Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Response switching process in children with attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder on the novel continuous performance test

We examined the effects of previous trials on subsequent trials on performance in the continuous performance test (CPT) in children with attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Thirty‐five non‐medicated children with ADHD (31 males, four females; mean age 9y 10mo [SD 2y 4mo]) and 33 comparison children (20 males, 13 females; mean age 10y [SD 2y 7mo]) were tested using a novel CPT, in which stimuli were presented with 50% target probability. Reaction time, reaction time variability, omission, and commission error rate were analyzed for two different types of trials in which different responses (switched trials) or the same responses (repeated trials) were required for two consecutive trials. Compared with the comparison group, children with ADHD showed a greater increase in commission error rate from repeated to switched trials, i.e. increased switch cost for commission error rate. On the other hand, omission error rate was not influenced by the previous trial in both ADHD and comparison groups. These results suggest that children with ADHD have trouble in response switching when an inhibitory process is involved.
This time it was different? The salience of the Spitzenkandidaten system among European parties

Abstract The Lisbon Treaty (2009) introduced key institutional changes to increase the relevance of elections to the European Parliament (EP). Among others, major political groups nominated different lead candidates, the so-called Spitzenkandidaten, for the 2014 EP elections. The aim of this article is to investigate how national political parties react to this new institutional setting. Using data from the 2014 Euromanifesto study, the article examines if and under what conditions political parties put emphasis on the Spitzenkandidaten system in their party manifestos and whether they take positive or negative stances when talking about it. The findings reveal that parties put little emphasis on the issue. Moreover, the factors promoting the Spitzenkandidaten system suggest that parties decide strategically upon emphasising that topic or take a positive stance on it if they expect to benefit from this.
Validation of an Administrative Coding Algorithm for Classifying Surgical Indication and Operative Features of Spine Surgery

Study Design. Retrospective review of medical records and administrative data. Objective. Validate a claims-based algorithm for classifying surgical indication and operative features in lumbar surgery. Summary of Background Data. Administrative data are valuable to study rates, safety, outcomes, and costs in spine surgery. Previous research evaluates outcomes by procedure, not indications and operative features. One previous study validated a coding algorithm for classifying surgical indication. Few studies examined claims data for classifying patients by operative features. Methods. Patients undergoing lumbar decompression or fusion at a single institution in 2009 for back pain, herniated disc, stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or scoliosis were included. Sensitivity and specificity of a claims-based algorithm for indication and operative features were examined versus medical record abstraction. Results. A total of 477 patients, including 246 (52%) undergoing fusion and 231 (48%) undergoing decompression were included in this study. Sensitivity of the claims-based coding algorithm for classifying the indication for the procedure was 71.9% for degenerative disc disease, 81.9% for disc herniation, 32.7% for spinal stenosis, 90.4% for degenerative spondylolisthesis, and 93.8% for scoliosis. Specificity was 87.9% for degenerative disc, 85.6% for disc herniation, 90.7% for spinal stenosis, 95.0% for degenerative spondylolisthesis, and 97.3% for scoliosis. Sensitivity and specificity of claims data for identifying the type of procedure for fusion cases was 97.6% and 99.1%, respectively. Sensitivity of claims data for characterizing key operative features was 81.7%, 96.4%, and 53.0% for use of instrumentation, combined (anterior and posterior) surgical approach, and 3 or more disc levels fused, respectively. Specificity was 57.1% for instrumentation, 94.5% for combined approaches, and 71.9% for 3 or more disc levels fused. Conclusion. Claims data accurately reflected certain diagnoses and type of procedures, but were less accurate at characterizing operative features other than the surgical approach. This study highlights both the potential and current limitations of claims-based analysis for spine surgery. Level of Evidence: 4
Maternal transplantation of human umbilical cord blood cells provides prenatal therapy in Sanfilippo type B mouse model

