Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Isolation of Citreoviridin from Penicillium charlesii Cultures and Molded Pecan Fragments

The extraction and systematic fractionation of Penicillium charlesii Smith cultures and contaminated pecan fragments yielded the yellow mycotoxin citreoviridin. Citreoviridin proved acutely toxic to 1-day-old chickens, with an oral 50% lethal dose of 37.5 mg/kg, and showed plant growth inhibition in wheat coleoptiles even at concentrations as low as 10−4 M. It was toxic to corn seedlings but did not affect young tobacco seedlings.
Immune mechanisms in heart failure

Elevated levels of circulating pro‐inflammatory biomarkers in patients with both ischaemic and non‐ischaemic heart failure (HF) correlate with disease severity and prognosis. Experimental studies have shown activation of immune response mechanisms in the heart to provoke cardiac adverse remodelling and cause left ventricular dysfunction. Consequently, most of the clinical trials targeting elements of the immune response in HF attempted to modulate the inflammatory response. Surprisingly, clinical studies targeting immune effectors were either neutral or even increased pre‐specified clinical endpoints, and some studies resulted in worsening of HF. This review discusses immune mediators involved in the pathogenesis and progression of HF and potential therapeutic applications targeting inflammation in HF. Besides more obvious settings featuring immune activation such as inflammatory or ischaemic cardiomyopathy, the relevance of immune activation in acute or chronic HF of other origins, including volume overload or valvular heart disease, is highlighted. Understanding how cell‐specific and molecular mechanisms of the immune response interfere with cardiac remodelling in HF may open new avenues to design biomarkers or druggable targets.
Assessing evidence of inequalities in access to medication for diabetic populations in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review

Background Inequalities in access to medications among people diagnosed with diabetes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is a public health concern since untreated diabetes can lead to severe complications and premature death. Objective To assess evidence of inequalities in access to medication for diabetes in adult populations of people with diagnosed diabetes in LMICs. Design We conducted a systematic review of the literature using the PRISMA-Equity guidelines. A search of five databases - PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and EMBASE - was conducted from inception to November 2015. Using deductive content analysis, information extracted from the selected articles was analysed according to the PRISMA-Equity guidelines, based on exposure variables (place of residence, race/ethnicity, occupation, gender, religion, education, socio-economic status, social capital, and others). Results Fifteen articles (seven quantitative and eight qualitative studies) are included in this review. There were inconsistent findings between studies conducted in different countries and regions although financial and geographic barriers generally contributed to inequalities in access to diabetes medications. The poor, those with relatively low education, and people living in remote areas had less access to diabetes medications. Furthermore, we found that the level of government political commitment through primary health care and in the provision of essential medicines was an important factor in promoting access to medications. Conclusions The review indicates that inequalities exist in accessing medication among diabetic populations, although this was not evident in all LMICs. Further research is needed to assess the social determinants of health and medication access for people with diabetes in LMICs.
NF‐κB is activated in oesophageal fibroblasts in response to a paracrine signal generated by acid‐exposed primary oesophageal squamous cells

Oesophageal exposure to duodenogastro‐oesophageal refluxate leads to reflux oesophagitis and is implicated in the development of Barrett’s metaplasia (BM). NF‐κB signalling in epithelial cells is associated with the activation of transcription factors believed to be central to BM development, whilst NF‐κB activation in fibroblasts plays a critical role in matrix remodelling. Our aim was to study the effects of acid exposure on NF‐κB activation in primary human oesophageal fibroblasts (HOFs) and primary and immortalized oesophageal squames and to investigate any epithelial/stromal interactions in the response of these cells to acid. Primary HOFs and primary and immortalized oesophageal epithelial cells were exposed to acid (pH 7 – pH 4 ≤ 120 min) in single or pulsed treatments. Conditioned medium from epithelial cells following acid exposure was also applied to fibroblasts. Cell viability was determined by MTT‐ESTA. NF‐κB activation was determined by cellular localization of NF‐κB/p65 visualized by immunofluorescence. Conditioned medium from oesophageal epithelial cells, subjected to pH 5 pulsatile exposure, activated NF‐κB in fibroblasts, with some inter‐patient variability, but these conditions did not directly activate NF‐κB in the epithelial cells themselves. Significant NF‐κB activation was seen in the epithelial cells but only with greater acidity and exposure times (pH 4, 60–120 min). Our findings show that acid exposure can cause indirect activation of stromal cells by epithelial–stromal interactions. This may contribute to the pathogenesis of oesophageal diseases, and the inter‐patient variability may go some way to explain why some patients with reflux oesophagitis develop BM and others do not.
Kinetics of Local and Systemic Immune Responses after Vaginal Immunization with Recombinant Cholera Toxin B Subunit in Humans

