsplenectomy patients with opsonophagocytic titers <64 significantly decreased with a delay in vaccination (14 days). CONCLUSIONS Postvaccination immunoglobulin G serum antibody concentrations were not significantly different from normal control subjects regardless of the time of vaccination (1, 7, or 14 days). Although concentrations approach normal, functional antibody activity was significantly lower. Better functional antibody responses against the serogroup and serotypes studied seemed to occur with delayed (14-day) vaccination.
Enteric Duplication Cysts in Children: A Clinicopathological Dilemma.

AIM Enteric duplication cysts are rare and uncommon congenital malformations formed during the embryonic period of the development of human digestive system and are mainly encountered during infancy or early childhood, but seldom in adults. The clinical presentation is extremely variable depending upon its size, location and type. We present six cases of enteric duplication cysts with diverse clinico-pathological features. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was carried out in the Department of Pathology and Department of Paediatric Surgery, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India for a period of 2 years (January 2013 - December 2014). We retrospectively analyzed six patients of enteric duplication cysts based on data obtained, which consisted of patient's age, sex, clinical presentation, radiological features, operative findings and histopathology report. The data collected was analyzed by descriptive statistics. RESULTS Six children between age range of 3 days to 10 years had enteric duplication cysts. Two had ileal and one each were of pyloroduodenal, colonic and rectal duplication cyst. In one patient a presumptive diagnosis of enteric duplication cyst was made. Radiology played an important contributory role in diagnosis of these cysts in all the patients but histopathology proved to be gold standard for its confirmation. All these patients were managed by surgical excision. The postoperative and follow up period in all the cases was uneventful. CONCLUSION It is important to be aware and make a definitive diagnosis of this rare congenital anomaly as they can present in various clinical forms and can cause significant morbidity and even mortality if left untreated by causing life threatening complications.
Deregulation and Investment in Generation Capacity: Evidence from Nuclear Power Uprates in the United States

Nuclear power uprates are investments in generation capacity that enable reactors to operate beyond their original power limit. We find that owners of deregulated reactors are more likely to make investment in power uprates. Moreover, after deregulation owners of boiling water reactors are more likely to choose Extended Power Uprates (EPUs) that could add up to 20 percent of the original power, but owners of pressurized water reactors, another type of reactors for which EPUs are more technically challenging, tend to select other types of uprates that add -less of reactor power. Deregulation incentivizes reactor owners to pursue profitable investments and propels them to make careful investment decisions more consistent with the technological nature of their plants.
Victims of Identity Theft, 2012

In 2016, an estimated 26 million persons, or about 10% of all U.S. residents age 16 or older, reported that they had been victims of identity theft during the prior 12 months (figure 1). Five percent of residents age 16 or older had experienced at least one incident involving the misuse of an existing credit card, and 5% had experienced the misuse of an existing bank account. One percent of persons had experienced the misuse of an existing account other than a credit card or bank account.
Free energy considerations for nucleic acids with dangling ends near a surface: a coarse grained approach

A coarse grained model for the thermodynamics of nucleic acid hybridization near surfaces has been extended and parameterized to consider the contribution of unpaired dangling ends. The parameters of the model differ when representing a double stranded DNA section or a single stranded DNA section. The thermodynamic effects of the possibility of different dangling end combinations were considered in the presence of different types of surfaces. Configurational sampling was achieved by the Metropolis Monte Carlo method. To gain a more complete picture of the free energy changes, an estimation of the conformational entropy was included. We find a strong thermodynamic effect for dangling mismatches due to sequence requirements when they are nearer the surface as opposed to being held away from the surface.
A systematic review investigating the effectiveness of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for the management of low back and/or pelvic pain (LBPP) in pregnancy.

AIM To evaluate and summarize the current evidence on the effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine for the management of low back pain and/or pelvic pain in pregnancy. BACKGROUND International research demonstrates that 25-30% of women use complementary and alternative medicine to manage low back and pelvic pain in pregnancy without robust evidence demonstrating its effectiveness. DESIGN A systematic review of randomized controlled trials to determine the effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine for low back and/or pelvic pain in pregnancy. DATA SOURCES Cochrane library (1898-2013), PubMed (1996-2013), MEDLINE (1946-2013), AMED (1985-2013), Embase (1974-2013), Cinahl (1937-2013), Index to Thesis (1716-2013) and Ethos (1914-2013). REVIEW METHODS Selected studies were written in English, randomized controlled trials, a group 1 or 2 therapy and reported pain reduction as an outcome measure. Study quality was reviewed using Risk of Bias and evidence strength the Cochrane Grading of Recommendations and Development Evaluation Tool. RESULTS Eight studies were selected for full review. Two acupuncture studies with low risk of bias showed both clinically important changes and statistically significant results. There was evidence of effectiveness for osteopathy and chiropractic. However, osteopathy and chiropractic studies scored high for risk of bias. Strength of the evidence across studies was very low. CONCLUSION There is limited evidence supporting the use of general CAM for managing pregnancy-related low back and/or pelvic pain. However, the restricted availability of high-quality studies, combined with the very low evidence strength, makes it impossible to make evidence-based recommendations for practice.
Use of clinical signs and computed tomography myelography findings in detecting and excluding nerve root avulsion in complete brachial plexus palsy.