Numerous data support passage of maternal cells into the fetus during pregnancy in both human and animal models. However, functional benefits of maternal microchimerism in utero are unknown. The current study attempted to take advantage of this route for prenatal delivery of ? N‐acetylglucosaminidase (Naglu) enzyme into the enzyme‐deficient mouse model of Sanfilippo syndrome type B (MPS III B). Enzymatically sufficient mononuclear cells from human umbilical cord blood (MNC hUCB) were intravenously administered into heterozygote females modeling MPS III B on the 5th day of pregnancy during blastocyst implantation. The major findings were 1) administered MNC hUCB cells transmigrated and diffused into the embryos (E12.5); 2) some transmigrated cells expressed CD34 and CD117 antigens; 3) transmigrated cells were found in both the maternal and embryonic parts of placentas; 4) transmigrated cells corrected Naglu enzyme activity in all embryos; 5) administered MNC hUCB cells were extensively distributed in the organs and the blood of heterozygote mothers at one week after transplantation. Results indicate that prenatal delivery of Naglu enzyme by MNC hUCB cell administration into mothers of enzyme‐deficient embryos is possible and may present a significant opportunity for new biotechnologies to treat many inherited disorders.
Group Affiliation and Ownership Concentration as Determinants of Capital Structure Decisions: Contextualizing the Facts for an Emerging Economy

ABSTRACT This study considers the firm’s affiliation with business groups and the ownership structure as determinants of leverage decisions in Chilean firms. The major findings show that group-affiliated firms take advantage of internal capital markets and transactions with related parties (e.g., low transference price or loans at competitive interest rates) that reduces the demand for external debt. Majority shareholders in affiliated firms behave as controllers of managers, on the one hand, and avoid the supervisory role of debt, on the other hand. In stand-alone firms, supervision led by majority shareholders is complemented by the monitoring role of debt through higher levels of leverage. We conclude that further developments in capital structure theories adjusted to the particularities of the different institutional contexts are needed.
Circulating tumor antigen-specific regulatory T cells in patients with metastatic melanoma

Although it is accepted that regulatory T cells (T regs) contribute to cancer progression, most studies in the field consider nonantigen-specific suppression. Here, we show the presence of tumor antigen-specific CD4+ T regs in the blood of patients with metastatic melanoma. These CD4+ T regs recognize a broad range of tumor antigens, including gp100 and TRP1 (melanoma tissue differentiation antigens), NY-ESO-1 (cancer/testis antigen) and survivin (inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family antigen). These tumor antigen-specific T regs proliferate in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) cultures in response to specific 15-mer peptides, produce preferentially IL-10 and express high levels of FoxP3. They suppress autologous CD4+CD25− T cell responses in a cell contact-dependent manner and thus share properties of both naturally occurring regulatory T cells and type 1 regulatory T cells. Such tumor antigen-specific T regs were not detected in healthy individuals. These tumor antigen-specific T regs might thus represent another target for immunotherapy of metastatic melanoma.
SLC26A2 (Diastrophic Dysplasia Sulfate Transporter) is Expressed in Developing and Mature Cartilage But Also in Other Tissues and Cell Types

Mutated alleles of the SLC26A2 (diastrophic dysplasia sulfate transporter or DTDST) gene cause each of the four recessive chondrodysplasias, i.e., diastrophic dysplasia (DTD), multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED), atelosteogenesis Type II (AO2), and achondrogenesis Type IB (ACG1B). SLC26A2 acts as an Na+-independent sulfate/chloride antiporter and belongs to the SLC26 anion transporter gene family, currently consisting of six homologous human members. Although Northern analysis has indicated some expression in all tissues studied, the only tissue known to be affected by SLC26A2 mutations is cartilage. Abundant SLC26A2 expression has previously been detected in normal human colon by in situ hybridization. We have used in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry to examine multiple normal tissues for the expression of human SLC26A2. As expected, a strong signal for SLC26A2 mRNA and protein immunostaining were detected in developing fetal hyaline cartilage, while bronchial cartilage showed mRNA expression in adult tissues. SLC26A2 expression could also be detected in eccrine sweat glands, in bronchial glands, and in placental villi. In addition, immunoreactivity for the SLC26A2 protein was observed in exocrine pancreas. Our results suggest a more limited expression pattern for SLC26A2 than that found by Northern analysis. However, SLC26A2 expression is also detected in tissues not affected in chondrodysplasias caused by SLC26A2 mutations. (J Histochem Cytochem 49:973–982, 2001)
Desonide: a review of formulations, efficacy and safety.

