Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extracts from Flammulina velutipes Inhibit the Adhesion of Pathogenic Fungi to Epithelial Cells

Background: Recently, extracts from natural sources have been tested for their antifungal properties. In this aspect, Flammulina velutipes extracts possess a significant amount of branch-chained carbohydrates with mannose moieties that, hypothetically, can reduce the adhesion. Objective: In this study, we assessed the capacity of extracts from F. velutipes (wild-type AQF-1 and ATCC 34574 as the reference strain) to inhibit the adhesion of S. schenkii and C. albicans to epithelial cells. Materials and Methods: The aqueous extracts from F. velutipes strains were obtained by sonication, total carbohydrate and protein was analyzed by Dubois and Lowry methods respectively. Effect of the extracts (50, 100 and 150 μg/mL) on the fungi adhesion to host cells was evaluated after 1 h interaction, and the percentage of inhibition of adhesion was measured. After of interaction the cytoskeleton from cell was analyzed with phalloidin-FITC. Results: The extract from strain AQF-1 (50, 100 and 150 μg/mL) inhibited the adhesion of: S. schenkii in a dose-dependent manner (4.9, 7.5 and 12.7%, respectively) and C. albicans in a dose-independent manner (5.2%). The percentage of inhibition by extracts from the strain ATCC34574 at the same concentrations, shown that are dose independent for both fungi: 3.9% for S. schenkii and 2.6% for C. albicans. Conclusion: The extracts from F. velutipes inhibit the adhesion of pathogenic fungi to host cells. The mechanism molecular is unknown; however, is probably an interaction between the polysaccharides from extracts with the fungi receptors. This aspect is currently analyzed.
A sensitive and reliable restriction enzyme assay to distinguish between the mosquitoes Culex torrentium and Culex pipiens

Culex pipiens pipiens Linnaeus and Culex torrentium Martini (Diptera: Culicidae) are closely related vector species that exist sympatrically in Europe. The two species are morphologically almost identical and can only be distinguished with certainty by characters of the male genitalia. Hence, correct species identification and conclusions on distribution and vector status are very difficult and often neglected. Therefore, we developed a reliable and simple mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene restriction enzyme assay to discriminate between Cx. pipiens and Cx. torrentium, based on the analysis of morphologically identified male specimens. We sequenced approximately 830 bp in the 3′ region of the mitochondrial COI gene of 18 morphologically identified males of Cx. pipiens and Cx. torrentium. Two restriction enzymes (FspBI and SspI) that could distinguish between the two species according to species‐specific differences in these sequences were chosen. The restriction enzymes were tested on 227 samples from Sweden and verified by sequencing 44 of them. The enzyme FspBI correctly identified all investigated samples; the enzyme SspI identified all samples except one Cx. torrentium. We hope the method and the findings presented here will help to shed light on the true distribution and relative proportions of the two species in Europe.
Renal Function Changes in Microalbuminuric Normotensive Type II Diabetic Patients Treated With Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of captopril on microalbuminuria and renal function in normotensive type II diabetic patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 26 patients were randomized in two homogeneous groups for clinical and analytical data in a 6-mo follow-up study. Group A received captopril (initial dose: 12.5 mg daily, increased according to tolerance); group B was untreated. RESULTS Microalbuminuria decreased only in the treated group at 6 mo (P = 0.044) and a significant (P = 0.027) mean percentage change on microalbuminuria excretion between the groups was observed. Filtration fraction decreased in group A (baseline: 0.23 ± 0.03; 6 mo: 0.22 ± 0.04) and increased in group B (baseline: 0.22 ± 0.04; 6 mo: 0.25 ± 0.04) with a significant mean percentage change between the groups at 6 mo (P = 0.032). The mean percentage change in microalbuminuria was significantly correlated with a mean percentage change in diastolic blood pressure throughout the trial. Neither metabolic control nor sodium or protein intake changed in either group during the trial. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that captopril can help arrest microalbuminuria in normotensive type II diabetic patients, with a decrease in diastolic blood pressure and filtration fraction after a 6-mo treatment.
Comparison of the performance of STI Screening Services for gay and bisexual men across 40 European cities: results from the European MSM Internet Survey

