Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Testing the Effect of Framing and Sourcing in Health News Stories

This study examines whether changing the way news stories report on health can induce shifts in readers' perceptions of problems of obesity, diabetes, immigrant health, and smoking. The authors manipulated two variables in a controlled experiment: the quality of sourcing—the number of sources and their expertise—and the framing—changing from an episodic, traditional frame to a thematic frame that incorporated information on context, risk factors, prevention strategies, and social attributions of responsibility. The authors found that a thematic frame made readers more supportive of public policy changes and encouraged them to improve their own health behaviors. However, it did not alter their attributions of responsibility for health problems from one of blaming individuals to seeing the larger social factors. Adding richer sourcing to the thematic frame did not increase these effects, nor did readers find the thematic stories to be more interesting, relevant, believable, important, and informative. In addition, there were differential results because of story topics that represent uncontrolled effects. The implications for improving health reporting to encourage positive change in society are discussed.
Changes in the peripheral blood cell count in pediatric patients with Down syndrome

Objectives Down syndrome (DS) is associated with multiple complications, including a high risk of leukemia and thyroid dysfunction. This clinical study aimed to examine the complete blood cell count in patients with DS without leukemia or transient abnormal myelopoiesis. We also aimed to evaluate the effect of thyroid dysfunction on hematological anomalies in DS. Methods We analyzed the peripheral blood cell count in 23 pediatric patients with DS with and without thyroid dysfunction and in 17 pediatric patients without DS with thyroid dysfunction. Results Patients with DS showed greater neutrophilia and lymphopenia than did patients with DS and hypothyroidism and patients with hypothyroidism. Surprisingly, patients with DS showed a significant degree of eosinopenia in the peripheral blood. Interestingly, hypothyroidism had an attenuating effect on different lineages in the complete blood count. However, these anomalies were specific for DS. Conclusions Our clinical findings support previous data on DS-associated changes in the complete blood count. Our study also shows novel alterations in the complete blood count in leukemia-free patients with DS in association with hypothyroidism. The attenuating effect of thyroid dysfunction on changes in different lineages in the context of DS is novel and deserves further analysis in larger studies.
Erozyjny wpływ kosztów funduszy inwestycyjnych na wartość kapitału inwestorów w Polsce na tle wybranych krajów europejskich

One factor that has a critical impact on mutual fund investors' terminal wealth is the fees which investors incur directly or indirectly in connection with establishing and maintaining their investment. Applying the Sharpe's Terminal Wealth Ratio Analysis, this study shows that cost burdens imposed by mutual funds operating in Poland greatly exceed the cost burdens of comparable investments made in more developed European countries, magnifying the erosive effect on investors' terminal wealth value, especially as the investment horizon is extended. For example, over a forty-year investment period the reduction in investment performance (investors' terminal wealth value) attributed only to the disparity of mutual fund fees in Poland compared with the other European countries, on average, are as follows: about 35% in money market funds, 42% for fixed-income funds, 197% in the case of equity funds, and 234% in the case of allocation funds. This fact demonstrates both the immaturity of the Polish mutual fund market and a lack of economic knowledge and experience among domiciled investors. This, coupled with the absence of sufficient involvement of public institutions to create a cheap, efficient and safe allocation mechanism for investors' savings, contributes to a much deeper erosion of their wealth than in developed countries.
Activation of Shc1 Allows Oncostatin M to Induce RANKL and Osteoclast Formation More Effectively Than Leukemia Inhibitory Factor

Background and Purpose: The gp130 family of cytokines signals through receptors dimerizing with the gp130 subunit. Downstream signaling typically activates STAT3 but also SHP2/Ras/MAPK pathways. Oncostatin M (OSM) is a unique cytokine in this family since the receptor (OSMR) activates a non-redundant signaling pathway by recruitment of the adapter Shc1. We have studied the functional relevance of Shc1 for OSM-induced bone resorption. Experimental Approach: Osteoblasts were stimulated with OSM and STAT3 and Shc1 activations were studied using real-time PCR and Western blots. The role of STAT3 and Shc1 for OSM-induced RANKL expression and osteoclast formation was studied by silencing their mRNA expressions. Effects of OSM were compared to those of the closely related cytokine leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Key Results: OSM, but not LIF, induced the mRNA and protein expression of Shc1 and activated phosphorylation of Shc1 in the osteoblasts. Silencing of Shc1 decreased OSM-induced activation of STAT3 and RANKL expression. Silencing of STAT3 had no effect on activation of Shc1, but prevented the OSM-mediated increase of RANKL expression. Silencing of either Shc1 or STAT3 in osteoblasts decreased formation of osteoclasts in OSM-stimulated co-cultures of osteoblasts and macrophages. In agreement with these observations, OSM was a more potent and robust stimulator than LIF of RANKL formation and bone resorption in mouse calvariae and osteoclast formation in bone marrow cultures. Conclusions and Implications: Activation of the Shc1-dependent STAT3 signaling is crucial for OSM-induced osteoclast formation. Inhibition of Shc1 is a potential mechanism to specifically inhibit OSM-induced bone resorption.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to hepatitis C among gay and bisexual men in the era of direct-acting antivirals: implications for treatment and prevention

