Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
5-aminosalicylic acids and the risk of renal disease: a large British epidemiologic study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS This study was performed to quantify the risk of renal disease in patients using aminosalicylates (5-ASA). METHODS Data from the United Kingdom General Practice Research Database were used to estimate the incidence of renal disease in adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or prescription for 5-ASA and in patients without IBD. In a nested case-control analysis, each case of renal disease was matched to 5 controls. RESULTS Among the 19,025 5-ASA users with IBD, 130 patients developed renal disease (incidence rate of 0.17 cases per 100 patients per year). The incidence among patients with IBD but without 5-ASA use was 0.25 and among patients without IBD was 0.08. In the case-control analysis, the crude odds ratio (OR) for renal disease in current 5-ASA users was 1.60 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.14-2.26); the adjusted OR was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.53-1.41). For recent users, the crude OR was 4.18 (95% CI: 2.59-6.76) and adjusted OR 2.48 (95% CI: 1.33-4.61); for past users (last prescription more than 12 months before), 1.71 (95% CI: 1.09-2.70) and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.55-1.76), respectively. Although the numbers were small, mesalazine and sulfasalazine users had comparable risks (crude OR for current and recent users of OR 2.08 [95% CI: 1.44-3.01] and 1.84 [95% CI: 1.20-2.82], respectively). In only a few records was renal disease attributed to interstitial nephritis or 5-ASA use. CONCLUSIONS Users of 5-ASA have an increased risk of renal disease that may be partly attributable to the underlying disease. Although renal disease is a recognized adverse effect of 5-ASA, the incidence appears to be low and does not appear to be related to either the dose or type of 5-ASA used.
Associations of attachment orientation with early generative concern across adolescence.

OBJECTIVE Researchers have begun to find evidence that generativity, defined as concern for future generations as a legacy of the self, has relevance prior to midlife. Examination of predictors of generativity in adolescence contributes to an overall model of positive development in youth. Bowlby's theory of attachment, a well-established framework for understanding close relationships, was applied in this study of how adolescents' approach to close relationships predicts early generativity. METHOD Approximately 190 adolescents (Mage = 15) completed self-report measures of attachment (anxiety and avoidance) and generativity across a 4-year period. Additionally, a subsample of 73 adolescents completed the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI). RESULTS Results indicate a transactional relationship whereby self-reported avoidance of closeness and generativity were negatively related across time. AAI dismissing attachment was negatively associated with generativity only for female participants. CONCLUSION These findings support Erikson's original psychosocial theory highlighting the importance of intimate relationships in developing the capacity to care for future generations.
The effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Cannabis Sativa on appetite hormone in rat

Abstract Background: Ghrelin is an orexigenic peptide which is secreted from stomach. Cannabis sativa is known as an orexigenic herb in Iranian traditional medicine. Little evidence is published about its effect on energy intake and its mechanism. In the current study, the possible effect of hydroalcoholic extract of C. sativa on appetite and ghrelin is evaluated. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups. Two control groups were selected, the first group received 0.5 mL water per day (vehicle group) and another group did not receive anything (control group). The other three groups were treated daily with 50, 100 or 150 mg/kg of C. sativa for 7 days, respectively. Daily energy intake of the rats was calculated for 10 days prior to the> intervention and for the 7 day intervention. To investigate changes in plasma ghrelin as a potential mechanism, an orexigenic dose (150 mg/kg) of C. sativa or distilled water (vehicle) was fed to two separate groups of six rats by gavage. Total ghrelin levels in plasma were measured for 3 h post-gavage. Results: There was no significant difference in energy intake between control and vehicle groups. Treatment with 100 and 150 mg/kg of the extract significantly increased energy intake vs the other groups (p<0.05). Total ghrelin levels were significantly elevated in the C. sativa group vs vehicle 30 and 60 min post-gavage. Conclusions: This study showed that C. sativa had both positive and dose-related effects on appetite of rats. Future studies are warranted to evaluate the orexigenic effect of this plant in human.
The importance of price last paid in developing price expectations for a public leisure service.

