Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Artículo científico Potencial probiótico in vitro de cepas de Lactobacillus spp . procedentes de la vagina de vacas lecheras In vitro probiotic potential of Lactobacillus spp . strains from the vagina of dairy cows

The objective of the study was to evaluate the in vitro probiotic potential of 28 Lactobacillus spp. strains, isolated from the vagina of creole dairy cows of the Manabí region –Ecuador–, for its utilization as probiotic in cows with urogenital disorders. The pH decrease and growth capacity at 24 h was determined, and the survival to pH (6, 8 and 9) and temperature (38, 39 and 40 oC), the adherence to hydrocarbons –through hydrophobicity essay of the cell surface–, the self-aggregation capacity, congregation, antimicrobial activity and resistance to 14 antibiotics, were evaluated. Variance analysis was performed on the data with the statistical program INFOSTAT, and to verify the differences among means Duncan’s comparison test was used. Fifteen strains grew at different pH and decreased their growth at values equal or lower than 5 and at the optimum temperature of the vaginal ecosystem of the cows, and had high growth capacity at 24 h. The strains LvB-38, 39, 42, 45, 46, 52, 54 and 90 showed capacity of adherence to hydrocarbons (toluene and xylene), higher than 80 %; self-aggregated over 50 %; co-aggregated with Escherichia coli (Migula) Castellani and Chalmers, Staphylococcus aureus Rosenbach and Klebsiella spp. , over 75 %; inhibited the growth of these pathogens due to the presence of acids; and were sensitive to ten antimicrobial drugs. It is concluded that the eight selected strains can be considered as candidates to be probiotics, for their utilization in the prevention of urogenital disorders of cows.
Quantitative imaging of glutathione in hippocampal neurons and glia in culture using monochlorobimane

Glutathione (GSH) is a major antioxidant system in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). Abnormalities of GSH metabolism have been associated with many disorders of the CNS, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntingdon's diseases and ischaemic/reperfusion injury. Investigation of GSH levels in the CNS generally relies on biochemical assays from cultures enriched for different cell types. Because glia influence neuronal metabolism, we have studied cultures in which neurons and glia are cocultured. This approach demands fluorescence imaging to differentiate between the different cell types in the culture, permitted by the use of monochlorobimane (MCB), which reacts with GSH to produce a fluorescent product. We have defined the conditions required to ensure steady‐state MCB loading and show the specificity of MCB for GSH through a reaction catalysed by glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST). [GSH] was consistently higher in glia than in neurons, and [GSH] in both cell types decreased with time in culture. Inhibition of GSH synthesis by buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) caused a greater proportional depletion of GSH in glia than in neurons. The depletion of GSH induced by BSO was significantly greater in cells cultured for >10 days. Furthermore, release of GSH from glia and its breakdown by the ectoenzyme γ‐glutamyltranspeptidase (γGT) maintains [GSH] in neurons. In older cultures, inhibition of γGT by acivicin caused significant depletion of neuronal GSH. After inhibition of GSH synthesis by BSO, inhibition of the glia‐neuron trafficking pathway by acivicin caused widespread neuronal death. Such neurotoxicity was independent of the endogenous glutamate and nitric oxide synthase, suggesting that it is not due to secondary excitotoxicity. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Urinary incontinence in a Finnish population aged 70 and over

Scand J Prim Health Care 2003;21:000-000. ISSN 0281-3432. Objective r - r To describe the prevalence, associated factors and self-reported treatments of different types of incontinence in a random older population. Design r - r A population-based cross-sectional survey. Setting r - r Third wave for the Tampere Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TamELSA) in 1999. Subjects r - r 171 men and 227 women aged 70 and over. Main outcome measures r - r Urge and mixed incontinence combined and associated health and social indicators. Results r - r The prevalence of stress, urge and mixed incontinence was 2%, 17% and 6%, respectively, in men and 23%, 6% and 30%, respectively, in women. In the logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, urge and mixed incontinence in women were associated with living in an institution (OR [odds ratio] 13.55), comorbidity (OR 1.94), ADL (activities of daily living) disability (OR 3.55), depressive mood (OR 2.49) and fecal incontinence (OR 7.84), while in men an association was found between urge and mixed incontinence and ADL disability (OR 2.59) and depressive mood (OR 2.69). All the men living in an institution were incontinent of urine. Of the incontinent women, 46% used diapers, but collecting devices were rare in men. Conclusion r - r The results emphasise the significance and multifactorial nature of the urge component in geriatric incontinence, which should be considered in both geriatric and general practice.
Sleep duration and biomarkers of inflammation.

