Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identificación de variedades de aceitunas a partir del endocarpo utilizando visión por computador

espanolLa identificacion varietal es fundamental en los distintos estadios relacionados con la produccion de aceite de oliva virgen, comenzando por su cultivo y posterior procesado hasta su comercializacion. Realizar la determinacion varietal de manera precisa es un proceso que requiere de mucho tiempo, ademas de profesionales entrenados o la utilizacion de un equipo especifico. Uno de los metodos mas empleados es el tradicional, tambien conocido como morfologico, consistente en la evaluacion, por parte de un experto, de ciertas caracteristicas del hueso de la aceituna o endocarpo. En este trabajo se presenta una propuesta de automatizacion del metodo morfologico. En primer lugar, se obtendran y procesaran, mediante Wilk’s Lambda, caracteristicas del endocarpo para, posteriormente, identificar la variedad mediante el uso de dos clasificadores: el analisis discriminante por minimos cuadrados parciales y diferentes maquinas de soporte vectorial. En la validacion de esta propuesta se han utilizado 250 ejemplares de 5 variedades procedentes del sur de Espana. EnglishThe identification of olives is of great importance for a multitude of factors, including harvesting, olive oil production process and trade exchanges. Precisely identifying varieties is a time-consuming task in addition to trained experts or specific and expensive equipment. When applying the traditional method, also known as morphological, a specialist assesses morphological features using the olive endocarp. In this paper a proposal to automate this identification methodology is presented. Endocarp images are acquired and analyzed to extract the endocarp features, processed by Wilk’s Lambda. Then, the varieties are identified by two classifiers: partial least squares discriminant analysis and different support vector machines. The proposal has been tested on a set of 250 samples from 5 varieties from the south of Spain.
Protein kinase A regulates β2 integrin avidity in neutrophils

The adhesive phenotype of neutrophils (PMN) depends largely on activating and deactivating intracellular signals regulating β2 integrin avidity for ligand. Our hypothesis is that PKA is a negative regulator of β2 integrin avidity. In this work, we examined the role of PKA in PMN αMβ2 integrin activation. Elevation of cAMP inhibited αMβ2 integrin‐dependent adhesion of PMN to immune complexes (IC), but not PMA‐induced adhesion. The PKA inhibitor KT5720 reversed the ability of cAMP to suppress adhesion to IC. Moreover, inhibition of PKA activity was sufficient to activate αMβ2 integrin‐dependent adhesion and increase β2 integrin expression and binding of the monoclonal antibody CBRM1/5, which recognizes activated αMβ2 specifically. However, PKA activity was necessary for sustained adhesion. Disruption of A kinase‐anchoring, protein‐PKA binding with a cell‐permeant peptide derived from the AKAP Ht31 also activated adhesion. Unlike pharmacologic inhibition of PKA, AKAP peptide‐induced adhesion was PKC dependent and did not affect β2 integrin expression or CBRM1/5 binding. These data demonstrate that PKA appears to have a dual role in the mechanism regulating αMβ2 integrin avidity and adhesion.
A Re-Appraisal of Pathogenic Mechanisms Bridging Wet and Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration Leads to Reconsider a Role for Phytochemicals

Which pathogenic mechanisms underlie age-related macular degeneration (AMD)? Are they different for dry and wet variants, or do they stem from common metabolic alterations? Where shall we look for altered metabolism? Is it the inner choroid, or is it rather the choroid–retinal border? Again, since cell-clearing pathways are crucial to degrade altered proteins, which metabolic system is likely to be the most implicated, and in which cell type? Here we describe the unique clearing activity of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the relevant role of its autophagy machinery in removing altered debris, thus centering the RPE in the pathogenesis of AMD. The cell-clearing systems within the RPE may act as a kernel to regulate the redox homeostasis and the traffic of multiple proteins and organelles toward either the choroid border or the outer segments of photoreceptors. This is expected to cope with the polarity of various domains within RPE cells, with each one owning a specific metabolic activity. A defective clearance machinery may trigger unconventional solutions to avoid intracellular substrates’ accumulation through unconventional secretions. These components may be deposited between the RPE and Bruch’s membrane, thus generating the drusen, which remains the classic hallmark of AMD. These deposits may rather represent a witness of an abnormal RPE metabolism than a real pathogenic component. The empowerment of cell clearance, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic activity of the RPE by specific phytochemicals is here discussed.
Obesity, Sex, Race, and Early Onset Hypertension