ABSTRACT Vaginal vaccination seems to be the best strategy for inducing specific immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG antibody responses in the female genital tract. The relative efficiencies of one, two, and three vaginal doses of recombinant cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) in generating mucosal and systemic immune responses in healthy women were evaluated, and the kinetics of the immune responses were monitored for responding volunteers for up to 12 months after the last vaccination. A single dose of CTB failed to generate CTB-specific IgA antibody responses in cervical secretions. Two vaccinations induced significant increases in IgA antitoxin titers in seven of nine volunteers, and four volunteers also developed IgG antitoxin responses. The magnitudes of the responses were 20-fold for IgA antitoxin and 7.1-fold for IgG antitoxin. A third vaccination did not significantly increase the antitoxin responses, although the frequency of IgG responses was slightly higher than that after the second vaccination. In serum, CTB-specific antibodies were observed already after a single vaccination. However, two vaccinations were required to induce marked IgA as well as IgG antitoxin titer increases in the majority of volunteers. The postvaccination levels of antitoxin antibodies in serum were comparable after two and three vaccinations. At 12 months after vaccination, significantly elevated IgA and IgG antitoxin levels in cervical secretions could still be detected in approximately half of the volunteers who had initially responded to the vaccine. Antitoxin titer increases in serum were found in most of the vaccinees at follow-up.
Pharmacoeconomics of medical abortion: a review of cost in the United States, Europe and Asia

Procedures for the termination of pregnancy have existed for many years. Vacuum aspiration, otherwise referred to as ‘surgical’ abortion, is a very common and safe procedure. Its efficacy and acceptability has been established and its complication rate is low. Medical abortion is a much more recent phenomenon. It is defined as early pregnancy termination with the use of abortion inducing medications, without surgery [1]. In contrast to surgical abortion, medical abortion is not as routinely offered, nor are many providers comfortable with its use. Medical abortion regimens currently available throughout the world include mifepristone (Mifeprex™, Aventis Pharma AG) and a prostaglandin analogue (usually misoprostol), methotrexate and misoprostol and misoprostol (Cytotec™, CD Searle & Co.) alone. In the US, minimal information exists directly comparing medical to surgical abortion. Most abortion surveillance data was collected by the Centers for Disease Control prior to the approval of mifepristone. In contrast, there is over a decade’s worth of experience from Europe with both the use and provision of medical abortion. A complete review of these issues must include background information on the history and incidence of abortion, who chooses to get an abortion, who provides that service and at what cost. The cost issue is discussed using three different viewpoints: cost to the patient, cost to the provider, cost to society – mainly in the form of government expenditure and savings. Following the cost analysis, there is a summary of relevant information from countries in Europe, primarily the UK, France, Sweden and countries in Asia, mainly China and India.
Gq-linked NK(2) receptors mediate neurally induced contraction of human sigmoid circular smooth muscle.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Because tachykinins have been identified as neurotransmitters in the guinea pig colon and human ileum, we examined a possible role of tachykinin receptors and neurokinin (NK) A in neurally induced contraction of human sigmoid colon circular muscle. METHODS Muscle strips were stimulated electrically for 10 seconds. Single cells were isolated by enzymatic digestion and permeabilized by saponin. [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding was assayed with or without NKA for 5 minutes. Intracellular Ca(2+) was measured using Fura 2. RESULTS In the presence of 100 micromol/L L-NNA, 100 micromol/L atropine did not affect electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced contraction. A peptide NK(2)-receptor antagonist (NK-2ra) but not an NK(1) antagonist FK888 (1 micromol/L) eliminated EFS-induced contraction. NKA-induced contraction in muscle strips and single cells was virtually abolished by NK-2ra, but not by FK888. In permeabilized cells, contraction was blocked by Gq-protein antibodies, but not by other G-protein antibodies, suggesting that NKA activates Gq, which was confirmed by a [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding assay. NKA-induced contraction and increase in cytosolic Ca(2+) were abolished by depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores. CONCLUSIONS Tachykinins may be the main excitatory neurotransmitters in human sigmoid circular muscle. NKA activates Gq-linked NK(2) receptors, which cause Ca(2+) release, followed by contraction.
Optimization and comparison of electrical machines using particle swarm optimization

