Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Discriminatory Ability of Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) in Diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome: A Population Based Study.

Background Visceral adiposity index (VAI) has been suggested as an index of visceral adiposity. This study was conducted to determine the discriminatory ability of VAI in diagnosis of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods and materials We used the data of 5 312 subjects aged 18-74 years of a cohort study conducted among 6 140 individuals aged 10-90 years in Amol, northern Iran. The city population was divided into 16 strata based on gender and age groups in 10-year intervals. The subjects were randomly selected from each stratum. MetS was defined based on National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATPIII), American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (AHA/NHLBI) update of Adult Treatment Panel III (ATPIII), International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and joint interim statement (JIS) definitions. The discriminatory ability of VAI and other obesity measures were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results While waist circumference (WC) showed the highest discriminatory ability for MetS in IDF definition in men (AUC=0.899 [CI=0.888-0.910]), VAI had the greatest discriminatory ability according to other definitions in men and women. The related AUCs of VAI were 0.866 (95%CI: 0.850-0.881), 0.829 (95%CI: 0.813-0.846), 0.859 (95%CI: 0.844-0.873) and 0.876 (95%CI: 0.863-0.889) based on NCEP/ATPIII, AHA/NHLBI update of ATPIII, IDF and JIS definition in men, and also 0.888 (95%CI: 0.875-0.902), 0.894 (95%CI: 0.881-0.907), 0.883 (95%CI: 0.869-0.897) and 0.879 (95%CI: 0.864-0.894) in women, respectively. Conclusion VAI showed an excellent discriminatory ability in diagnosis of MetS. Considering its relatively simple calculation, this index could be suggested as a reliable tool in medical practice.
Evaluation of Beauveria bassiana (Hyphomycetes) Strains as Potential Agents for Control of Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Abstract Chagas disease constitutes a major human health problem in most Latin American countries. This endemic disease is transmitted by several species of triatomine bugs, the most important being Triatoma infestans (Klug). In this article, we report on the selection of strains of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. virulent to T. infestans for possible use as bioinsecticides. Four strains of B. bassiana isolated from Argentina (Bb 1, 10, 25, and 65) were evaluated. To calculate mortality and mean lethal time, nymphs and adults of T. infestans were treated with conidia produced on complete agar medium and wheat brain and rice husk medium (WH). The LD50 for nymphs and adults of T. infestans was calculated. The effect of different temperatures (18, 22, 26, 30, and 34°C) and relative humidities (35 and 90% RH) on mortality of nymphs were studied. We evaluated the compatibility of strains with Deltamethrin and Beta-Cypermethrin. Although the strain Bb 25 failed to grow on WH, the other three strains showed similar mortality values independent of the culture medium used to grow the microorganisms. The lowest LD50 values for nymphs were obtained with the strains Bb 10 and 65 and for adults were Bb 1, 10, and 65. The highest mean mortality was obtained with strain Bb 10, and among temperatures the highest mean mortality was observed at 26°C. Relative humidity did not affect the mortality of T. infestans nymphs with all strains and temperatures assayed. Deltamethrin did not affect any of the three strains for the four studied doses, and Beta-Cypermethrin could be used in combination with the fungus only at low doses. The strain Bb 10 was selected for future assays under natural climatic conditions.
Prototype of a tourism recommender system

When making a trip most of tourist used the Web to find information, encountering a problem that has been called “information overload”. In a tourism website, “coexist” several services: accommodation, transportation, cultural activities, travel agencies, and others. Usually the tourist has to search for hotels, transportation, restaurants separately and find the best combination of services to build a trip. This paper presents a prototype of a recommender system in the province of San Juan, Argentina, to recommend tourist packages based on preferences and interest of each user. Artificial Intelligence techniques are used to filter and customize the information.
Mammalian TAK1 Activates Snf1 Protein Kinase in Yeast and Phosphorylates AMP-activated Protein Kinase in Vitro*