INTRODUCTION Extremes of sleep duration have been associated with adverse health outcomes. The mechanism is unclear but may be related to increased inflammation. We sought to assess the association between sleep duration and inflammatory biomarkers. METHODS A total of 614 individuals from the Cleveland Family Study completed questionnaires about sleep habits and underwent polysomnography. A morning fasting blood sample was assayed for 5 inflammatory cytokines. RESULTS In this cohort, mean (SD) habitual sleep duration based on self-report was 7.6 (1.6) h and mean sleep duration by polysomnography (PSG) on the night prior to blood sampling was 6.2 (1.3) h. After adjusting for obesity and apnea severity, each additional hour of habitual sleep duration was associated with an 8% increase in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (P=0.004) and 7% increase in interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels (P=0.0003). These associations were independent of self-reported sleepiness. In contrast, PSG sleep duration was inversely associated with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa) levels. For each hour reduction in sleep, TNFalpha levels increased by 8% on average (P=0.02). Sleep duration was not associated with IL-1 or IL-10. CONCLUSIONS Increases in habitual sleep durations are associated with elevations in CRP and IL-6 while reduced PSG sleep duration is associated with elevated TNFa levels. Activation of pro-inflammatory pathways may represent a mechanism by which extreme sleep habits affect health.
Sexually transmitted infections among female sex workers in Hong Kong: the role of migration status.

OBJECTIVES Female sex workers (FSW) have been considered reservoirs and vectors of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in the community. This study estimated the prevalence of STI/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among FSW of various migration and residential status in Hong Kong and identified possible risk factors. METHODS An outreach "Well-women" clinic was set up at Ziteng, a non-governmental organization working with FSW. Details of their lifestyle and health risk behavior were gathered before screening tests were performed, and the data were analyzed according to their place of origin. RESULTS A total of 503 FSW were screened for STI/HIV between 2005 and 2007. Syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV accounted for 1.8, 1.8, 4.6, and 0.2%, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, having ≥ 2 sexual partners (odds ratio [OR] 8.33, 95%CI: 2.17-33.46), residence status (OR 0.38, 95%CI: 0.17-0.89), and daily frequency of douching (OR 3.02, 95%CI: 1.23-7.35) were identified as significant predictors. CONCLUSIONS This study provides important insights on the screening and associated risk factors of STI among FSW working in Hong Kong. The contextual factors identified reflect the social and geographical context in which these women are operating and how they protect their health using their own means. These findings encourage policymakers and health professionals to redirect their focus and resources to a more holistic approach to sexual health when planning and implementing effective STI/HIV prevention programs.
Water relations of chives in function of salinity and circulation frequency of nutrient solutions

ABSTRACT Hydroponic cultivation using saline waters is an alternative for agricultural production, especially in the cultivation of vegetables. Therefore, the present work was conducted with the objective of evaluating the water consumption, water use efficiency and water content, as well as dry matter partitioning of chives (Allium schoenoprasum), cv. Todo Ano Evergreen – Nebuka exposed to six levels of nutrient solution salinity (1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 6.0, 7.5 and 9.0 dS m-1), applied at two circulation frequencies (twice a day at 8 and 16 h; and three times a day - at 8, 12 and 16 h). The level in the nutrient solution reservoir, which decreased according to the water consumption by plants, was replaced with the respective saline water (Experiment I) and supply water (Experiment II). Both experiments used a completely randomized design, in a 6 x 2 factorial scheme, with five replicates. It was observed that increased circulation frequency and the use of supply water in the replacement mitigated the effects of salinity on water consumption, water use efficiency and water content in the plant. However, with the increase in nutrient solution electrical conductivity, dry matter allocation in the roots increased, to the detriment of the shoots.
Association of the 174 G/C polymorphism of the IL6 gene in Polish power-orientated athletes.