Comparing different electrical machines is usually required at the start of a project. For a fair quantitative comparison the machines considered should be optimized under the given constraints, but optimally designing machines requires a significant amount of expertise and time. The aim of this paper is to present a flexible, numerical (2D) approach to optimize substantially different machines, thereby eliminating the complexities of designing a machine. The loss of insight into the problem caused by this approach is dealt with by using multi-target optimization and presenting the results as pareto optimal fronts. This allows a direct comparison of the machines under consideration and also enables the designer to immediately select a promising design for further analysis. The method is demonstrated on the design of three different PM machines.
Multilocus sequence typing provides insights into the population structure and evolutionary potential of Brenneria goodwinii, associated with acute oak decline

Brenneria goodwinii is one of the most frequently isolated Gram-negative bacteria from native oak species, Quercus robur and Q. petraea, affected by acute oak decline (AOD) in the UK. We investigated the population biology of this bacterial species using a multilocus sequence analysis to determine the population structure and evolutionary potential. Seven partial housekeeping genes were used in the analyses. Amongst 44 bacterial strains from seven different locations, we identified 22 unique sequence types [STs]; only one ST was found at two separate locations. Phylogenetic and cluster-based analyses suggested that B. goodwinii STs form two main distinct groups; however, no geographical pattern of their distribution could be observed. Clonality and recombination tests demonstrated that the studied population is primarily clonal, however both mutation and recombination processes play a role in shaping the genetic structure and evolution of the population. Our study suggests that the B. goodwinii population on oak in the UK has an endemic form, with background recombination appearing to generate new alleles more frequently than mutation, despite the introduction of nucleotide substitutions being approximately twice less likely than mutation. The newly emerged STs subsequently undergo clonal expansion to become dominant genotypes within their specific geographical locations and even within the individual host oak trees.
Glomerular hypertrophy is associated with hyperinsulinemia and precedes overt diabetes in aging rhesus monkeys.

BACKGROUND Rhesus monkeys have a high prevalence of obesity and spontaneous type 2 diabetes mellitus after the age of 10 years. These monkeys go through a defined, sequential set of metabolic phases, including fasting hyperinsulinemia, impaired glucose tolerance, and fasting hyperglycemia. Using these monkeys, we addressed the hypothesis that renal structural features characteristic of diabetic nephropathy might precede the appearance of overt diabetes. METHODS We carried out a quantitative analysis of renal tissue, using light microscopy and electron microscopy, from 6 metabolically normal young monkeys, 7 metabolically normal aged monkeys, 7 hyperinsulinemic monkeys, and 18 diabetic monkeys. RESULTS Glomerular volume was increased significantly in hyperinsulinemic monkeys and diabetic monkeys compared with aged normal monkeys. In the normal monkey, glomerular basement membrane (GBM) width rises with age but reaches a plateau at about 20 years of age; the presence of diabetes was associated with markedly increased GBM width. Glomerular tuft volume and GBM width were correlated most closely with age and with glucose tolerance. CONCLUSION Diabetic monkey kidneys are characterized by glomerular enlargement, glomerulosclerosis, and thickening of the GBM. Glomerular hypertrophy begins in the prediabetic hyperinsulinemic phase. This finding suggests that early intervention may be required in human patients to preserve normal glomerular structure.
Patient functioning and family burden in a controlled, real-world trial of family psychoeducation for schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE This study explored the effectiveness of a psychoeducational family intervention for schizophrenia on patients' personal and social functioning as well as on relatives' burden and perceived support. METHODS Thirty-four mental health professionals from 17 public mental health centers in Italy selected 71 families of consumers with schizophrenia. Forty-two families were randomly assigned to a group that received the intervention for six months, and 29 families were assigned to a waiting list for six months. At baseline and six months later, validated tools were used to assess patients' clinical status, personal and social functioning, and social network as well as relatives' burden, social resources, and perception of professional support. RESULTS In the intervention group the number of patients with poor or very poor global personal and social functioning decreased significantly, from 17 (47 percent) at baseline to nine (25 percent) at follow-up. A significant improvement was found for the intervention group in patients' social relationships, interests in obtaining a job, maintenance of social interests, and management of social conflicts. Twenty-seven patients (74 percent) reported that their social relationships had improved during the six-month period. For both the intervention and control groups, family burden significantly improved. Relatives' social contacts and perception of professional support significantly increased only in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that a psychoeducational family intervention may have a significant impact on functional outcomes of schizophrenia when provided to patients and caregivers in real-world settings.
Naturalness Preserved Nonuniform Illumination Estimation for Image Enhancement Based on Retinex