The Snf1/AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) family is important for metabolic regulation and is highly conserved from yeast to mammals. The upstream kinases are also functionally conserved, and the AMPK kinases LKB1 and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase activate Snf1 in mutant yeast cells lacking the native Snf1-activating kinases, Sak1, Tos3, and Elm1. Here, we exploited the yeast genetic system to identify members of the mammalian AMPK kinase family by their function as Snf1-activating kinases. A mouse embryo cDNA library in a yeast expression vector was used to transform sak1Δ tos3Δ elm1Δ yeast cells. Selection for a Snf+ growth phenotype yielded cDNA plasmids expressing LKB1, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase, and transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase (TAK1), a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase family. We present genetic and biochemical evidence that TAK1 activates Snf1 protein kinase in vivo and in vitro. We further show that recombinant TAK1, fused to the activation domain of its binding partner TAB1, phosphorylates Thr-172 in the activation loop of the AMPK catalytic domain. Finally, expression of TAK1 and TAB1 in HeLa cells or treatment of cells with cytokines stimulated phosphorylation of Thr-172 of AMPK. These findings indicate that TAK1 is a functional member of the Snf1/AMPK kinase family and support TAK1 as a candidate for an authentic AMPK kinase in mammalian cells.
Kupffer cells potentiate liver sinusoidal endothelial cell injury in sepsis by ligating programmed cell death ligand‐1

PD‐1 and PD‐L1 have been reported to provide peripheral tolerance by inhibiting TCR‐mediated activation. We have reported that PD‐L1−/− animals are protected from sepsis‐induced mortality and immune suppression. Whereas studies indicate that LSECs normally express PD‐L1, which is also thought to maintain local immune liver tolerance by ligating the receptor PD‐1 on T lymphocytes, the role of PD‐L1 in the septic liver remains unknown. Thus, we hypothesized initially that PD‐L1 expression on LSECs protects them from sepsis‐induced injury. We noted that the increased vascular permeability and pSTAT3 protein expression in whole liver from septic animals were attenuated in the absence of PD‐L1. Isolated LSECs taken from septic animals, which exhibited increased cell death, declining cell numbers, reduced cellular proliferation, and VEGFR2 expression (an angiogenesis marker), also showed improved cell numbers, proliferation, and percent VEGFR2+ levels in the absence of PD‐L1. We also observed that sepsis induced an increase of liver F4/80+PD‐1+‐expressing KCs and increased PD‐L1 expression on LSECs. Interestingly, PD‐L1 expression levels on LSECs decreased when PD‐1+‐expressing KCs were depleted with clodronate liposomes. Contrary to our original hypothesis, we document here that increased interactions between PD‐1+ KCs and PD‐L1+ LSECs appear to lead to the decline of normal endothelial function—essential to sustain vascular integrity and prevent ALF. Importantly, we uncover an underappreciated pathological aspect of PD‐1:PD‐L1 ligation during inflammation that is independent of its normal, immune‐suppressive activity.
Antiepileptic drugs and hormonal contraceptives in adolescent women with epilepsy

Both estrogen and progesterone influence seizure activity in women with epilepsy, with estrogen generally demonstrating proconvulsant and progesterone anticonvulsant effects. Women with epilepsy exhibit a variety of endocrine disturbances, probably due to a combination of factors, including the epilepsy syndrome and the effect of interictal and ictal epileptic discharges in the brain. The direct effects of some antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) further increase this risk, apparently related to a specific drug’s effect on hepatic microsomal enzymes of the cytochrome P-450 system. AEDs that induce hepatic microsomal enzymes also interact with hormonal contraception to increase estrogen’s metabolism and progesterone’s protein binding, decreasing concentrations of both hormones and thus reducing contraceptive efficacy. Some evidence indicates that concurrent use of hormonal contraceptives and lamotrigine significantly decreases the plasma concentration of lamotrigine, suggesting that close monitoring is warranted. Nevertheless, hormonal contraception confers comparable or superior efficacy compared with such other contraceptives as the intrauterine device and barrier methods and remains an appropriate option in women with epilepsy. Importantly, concurrent use of hormonal contraception and AEDs does not adversely affect seizure control. Careful patient management, including the use of increased estrogen doses (≥50 μg) in patients receiving enzyme-inducing AEDs, may further minimize the risk for unintended pregnancy. Special considerations in women of childbearing age include decreased compliance and disease prevention. Although adequate seizure control is the critical requirement of an AED, the potential for interactions with hormonal contraception and the increased risk for endocrine disturbances caused by drugs that alter hepatic microsomal enzymes suggest additional potential advantages for AED treatment that does not affect these enzymes. Both the constellation of physicians treating women with epilepsy and the patients themselves have a poor understanding of the spectrum of reproductive health issues involved, and increased awareness is needed to improve patient management.
Risk factor analysis of permanent pacemaker infection.