AIM Interleukin-6 (IL6), has been called by some authors "an exercise factor" due to its pleiotropic effects during physical training. Several studies indicated that change in the guanine bases to cytosine at position -174 affects the transcription of the IL6 gene, and finally IL6 production level. The aim of this study was to perform confirmation studies to analyze the possible importance of the IL6 -174 G/C (rs1800795) polymorphism gene in Polish power-orientated athletes. METHODS The study was carried out on two groups of men of the same Caucasian descent: 158 power-orientated athletes and 254 volunteers not involved in competitive sport. DNA was extracted from buccal cells donated by the subjects. Genotyping was carried out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Significance was assessed by Chi square (χ2) analysis. RESULTS The results revealed that the frequency of the IL6 -174 GG genotype (53.16% vs. 35.82%; P=0.002) and G allele (68.67% vs. 57.87%; P=0.03) were significantly higher in the Polish power-orientated athletes compared to controls. CONCLUSION These data suggest that the G allele could be one of the factors influencing the power-orientated sport performance. However, these conclusions should be supported with more experimental studies on other IL6 polymorphisms and other genes.
In vivo DNA adduct formation by bisphenol A

We have previously shown that bisphenol A (BPA) is oxidized to bisphenol‐o‐quinone in the presence of activation system and that the chemical reaction of DNA or deoxyguanosine 3′‐monophosphate (dGMP) with bisphenol‐o‐quinone produces adducts. In the present study, using the 32P‐postlabeling technique, we have investigated the in vivo DNA adduct formation by BPA by examining covalent modification in DNA. Administration of a single or multiple dose of 200 mg/kg of BPA to CD1 male rats produced two major and several minor adducts in liver DNA. The two major in vivo adducts matched the adduct profile of DNA or dGMP‐bis‐phenol‐o‐quinone. To determine how BPA may be converted to DNA‐binding metabolites, adducts were examined after incubation of DNA with BPA in the presence of a microsomal activation system. The in vitro incubation of BPA with DNA in the presence of a microsomal activation system revealed one major adduct and several minor adducts. The formation of adducts in DNA by BPA in the presence of a microsomal activation system was drastically decreased by known inhibitors of cytochrome P450. Adduct formation in DNA when cumene hydroperoxide or NADPH was used as a cofactor showed adducts with similar chromatographic mobilities as those from the reaction of dGMP‐bisphenol‐o‐quinone. These data demonstrate that BPA is capable of binding covalently to DNA. DNA binding can be inhibited by the inhibitors of cytochrome P450. One of the DNA‐binding metabolite(s) both in vitro and in vivo may be bisphenol‐o‐quinone. Covalent modifications in DNA by in vivo exposure of BPA may be a factor in the induction of hepatotoxicity. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Efficacy of Selected Acaricides against the Two-Spotted Spider Mite Tetranychus urticae on Strawberries in Greenhouse Production

The efficacy of seven acaricides with their distinctive modes of action against the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae (Koch), on strawberries was evaluated in potting and ground soil experiments in greenhouses. In the potting trial from 1 to 3 weeks post-treatment, bifenazate suppressed the adult mite numbers by 91% to 99% and the immature numbers by 98% to 100%; etoxazole and spirodiclofen reduced the immatures by 72% to 91% and 61% to 91%, respectively; pyridaben decreased the adults by 41% to 64% and the immatures by up to 67%. At 1 week post-treatment, Abamectin reduced the immatures by 59%. Up to 2 weeks post-treatment, matrine decreased numbers of immatures by 50% to 74% and beta-cypermethrin depressed the adult numbers by 61%. In the ground soil experiment from 1 to 4 weeks post-treatment, bifenazate decreased the adult numbers by 92% to 100% and the immature numbers by 98% to 99%; etoxazole reduced the adults by 62% to 87% and immatures by 91% to 97%; spirodiclofen reduced adults by 60% to 90% and immatures by 60% to 81%; pyridaben decreased the adults by 48% to 93% and immatures by 35% to 85%; abamectin suppressed adults by 43% to 84% and immatures by 45% to 75%. At 1 week post-treatment, matrine reduced the adults by 84% and immatures by 73%, while beta-cypermethrin suppressed the adults by 48% and the immatures by 61%. The potential role of these acaricides in integrated management of the two-spotted spider mite on strawberries in greenhouse production was discussed.
Risk factors for β-amyloid deposition in healthy aging: vascular and genetic effects.