Public reaction to the pricing of public leisure services continues to confound decision makers. Reaction to increased price levels is particularly problematic for public administrators. This field study considers the psychological importance of price last paid in determining recreation participants' price expectations. Results suggest that price last paid can act as a price anchor stored in memory, thereby influencing assessments of new pricing initiatives. Respondents often expected to pay fees at a new recreation facility that were consistent with fee levels last paid at other "lesser" facilities. This trend was especially true for those who had paid admission fees repeatedly prior to participating in the study. Further, for many participants, price last paid explained more variation in expected price levels than did level of participation, attachment to the recreation facility, and their own reports of price sensitivity.
SMEs Access to Financial Services: Bankers' Eye

This paper reports Tanzanian bankers’ reasons for not giving SMEs the amount they request as loans to finance their businesses. Open ended interviews were used to collect primary data from eight interviews in six commercial banks that serve SMEs and which have been in operation for more than five years. Secondary data was obtained from different documents like World Bank reports, brochures and websites of visited banks to mention the few. Findings show that sectors which are perceived as too risky by banks, poor documentation by borrowers which make banks unable to assess their creditworthiness, lack of understanding by SMEs themselves as to why they are doing businesses they do, lack or very limited knowledge on financial management by SMEs, lack of awareness of different products offered by different banks, stagnant businesses as well as lack of proper securitiries to cover their loans are reasons behind banks reluctant to provide loans to SMEs. Findings clearly show that it is still difficult for new SMEs to access finance from banks in Tanzania. It is critical for existing SMEs to put their houses in order to the level that is acceptable by banks if they need to approach banks for loans. Banks in Tanzania need to review their policies on the maximum amount of loans to SMEs to reflect the market demands. At the moment, new SMEs should not have much hope of getting finance assistance from most banks. Further, training institutions should continue educating SMEs on relevant aspect that are important to lenders and lastly, the government should consider providing guarantee to SMEs sectors that are perceived as too risky by banks just like the ongoing initiatives in the agriculture sector.
The Antiplasmodial Activity of Methanol Root Bark Extract of Alstonia Boonei against Plasmodium Berghei Berghei Infection in Mice

This study was conducted to evaluate the antiplasmodial activity of methanol root bark extract of Alstonia boonei on chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei berghei infection in mice in order to justify its use as antimalarial remedy in Nigeria folk medicine. The plant extract was screened for blood schizontocidal activity against chloroquine-sensitive plasmodium berghei infection in the mice. The schizontocidal activity was monitored at stages of early and established infection. The prophylactic activity was also investigated. Results showed a dose dependent blood schizontocidal activity at all the stages of malarial infection studied. For instance when the extract dose increased from 400 to 800 mg/kg/day, chemosupressive activity of the extract increased from 62.2% to 79.5%. There was also an increase from 58.8% to 72.2% and from 66.4% to 82.9% for the repository and curative activities respectively. These schizontocidal activities observed were however, comparable to that observed for the standard drug (chloroquine phosphate). It was thus concluded that the herbal extract possesses significant antimalarial potency which could be exploited in the formulation of standard antimalarial drugs.
A Market-Based Evaluation of Discretionary-Accrual Models

Considerable research in accounting focuses on the role of accruals in capital market valuation and in contracting. The research shows accruals enable managers to improve on cash flows as a mesure of firm performance. However, since accruals provide managers with a means of managing reportedearnings, previous research also documents evidence of opportunistic accrual management. Opportunistic accruals are estimated using discretionary-accrual models that seek to separate earnings into discretionary accruals and nondiscretionary earnings.
Crises, Rescues, and Policy Transmission Through International Banks

The World Financial Crisis has shaken the fundamentals of international banking and triggered a downward spiral of asset prices. To prevent a further meltdown of markets, governments have intervened massively through rescues measures aimed at recapitalizing banks and through liquidity support. We use a detailed, banklevel dataset for German banks to analyze how the lending and borrowing of their foreign affiliates has responded to domestic (German) and to US crisis support schemes. We analyze how these policy interventions have spilled over into foreign markets. We identify loan supply shocks by exploiting that not all banks have received policy support and that the timing of receiving support measures has differed across banks. We find that banks covered by rescue measures of the German government have increased their foreign activities after these policy interventions, but they have not expanded relative to banks not receiving support. Banks claiming liquidity support under the Term Auction Facility (TAF) program have withdrawn from foreign markets outside the US, but they have expanded relative to affiliates of other German banks.
Advance directives in an oncologic intensive care unit: a contemporary analysis of their frequency, type, and impact.

BACKGROUND Our objective was to provide a contemporary analysis of the prevalence, types, and impact of advance health care directives in critically ill cancer patients. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed all intensive care unit (ICU) admissions (January 1, 2006 to April 25, 2008) at an oncologic center and identified all patients who completed a living will (LW), or health care proxy (HCP), or neither prior to ICU admission. Demographics, clinical data, end-of-life (EOL) parameters and outcomes were compared among three groups: LWs, HCPs, and no LW or HCP. RESULTS Of 1,333 ICU admissions, 1,121 patients (84%) were included for analysis: 176 patients (15.7%) had LW, 534 (47.6%) had HCP and 411 (36.7%) had no LW or HCP. Patients with LW were significantly more likely to be older and white as compared to patients with HCP alone, or no LW or HCP. There were no significant demographic differences between patients with HCP or no LW or HCP. Patients with HCP alone, or no LW or HCP, were significantly more likely to have Medicaid than patients with LW. There were no differences noted in ICU care, EOL management, or outcomes among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of LWs in patients admitted to our oncologic ICU is low. More than half of the remaining patients had designated HCPs. Older age and white race were associated with the presence of LWs. However, the presence of LWs or HCPs did not influence ICU care, EOL management or outcomes at our institution.
Smoking habits and occupational disability: a cohort study of 14 483 construction workers