Background. Several host- and procedure-related factors have been reported to increase the risk of permanent pacemaker (PPM) infection on the basis of descriptive analyses of case series. The purpose of this study is to assess the risk factors for PPM infection using case-control study methods.Methods. All patients who had a PPM implanted at our institution from January 1991 to December 2003 were retrospectively reviewed. Each patient who experienced a PPM infection was matched with 2 control subjects by age, sex, year of implantation, and duration of follow-up. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify significant risk factors for PPM infection.Results. Twenty-nine case patients and 58 control subjects met inclusion criteria. The majority (83%) of case patients presented with a pocket infection; a minority (10%) had PPM-related endocarditis. Staphylococcus species (69%) were the most common pathogens. On univariate analysis, previous PPM infection, malignancy, long-term corticosteroid use, multiple device revisions, a permanent central venous catheter, the presence of >2 pacing leads, and a lack of antibiotic prophylaxis at the time of PPM placement were associated with an increased risk of PPM infection. A multivariable logistic regression model identified long-term corticosteroid use (odds ratio [OR], 13.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27-151.7; P=.03) and the presence of >2 pacing leads versus 2 leads (OR, 5.41; 95% CI, 1.44-20.29; P=.01) as independent risk factors for PPM infection. In contrast, use of antibiotic prophylaxis prior to PPM implantation had a protective effect (OR, 0.087; 95% CI, 0.016-0.48; P=.005). Conclusions. These findings should assist clinicians in identifying patients who are at increased risk of PPM infection, as well as in developing strategies to minimize the modifiable risks.
Aspergillus fumigatus Variant with Decreased Susceptibility to Multiple Antifungals

ABSTRACT Isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus that demonstrate resistance to itraconazole (ITZ) have been described previously; however, the prevalence and clinical significance of ITZ resistance are not completely understood. In this study we assessed the ITZ susceptibilities of 128 A. fumigatus isolates that caused invasive infection in 82 stem cell transplant patients before and after the use of ITZ in our institution (study period, 1991 to 2000). The MICs for 10 isolates obtained from seven patients were high, ≥1 μg/ml. The average ITZ MIC increased after institutional use of the drug began in 1995. The majority of the isolates for which MICs were high (6 of 10) and one isolate for which the MIC was low (0.06 μg/ml) demonstrated an unusual phenotype, appearing as predominantly white colonies. For all seven atypical isolates, voriconazole MICs were high (≥2 μg/ml), and minimal effective concentrations of caspofungin were high (≥4 μg/ml). For two of the seven atypical isolates, amphotericin B MICs were high (≥2 μg/ml). The isolates appeared white due to slow sporulation; however, after prolonged incubations, the isolates sporulated with no difference in conidial color or conidiophore morphology compared with typical isolates. Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA-PCR patterns of these isolates were distinct compared with those of other A. fumigatus isolates. Sequencing of 18S rRNA genes confirmed that all were A. fumigatus; however, the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences of all the atypical isolates were unique. These data suggest the potential presence of a genetically unique, poorly sporulating variant of A. fumigatus that demonstrates decreased susceptibilities to several antifungals.
Human circulatory and thermoregulatory adaptations with heat acclimation and exercise in a hot, dry environment.

