Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How Purchase Type Influences Consumption-Related Posting Behavior on Social Media: The Moderating Role of Materialism

ABSTRACT It is now common to see consumers post their own purchases on social media to communicate feelings and/or thoughts about the consumption items to their social media audience. The authors conducted two surveys with a student sample and an Amazon MTurk sample to investigate factors leading to such behavior. The results show that purchase type predicts the consumption-related posting behavior—experiential purchases are more likely to get posted than material purchases, and materialism serves as a moderator in the influence of purchase type on the posting behavior. Specifically, lower-materialism consumers are more likely to post experiential purchases on social media than material purchases, while higher-materialism consumers do not show such a pattern. This article pioneers in investigating consumption-related posting behavior and provides important implications to research on user-generated content, materialism, and purchase type.
Serious Adverse Events Associated With Vasopressin and Norepinephrine Infusion in Septic Shock*

Objective:The frequency, risk factors, and mortality rates of serious adverse events associated with the use of vasopressin and norepinephrine are not clear. The objectives of this study were to determine frequency, risk factors (including candidate gene polymorphisms), and outcomes of serious adverse events in septic shock patients. Design:Retrospective cohort study using multicenter discovery and single-center validation cohorts. Setting:ICUs at academic teaching centers. Patients:Five hundred ninety-seven patients with septic shock in discovery (Vasopressin and Septic Shock trial) and 533 patients in validation (St. Paul’s Hospital) cohorts. Intervention:Vasopressin and norepinephrine for septic shock. Measurements and Main Results:The primary outcome variable was 90-day mortality rates of patients with and without serious adverse events. Secondary outcome variables were the association between vasopressor genotype pathway polymorphisms, plasma vasopressin levels, and serious adverse events. Plasma vasopressin concentrations were measured at baseline, 6 hours, 24 hours, 72 hours, and 7 days after vasopressor infusion. Patients with septic shock were genotyped for 268 vasopressor pathway tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Serious adverse events occurred in 10.5% and 9.7% of patients in Vasopressin and Septic Shock trial and St. Paul’s Hospital cohorts, respectively. Patients who had serious adverse events had higher mortality (p < 0.01) than patients without serious adverse events (adjusted for age, serum lactate, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II, and maximum dose of norepinephrine day 1) (hazard ratio, 2.97; 95% CI, 2.20–4.00; p < 0.001 and hazard ratio, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.26–2.85; p = 0.002 in Vasopressin and Septic Shock trial and St. Paul’s Hospital, respectively). There was no difference in the area under the plasma vasopressin concentration curve between patients with and without serious adverse events (p = 0.1). The AA genotype of rs28418396 single-nucleotide polymorphism (near the arginine vasopressin receptor 1b gene) was significantly associated with serious adverse events in discovery and validation cohorts (p = 0.001 and p = 0.04, respectively). Conclusion:Serious adverse events associated with vasopressin and norepinephrine in patients who have septic shock are associated with increased mortality and morbidity. AA genotype of rs28418396 single-nucleotide polymorphism near the arginine vasopressin receptor 1b gene is associated with serious adverse events. The mechanism of this association requires investigation.
New insights into adipose tissue dysfunction in insulin resistance