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Investigation for secondary causes is recommended in early onset hypertension. However, obesity is associated with higher blood pressure (BP), so investigation for alternative secondary causes may not be necessary in all obese patients. We sought to define a rational approach to investigation across strata of age, body mass index (BMI) sex and race, based on BP distributions in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2005 to 2016. The majority (71% [95% CI, 59%–79%] and 64% [95% CI, 57%–69%] by European and US definitions respectively) of early onset hypertension cases were attributable to BP distribution shifts accompanying obesity and male sex. Male versus female sex, BMI>40 versus 18.2<BMI≤25 and Black versus White race were accompanied by adjusted mean systolic BP differences of 9 (95% CI, 8–9) mm Hg, 13 (95% CI, 12–15) mm Hg, and 3 (95% CI, 2–4) mm Hg respectively. Normal BMI women above the age cutoff for investigation were less likely to be hypertensive than obese younger men meeting current investigation criteria (P<0.001). Targeting investigations to combinations of sex, BMI, and age with low hypertension prevalence would reduce the number investigated while still identifying as many secondary cases. Limiting investigations to patients with a BP exceeded by ≤5% of their respective sex/BMI/age category would give investigation thresholds ranging from ≥130/≥80 and ≥140/≥90 for normal BMI women and men, respectively, at age 20 to 30 years, to ≥160/≥100 and ≥170/≥105 for women and men with BMI ≥40 at age 30 to 40 years. In conclusion, we propose refined strategies for investigation of early onset hypertension in the context of an obesity epidemic.
Effect of Sowing Dates, Temperatures on Germination, Flowering, and Yield of Cucumis metuliferus

Seed germination, growth, flowering, and yields of Cucumis metuliferus Mey. were examined in several seasons and conditions in the northern Negev, Israel. Germination was optimal between 20 and 35C. Germination was delayed at 12C, totally inhibited at SC, and greatly inhibited above 35C. Salinity increased the time required for full germination. Plants sown in mid-March set fruit in mid-May and gave a higher yield of export-qualit y fruits than plants sown in mid-April, which set fruit normally but produced a large proportion of small (<200 g) fruits. Plants sown in June did not flower until October. C. metuliferus sown in a greenhouse on three dates in October and November developed very slowly during the cold months and leaves were chlorotic; however, fast growth and development resumed in the spring and high yields were eventually achieved.
Patterns in planktonic P:R ratios in lakes: Influence of lake trophy and dissolved organic carbon

A comparative analysis of planktonic metabolism in 20 southern Quebec lakes was carried out to test the hypothesis that planktonic P: R ratios reflect gradients of both nutrient enrichment and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Mean epilimnetic phytoplankton photosynthesis ranged from 8 to 377 mg C m-3 d-l, and the amount of C respired by the plankton in excess of phytoplankton photosynthesis ranged from 30 to 86 mg C m-3 d-l. Plankton community respiration was 2-8 times greater than phytoplankton photosynthesis in all oligotrophic and mesotrophic lakes during the growing season, and this imbalance narrowed toward the more productive lakes. P: R ratios were positively related to chlorophyll and total P concentration, and inversely related to water color and DOC concentration. The strong influence of DOC on planktonic P: R ratios was almost exclusively due to its depressing effect on phytoplankton photosynthesis; DOC had no statistical effect on respiration. The calculated DOC loading for these lakes suggests that organic C loss through epilimnetic respiration in excess of phytoplankton photosynthesis is comparable to the estimated DOC loss within the lakes and that summer plankton metabolism could be supported by external DOC inputs in most lakes. The highly significant intercept of the respiration to production relationship, 27 mg C m-3 d-l, may indicate the baseline metabolism supported by external sources of C that occurs in these temperate lakes. Estimates of respiratory CO2 production from the pelagial of these lakes range from 11 to 60 mmol CO, m-2 d-l, depending on lake trophy and DOC concentration. These estimates suggest that the planktonic metabolism of allochthonous DOC probably constitutes a major source of CO, in lakes.
Anti-Staphylococcal Activity of Eugenia Jambolana L. Against Methicillin–Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