Objectives Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as anal/genital warts, syphilis and genital/rectal gonorrhoeal/chlamydial infections compromise the health of men who have sex with men (MSM). Rectal bacterial STIs increase the per-contact risk of HIV infection. Early detection of asymptomatic STIs requires regular screening including collection of clinical specimens (or, for warts: physical examinations) that allow for the detection of infections at sites common to men's same sex practices. Methods From June to August 2010, the European MSM Internet Survey recruited 174 209 men from 38 European countries to an anonymous online questionnaire in 25 languages. As sexual healthcare for MSM in most countries is organised locally, we chose cities for comparison. Multivariable regression models were used to compare accessibility of services and applied diagnostic procedures across 40 cities. Results The proportion of respondents tested for STIs in the last 12 months in the absence of symptoms ranged from 8.9% in Istanbul to 48.0% in Amsterdam. At city level, low STI screening correlated with inaccessible services (R2=44.1%). At individual level, anal/penile inspection and anal swabbing was most common in UK cities, Amsterdam, Dublin and Stockholm. Compared to London, MSM in 30 cities had an adjusted OR (AOR) of (0.02 to 0.18) for anal swabbing; and (0.06 to 0.25) for anal/penile inspection (p<0.001). Conclusions Anal/genital warts and rectal infections are likely to be profoundly underdiagnosed among MSM in most European cities. This has implications for the sexual health of MSM, HIV prevention and comparing national surveillance data. There is an urgent need to improve sexual healthcare tailored to MSM at risk for STIs.
Pneumococcal Nasopharyngeal Carriage in Young Healthy Children After Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in Turkey

Aims: To determine the prevalence of nasopharyngeal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae in healthy children aged 0-6 years who were vaccinated with pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 healthy Turkish children between 1 month and 6 years of age. Serotyping was performed and risk factors of carriage were evaluated. Results: The overall carriage rate was 14%. Vaccine type serotypes were determined in 17 (12.6%) children who received full-dose PCV13 vaccine. The highest carriage rate was observed among children younger than 24 months (76.2%). In multivariate analysis, respiratory infection in recent months, age, attendance at a day-care center and antibiotic usage were not statistically significant risk factors for carriage. Overall, S. pneumoniae strains were considered as penicillin susceptible and antimicrobial resistance was limited. Conclusion: We observed a low rate of pneumococcal carriage in children after PCV13 implementation compared with that of children receiving PCV7. Although it was reduced, vaccine serotype colonization in PCV13-vaccinated children remains persistent.
Chondrocytes in culture produce a mechanically functional tissue

A mechanically testable tissue was grown in vitro from rabbit chondrocytes that were initially plated at high density (approximately 80.000 cells/cm2). The DNA, collagen, and proteoglycan content, as well as the tissue thickness, tensile stiffness, and synthesis rates, were measured at 4, 6, and 8 weeks. The biochemical properties were similar to those for immature cartilage, with predominantly type‐II collagen produced; this indicated that the cells retained their chondrocytic phenotype. The tissue formed a coherent mechanical layer with testable tensile stiffness as early as 4 weeks. The tensile elastic modulus reached 1.3 MPa at 8 weeks, which is in the range of values for native cartilage from the midzone. Collagen density was approximately 24 mg/ml at 8 weeks, which is about one‐half the value for native cartilage, and the collagen fibril diameters were smaller. Chondrocytes in culture responded to culture conditions and were stimulated by cytokine interleukin‐1β. When culture conditions were varied to RPMI nutrient medium with lower fetal bovine serum and higher ascorbic acid concentrations, the thickness decreased and the modulus increased significantly. Interleukin‐1β. added to the 8‐week culture for 2 weeks. caused a decrease of 60% in thickness, a decrease of 81% in proteoglycan content, and a decrease of 31% in collagen content; this is similar to the response of cartilage explants to interleukin‐1β. This cartilage analog may be useful as a model system to study structure‐function relationships in cartilage or as cartilage‐replacement tissue.
Dramatic Aggregation of Alzheimer Aβ by Cu(II) Is Induced by Conditions Representing Physiological Acidosis*