Abstract In a state of caloric excess, adipose tissue plays an essential role by storing lipids. Its expandability determines the onset of metabolic syndrome (central obesity, dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance and hypertension). When the adipocyte endoplasmic reticulum is no longer capable of processing the excess nutrients, the so-called “endoplasmic reticulum stress” develops. This triggers efflux of free fatty acids from adipocytes into the circulation and causes triglyceride overload in skeletal muscle, liver and pancreas. Adipose tissue hypoxia then develops, due to the failure of vasculature to expand with adipocyte hypertrophy. Increased catabolism in mitochondria leads there to oxidative stress. Both phenomena cause deranged adipokine secretion and low-grade inflammation. Inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species and ectopic lipid deposition are the main mediators of insulin resistance and vascular impairment, which both lead finally to diabetes type 2 and cardiovascular disease. Recently, fibrosis of adipose tissue was also demonstrated in obesity, contributing to the interplay of deleterious factors forcing inflammation. The present paper reviews recent evidence for adipose tissue dysfunction, trying to define causes and consequences. In conclusion, insulin resistance and associated complications originate from excess lipids, which cannot be stored without limit in adipose tissue, thus affecting its integrity and adipokine secretion.
Prognostic impact of serum thyroglobulin doubling-time under thyrotropin suppression in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma who underwent total thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND Detectable serum thyroglobulin (Tg) in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) after total thyroidectomy implies unsuccessful surgery, indicating a high risk of recurrence. Serum Tg kinetics in such patients have not been extensively studied. We studied serum Tg kinetics in patients with suppressed serum thyrotropin levels and undetectable anti-Tg antibody to minimize the effects of these factors on Tg values, and evaluated the relationship of prognosis to the serum Tg doubling-time. METHODS Between January 1998 and December 2004, 1515 patients with PTC underwent total thyroidectomy in Kuma Hospital. After excluding patients with other thyroid cancers and those positive tests for anti-Tg antibody, there were 426 patients with 4 or more serum Tg measurements at a time that serum thyrotropin concentrations were <0.1 mIU/L. These patients were selected for the present retrospective study. Tg doubling-time was computed using Tg values measured during routine follow-up. Patients were followed for a mean of 88.1 months and a median of 86.7 months. RESULTS Of the 426 patients, 137 patients had 4 or more measurements that revealed detectable Tg in serum Tg. The Tg doubling-time (DT), calculated using all available data, varied widely, and were grouped into those that were <1 year (17 patients), those that were 1-3 years (21 patients), and those that were ≥ 3 years (30 patients), as well as those with a negative value due to decrease in serum Tg (69 patients). There were also 88 patients who had three or fewer serum Tg measurements that showed detectable Tg levels, as well as 201 patients in whom serum Tg measurements were below the lower limit of detection. In the group of patients with a Tg-DT of <1 year the cause specific survival at 10 years was 50%, and in the group with a Tg-DT of 1-3 years it was 95%. In all other groups it was 100%. Many classical prognostic factors (TNM stage, age, and gender) as well as the Tg-DT were significant indicators of survival by univariate analysis, but Tg-DT remained the only independent predictor by multivariate analysis. Tg-DT was also the only independent predictor of distant metastases and loco-regional recurrence on multivariate analysis. Tg-DT calculated using only the first four data [Tg-DT (first four data)] was also the only independent predictor of survival, distant metastases, and loco-regional recurrence on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS Tg-DT (all data or first four data) is a very strong prognostic predictor superior to the classical prognostic factors in patients with PTC.
Posttransplant Diabetes Mellitus and Acute Rejection: Impact on Kidney Transplant Outcome

Background. The benefits (e.g., low acute rejection [AR] rate) vs. the long-term risk of each immunosuppressive protocol may determine the protocol’s value. Methods. We studied the long-term impact of new-onset posttransplant diabetes (PTDM) and/or AR in 1,487 adult, primary transplant, nondiabetic recipients. Per Cox regression, donor source, AR, and PTDM were independent risk factors for graft loss (each, p<.0001). Recipients were subdivided by donor source and into these 4 groups: no AR, no PTDM [n=857]; no AR, PTDM [n=134]; ≥1 AR, no PTDM [n=403]; ≥1 AR, PTDM [n=93]. Results. There was a significant difference between groups in 15-yr actuarial graft survival (GS) and death-censored (DC) GS (p<.0001). Importantly, ≥1 AR had more impact on 15-yr GS and DC GS than did PTDM; the worst outcome was for those having both AR and PTDM. In separate analyses, we censored those with >1 AR; and then only compared those developing AR or PTDM in the first year. The results were similar—the AR (no PTDM) group did worse than the PTDM (no AR) group (p<.001). Conclusions. Determining long-term risks associated with immunosuppressive protocols is important for treating future patients. Our data suggests that 15-year actuarial outcome (GS and DC GS) is worse for those developing AR than for those developing PTDM.
The green alga Dicytosphaeria ocellata and its organic extracts alter natural bacterial biofilm communities