BACKGROUND Desonide is a low-potency topical corticosteroid that has been used for decades in the treatment of steroid-responsive dermatoses. The favorable safety profile of this topical agent makes it ideal for patients of all ages. OBJECTIVE This article provides a review of desonide's history, pharmacodynamic properties, vehicle technology, efficacy and safety. METHODS Randomized controlled trials, as well as open-label and non-comparative studies, case series and reports, experimental models, and data from the Galderma pharmacovigiliance program were reviewed in order to address the clinical efficacy and safety of desonide. RESULTS/CONCLUSION Clinical efficacy and safety have been proven in multiple clinical trials. In addition to cream, lotion and ointment formulations, the recently developed hydrogel and foam preparations have increased desonide's versatility and patient tolerability.
Measurement of antigen–antibody interactions with biosensors

The introduction in 1990 of a new biosensor technology based on surface plasmon resonance has revolutionized the measurement of antigen–antibody binding interactions. In this technique, one of the interacting partners is immobilized on a sensor chip and the binding of the other is followed by the increase in refractive index caused by the mass of bound species. The following immunochemical applications of this new technology will be described: (1) functional mapping of epitopes and paratopes by mutagenesis; (2) analysis of the thermodynamic parameters of the interaction; (3) measurement of the concentration of biogically active molecules; (4) selection of diagnostic probes. Copyright © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Essays on the El Niño Anomaly and Stock Return Predictability

TWO ESSAYS ON THE EL NIÑO ANOMALY AND STOCK RETURN PREDICTABILITY Zhijun Yang Old Dominion University Director: Dr. Licheng Sun This dissertation is to examine the impact of the El Niño phenomenon on the international stock market, both at the aggregate level and the portfolio level. In first essay, I study the predictive relation between the El Niño phenomenon and international stock market aggregate returns. I find that the El Niño anomaly can predict all 14 countries’ stock returns. Specifically, the El Niño unconditional effect can predict stock return negatively in Japan, Malaysia, and South Africa, while the El Niño conditional on winter season can predict positively stock returns in 13 countries’ stock markets except for Japan. This conditional effect is stronger in January and February than in December. These results are robust after controlling for investor sentiment, weather, and seasonal affective disorder effects. The implication of this study suggests that current asset pricing models are incomplete and need to incorporate a prominent role for the El Niño phenomenon. In second essay, I study the predictive effects of the El Niño anomaly on returns of forty-nine US industries and portfolios formed based on many common strategies. I also examine the predictive effects of the El Niño anomaly on portfolio returns in ten other countries besides the
Managing Q fever during pregnancy: the benefits of long-term cotrimoxazole therapy.