Objectives Although smoking causes a variety of diseases and both, a high smoking prevalence and permanent occupational disability are a great burden on the population level, data about the impact of smoking habits on occupational disability are sparse. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of smoking habits on occupational disability among construction workers, an occupational group with particularly high smoking prevalence. Methods The association between smoking and occupational disability was examined during a mean follow-up of 10.8 years in a cohort of 14 483 male construction workers in Württemberg, Germany. The cohort was linked to the regional pension register of the German pension fund to identify workers who were granted a disability pension during the follow-up. HRs (Hazard Ratios) were calculated with non-smokers as reference by the Cox proportional hazards model adjusting for potential confounding factors such as age, nationality, type of occupation, alcohol consumption and body mass index. Results Overall, 2643 cases of occupational disability were observed, with dorsopathy (21%) being the most common cause. Clear dose-response relationships were seen between smoking and occupational disability due to all causes, as well as occupational disability due to respiratory, cardiovascular and mental diseases, cancer and dorsopathy. Particularly strong associations were seen between heavy smoking (≥20 cigarettes/day) and occupational disability due to mental and respiratory diseases (HR 3.25, 95% CI 1.93 to 5.46 and HR 3.26, 95% CI 1.69 to 6.27, respectively). Conclusion Smoking is associated with increased risk of occupational disability among construction workers, in particular occupational disability due to respiratory, cardiovascular and mental diseases, cancer and dorsopathy.
CLINICAL SYNDROMES ASSOCIATED WITH POSTERIOR ATROPHY: EARLY AGE AT ONSET AD SPECTRUM

pared with PD-MCI. Although PPVs and NPVs are affected by the prevalence of the disorder being studied, we understated the PPV and NPV of the instruments in our population. This is because 30% of subjects met criteria for PD-MCI or PDD, and recent epidemiologic studies suggest that the combined cross-sectional prevalence of PD-MCI and PDD in clinical populations is probably closer to 40%. 5 Cognitive screening is important in PD, given the relatively common occurrence of the disease and a projected cumulative incidence of PDD of 80%–90%. 6 We put our results in the context of research from other groups suggesting that the MoCA is superior to the MMSE as a cognitive screening instrument in PD.7,8 Daniel Weintraub, Andrew D. Siderowf, Sharon X. Xie, Philadelphia, PA
Tax Co-Ordination in Europe: Assessing the First Years of the EU-Savings Taxation Directive

This paper reviews the economic effects of the EU Savings Taxation Directive. The Directive aims at enabling taxation of foreign interest payments received by individuals in accordance with the rules of their State of residence. The data suggest that the Directive, which is based on automatic information exchange, has not led to major shifts in international savings. However, this result has to be interpreted with caution since the available data is scarce and not always conclusive.
Predictors of Formal Control Usage in IT Outsourcing Partnerships

Client control over the vendor has been identified as a critical factor in successfully managing information technology outsourcing relationships. Though prior studies have suggested that “how much” control is exercised has significant ramifications for individuals and firms, relatively few studies have operationalized and studied this important concept. In this study, we define the amount of formal control as the variety of mechanisms used by a client to exercise control over a vendor and the extent to which the mechanisms are used. We use literature on transaction cost economics and organizational control to build a model of the antecedents of the amount of formal control. The study uses data from 138 client-vendor matched pairs working in eight large, long-term, ongoing outsourcing arrangements to test specific hypotheses. The results suggest that clients who have technical or relationship management knowledge, or have high levels of trust in their vendors, use formal control mechanisms to a lesser extent. On the other hand, task uncertainty was found to be positively associated with the amount of formal control, and the degree of core competency involved in the outsourced activity was not found to be related to the amount of formal control. These results are discussed, and implications for research and practice are drawn.
Gambling for Resurrection in Iceland: The Rise and Fall of the Banks