Surfaces immersed in the marine environment are under intense fouling pressure by a number of invertebrates and algae. The regulation of this fouling can often be attributed to the bacterial biofilm that quickly develops on the surface of any available substratum in the ocean. The bacterial community composition on the surface of the green alga Dictyosphaeria ocellata was investigated and compared to those found on two other green algae, Batophora oerstedii and Cladophoropsis macromeres, and on a reference surface from three sites along the Florida Keys. Although the bacterial community composition of D. ocellata was not consistent across the sites, it was significantly different from the other algae and the reference surface at two of the three sites tested. Methanol extracts of D. ocellata significantly affected the abundance of bacteria and composition of the bacterial community on Phytagel™ plates when compared to solvent controls, suggesting that the alga regulates the bacterial community by producing active metabolites.
Does hyperandrogenism explain lower in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates in smokers?

Background. Our aims were to elucidate whether a decreased fertility in smoking women treated by in vitro fertilization (IVF) could be related to a divergent hormonal response to the controlled stimulation prior to IVF, to study the effect of smoking on the ovarian endocrine milieu and to possibly identify factors that might be detrimental to oocyte fertilization.
First description of the endogenous life cycle of Hypoderma sinense affecting yaks and cattle in China

Abstract Larvae belonging to five species of Hypoderma spp. (Diptera, Oestridae) cause myiasis in wild and domestic ruminants that is characterized by migrations within deep tissues. In China hypodermosis is one of the most important arthropod diseases affecting ruminants and, moreover, represents a significant zoonosis, with numerous reports of Hypoderma spp. affecting farmers. Recently, a sixth species, Hypoderma sinense Pleske, has been rediscovered but the endogenous migration pathway within the host body is completely unknown and it represents a major constraint for the control of larval infection. In December 2003 a total of 165 larval stages of Hypoderma spp. were collected from different anatomical sites of 40 yaks slaughtered at an abattoir in the province of Gansu, China. The morphological characters and size of the recovered larvae were used to infer migratory routes and 45 specimens were also subjected to a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay of cox1 mtDNA and amplicons sequenced. All the larvae molecularly processed were identified as H. sinense and sequence identity was confirmed by a PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) tool carried out using BfaI and HinfI endonucleases. The finding of H. sinense larvae only in the oesophagus or both in oesophagus and subcutaneous tissue of 12 and 15 animals, respectively, indicates that H. sinense larvae migrate through the oesophagus similarly to Hypoderma lineatum (De Villers). The description of the endogenous life cycle of H. sinense will help to determine the timing of specific treatment programmes to guarantee the improvement of animal welfare and health, thus resulting in an increase in livestock production in China.
Cellular and molecular events during early thymus development

Summary: The thymic stromal compartment consists of several cell types that collectively enable the attraction, survival, expansion, migration, and differentiation of T‐cell precursors. The thymic epithelial cells constitute the most abundant cell type of the thymic microenvironment and can be differentiated into morphologically, phenotypically, and functionally separate subpopulations of the postnatal thymus. All thymic epithelial cells are derived from the endodermal lining of the third pharyngeal pouch. Very soon after the formation of a thymus primordium and prior to its vascularization, thymic epithelial cells orchestrate the first steps of intrathymic T‐cell development, including the attraction of lymphoid precursor cells to the thymic microenvironment. The correct segmentation of pharyngeal epithelial cells and their subsequent crosstalk with cells in the pharyngeal arches are critical prerequisites for the formation of a thymus anlage. Mutations in several transcription factors and their target genes have been informative to detail some of the complex mechanisms that control the development of the thymus anlage. This review highlights recent findings related to the genetic control of early thymus organogenesis and provides insight into the molecular basis by which lymphocyte precursors are attracted to the thymus.
Evaluating the predictive value of osteoarthritis diagnoses in an administrative database.