IMPORTANCE Identifying risk factors for increased β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition is important for targeting individuals most at risk for developing Alzheimer disease and informing clinical practice concerning prevention and early detection. OBJECTIVE To investigate risk factors for Aβ deposition in cognitively healthy middle-aged and older adults. Specifically, we hypothesized that individuals with a vascular risk factor such as hypertension, in combination with a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer disease (apolipoprotein E ε4 allele), would show greater amyloid burden than those without such risk. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING General community. PARTICIPANTS One hundred eighteen well-screened and cognitively normal adults, aged 47 to 89 years. Participants were classified in the hypertension group if they reported a medical diagnosis of hypertension or if blood pressure exceeded 140 mm Hg systolic/90 mm Hg diastolic, as measured across 7 occasions at the time of study. INTERVENTION Participants underwent Aβ positron emission tomography imaging with radiotracer fluorine 18-labeled florbetapir. Participants were genotyped for apolipoprotein E and were classified as ε4(+) or ε4(-). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Amyloid burden. RESULTS Participants in the hypertension group with at least 1 ε4 allele showed significantly greater amyloid burden than those with only 1 risk factor or no risk factors. Furthermore, increased pulse pressure was strongly associated with increased mean cortical amyloid level for subjects with at least 1 ε4 allele. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Vascular disease is a prevalent age-related condition that is highly responsive to both behavioral modification and medical treatment. Proper control and prevention of risk factors such as hypertension earlier in the life span may be one potential mechanism to ameliorate or delay neuropathological brain changes with aging.
Loss of K+ATP-Channel-Mediated Vasodilation After Induction of Tachyphylaxis to Peroxynitrite

Systemic injections of peroxynitrite elicit pronounced vasodilator responses in rats by activation of ATP-dependent K+ channels (K+ATP-channels). The aim of this study was to determine whether development of tachyphylaxis to the vasodilator actions of peroxynitrite involves the loss of K+ATP-channel function. The falls in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and mesenteric and hindquarter vascular resistances produced by the K+ATP-channel agonist, cromakalim (3-18 μg/kg, iv), and the nitric oxide (NO) donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 1-4 μg/kg, iv), were determined in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats before and after induction of tachyphylaxis to peroxynitrite induced by the administration of 10 injections of peroxynitrite (10 μmol/kg, iv). The first dose of peroxynitrite elicited pronounced falls in MAP and vascular resistances whereas the tenth injection elicited much smaller responses that were equivalent to those of decomposed peroxynitrite. Before induction of tachyphylaxis to peroxynitrite, cromakalim and SNP produced dose-dependent reductions in MAP and vascular resistances. The hemodynamic actions of cromakalim were markedly attenuated after induction of tachyphylaxis to peroxynitrite whereas the SNP-induced responses were only slightly attenuated. These results suggest that tachyphylaxis to the vasodilator actions of peroxynitrite involves the loss of K+ATP-channel function whereas tachyphylaxis to peroxynitrite minimally affects NO-mediated vasodilation. Taken together, these findings raise the possibility that peroxynitrite inhibits K+ATP-channel function by oxidation and/or nitration of amino acids in these channels.
Unique Brand Extension Challenges For Luxury Brands