1. Heat acclimation was induced in eight subjects by asking them to exercise until exhaustion at 60% of maximum oxygen consumption rate (VO2) for 9‐12 consecutive days at an ambient temperature of 40 degrees C, with 10% relative humidity (RH). Five control subjects exercised similarly in a cool environment, 20 degrees C, for 90 min for 9‐12 days; of these, three were exposed to exercise at 40 degrees C on the first and last day. 2. Acclimation had occurred as seen by the increased average endurance from 48 min to 80 min, the lower rate of rise in the heart rate (HR) and core temperature and the increased sweating. 3. Cardiac output increased significantly from the first to the final heat exposure from 19.6 to 21.4 l min‐1; this was possibly due to an increased plasma volume and stroke volume. 4. The mechanism for the increased plasma volume may be an isosmotic volume expansion caused by influx of protein to the vascular compartment, and a sodium retention induced by a significant increase in aldosterone. 5. The exhaustion coincided with, or was elicited when, core temperature reached 39.7 +/‐ 0.15 degrees C; with progressing acclimation processes it took progressively longer to reach this level. However, at this point we found no reduction in cardiac output, muscle (leg) blood flow, no changes in substrate utilization or availability, and no recognized accumulated ‘fatigue’ substances. 6. It is concluded that the high core temperature per se, and not circulatory failure, is the critical factor for the exhaustion during exercise in heat stress.
Consolidation of the ESG Rating Industry as an Enactment of Institutional Retrogression

Since the late 1980s, a plethora of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) rating agencies have sprung up, developing new rating methodologies to meet the (new) needs of concerned investors and to help companies to improve their CSR performance. Since 2005, the industry of ESG ratings has witnessed an important number of both national and cross-border consolidations. Based on a set of 37 interviews and secondary data, the paper reveals growth strategies of ESG rating agencies and explores the driving forces and impacts behind this wave of consolidation. Our focus is on four ESG rating agencies based in the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Switzerland. We have found financial motivation to be the main driver of consolidation. Additionally, and according to the perceptions of the ESG experts interviewed, a decrease in employee motivation coupled with a decrease in the quality of ESG research was observed to be one of the negative impacts of consolidation.
Essential oil composition of Pimpinella anisum L. fruits from various European countries

Variations in the essential oil composition of Pimpinella anisum L. fruits obtained from different geographical areas of Europe were determined using capillary GC and GC–MS techniques. The essential oil content of the samples was 10.0–53.6 mL kg−1 and did not confirm to the European Pharmacopoeia standard in 5 samples out of 14. A total of 21 compounds were identified and significant quantitative differences were observed among the samples. The major component was trans-anethole (76.9–93.7%); the other principal compounds in oils were γ-himachalene (0.4–8.2%), trans-pseudoisoeugenyl 2-methylbutyrate (0.4–6.4%), p-anisaldehyde (tr-5.4%) and methylchavicol (0.5–2.3%). The highest content of trans-anethole (>90%) was found in the samples from Greece, Hungary, Scotland, Lithuania, Italy, and Germany (2 samples). Essential oil of aniseed from Estonia was rich in γ-himachalene (8.2%) and trans-pseudoisoeugenyl 2-methylbutyrate (6.4%). The sample from France contained the highest amount of anisaldehyde (5.4%) comparing with other samples (0–3.1%). β-Bourbonene and α-farnesene are determined in anise oil for the first time.
Effects of salbutamol delivery from a metered dose inhaler versus jet nebulizer on dynamic lung mechanics in very preterm infants with chronic lung disease

Treatment of chronic lung disease of prematurity requires effective aerosol delivery of different therapeutic agents. Aerosols can be generated by a metered dose inhaler (MDI) or a jet nebulizer. An MDI combined with a spacer device is easier to use and avoids undesirable effects noted in conjunction with jet nebulization. We compared the clinical effectiveness of 200 μg (2 puffs) salbutamol delivered from an MDI in conjunction with a valved spacer device (Aerochamber®), and 600 μg given via jet nebulizer (PariBaby®) on 2 consecutive days, the order being randomized. Thirteen spontaneously breathing very preterm infants [mean (SD) gestational age 27.2 (1.8) weeks; birth weight 0.90 (0.34) kg] were studied at a corrected age of 37 (2.3) weeks. Mean (SD) study weight was 1.83 (0.38) kg. Dynamic lung compliance and resistance were determined from measurements of flows, volumes, and transpulmonary pressures, using a pneumotachometer and a small esophageal microtransducer catheter before and 20 min after salbutamol application.
Evaluation of four-years hospital implementation of DOTS strategy (1998 - 2002).