The antibacterial activity of ethanol extracts of Eugenia jambolana L. and E. uniflora L. (Myrtaceae) were evaluated by agar-well diffusion method and MICs by microdillution method. E. jambolana showed antibacterial activity against MRSA strains (MIC < 1024 μg/mL). E. uniflora did not show significant antibacterial activity (MIC > 1024 μg/mL). It is therefore suggested that extracts from E. jambolana could be used as an anti– Staphylococcus agent. When compared with Methicillin and Gentamicin, the extract was more effective against, being a promising antibacterial agent. Based on the author's knowledge, this is the first report about the antibacterial activity of leave ethanol extract from Eugenia jambolana.
Characterization and Immune Targeting of a Novel Tumor Antigen, EphA2

In order to generate and monitor effective and specific immune responses against tumors, a clear understanding of relevant tumor antigens and their derivative epitopes recognized by T lymphocytes is warranted. The characterization of tumor antigen epitopes recognized by T lymphocytes has been a major focus of study over the past decade. Both CD8+ and CD4+ T lymphocytes contribute to the immune response against tumors, and the determination of the epitopes they recognize is necessary for their incorporation into immunotherapy protocols for cancer. The tumor antigens recognized by T lymphocytes fall into 3 major categories: Tumor-specific (TSA), Cancer Testis (CT), and Tumor Associated Antigens (TAA). Our goal in the following studies was to characterize a novel TAA, EphA2, since this protein has been linked to metastasis in numerous cancer settings.The definition of epitopes seen by T lymphocytes will assist in vaccine strategies for immunotherapy protocols against EphA2+ tumors. In the following studies, I have defined 8 novel EphA2 T cell epitopes (5 HLA-A2 restricted and 3 HLA-DR4 restricted) recognized by CD8+ and CD4+ T lymphocytes, respectively. The anti-EphA2 CD4+ functional response was skewed based on the presence of disease or increased staging of RCC disease, with patients with active disease exhibiting a Th2-biased CD4+ response. I have also linked the expression of EphA2 in primary RCC tumors to the time to recurrence in patients affected with RCC. Furthermore, I have demonstrated that the cell surface expression of EphA2 on tumors can be modulated using EphA2 agonists. This agonist treatment results in the enhanced recognition of EphA2+ tumors by specific CTLs. With reports of the overexpression of protein phosphatases (PPs) in several cancer settings, we discovered the EphA2 was constitutively underphosphorylated in certain cancer cell lines, likely as the consequence of overexpressed PP activity. Finally, I have shown that by neutralizing the activity of cellular phosphatases utilizing phosphatase inhibitors, that we can induce the phosphorylation of EphA2 and its subsequent degradation via a largely proteasome-dependent pathway. As a result, this thesis has defined a novel tumor antigen, EphA2, and demonstrated the possibility that modulation of its expression in tumor cells may result in increased recognition by specific T effector cells that may be germane to the design of improved and efficacious therapies for the treatment of patients with EphA2+ tumors.
A Qualitative Study on the Perspectives of Latinas Enrolled in a Diabetes Prevention Program: Is the Cost of Prevention Too High?

Introduction: Latinas are among the groups most affected by diabetes health disparities, yet they often benefit less from diabetes interventions even when these are culturally adapted. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore readiness of Latinas enrolled in a diabetes prevention program to adopt recommended preventive behaviors, and to identify factors associated with the adoption and maintenance of these recommended lifestyle changes. Insights gained will be used to inform future efforts at reducing diabetes disparities and the burden of chronic diseases among Latinas. Methods: Nine focus group discussions (FGDs) and 3 key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted after the completion of a culturally adapted diabetes prevention program led by Latino community health workers. A grounded theory approach by Charmaz informed by the transtheoretical model guided the questions. Discussions and interviews were audio-taped with participants’ permission, transcribed, coded, and themed. Results: Forty low-income Latinas contributed to FGDs and KIIs. Baseline readiness to engage in new behaviors varied. Negative personal and family health events and physician referral impacted most readiness to enroll and to adopt preventive behaviors. Built environment, financial constraints, and threat of social alienation constituted major barriers to behavior adoption and maintenance, while physician involvement, awareness of diabetes complications, and social support partially mitigated these impediments. Conclusions: Our results suggest that timing of enrollment, physician-patient dynamics, and the emotional personal/family cost of behavior modification should all be considered when planning diabetes prevention programs for low-income Latinas. Besides appropriately timing referrals to accessible culturally informed prevention programs, health educators and health care providers should be aware of the potentially negative impact of behavior modification on family dynamics and be prepared to address resulting repercussions. Future research on Latinas should also include and report data on physician involvement, family context, and social determinants of health for more consistent program comparisons.
Threats to public health from gulls (Laridae)