The cortical deposition of Aβ is an event that occurs in Alzheimer’s disease, Down’s syndrome, head injury, and normal aging. Previously, in appraising the effects of different neurochemical factors that impact upon the solubility of Aβ, we observed that Zn2+ was the predominant bioessential metal to induce the aggregation of soluble Aβ at pH 7.4 in vitro and that this reaction is totally reversible with chelation. We now report that unlike other biometals tested at maximal biological concentrations, marked Cu2+-induced aggregation of Aβ1–40 emerged as the solution pH was lowered from 7.4 to 6.8 and that the reaction was completely reversible with either chelation or alkalinization. This interaction was comparable to the pH-dependent effect of Cu2+ on insulin aggregation but was not seen for aprotinin or albumin. Aβ1–40 bound three to four Cu2+ ions when precipitated at pH 7.0. Rapid, pH-sensitive aggregation occurred at low nanomolar concentrations of both Aβ1–40 and Aβ1–42 with submicromolar concentrations of Cu2+. Unlike Aβ1–40, Aβ1–42was precipitated by submicromolar Cu2+ concentrations at pH 7.4. Rat Aβ1–40 and histidine-modified human Aβ1–40 were not aggregated by Zn2+, Cu2+, or Fe3+, indicating that histidine residues are essential for metal-mediated Aβ assembly. These results indicate that H+-induced conformational changes unmask a metal-binding site on Aβ that mediates reversible assembly of the peptide. Since a mildly acidic environment together with increased Zn2+ and Cu2+ are common features of inflammation, we propose that Aβ aggregation by these factors may be a response to local injury. Cu2+, Zn2+, and Fe3+ association with Aβ explains the recently reported enrichment of these metal ions in amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s disease.
Co-ordinated Mandibular and Head-Neck Movements during Rhythmic Jaw Activities in Man

Recent observations in man of concomitant mandibular and head movements during single maximal jaw-opening/-closing tasks suggest a close functional relationship between the mandibular and the head-neck motor systems. This study was aimed at further testing of the hypothesis of a functional integration between the human jaw and neck regions. Spatiotemporal characteristics of mandibular and associated head movements were evaluated for 3 different modes of rhythmic jaw activities: self-paced continuous maximal jaw-opening/-closing movements, paced continuous maximal jaw-opening/-closing movements at 50 cycles/minute, and unilateral chewing. Mandibular and head-neck movements were simultaneously recorded in 12 healthy young adults, by means of a wireless opto-electronic system for 3-D movement recordings, with retro-reflective markers attached to the lower (mandible) and upper (head) incisors. The results showed that rhythmic mandibular movements were paralleled by head movements. An initial change in head position (head extension) was seen at the start of the first jaw-movement cycle, and this adjusted head position was retained during the following cycles. In addition to this prevailing head extension, the maximal jaw-opening/-closing cycles were paralleled by head extension-flexion movements, and in general the start of these head movements preceded the start of the mandibular movements. The results support the idea of a functional relationship between the temporomandibular and the cranio-cervical neuromuscular systems. We therefore suggest a new concept for human jaw function, in which "functional jaw movements" are the result of activation of jaw as well as neck muscles, leading to simultaneous movements in the temporomandibular, atlantooccipital, and cervical spine joints.
Differential Diagnosis of Chronic Sciatic Pain

Two-thirds of the patients showing retrogression were under 30 years of age, and two-thirds were primiparae. This does not support DuBois' famous remark: " If a woman threatened with phthisis marries she may bear the first accouchement well, a second with difficulty, a third never. " The primipara has not fiad repeated pregnancies to threaten her general health; on the other hand, she is usually younger and in an age group which has a less favourable prognosis for her tuberculous condition than that of the average multipara. It seems probable that this is a more important factor than the number of babies she may bear.
Pengaruh Pendapatan Asli Daerah, Dana Bagi Hasil, Dana Alokasi Umum Dan Dana Alokasi Khusus Terhadap Tingkat Kemandirian Keuangan Daerah Pada Kabupaten Dan Kota Di Sumatera Barat (Tahun 2006 – 2011)