OBJECT The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of preoperative evaluation based on clinical testing and computed tomography (CT) myelography in differentiating root rupture (that is, graftable root) from root avulsion in total brachial plexus palsy. METHODS Thirty-two patients with total brachial plexus palsy were clinically tested for the presence of phrenic nerve palsy, supraclavicular Tinel sign, shoulder protraction, Bernard-Horner syndrome, and hand pain. The patients underwent CT myelography and then underwent surgery. The combination of a positive Tinel sign and a positive shoulder protraction test accurately predicted the presence of a graftable root in 93.7% of the cases. A 96.8% rate of accuracy was attained if the results of the CT myelography were considered together with the clinical signs. The presence of Bernard-Horner syndrome and hand pain accurately indicated avulsion of the lower roots in 93.7% of the patients. Computed tomography myelography accurately predicted the condition of the lower roots in 100% of the cases. Total avulsion injury was observed in five cases (16%). The lower roots were avulsed in 94% of the cases. The C-5 and C-6 roots were grafted 40 times, and a suitable root stump for grafting lay in a retroscalenic position in 18 (45%) of the 40 cases. CONCLUSIONS Preoperative assessment based on clinical examination and CT myelography allowed correct surgical planning in more than 90% of the cases.
Responses of upper airway, intercostal and diaphragm muscle activity to stimulation of oesophageal afferents in dogs.

The effects of oesophageal distension on respiratory patterns and the moving average electromyogram (e.m.g.) activity of three upper airway muscles‐‐the alae nasi, the genioglossus, and the posterior cricoarytenoid‐‐and four chest wall muscles‐‐the costal and crural diaphragm and the inspiratory and expiratory intercostals‐‐were examined in ten anaesthetized, tracheostomized, spontaneously breathing dogs. Distension was produced by inflations of a balloon placed in the middle part of the thoracic oesophagus with volumes of air ranging from 50 to 200 ml. Oesophageal distension increased respiratory frequency, mainly due to a significant shortening of the expiratory time. Activity of both the costal and crural parts of the diaphragm was inhibited with oesophageal distension, whereas that of the inspiratory intercostal muscles increased, tending to maintain a near‐normal tidal volume and end‐tidal CO2. Phasic inspiratory activity of all three upper airway muscles increased in response to oesophageal distension, as did the activity of the expiratory intercostal muscles. The changes in the breathing pattern and the electrical activity of all muscles in response to oesophageal distension were immediate, occurring during the first breath after the balloon was inflated. The responses were graded, so that increases in the volume of the oesophageal balloon progressively increased the activity of the upper airway and intercostal muscles, and decreased diaphragm activity. Bilateral vagotomy abolished the effects of oesophageal distension on upper airway and chest wall muscle activity, suggesting that vagal afferents constitute the major pathway for the reflex.
Postnatal development of corticospinal axon terminal morphology in the cat

The corticospinal system undergoes important postnatal development, leading to the mature topography and specificity of connections. The purpose of this study was to determine the time‐course of development of corticospinal axonal branching and varicosity density within the cervical gray matter. Corticospinal neurons were labeled after small injections of the anterograde tracer biotinylated dextran amine into the primary motor cortex of cats. Tracer injection and transport times were adjusted to examine labeling at 25, 35, 55, and 75 days and in adults. We measured the numbers and lengths of nonreconstructed terminal and preterminal branches and the numbers and locations of axon varicosities. We found significant age‐dependent increases in all morphologic measures. At 25 days, corticospinal axon branching was sparse, with only a few scattered varicosities. By day 35, the mean number of branches, varicosities per branch, and varicosity density increased. Several morphologic measures did not increase between day 35 and 55, but further changes occurred between 55 days and maturity. Beginning around day 55, there was extensive development of small terminal axon branches with high densities of varicosities. We also found, by using spatial point analysis, that there was an age‐dependent increase in varicosity clustering. Our results show for the first time that terminal and preterminal corticospinal axon branches increase in complexity during a protracted early postnatal period. This developmental period extended beyond the early postnatal period of activity‐dependent refinement of the topography of terminations. Comparison with the time‐course of maturation of the cortical motor representation revealed development of substantial, albeit incomplete, branching and varicosity density of CS axons before cortical motor circuits effectively drive their spinal targets. J. Comp. Neurol. 435:127–141, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Productivity in Europe during the Great Recession: Any evidence for creative destruction?