BACKGROUND Q fever is a zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii. During pregnancy, it may result in obstetric complications, such as spontaneous abortion, intrauterine growth retardation, intrauterine fetal death, and premature delivery. Pregnant women are exposed to the risk of chronic Q fever. METHODS We included 53 pregnant women who received a diagnosis of Q fever. We compared the incidence of obstetric and maternal Q fever complications for women who received long-term cotrimoxazole treatment (n=16) with that for women who did not receive long-term cotrimoxazole treatment (n=37); long-term cotrimoxazole treatment was defined as oral administration of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole during at least 5 weeks of pregnancy. RESULTS Obstetric complications were observed in 81.1% of pregnant women who did not receive long-term cotrimoxazole therapy: 5 (13.5%) women experienced spontaneous abortions, 10 (27%) experienced intrauterine growth retardation, 10 (27%) experienced intrauterine fetal death, and 10 (27%) experienced premature delivery. Oligoamnios was observed in 4 patients (10.8%). Obstetric complications were found to occur significantly more often in patients infected during their first trimester of pregnancy than in those infected later (P=.032). The outcome of the pregnancy was found to depend on placental infection by C. burnetii (P=.013). Long-term cotrimoxazole treatment protected against maternal chronic Q fever (P=.001), placental infection (P=.038), and obstetric complications (P=.009), especially intrauterine fetal death (P=.018), which was found to be related to placental infection (P=.008). CONCLUSIONS Q fever during pregnancy results in severe obstetric complications, including oligoamnios. Because of its ability to protect against placental infection, intrauterine fetal death, and maternal chronic Q fever, long-term cotrimoxazole treatment should be used to treat pregnant women with Q fever.
Systems and people under pressure: the discharge process in an acute hospital.

AIMS To understand the perspective of hospital-based health professionals with regard to preparing patients for discharge from an acute hospital in England. BACKGROUND The hospital experience in England over recent years is characterised by increasing admission rates and decreasing length of stay. Legislation and policy initiatives have also focussed upon the need to reduce delayed discharges. Discharge preparation is known to be a complex intervention with multiple obstacles within and outside of the hospital setting. DESIGN Qualitative. METHODS Posters were displayed within a hospital asking health professionals to take part in a focus group. Maximum variation, in terms of job titles, was sought for within the sample. Focus groups were held in December 2006. Six senior members of staff divided into pairs to run them. All groups were taped and transcribed verbatim and analysed using a framework approach. RESULTS Three focus groups were conducted, which involved 11 nurses, 15 allied health professionals, five social workers and one doctor. Analysis identified the following themes and sub themes: 1 Conflicting pressures on staff: Keeping patients in hospital vs. getting them out; Striving for flexibility within a system; A paucity of intermediary provision. 2 Casualties arising from conflicting pressures: Professionals losing their sense of professionalism; Patients being 'systematised'. CONCLUSIONS Pressures described during focus groups stemmed from five main sources: external targets placed upon the system, internal hospital inflexibility and poor communication, the dominance of the medical model of care, a desire to address the complex needs of individuals and a lack of community services. Staff felt themselves to be victims of these competing pressures and that many of the solutions were beyond their influence. Staff described the dehumanising effect of sometimes having to ignore patient concerns, wishes and choices. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Understanding of the pressures surrounding discharge could inform relevant service improvements.
Mortality among 5-17 year old children in Kenya

Introduction Global mortality trends have changed over time and are expected to continue changing with a reduction in communicable diseases and an increase of non-communicable disease. Increased survival of children beyond five years may change mortality patterns for these children. There are few studies in Africa that explore the causes of mortality in children over five years. The objective of this study was to determine the mortality rate and clinical profiles of children aged 5-17 years who died in six Kenyan hospitals in 2013. Methods Retrospective review of patients’ medical records to abstract data on diagnosis for those who died in year 2013. Data was analysed to provide descriptive statistics and explored differences in mortality rates between age groups and gender. Results We retrieved 4,520 patient records. The in-hospital mortality rate was 3.5% (95%CI 3.0-4.1) with variations in deaths between the ages and gender. Among the deaths, 60% suffered from communicable diseases, maternal and nutritional causes; 41.3% suffered from non-communicable diseases. A further 11.9% succumbed to traumatic injuries. The predominant clinical diagnoses among patients who died were HIV/AIDS, respiratory tract infections and malaria. Conclusion Infectious causes had the highest proportion of diagnoses among children aged 5-17 years who died.
Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Evaluation of Vascular Malformations of the Lower Extremity