The purpose of this research is aimed to examine 1) Influence of local revenue, to the Financial self-sufficiency of local governments 2) Effect of Shared Revenue to the Financial Self-sufficiency of local governments 3) Influence of General Allocation Fund to the Financial Self-sufficiency of local governments 4) Influence of Special Allocation Fund, to the level of Local Financial Independence on ditricts and cities in West Sumatera. The method of this research is cauvative research design. Budget realization report from each districts and cities in West Sumatera as population from the year 2006 to 2011. The sample set is determined by use total sampling technique, as 19 districts and cities in West Sumatera. The data utilizes is secondary data obtained from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of West Sumatera Province. Techniques of data analysis using multiple linear regression. The results showed that 1) Local Revenue impact positively significant on the level of Local Financial Independence 2) Shared Revenue did not significantly effect the level of local financial independence level, 3) the General Allocation Fund had no significant effect on the level of Local Financial Independence and 4) Special Allocation Fund impact negatively significant on the level of Local Financial Independence. Key Word : Local Financial Independence Level, Local Revenue, Shared Revenue, General Allocation Fund and the Special Allocation Fund.
The Problem of Cross-Validation: Averaging and Bias, Repetition and Significance

Cross-Validation (CV) is the primary mechanism used in Machine Learning to control generalization error in the absence of sufficiently large quantities of marked up (tagged or labelled) data to undertake independent testing, training and validation (including early stopping, feature selection, parameter tuning, boosting and/or fusion). Repeated Cross-Validation (RCV) is used to try to further improve the accuracy of our performance estimates, including compensating for outliers. Typically a Machine Learning researcher will the compare a new target algorithm against a wide range of competing algorithms on a wide range of standard datasets. The combination of many training folds, many CV repetitions, many algorithms and parameterizations, and many training sets, adds up to a very large number of data points to compare, and a massive multiple testing problem quadratic in the number of individual test combinations. Research in Machine Learning sometimes involves basic significance testing, or provides confidence intervals, but seldom addresses the multiple testing problem whereby the assumption of p<;. 05 significance means that we expect a spurious "significant" result for 1 in 20 of our many test pairs. This paper defines and explores a protocol that reduces the scale of repeated CV whilst providing a principled way to control the erosion of significance due to multiple testing.
Structured parallel therapy with parents in time-limited psychotherapy with children experiencing difficult family situations

The aim of this article is to discuss how parallel therapy work with parents can be structured to achieve the goals of therapy with their children. Time-limited psychotherapy with children is a structured therapeutic method, where the goal and the number of sessions are contracted together with the child and parents. In this study, we focus on parallel parental therapy for three separate families whose children are experiencing difficult family situations. Six main themes emerge from our interviews with the parents and an analysis of session notes: The parents expressed positive experiences with the therapy; their perspectives about the family situation changed; they reported positive changes on behalf of the children, and they reported an increasing number of factors to explain these changes. In addition, a number of positive changes in the family situation itself were reported, and the parents were increasingly concerned with understanding their children’s expressions. Our findings indicate that this therapy method gives parents an opportunity for reflection and mentalization, which is found to be crucial to the child’s mental health. Based on these findings, we suggest some guidelines for effectively engaging in therapy work with parents.
Plasmodium falciparum phosphoethanolamine methyltransferase is essential for malaria transmission