This article analyses the effects of the financial crisis and the Great Recession on productivity in Europe by studying the process of labour force reallocation between companies. Using micro-data on company balance sheets, a fixed-effects panel estimation of the predictors of the post-crisis evolution of the number of employees for a given company is used. Identification is achieved through the use of pre-crisis values of covariates. The results are in line with the theoretical predictions derived from Schumpeterian (“creative destruction”) endogenous growth models. Pre-crisis productivity is a predictor of a higher number of employees, which means creative destruction is taking place to some extent. Companies in financially dependent sectors perform worse in the context of the financial crisis. Indebtedness has an uneven effect: positive for large companies and negative for smaller ones.
Linking Entrepreneurial Orientation to Firm Performance in a Post-Socialist Market Context: the Case of Hungary

Entrepreneurial orientation provoked the interest of numerous scholars as well as political and administrative decision-makers. Both start-ups and already established corporate entities are increasingly persecuting new opportunities, products, and business models in order to establish superiority above their competitive environment. The tendencies evince an optimist impact of entrepreneurial orientation on business performance, namely on financial performance. Beyond the aforementioned relationship, there are impulses such as environmental and organizational factors, which are affecting the businesses. The results of this study provide evidence of the effect of entrepreneurial orientation on business performance in a post-socialist context. We test the impact of three moderators on this bivariate relationship. In contrast to the substantial body of literature for Western markets, we contribute to minimizing the considerable gap of research in post-socialist economies. Entrepreneurial orientation as an organizational behavior may affect the financial performance of businesses differently in distinct market contexts. Both, internal and external factors are crucial to identifying, analyze and monitor, to achieve superior performance and to overcome competitors. This study builds upon a stratified sampling survey of Hungarian company owners and managers from the Amadeus database. The study uses a deductive approach. For the analysis, we rely on structural equation modeling using the PLS algorithm. Our study contributes to the existing literature by means of confirming the entrepreneurial orientation to firm performance relationship for Hungary. In this context, we test the moderating effects of environmental dynamism, environmental hostility as environmental factors and firm age as an organizational factor. Environmental hostility is closely related to an unfavorable environment, deriving from rapid and radical changes in the industry, which are typical for post-soviet economies. In such dynamic environment, destructive innovations of the industrial actors appear more often as the economy switches to an open competition, capitalist market. The results confirm that the internal and external factors have no significant influence on the entrepreneurial orientation to financial performance direct relationship.
Aspirin, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, and the Risks of Cancers of the Esophagus

Background: Frequent consumption of aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) has been associated with reduced occurrence of cancers of the esophagus, although potential modifying effects of other causal factors remain relatively unexplored. Methods: We compared nationwide samples of Australian patients with adenocarcinomas of the esophagus (EAC; n = 367) or esophagogastric junction (EGJAC; n = 426) or esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC; n = 309) with control participants sampled from a population register (n = 1,580). Intakes of aspirin, other NSAIDs, and acetaminophen (paracetamol) were assessed from self-reports. We calculated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using multivariable logistic regression. Results: Compared with never-users of aspirin, those who used aspirin at least weekly had significantly lower risks of EAC (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.32-0.72), EGJAC (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.49-1.01), and ESCC (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.40-0.98). At least weekly use of other NSAIDs was also associated with reduced risks of EAC (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.51-1.08), EGJAC (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.37-0.77), and ESCC (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.30-0.73). No association was observed between frequent use of acetaminophen and esophageal cancer. Risk reductions for EAC among users of aspirin and NSAIDs were greater among those who experienced at least weekly symptoms of reflux (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.12-0.55 and OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.21-0.77, respectively) than those who did not experience reflux (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.46-2.00 and OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.35-1.72, respectively). Recent use of NSAIDs in the past 5 years was associated with greater risk reductions. Conclusions: Frequent use of aspirin and NSAIDs is associated with reduced occurrence of esophageal cancers, particularly among those with frequent symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(5):1169–9)