Illumination estimation is important for image enhancement based on Retinex. However since illumination estimation is an ill-posed problem it is difficult to achieve accurate illumination estimation for nonuniform illumination images. The conventional illumination estimation algorithms fail to comprehensively take all the constraints into the consideration such as spatial smoothness sharp edges on illumination boundaries and limited range of illumination. Thus these algorithms cannot effectively and efficiently estimate illumination while preserving naturalness. In this paper we present a naturalness preserved illumination estimation algorithm based on the proposed joint edge-preserving filter which exploits all the abovementioned constraints. Moreover a fast estimation is implemented based on the box filter. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can achieve the adaptive smoothness of illumination beyond edges and ensure the range of the estimated illumination. When compared with other state-of-the-art algorithms it can achieve better quality from both subjective and objective aspects.
Evaluation of the Effect of a Computerized Training Simulator (ANAKIN) on the Retention of Neonatal Resuscitation Skills

Background: Neonatal resuscitation knowledge and skills deteriorate after initial training. Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of a computerized simulator system (ANAKIN) as a means for boosting neonatal resuscitation knowledge, skills, and self-reported confidence beliefs. Method: A randomized pretest-posttest control group study design involving 60 3rd-year medical students. At a 4-month, post-training interval, experimental group was exposed to ANAKIN and control group to a training video. Both groups assessed at an 8-month, post-neonatal resuscitation training interval. Results: Knowledge level for both groups decreased significantly at 4- and 8-month, post-training intervals despite booster exposure. Confidence level for both study groups increased significantly following booster exposure. However, no significant difference between study group skill levels at 8 months and no significant relation between neonatal resuscitation knowledge, confidence, or skills. Conclusion: Computerized simulator system was as effective as video for maintaining resuscitation skills of medical students, and students were very satisfied with experience of remote computer simulation training.
Robust grid synchronisation in three-phase distributed power generation systems by synchronous reference frame pre-filtering

In this paper a synchronous reference frame three-phase phase-locked-loop (PLL) is considered, suitable for distributed power generation systems, e.g. photovoltaic or wind power converters. Digital pre-filtering of measured voltages within synchronous frame and based on a bank of multiple notch filters is proposed in order to enhance immunity to non-ideal condition of the grid and raise the dynamic performance of the loop with respect to classical filtering solution in the three-phase reference frame. Detailed analytical derivation of the different harmonic components generated by grid non-ideal components is fully analysed in order to define specifications on the notch filters. More general results are obtained as compared to literature. Extensive simulation results is presented accounting for actual digital implementation and considering limitations on voltage harmonics and unbalance imposed by standard regulations, demonstrating better overall performance as compared to state-of-art proposals.
Expectant or surgical management of miscarriage: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE To explore women's reasons for selecting either expectant or surgical management of first trimester miscarriage and to examine the impact of treatment upon them. DESIGN A qualitative study using interviews. SETTING The Early Pregnancy and Gynaecology Assessment Unit at a London hospital. SAMPLE Thirteen women diagnosed as having a first trimester miscarriage who had opted for either expectant management (n= 5), surgical management (n= 5) or who had undergone both (n= 3). METHODS Qualitative in depth interviews. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The experience of management. RESULTS The choice of expectant management was motivated by desire for a natural solution and a fear of operation. Women described how pain and bleeding had made them anxious, that something was wrong and how they felt unprepared for how gruelling the experience would be. Some also described how their support had dwindled as the miscarriage progressed. In contrast, women who chose surgery valued a quick resolution and focussed on the support from hospital staff, although some commented that their emotional needs had not always been met. CONCLUSION If expectant management is to be more widely offered, women should be told not only of the likely clinical effect of letting a miscarriage run its course but also how women experience this.