Vascular malformations are anatomically subdivided according to the predominant channel anomaly into either capillary, arterial, venous, lymphatic, or combinations. They can be further subdivided into high‐ or low‐flow malformations. Any lesion that has an arterial component is considered a high‐flow malformation. Once the diagnosis of a vascular malformation is made, it is of paramount importance to define not only the flow characteristics but also the full range of extension, because the prognosis and appropriate treatment vary substantially for each type of anomaly. The two most useful noninvasive imaging techniques for assessing vascular malformations are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography. The aim of this review is to give surgeons involved in treating patients with vascular malformations an opportunity to gain some background on MRI scans when assessing vascular malformations. Although MRI is a powerful modality for assessing vascular malformations, we will also discuss some of the limitations of MRI. We further suggest a diagnostic flow chart developed on the basis of MRI features designed to help determine the composition of a vascular birthmark when intervention is anticipated. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 108: 870, 2001.)
Evaluation of a sandplay program for preschoolers in a multiethnic neighborhood.

BACKGROUND This evaluative study assesses the efficacy of a school-based secondary prevention program consisting of creative expression workshops for immigrant and refugee preschoolers in a predominantly South Asian multiethnic neighborhood. Coincidentally, the program began in the wake of the tsunami. METHOD Pretest and posttest data were collected from the parents and teachers of 105 preschoolers in 10 classes randomly assigned to an experimental or control status. The parents' and teachers' versions of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire were used to assess the children's mental health. The family's ethnic origins and premigration experiences of organized violence were considered in the analysis. RESULTS According to both the teachers' and parents' reports, the children in the experimental group benefited moderately from the program, which appeared to reduce the SDQ global score of children whose families had experienced violence in their homelands (t(21) = 3.83, p = . 001 (MT(1) = 12.81, MT(2) = 9.59)), in particular those from South Asia. CONCLUSION This study provides some evidence that immigrant preschoolers whose families have experienced adversity before migration can benefit from the creative expression workshops. Further studies are needed to determine if this program can help address the effects of mass media exposure to a disaster or traumatic event on vulnerable communities.
Determinants on firm survival in Chile: Evidence from cohort 2010 for the period 2011-15

In this paper we present evidence on the probability of firm survival in Chile for the period 2011-2015. Using information from the Chilean IRS we investigate the impact of financial variables on firms’ survival. We first calculate the number of firms that “were born” in 2010 and follow them throughout the entire period of time and then we estimate the determinants of firm survival using the proportional hazard model. We find a positive and strong relationship between efficiency, leverage and profitability and the firms ́ survival. Furthermore, we find that probability of survival has an inverted-U shape, which is in line with current literature.
Dietary patterns are associated with weight gain in newlyweds: findings from a cross-sectional study in Shanghai, China

Abstract Objective The present study aimed to characterize the dietary patterns of newlyweds married within one year and to examine the factors associated with weight changes. Design A cross-sectional study was carried out in 2009. Setting Baoshan District, Shanghai, China. Subjects A total of 342 pairs of newlyweds were recruited at their first visit. Weight and height were measured and food intake was measured based on an FFQ with forty-nine items. Dietary patterns were identified through factor analysis, and the factors associated with weight changes were determined by multiple regression models. Results Average weight gain of the participants during marital transition was 1·9 kg (2·2 kg for men and 1·6 kg for women). Four major dietary patterns were identified: vegetable pattern, sweets and fats pattern, legume pattern and poultry, beef and mutton pattern. In multivariate analyses, the highest quintile of factor 2 (sweets and fats pattern) was significantly associated with weight gain after marriage in a comparison with the lowest quintile (β = 2·94; 95 % CI 0·75, 5·15; P = 0·01) in men. The highest quintile of factor 4 (poultry, beef and mutton pattern) was inversely associated with weight gain after marriage in a comparison with the lowest quintile (β = −1·21; 95 % CI −2·32, −0·11; P = 0·03). Conclusions Our results suggest that a pattern rich in sugar, oil and condiments may lead to greater marital weight gain in men; another pattern rich in poultry, beef and mutton may lead to less marital weight gain in both men and women.