OBJECTIVE To assess the positive and negative predictive values of osteoarthritis (OA) diagnoses contained in an administrative database. METHODS We identified all members (> or =18 years of age) of a Massachusetts health maintenance organization with documentation of at least one health care encounter associated with an OA diagnosis during the period 1994-1996. From this population, we randomly selected 350 subjects. In addition, we randomly selected 250 enrollees (proportionally by the age and sex of the 350 subjects) who did not have a health care encounter associated with an OA diagnosis. Trained nurse reviewers abstracted OA-related clinical, laboratory, and radiologic data from the medical records of both study groups (all but 1 chart was available for review). Pairs of physician reviewers evaluated the abstracted information for both groups of subjects and rated the evidence for the presence of OA according to 3 levels: definite, possible, and unlikely. RESULTS Among the group of patients with an administrative diagnosis of OA, 215 (62%) were rated as having definite OA, 36 (10%) possible OA, and 98 (28%) unlikely OA, according to information contained in the medical record. The positive predictive value of an OA diagnosis was 62%. In those without an administrative OA diagnosis, 44 (18%) were assigned a rating of definite OA. The negative predictive value of the absence of an administrative OA diagnosis was 78%. CONCLUSION Use of administrative data in epidemiologic and health services research on OA may lead to both case misclassification and under ascertainment.
Effects of inhalable particles on respiratory health of children.

Results are presented from a second cross-sectional assessment of the association of air pollution with chronic respiratory health of children participating in the Six Cities Study of Air Pollution and Health. Air pollution measurements collected at quality-controlled monitoring stations included total suspended particulates (TSP), particulate matter less than 15 microns (PM15) and 2.5 microns (PM2.5) aerodynamic diameter, fine fraction aerosol sulfate (FSO4), SO2, O3, and No2. Reported rates of chronic cough, bronchitis, and chest illness during the 1980-1981 school year were positively associated with all measures of particulate pollution (TSP, PM15, PM2.5, and FSO4) and positively but less strongly associated with concentrations of two of the gases (SO2 and NO2). Frequency of earache also tended to be associated with particulate concentrations, but no associations were found with asthma, persistent wheeze, hay fever, or nonrespiratory illness. No associations were found between pollutant concentrations and any of the pulmonary function measures considered (FVC, FEV1, FEV0.75, and MMEF). Children with a history of wheeze or asthma had a much higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms, and there was some evidence that the association between air pollutant concentrations and symptom rates was stronger among children with these markers for hyperreactive airways. These data provide further evidence that rates of respiratory illnesses and symptoms are elevated among children living in cities with high particulate pollution. They also suggest that children with hyperreactive airways may be particularly susceptible to other respiratory symptoms when exposed to these pollutants. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Lignin-like activity of Lentinus edodes mycelia extract (LEM).

BACKGROUND In order to investigate the physiological role of lignin carbohydrate complex present in Lentinus edodes mycelia extract (LEM), this material was separated into seven fractions. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three high molecular weight fractions (Frs. I-III) were prepared from the water extract by successive ethanol fractionation, dialysis and lyophilization. Four higher molecular weight fractions were prepared from the NaOH extract of the residue, followed by acid precipitation (Fr. IV) and stepwise ethanol precipitation (Frs. V-VII). RESULTS All fractions showed higher anti-HIV activity than the water extract. Fr. IV showed the highest anti-HIV activity and most potently inhibited the NO production by LPS-stimulated mouse macrophage-like cells (RAW264.7, J774.1). ESR spectroscopy demonstrated that all fractions scavenged superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical. These properties are similar to those displayed by lignin carbohydrate complex, but not by glucans. HPLC analysis demonstrated the presence of lignin precursors, but not that of tannins, flavonoids and their related compounds. CONCLUSION These results suggest a significant role of lignin-like substances in the expression of several important biological properties displayed by LEM.
Genetic structure of kestrel populations and colonization of the Cape Verde archipelago