Abstract Increases in hepatitis C (HCV) infections among gay and bisexual men have recently been reported in a number of countries, with sexual transmission being the primary route of infection. Given that in countries such as Australia most gay and bisexual men living with HIV are already engaged in clinical care – as are an increasing number of HIV-negative men – there is potential for reducing onward HCV transmission through proactive testing and treatment. This study explored knowledge, attitudes and practices related to HCV among 194 gay and bisexual men collected through an online survey in Australia. Overall, respondents had high levels of HCV knowledge; however, only 76% knew about the availability of new treatments for HCV. Men’s knowledge of their own HCV testing history was uncertain, with one in six unaware if they had ever been tested. Among men who reported recent drug injecting, one-third had been injected by someone else, and two-thirds had injected someone else, indicating a subculture of cross-administering within sexualised drug-use networks. We argue that the robust sexual, socio-cultural and clinical infrastructure that has been developed by – and for – gay and bisexual men around HIV care and prevention creates the potential for reducing HCV in this group.
Peptides with antioxidant properties identified from casein, whey, and egg albumin hydrolysates generated by two novel fungal proteases

Abstract There are many diseases linked to oxidative stress, including cancer. Importantly, endogenous antioxidants are insufficient to protect against this process. Peptides derived from food proteins produced by hydrolysis have been investigated as exogenous antioxidants. The present study aimed to identify novel peptides with antioxidant potential produced from egg and milk proteins hydrolysis with two new fungal proteases isolated from Eupenicillium javanicum and Myceliophthora thermophila. The degree of hydrolysis at several time points was calculated and correlated to DPPH scavenging and metal chelating assays, all hydrolysates presented antioxidant activity. Casein hydrolyzed by the M. thermophila protease showed the best antioxidant activity. The identified sequences showed that the proportions of amino acids that influence antioxidant activity support the antioxidant assay. Our data reveal the conditions necessary for the successful generation of antioxidant peptides using two novel fungal proteases. This opens a potential new avenue for the design and manufacture of antioxidant molecules.
Access to External Finance: Theory and Evidence on the Impact of Firm-Specific Characteristics

This paper examines firms' access to bank and market finance when allowance is made for differences in firm-specific characteristics. A theoretical model determines the characteristics such as size, risk and debt that would determine firms' access to bank or market finance; these characteristics can result in greater (or lesser) tightening of credit when interest rates increase. An empirical evaluation of the predictions of the model is conducted on a large panel of UK manufacturing firms. We confirm that small, young and risky firms are more significantly affected by tight monetary conditions than large, old and secure firms.
A Typology of Situations of Accounting Systems Integration

This paper presents the first results of a qualitative research about the organization of the Accounting Information Systems (AIS) of four companies operating in different contexts (two medium-sized and two large companies). Our study's main objective is to contribute to the understanding of the determinants of the integration of accounting information systems. It shows that the strategy is, beyond all other considerations, the primary determinant of integration practices of accounting systems of the companies surveyed, followed by the size and elements of context such as the system of management control. Organizations whose activities are not diversified (or monoactivity) opt more for accounting systems partially integrated or stand-alone while those whose activities are diversified prefer more diversified integrated accounting systems whose design is based on event-based approach and multidimensional accounting (Sorter 1969). The integration of accounting subsystems seems to be part of the mechanisms developed by diverse organizations to manage / control their very different structures. Hence, the theory of differentiation-integration (Lawrence and Lorsch 1969) explains very well the practical integration of accounting systems observed. Our study leads to a typology of modes of integration of accounting systems: (1) Conventional two-dimensional system, (2) Quasi-integrated centralized system (3) Integrated system, (4) Multidimensional system.
Nutrients in the US Diet: Naturally Occurring or Enriched/Fortified Food and Beverage Sources, Plus Dietary Supplements: NHANES 2009–2012