Gulls have a world‐wide distribution but are more common in temperate regions. The numbers of several species have increased enormously in recent decades, but for some populations this growth has now ceased or even reversed. The population growth followed cessation of prior persecution, and has substantially depended upon increased availability of food resulting directly or indirectly from human activities. Gulls and humans often share the same habitats and increasing numbers of gulls occupy urban areas so that there are chances for fecal contamination. These are greatest through water supplies. Pathogens carried by gulls are chiefly enteric microorganisms originating from anthropogenic sources such as landfills and untreated sewage. The greatest threats to public health arise when gulls feed at such sites and then visit reservoirs of potable water. Gulls may disseminate several bacteria notably Campylobacter which is probably endemic to birds, and Salmonella, but are not reported to be involved in spread.
Can Marmoset Mothers Count to Three? Effect of Litter Size on Mother–Infant Interactions

Harper (Parental Care in Mammals, Plenum Press, New York, 1981, p. 158) proposed that ‘there may be lower and upper limits for frequency or intensity of offspring stimulation that, on average, serve as reliable boundaries, below or above which it would be uneconomical to invest at all or at current levels. ’ This proposition was tested in captive common marmosets by comparing the responses of marmoset mothers exposed to differing number of infants. Fifteen common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) litters (seven twin and eight triplet litters) from 11 different dams were observed for 6–12, 30-min sessions over days 1–4 following birth. Mothers nursed smaller infants less frequently (F ¼ 4.208, df ¼ 1, 22; p ¼ 0.052) regardless of litter size. The percent time mothers spent transporting (nursing and carrying) each infant was less for triplets than twins (F ¼ 11.785, df ¼ 1, 12; p ¼ 0.005). Average transport bout length was significantly shorter for smaller infants (F ¼ 7.566, df ¼ 1, 22; p ¼ 0.012) and was half as long for triplet infants as for twins (F ¼ 10.733, df ¼ 1, 7; p ¼ 0.013). Twice as many transport bouts for triplets included maternal harassment of infants, than for twins (F ¼ 42.742, df ¼ 1, 24; p ¼ 0.0001). Infant-initiated transfers to the mother were more common for triplets than for twins (Mann–Whitney U ¼ 79.50, p ¼ 0.006). The overall maternal
Membrane Protein As Novel Targets For Vaccine Production In Haemophilus Influenzae And Neisseria Meningitidis

Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria meningitis are gram negative, commensal bacteria naturally present in the nasopharynx. They are also naturally competent and suffer genetic mutations. H. influenzae causes diseases such as otitis media and pneumonia. While N. meningitis causes pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis. With the introduction of a vaccination program, a decrease in cases and deaths caused by these pathogens were observed over the following years. Especially, in countries where these vaccines were included in the vaccination schedule and in endemic regions, such as the meningitis belt in Africa. However, there are serotypes, biotypes and strains that these vaccines do not cover. Thus, these strains, biotypes and serotypes are emerging as pathogenic ones. Concerning the health authorities because the diagnosis of these diseases is most of the times unreliable and treatment needs to be immediate, due to the rapid evolution of the disease. For these emerging bacteria novel immunogenic targets are being researched as a way of trying to find and design new vaccines. These vaccines can be aimed in membrane proteins. Using these proteins as immunogenic targets with the help of adjuvants, to boost the immune system. The burden of a death or sequel to children and even adults that undergo meningitis infection and treatment is high. Therefore prevention is the best alternative. The aim of this review is to present this novel targets and their pros and cons. As a way of enlighten researches to view this new group of molecules and ligands as a possible target.
Analysis of Protistan Grazing on Bioremediative Bacteria Using IN WVO Fluorescent Protein Expression and Flow Cytometry