Significance Malaria, caused by intraerythrocytic protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium, is by far the deadliest and most prevalent parasitic disease. Most fatalities are attributable to infection by Plasmodium falciparum. The transmission of P. falciparum into Anopheles mosquitoes is absolutely dependent on the ability of the parasite to differentiate into mature gametocytes. Here we show that P. falciparum requires the plant-like phosphatidylcholine synthesis machinery, which is fueled by host serine, and its key enzyme, phosphoethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PfPMT), for gametocyte development, maturation, and transmission. We identified several compounds that inhibit PfPMT activity and gametocyte development. These compounds also inhibited parasite asexual replication. These new chemical entities provide scaffolds for future development of dual-function antimalarials that can block both infection and transmission. Efficient transmission of Plasmodium species between humans and Anopheles mosquitoes is a major contributor to the global burden of malaria. Gametocytogenesis, the process by which parasites switch from asexual replication within human erythrocytes to produce male and female gametocytes, is a critical step in malaria transmission and Plasmodium genetic diversity. Nothing is known about the pathways that regulate gametocytogenesis and only few of the current drugs that inhibit asexual replication are also capable of inhibiting gametocyte development and blocking malaria transmission. Here we provide genetic and pharmacological evidence indicating that the pathway for synthesis of phosphatidylcholine in Plasmodium falciparum membranes from host serine is essential for parasite gametocytogenesis and malaria transmission. Parasites lacking the phosphoethanolamine N-methyltransferase enzyme, which catalyzes the limiting step in this pathway, are severely altered in gametocyte development, are incapable of producing mature-stage gametocytes, and are not transmitted to mosquitoes. Chemical screening identified 11 inhibitors of phosphoethanolamine N-methyltransferase that block parasite intraerythrocytic asexual replication and gametocyte differentiation in the low micromolar range. Kinetic studies in vitro as well as functional complementation assays and lipid metabolic analyses in vivo on the most promising inhibitor NSC-158011 further demonstrated the specificity of inhibition. These studies set the stage for further optimization of NSC-158011 for development of a class of dual activity antimalarials to block both intraerythrocytic asexual replication and gametocytogenesis.
The Role of Different Opportunities in the Activation and Use of the Business Opportunity Prototype

This study analyses how the different nature of business opportunities affects the way potential entrepreneurs recognize a business opportunity prototypical features. Although scholars have examined the reasons why some individuals, but not others, identify business opportunities, little is known about how the nature of the business opportunity (i.e., its context) affects the recognition of the business opportunity characteristics. Moreover, most studies on opportunity identification rely either on retrospective data or on entrepreneurs’ prior knowledge and experience. Thus, little is said about how cognitive structures are used by potential entrepreneurs upon opportunity recognition. Participants in this study (70 university students) were presented with one of two scenarios describing two different business opportunities – an independent entrepreneurial opportunity and a business reformulation opportunity – and were asked to describe the business opportunity in their own words. The analysis performed showed that there are significant differences in the way respondents recognized the prototypical characteristics of both business opportunities. Specifically, participants were more risk-averse in the business reformulation opportunity than in the entrepreneurial opportunity. In the latter case, the participants focused more on customers. No differences were found regarding the identification of prototypical characteristics referring to profit.
Optimization of distributed space-time filtering

Distributed space-time filtering (DSTF) has been re- cently proposed in (1) to increase the diversity in cooperative wire- less networks. In DSTF each node in the network is assigned a signature filter vector (SFV) and nodes cooperate without know- ing their partners. In this paper, we derive an approximation for the pairwise error probability of DSTF and use the result- ing expression for the optimization of SFVs. Two methods are provided for efficient filter calculation. Furthermore, unlike the original DSTF scheme in (1), we do not require the number of ac- tive nodes to be equal to the length of the SFVs, which is shown to result in additional performance gains. Simulation results show that the novel SFV designs outperform the previously proposed design even if non-ideal effects such as suboptimum equalization, imperfect channel estimation, and imperfect timing synchroniza- tion are taken into account.
Asia Strategy on International Migration

Japan needs to develop a strategy for planning and realizing economic integration suitable for Asia. Such a strategy should cover not only liberalization of trade in goods and services and investment but also management of international migration. When developing the strategy, it is important to recognize that since the turn of the century, the leadership of globalization is shifting from developed countries to emerging countries.