This article addresses the impact of brand extensions on the brand equity of luxury brands. A review of the developments in the luxury market has shown significant changes in demand and supply sides. The luxury market has been growing rapidly over the last 20 years, and luxury brands, formerly reserved for a small group of privileged individuals, are now available to more consumers. Meanwhile, luxury goods manufacturers have been applying new marketing strategies, and extending their brands without any insights as to the consequences for their brands. Despite these changes, little research has investigated the luxury market. Therefore, a systematic review has been undertaken regarding the nature of luxury brands and research measuring individual luxury brand equity elements such as attitudes and perceptions. Deviating results in the application of concepts for non-luxury brands to luxury brands have been found due to the abstract and emotional nature of luxury brands. These results support the development of distinct brand equity constructs for luxury brands. The main focus of this article is the impact of luxury brand extensions on the parent brand’s equity and the proposal of a framework to allow the impact to be measured.
Sensory Feedback Plays a Significant Role in Generating Walking Gait and in Gait Transition in Salamanders: A Simulation Study

Here, we investigate the role of sensory feedback in gait generation and transition by using a three-dimensional, neuro-musculo-mechanical model of a salamander with realistic physical parameters. Activation of limb and axial muscles were driven by neural output patterns obtained from a central pattern generator (CPG) which is composed of simulated spiking neurons with adaptation. The CPG consists of a body-CPG and four limb-CPGs that are interconnected via synapses both ipsilaterally and contralaterally. We use the model both with and without sensory modulation and four different combinations of ipsilateral and contralateral coupling between the limb-CPGs. We found that the proprioceptive sensory inputs are essential in obtaining a coordinated lateral sequence walking gait (walking). The sensory feedback includes the signals coming from the stretch receptor like intraspinal neurons located in the girdle regions and the limb stretch receptors residing in the hip and scapula regions of the salamander. On the other hand, walking trot gait (trotting) is more under central (CPG) influence compared to that of the peripheral or sensory feedback. We found that the gait transition from walking to trotting can be induced by increased activity of the descending drive coming from the mesencephalic locomotor region and is helped by the sensory inputs at the hip and scapula regions detecting the late stance phase. More neurophysiological experiments are required to identify the precise type of mechanoreceptors in the salamander and the neural mechanisms mediating the sensory modulation.
OF LIQUEFACTION PHENOMENA

This paper describes research currently ongoing to investigate many aspects of earthquake engineering related to the prediction, and further understanding of liquefaction and liquefaction related effects. This research incorporates physical centrifuge modeling utilizing state-of-the-art equipment including earthquake actuators, containers, and data recording instrumentation. Research concerning one particular instrument, the in-flight cone penetrometer, will be discussed in detail in this paper with results. Other ongoing research will also be briefly discussed. The bulk of this research is being conducted at the centrifuge research center of the Waterways Experiment Station, and the rest at the centrifuge center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Strength Behaviour of Expansive Soil Treated with Tile Waste

The amount of wastes has increased year by year and the disposal becomes a serious problem. This paper presents the effects of tile waste on, liquid limit, plastic limit, compaction characteristics, California Bearing Ratio and swelling pressure of an expansive soil. The expansive soil collected locally was mixed with tile waste from 0 to 30% at an increment of 10%. From the analysis of test results it was found that, liquid limit, plastic limit, optimum moisture content, and swelling pressure are decreased, maximum dry density and California bearing ratio are increased with an increase in tile waste.
Formic acid assisted hydrogenation of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone over ordered mesoporous Cu / Fe 2 O 3 catalyst prepared by hard template method

Vapor phase hydrogenation of levulinic acid using formic acid as a hydrogen source has been conducted over ordered mesoporous Cu/Fe2O3 catalysts prepared by hard template method using mesoporous silica, SBA-15. X-ray diffraction result reveals the absence of copper peaks because of either highly dispersed state, or formation of a solid solution with iron oxides. The N2 sorption analysis and TEM results indicate the retainment of mesoporous nature in the samples. Among the catalysts tested, 10 (wt%) Cu/Fe2O3 seems to be an efficient catalyst to yield higher amounts of γ-valerolactone under hydrogen-free conditions. The results reveal the formation of spinel species, which gets reduced easily at a lower temperature (as evidenced from TPR studies), and as a consequence of this synergism, significant improvement in the catalytic performance for the synthesis of γ-valerolactone from levulinic acid and formic acid in presence of water has been achieved. The presence of water plays a crucial role in obtaining a higher yield of γ-valerolactone. This makes the catalytic system a viable methodology for hydrogenation of levulinic acid to get γ-valerolactone.