To induce in vivo expression of fluorescence in experimental prey cells for flow cytometric analyses of protistan bacterivory, genes encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) and red fluorescent protein (RFP) were introduced on broad-host-range plasmids to a variety of bacteria. Plasmids were constructed based on broad-host-range expression vectors pBMMB67EH and pBBR122. Bacteria expressing these fluorescent proteins can easily be detected using either epifluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry.
Development of Recombinant Immunotoxins for Hairy Cell Leukemia

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is an indolent B-cell malignancy with excellent initial response to purine analogs pentostatin or cladribine, but patients are rarely, if ever, cured. Younger patients will usually need repeat chemotherapy which has declining benefits and increasing toxicities with each course. Targeted therapies directed to the BRAF V600E mutation and Bruton’s tyrosine kinase may be helpful, but rarely eradicate the minimal residual disease (MRD) which will eventually lead to relapse. Moxetumomab pasudotox (Moxe) is an anti-CD22 recombinant immunotoxin, which binds to CD22 on HCL cells and leads to apoptotic cell death after internalization and trafficking of the toxin to the cytosol. Phase I testing achieved a complete remission (CR) rate of 57% in relapsed/refractory HCL. Most CRs were without MRD and eradication of MRD correlated with prolonged CR duration. Patients were often MRD-free after five years. Important mild-moderate toxicities included capillary leak and hemolytic uremic syndromes which could be prevented and managed conservatively. A phase 3 trial met its endpoint of durable CR with acceptable toxicity, leading to FDA approval of Moxe for relapsed/refractory HCL, under the name Lumoxiti. Moxe combined with rituximab is currently being evaluated in relapsed/refractory HCL to improve the rate of MRD-free CR.
Exercise Is Medicine? The Cardiorespiratory Implications of Ultra-marathon

Abstract Regular physical activity decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, obesity, certain cancers, and all-cause mortality. Nevertheless, there is mounting evidence that extreme exercise behaviors may be detrimental to human health. This review collates several decades of literature on the physiology and pathophysiology of ultra-marathon running, with emphasis on the cardiorespiratory implications. Herein, we discuss the prevalence and clinical significance of postrace decreases in lung function and diffusing capacity, respiratory muscle fatigue, pulmonary edema, biomarkers of cardiac injury, left/right ventricular dysfunction, and chronic myocardial remodeling. The aim of this article is to inform risk stratification for ultra-marathon and to edify best practice for personnel overseeing the events (i.e., race directors and medics).
Speckle-contrast imaging of pathological tissue microhemodynamics at optical clearing

The study of blood microcirculation is one of the most important problems of the medicine. This is caused by the fact that many diseases, such as cardio-vascular diseases, atherosclerosis, diabetes, chronic venous insufficiency, oncology diseases, cause functional and morphological changes of microcirculation of blood flow. The results of experimental study of changes of blood microcirculation of pancreas in rats with diabetes measured by using Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI) at application of optical clearing agents are presented. Laser speckle contrast techniques are based on the spatial and temporal statistics of the speckle pattern, calculating of contrast of time-averaged dynamic speckles in dependence on the exposure time at the registration of the speckle-modulated images. In research, 28 Wistar rats weighing 300-500 g were used. Alloxan induced animal model of diabetes was explored. The influence of solution of glycerol, PEG-300 was investigated. Application of 70%-aqueous glycerol solution demonstrates 50%-decrease of blood flow velocity in the group of diabetic animals, to 10th min blood flow velocity was completely restored. Blood flow in the control group almost stopped, to 10 min has not recovered. Application of solution of PEG-300 demonstrates 25%- decrease of blood flow in the group of diabetic animals. Blood flow in the control group show 65%-decrease of blood flow. The results obtained at the study of blood microcirculation disorders of pancreas in diabetes show that diseases development in animals causes changes in the microcirculatory system and application of optical clearing agents demonstrates changes in vascular permeability in conditions of development of pathologies.