ABSTRACT Background Nutrients are added to the diet through fortification/enrichment and dietary supplements (DSs). Meeting the US Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) varies by nutrient and population subsegments. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the relative role of naturally occurring, enriched/fortified, and DS sources of 15 micronutrients with reference to the DRIs. Methods We used the NHANES 2009–2012 (≥2 y old, n = 16,975) data, the ILSI North America Fortification database, and the National Cancer Institute usual intake method. Results Prevalence of nutrient intake from naturally occurring sources below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) varied from 5% for vitamin B-12 to 100% for vitamin D, with ≥40% of the population below the EAR for 8 of the 14 nutrients (ages ≥2 y). With enrichment/fortification, the percentage below the EAR decreased to the following for vitamins A (35%), C (34%), and B-6 (7%), folate (8%), thiamin (5%), riboflavin (3%), niacin (1%), and iron (2%). Nutrients from DSs further improved intakes related to the EAR for 12 nutrients (ages ≥2 y). For 9–18-y-olds, the percentages of nutrient intakes below the EAR were 14–50% higher than for 2–8-y-olds. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) was exceeded among children aged 2–8 y for folate (41.7%), niacin (10.1%), and zinc (39.9%), whereas among ages ≥2 y and 9–18 y no prevalence of intakes over the UL exceeded 10%. Conclusions Fortification/enrichment constitutes a meaningful contribution to reducing the percentage of individuals with less than the EAR for their demographic. These data underscore the need to encourage better dietary patterns to improve the intake of nutrients at risk of low intake.
Longitudinal Neuropsychological Assessment in Two Elderly Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Case Report

The neuropsychological deficits in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may present clinical features similar to mild and/or major neurocognitive disorder and may act as a confounding factor, making it difficult to detect cognitive decline. In this paper, we present the results of longitudinal neuropsychological evaluations in two elderly women with ADHD. Three neuropsychological assessments were performed in two women with ADHD (60 and 77 years old) between 2010 and 2013 at intervals varying from 12 to 15 months. We used structural magnetic resonance imaging to rule out significant abnormalities that could account for cognitive impairment. The results showed two different cognitive profiles with fluctuations in performance over these 2 years, sometimes with improvement and sometimes with decline of some functions such as attention, memory, inhibitory control, and reaction time. To minimize confounding aspects of these fluctuations in clinical practice, we used a longer follow-up with the application of a reliable change index and a minimum of three spaced assessments to provide a more consistent baseline cognitive profile. Our findings did not indicate a consistent cognitive decline, suggesting a less pessimistic perspective about cognitive impairments that could be a prodrome of ADHD-related dementia.
Small RNA Profiles of Serum Exosomes Derived From Individuals With Latent and Active Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) has been the leading lethal infectious disease worldwide since 2014, and about one third of the world’s population has a latent TB infection (LTBI). This is largely attributed to the difficulties in diagnosis and treatment of TB and LTBI patients. Exosomes offer a new perspective on investigation of the process of TB infection. In this study, we performed small RNA sequencing to explore small RNA profiles of serum exosomes derived from LTBI and TB patients and healthy controls (HC). Our results revealed distinct miRNA profile of the exosomes in the three groups. We screened 250 differentially expressed miRNAs including 130 specifically expressed miRNAs. Some miRNAs were further validated to be specifically expressed in LTBI (hsa-let-7e-5p, hsa-let-7d-5p, hsa-miR-450a-5p, and hsa-miR-140-5p) and TB samples (hsa-miR-1246, hsa-miR-2110, hsa-miR-370-3P, hsa-miR-28-3p, and hsa-miR-193b-5p). Additionally, we demonstrated four expression panels in LTBI and TB groups, and six expression patterns among the three groups. These specifically expressed miRNAs and differentially expressed miRNAs in different panels and patterns provide potential biomarkers for detection/diagnosis of latent and active TB using exosomal miRNAs. Additionally, we also discovered plenty of small RNAs derived from genomic repetitive sequences, which might play roles in host immune responses along with Mtb infection progresses. Overall, our findings provide important reference and an improved understanding about miRNAs and repetitive region-derived small RNAs in exosomes during the Mtb infectious process, and facilitate the development of potential molecular targets for detection/diagnosis of latent and active tuberculosis.
Consumer awareness and interest toward sodium reduction trends in Korea.

UNLABELLED Reduction of dietary sodium intake by lowering amount of sodium in foods is a global industry target. Quantitative information on current consumer knowledge of sodium reduction trends in Korea is unknown. The objective of this study was to quantify the consumer knowledge and awareness of sodium and salt reduction in foods and to characterize consumer interest in health labeling on the food package. Additionally, comparison of consumer knowledge status between Korea and United States was followed. Consumers (n = 289) participated in an internet survey designed to gauge consumer knowledge and attitudes toward dietary sodium, the sodium content in representative food products (n = 27), and their interest toward specific health claims, including sodium labeling. Questions regarding demographics as well as consumption characteristics were asked. Sodium knowledge index and saltiness belief index were calculated based on the number of correct responses regarding the salt level and sodium content in given food products. Kano analysis was conducted to determine the role of nutrition labels in consumer satisfaction with products. Current consumer knowledge on the sodium content in food products was high, and consumers were adept at matching the sodium content with the salty taste intensity of food products. Consumers' knowledge of the relationship between diets high in sodium and an increased risk of developing previously reported sodium-related diseases, such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, kidney disease, and stomach cancer, were also high. Information on the nutrition panel that influences the consumer satisfaction (trans-fat, sodium, ingredient list, and country of origin) as well as adjective-nutrition claim pairs that appeal positively to purchase intent of the product were identified. PRACTICAL APPLICATION This work provided the current status of Korean consumer knowledge on the amount of sodium in food and that sodium can be a risk factor of developing chronic diseases. It also provided practical information to food marketers on what consumers like and what they want to see on product labels in Korea.
Wer den Kodex Nicht Einhält, den Bestraft der Kapitalmarkt?: Eine Empirische Analyse der Selbstregulierung und Kapitalmarktrelevanz des Deutschen Corporate Governance Kodex