We examine the evolution of the Icelandic banking sector in its macroeconomic environment. The story culminates in the crisis of October 2008, when all three major banks in Iceland collapsed in three successive days. The country is still struggling to cope with the consequences. The paper follows on our report of autumn 2007. The macroeconomic boom that peaked in 2007 led to severe imbalances. The banks had expanded at a rapid pace and reported healthy profits, capital ratios and liquidity until their collapse. An official report (SIC, 2010) has, however, exposed severe weaknesses in the banks’ assets and governance. The Icelandic Financial Services Authority (FSA) clearly knew little of the magnitude of large, single exposures and lending to the banks’ owners, although they strongly maintained otherwise in autumn 2007. Neither the FSA nor the Central Bank of Iceland (CBI) saw the systemic risks created by lending to owners and related parties, which increased greatly from September 2007. With the financial turmoil that began in August 2007, the banks’ access to capital markets was curtailed. They then gambled on resurrection, expanding their balance sheets and refinancing the investments of their owners and other big borrowers, while they should have been deleveraging and securing their liquidity positions in foreign currency. The banks also prevented their share prices from collapsing by purchases of their own shares in the stock market, offloading accumulated shares in private deals, usually financed by themselves. All this went on apparently unnoticed by regulators. The Icelandic banks did not buy toxic securities – but together, they administered their own potent mix of systemic poison.Only a month before the collapse of October 2008 the banks all reported strong liquidity positions. These reports were misleading, but we also show how financing unravelled over the course of a few days, and collapse became inevitable. The rapid evaporation of liquidity and market funding is one of the key lessons of the story. Whereas the United States, the United Kingdom and other countries had the resources to bail out their irresponsible and illiquid banks, Iceland did not, and it received little foreign help or even sympathy. Iceland’s response to the crisis, with its heterodox policies and aid from the IMF, has been relatively successful.
Subjective Comparison of Nd:YAG, Diode, and CO2 Lasers for Endoscopically Guided Inferior Turbinate Reduction Surgery

Lasers using different wavelengths and delivery systems have been used to reduce the inferior turbinate mass when hypertrophic inferior turbinates obstruct the nasal airway. Different laser systems produce different laser-tissue interactions. This study presents a comparison between three laser systems: CO2, Nd:YAG, and Diode lasers for inferior turbinate reduction surgery, all performed under endoscopic control. A total of 46 patients were randomized into three treatment groups and followed for more than 1 year. Subjective and objective data were collected. Subjective impressions of improved nasal airway was achieved in 41% (Diode), 47% (Nd: YAG) and 57% (CO2) and was not statistically significant. There was more postoperative bleeding in the CO2 laser group, with 3 patients requiring tamponade. The CO2 laser procedure also took longer to perform. These results failed to show a significant difference between the different lasers for inferior turbinate reduction. Overall, the results were not impressive.
Isolated Femoral Mononeuropathy in the Athlete

Atrophy of a single muscle and mononeuropathies are uncommon in a young, healthy population. Femoral mononeuropathy is most commonly due to compression at a proximal level from numerous causes. It may also be associated with diabetes, hypotension, drug abuse, neoplastic and paraproteinemic diseases, lumbar spondylosis, lithotomy position, or herpes zoster infection. So far, no explainable pathomechanical or pathophysiologic reason seems to be responsible for the rare phenomenon of isolated vastus lateralis muscle atrophy in healthy athletes when none of the diagnostic categories mentioned can be applied. There have been three previous reports of isolated mononeuropathy of the nerve to the vastus lateralis muscle in athletes. In one case the atrophy and neuropathy were restricted to the distal-most branch of the nerve, another involved the entire muscle, and the third case was obviously due to a self-administered injection of testosterone in the thigh and was accompanied by paresthesia. We report two further cases, again in athletes, with the lesion restricted clinically and on MRI to the distal part of the vastus lateralis muscle and its nerve supply. An anatomic study was performed to identify possible anatomic structures that may cause compression or damage to the branches of the vastus lateralis muscle.
Are U.S. Family Firms Subject to Agency Problems? Evidence from CEO Turnover and Firm Valuation

This paper investigates the impact of the founding family's presence in US public firms on the extent of agency problems related to CEO turnover decisions and on firm valuations after poor performance. In particular, we focus on three types of US public firms: family CEO firms, professional CEO family firms (family firms managed by a hired CEO outside the founding family), and non-family firms. We hypothesize that, the agency problem arising from the expropriation of small shareholders by large shareholders in family CEO firms and the agency problem arising from the separation of ownership and control in non-family firms, lead to a lower CEO turnover-performance sensitivity, compared to professional CEO family firms. Professional CEO family firms are subject to lesser agency problems due to the separation of family ownership and management as well as the founding family's effective monitoring of management. The empirical findings are consistent with our prediction. We further hypothesize and find that the more severe agency problems in both family CEO firms and non-family firms manifest themselves in lower firm value after poor performance, relative to professional CEO family firms. Overall, our results indicate that in the CEO turnover setting, family ownership, when separated from management, can mitigate agency problems as in professional CEO family firm, but when combined with management, can aggravate agency problems as in family CEO firms.