AIM To obtain an overview of the problem and to know the success and result of DOTS method in tuberculosis treatment. METHODS Application of DOTS at the hospital was done every Monday during working hours at the outpatient clinic pulmonology clinic Department of Internal Medicine of Dr. Mohammad Hoesin Hospital in Palembang, Indonesia. Selection of patients was done at the general outpatient clinic. Patients suspected with pulmonary TB were clinically investigated with the sputum Acid Fast Bacilli 3x test (spot, morning, spot). If the sputum tests were negative, the patients underwent Chest X Ray. Patients with complete data were referred to the DOTS clinic. Hospital nurses and doctor residents from internal medicine filled up the medical records, TB form and registration of identity card, determined the Observer of Medicine Consumption (PMO) and provided the "Informed Consent". Education and motivation on the problem of tuberculosis were conducted by doctors and nurses. Finally, patients are requested to consume medicine by their observer with assistance from the pharmacist, and were given DOTS medicine for 1 - 2 weeks. RESULTS At the end of August 2002, 517 patients had completed treatment. The cure rate from positive sputum AFB was 82.17% (295 from 359 patients); 87.7% for category I (221 from 252 patients) and 69.2% for category II (74 from 107 patients). This can be increased to 85.3. % (295/344; Total), 92.5% (221/239 ; category I) and 70.5% (74/105; category II), those patients transfered out were not included in the denomination. The percentage of those who completed category III treatment was 91.8% (145 from 158 patients), with a drop - out/default rate of 6.2%. CONCLUSION DOTS strategy in hospital was done by DOTS team consisted of doctors, nurses, assistant pharmacist and health workers. The number of TB cases in Moh. Hoesin Hospital Palembang in category I is more than category II/III, RK Charitas Category III is more than category I/II which are unemployed, primary school and productive ages. DOTS treatment on 2006 was done by FDC (Fixed Dose Combination).
Fatty acids carried on albumin modulate proximal tubular cell fibronectin production: a role for protein kinase C.

BACKGROUND Proteinuric renal disease is associated with accumulation of tubulointerstitial matrix proteins. Human proximal tubular cells (PTCs) produce fibronectin in response to serum proteins but not albumin alone. It has been suggested that renal toxicity of filtered albumin depends on its lipid moiety. We therefore investigated the functional consequences of different fatty acids (FAs) carried on human albumin after exposure to human PTCs in culture. METHODS Confluent human PTCs were exposed to recombinant human serum albumin (rHSA) or palmitate (P)-, stearate (S)-, oleate (O)-, and linoleate (L)-complexed rHSA. In all experimental conditions, test media contained 1 mg/ml rHSA alone or carrying 100 mmol FAs. Mitogenic response was assessed by [(3)H]thymidine incorporation. Cell culture supernatants were assayed for fibronectin. Protein kinase C (PKC) activity was assessed in cell lysates. RESULTS Apical exposure to rHSA alone or the O-rHSA complex stimulated a significant increase in [(3)H]thymidine incorporation, whereas the L-rHSA complex was markedly inhibitory to human PTC growth. The L-rHSA complex was associated with severe cytotoxicity as assessed by lactate dehydrogenase release. Among all conditions, O-rHSA was the only test media that significantly increased fibronectin levels over control conditions (150.1+/-10.6% over control, P<0.05, n=3). Pre-treatment of PTCs with PKC inhibitors before O-rHSA exposure resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in fibronectin secretion. O-rHSA activated PKC significantly compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that rHSA has a mitogenic effect on human PTCs, but fibronectin secretion was only induced by O-complexed rHSA and the O-rHSA effect was mediated via PKC activation. Involvement of PKC signal transduction pathway may be a novel therapeutic target for ameliorating proteinuria-induced tubular injury.