Genetic diversity and population structure were studied in eight populations of the kestrel Falco tinnunculus to identify the genetic consequences of spatial distribution and to infer the colonization patterns of the Cape Verde archipelago. We studied genetic differentiation and gene flow among seven island populations and one mainland population using nine microsatellite loci. Within the archipelago, differentiation was strong and genetic diversity and heterozygosity were low but variable among populations. Two subspecies F. tinnunculus neglectus on the northwestern islands and F. tinnunculus alexandri on all the other islands were identified as genetically distinct units. F. t. alexandri could be further separated into two groups on eastern and southern islands. Populations are probably founded by birds originating from the mainland. Immigration is more likely to the eastern and southern populations, whereas the northwestern islands with the lowest genetic diversity and highest differentiation are likely to exhibit fewer founding events by immigrants. The number of founding events on each island may depend not only on geographical distance to neighbouring populations, but also on directional immigration due to the northeastern trade winds. This may explain differences in genetic differentiation and diversity between populations and subspecies and may enable allopatric speciation.
Firm Specific Determinants of Capital Structure - Is Firm's Leverage Determined as a Residual of other Financial Decisions?

This thesis empirically investigates the question if US firm’s capital structures are stable over longer periods of time and which firm characteristics drive optimal leverage. The analysis is based on a Compustat panel data sample consisting of 2,900 US firms between 1985 and 2016. After analyzing the stability of firm’s capital structure via a “narrow band” and a “relative bucket approach” an error correction model is used to measure the speed of adjustment towards a moving optimal target of leverage. The thesis finds that firms capital structures are far away from being stable. Furthermore, trade-off theory and pecking order hypothesis are not able to fully explain the evolution of leverage in the data sample. The remarkable finding is that leverage seems to be mainly determined as a residual of other financial decisions (investment and payout) as long as leverage is in an acceptable target zone around its optimum. Outside this range, the speed of adjustment significantly increases pushing leverage back to its optimal level. Another notable finding is, that credit rating downgrades work well to specify an upper border of firm’s leverage target zones encouraging the assumption that managers target credit ratings instead of optimal leverage ratios. (Less)
Apoptosis‐related genes and proteins in Hodgkin's disease

During recent years it has become increasingly evident that L&H cells in nodular lymphocytic predominance (LP) Hodgkin's disease (HD) and Hodgkin and Reed‐Sternberg (H‐RS) cells in approximately half the cases of classical HD originate from B‐lymphocytes, and that H‐RS cells in most of the remaining cases of classical HD express a null phenotype. The pathogenesis of HD is unknown. An association with Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) has been suggested and there are also indications that genes involved in programmed cell death (apoptosis) may be implicated. In this study, the expression of four apoptosis‐related proteins (bcl‐2, bcl‐x, bax and p53) in 53 cases of HD was examined and the data were correlated with the genotype, the EBV status and the phenotype (B, T or null) of the neoplastic cells. The H‐RS cells expressed a B‐cell phenotype in 3/3 cases of nodular LP and in 19/50 (38%) cases of classical HD. The remaining cases showed a null‐cell phenotype in 29/50 (58%) and a T‐cell phenotype in 2/50 (4%). EBV was more often positive in B (14/19, 74%) than in null (7/29, 24%) type HD. The H‐RS cells were bcl‐2‐positive in 19/53 (36%), bcl‐x‐positive in 17/53 (32%), bax‐positive in 1/53, and p53‐positive in 41/53 (77%) cases. No relationship was found between bcl‐2 expression and EBV status, or between bcl‐2 and bcl‐x expression. A t(14;18) translocation was seen in 2 of 34 cases. P53 point mutations were not detected. Our findings indicate that nodular LP and classical HD originate from B‐cells in a high proportion of cases. They also suggest a role for bcl‐2, bcl‐x and p53 in tumorigenesis. The pathogenesis is not known at this stage.