This paper studies the short-run announcement effects of compliance with the German Corporate Governance Code ('the Code') on firm value. Event study results suggest that firm value is unaffected by the announcement, although such market reactions to the first time disclosure of the declaration of conformity were widely assumed by the private and public promoters of the Code. This result from acceptance of the German Code add evidence to the hypothesis that regulatory corporate governance initiatives that rely on mandatory disclosure without monitoring and enforcement are ineffective in civil law countries.
The Leydig cell of a hypogonadic rodent (Ellobius lutescens, Th.): correlation between ultrastructure and biosynthetic activity.

Adult male Ellobius are partially deficient in testosterone synthesis, despite the fact that the interstitial tissue is well developed and apparently normal from observations using conventional light microscopy. The present study of the Ellobius Leydig cell by means of electron microscopy reveals structural peculiarities. An abundance of mitochondria of large size, the absence of liposomes and the numerous dense bodies (lipofuchsin deposits, material resulting from degenerating mitochondria, etc.) are the most striking features, which closely resemble those noted after gonadotropin stimulation in various mammalian species. The in vitro incubation of the mitochondrial fraction with [3 H-I cholesterol demonstrates that the activity of the cholesterol side chain cleavage system is apparently higher than in the normal mouse under similar conditions. These abnormalities in the Ellobius testis confirm our previoushypothesis that LH level must be elevated in the blood of theadultmale asa consequenceof a testicular defectintestosterone synthesis, localized at the 1 7-ketoreductase level as demonstrated elsewhere.
Nonlinear rheology of Laponite suspensions under an external drive

We investigate the nonlinear rheological behavior of colloidal suspensions of Laponite, a synthetic clay, driven by steady homogeneous shear strain. We show that the external drive leads to drastic slowing down of the aging dynamics or even, in some cases, in rejuvenation of the system. Under shear, after a surprisingly long time, the spontaneous aging process observed at rest is suppressed. The system then reaches a nonequilibrium stationary state that is characterized by complex viscosity depending on the shear rate applied. In addition, the glass exhibits non-Newtonian shear-thinning behavior. This rheological behavior confirms recent numerical and theoretical predictions.
Sexually transmitted diseases: microbiology and management.

As we enter a new millennium, age-old problems of infectious diseases continue to plague us. Very few have been eliminated; many – e.g., tuberculosis – are increasing even faster than the terrifying increase of human populations. Such diseases are often inflated by that very increase – through overcrowding, poverty and environmental degradation. The end of the last millennium has also seen an unprecedented maelstrom of new or emergent diseases. Many of these, too, may have arisen in the context of modern social trends. Perhaps the most nightmarish is HIV disease. Unknown before the last two decades of the twentieth century, this currently incurable virus already infects . 50% of the ordinary young adult population in parts of subSaharan Africa and is spreading rapidly, especially in the poorer and more socially unstable parts of the world.
Does the mobility of foreign offenders fit the general pattern of mobility?

Research on offender mobility is directed to three main elements: distance, anchor points, and direction. Previous research in geographical criminology has revealed that: (1) the journey to crime is limited in distance and follows a distance decay pattern; (2) the home of the offender plays a central role as the starting point of crime trips; and (3) the direction of the trip is influenced by the opportunities to commit crimes. The findings are more or less accepted as ‘laws’ in the field. However, research on offender mobility is often limited by its method, data and sample of arrested offenders. This study, in contrast, investigated a sample of arrested foreign offenders (East Europeans) who were staying temporarily in Belgium. They lack the space awareness and routine activities of residential offenders. Using multiple methods and data, including police statistics, case file analysis and offender interviews, we investigated the travelling patterns of these offenders both quantitatively and qualitatively. The findings demonstrate that: (1) the degree of distance decay is much more moderate than generally found in the literature; (2) the official living address plays hardly any role at all as an anchor point; and (3) these offenders travel away from opportunity structures, which is different from the routine activity patterns of Belgian offenders. Overall, our findings indicate that offender mobility does not fit the accepted general pattern or ‘laws’ as assumed in previous research.