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This study uses the sample with 539 individual stocks in Taiwan stock market from July 2002 to December 2007 for discussing and comparing the performances among these portfolios of institutional net buys/sells, Jegadeesh and Titman (JT) momentum strategy and George and Hwang (GH) momentum strategy. The empirical findings are as follows. First, this study examines short-term momentum with no waiting period; the findings indicate that the institutional portfolio is significantly more profitable than the others. Next, this study examines medium term momentum with 1-year waiting period; the results show institutional portfolio and JT strategies in strategy (6, ∼12, 6) begin appearing a reversal phenomenon. Although GH strategy earns positive return, the momentum phenomenon is not significant. Finally, this study examines long-term momentum with 2-year waiting periods; the results indicate GH momentum portfolio yields positive return significantly in strategy (6, ∼24, 12). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Taiwan, freshwater clams (Corbicula fluminea) and hard clams (Meretrix lusoria) are the most frequently raised shellfish in land-based pond aquaculture, but research on the accumulation of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in these shellfish is limited. We detected the levels of 14 OCPs in 62 shellfish from Taiwanese aquafarms by performing gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. OCP residues were detected in 4.84% of the samples including readings of 0.04 mg/kg chlordane (in a freshwater clam), 0.03 mg/g p,p ′-DDE (in a freshwater clam), and 0.02 mg/g p,p ′-DDE (in a hard clam). However, the associated estimated daily intake values were less than the acceptable daily intake levels of chlordane and p,p ′-DDE Therefore, the consumption of these shellfish presents no immediate health risks. Our findings contribute to food safety and serve as a reference for OCP screenings for aquatic shellfish. • Organochlorine pesticides residues were detected in 62 shellfishes by using GC–MS/MS. • Samples contained chlordane residues at 0.04 mg/kg, and p,p ′-DDE at 0.02–0.03 mg/g. • For Taiwanese men and women, the EDI is less than 0.1% of the ADI for OCP residues. • Collectively, no immediate health risk for shellfish consumption in Taiwan [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Ovarian cancer is commonly fatal and incidence has persistently risen in Taiwan over the past 20 years. Prevention strategies, however, are limited. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) has been suggested to increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer, but the results of studies have been inconsistent. Therefore, we investigated whether PID increases the risk of developing ovarian cancer in a large, nationwide cohort. Methods: From the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2005 (LHID2005) in Taiwan, we obtained data for women aged 13–65 years for whom a diagnosis of PID, confirmed by multiple episodes, had been recorded between Jan 1, 2004, and Dec 31, 2005. We also obtained data for two controls per patient, matched for age and the year of first entry into the LHID2005. All patients were followed up from the date of entry in the LHID2005 until they developed ovarian cancer or to the end of 2006, whichever was earlier. We used Cox''s regression models to assess the risk of developing ovarian cancer, with adjustment for age, comorbid disorders, and socioeconomic characteristics. Findings: We identified 67 936 women with PID and 135 872 controls. Among these 90 had developed ovarian cancer during the 3-year follow-up period (42 patients with PID and 48 controls, incidence 2·78 and 1·44 per 10 000 person-years, respectively). The adjusted hazard ratio for ovarian cancer in patients with PID was 1·92 (95% CI 1·27–2·92) compared with controls, which rose to 2·46 (1·48–4·09) in women who had had at least five episodes of PID. The adjusted hazard ratio was slightly higher for women aged 35 years or younger with PID than in older women with PID (2·23, 1·02–4·79 vs 1·82, 1·10–3·04). Interpretation: We found an association between PID and ovarian cancer. PID might, therefore, be a useful marker for ovarian cancer, and early treatment could help to improve prognosis. Whether pelvic inflammation itself accelerates the growth of ovarian cancers or affects cancer-cell differentiation in ways that adversely alter prognosis needs to be investigated. Funding: None. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: High prevalence rates of delirium have been found in intensive care units (ICUs), ranging from 20% to 80%. The development of delirium may prolong length of stay, impair cognition, and result in placement in a nursing home for the patient., Purpose: There is a lack of research focused on the aging population, so the purpose of this study was to establish the incidence rate of delirium among ICU elderly patients and to identify its risk factors., Methods: An observational design with repeated measures was used. Subjects older than 65 years who had been admitted to the ICU within 24 hours were recruited. The Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit and Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale were used twice a day to identify subjects experiencing delirium by RA. The demographic data, history of illness, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores, and laboratory data of the participants were recorded., Results: Ninety participants were included from a medical ICU. The incidence rate of delirium was 75.6% (n = 68). Average age was 78.28 ± 7.6 years; Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores ranged from 7 to 35. Most participants were diagnosed with respiratory failure (73.3%), and 86.76% of participants developed delirium within 24 hours. The most frequently experienced type of delirium was the mixed subtype (47.05%); the second most frequently experienced was hypoactive next. The risk factors were analyzed using logistic regression. The number of anesthetic analgesics used, total number of medications prescribed, duration of dehydration, use of corticosteroids before admissions, and shock were identified and explained 31.3% of variance., Conclusions/implications for Practice: Delirium is a severe problem among elderly patients in the ICU. Healthcare professionals should pay more attention to elderly patients at greater risk for experiencing delirium.