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This study evaluated the inoculation of Meyerozyma guilliermondii and Bacillus licheniformis, separately or in co-culture, in wet-processed conilon coffee. Wet fermentation was conducted for 48 h. Mesophilic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, and filamentous fungi were counted during fermentation. The inoculation of B. licheniformis and M. guilliermondii stimulated the multiplication of lactic acid bacteria. Acetic, citric, lactic, oxalic, malic, succinic, tartaric acids, glucose, and fructose were identified in all treatments at different concentrations. Methyl salicylate, 2-heptanol, 2-nonanol, and heptanone were found during fermentation. Methylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, and 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine identified after roasting assigned notes of "almond" and "chocolate" to the beverages. All treatments were classified as "premium," with the B. licheniformis treatment receiving the highest score. Bacillus licheniformis obtained better performance in fermentation, increasing coffee score and producing volatile compounds that provided positive sensory notes to the beverage.

Vertical greening systems for buildings are becoming common in many cities. There are different options in the market but some types of living walls require the use of inorganic substrates as plants are grown in a hydroponics culture. In this study, three different substrates (expanded clay, perlite and pumice) are tested in six living wall modules (two per substrate) with two lighting conditions. The substrates were physically and chemically characterized and both water consumption and plant development (green cover, flowering, biomass production and photosynthetic activity) were monitored in two different tests. The three substrates showed to be suitable for living walls and most of the differences observed were due to the lighting conditions. Among the three substrates assessed, pumice exhibited a slightly better performance in terms of green cover and biomass production.

Background: Shortage of Personal Protective Equipment and preparedness to fight back the pandemic have been a common issue in most of the affected countries. The aim was to establish what were the needs of the healthcare professionals, and the technical difficulties they must face, during the first impact of the outbreak. Methods:A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted involving healthcare workforce in most populous cities from three Latin American countries in April 2020. Findings: 1082 participants were included, of these physicians accounted for 534 (49·4%) and nurses 263 (24·3%). At least 70% reported lack of PPE availability. Most common perceived deficiencies were closed special protection suits 643 (59·4%), N95 masks 600 (55·5%) and face shields 569 (52·6%). Professionals who performed procedures that generated aerosols reported more deficiencies (p

There is mounting evidence that 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) plays a role in asthma. However, scarce information exists about the pulmonary expression of 5-HT receptors and its modification after allergic sensitization. In the present work, we explored the expression of 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT3, 5-HT4, 5-ht5a, 5-HT6, and 5-HT7 receptors in lungs from control and sensitized guinea pigs through qPCR and Western blot. In control animals, mRNA from all receptors was detectable in lung homogenates, especially from 5-HT2A and 5-HT4 receptors. Sensitized animals had decreased mRNA expression of 5-HT2A and 5-HT4 receptors and increased that of 5-HT7 receptor. In contrast, they had increased protein expression of 5-HT2A receptor in bronchial epithelium and of 5-HT4 receptor in lung parenchyma. The degree of airway response to the allergic challenge was inversely correlated with mRNA expression of the 5-HT1A receptor. In summary, our results showed that major 5-HT receptor subtypes are constitutively expressed in the guinea pig lung, and that allergic sensitization modifies the expression of 5-HT2A, 5-HT4, and 5-HT7 receptors.

Herbivores consume foods that are often low in many essential nutrients and high in structural constituents difficult to digest. In this situation, nutritional quality is of paramount relevance for food selection. Neritic juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas Linnaeus 1758) in the western South Atlantic are plant-based omnivores relying primarily on red macroalgae, although brown macroalgae are highly available. We investigated the digestibility coefficient and calculated the intake passage time of the red macroalgae Pterocladiella capillacea, the brown macroalgae Sargassum cf. vulgare and the fish Cynoscion leiarchus for juvenile green turtles ranging 42.7–62.0 cm in curved carapace length to test the hypothesis that macroalgae selection is based on nutritional quality. Results indicated that the apparent digestibility coefficient of Pterocladiella capilacea was similar to that of fish fillets (93.9% and 98.9% respectively) and significantly higher than that of the Sargassum cf. vulgare (75.8%), with a significant effect of body weight on the digestibility of certain macronutrients. Those differences arose partially because of the higher apparent digestibility of insoluble fiber of Pterocladiella capillacea compared to that of Sargassum cf. vulgare (95.2% and 84.0% respectively). The intake passage time, at 24.5 °C, was 20.6 ± 3.8 days for the three diets. The overall evidence indicates that foraging on Pterocladiella capillacea is more profitable than foraging on Sargassum cf. vulgare, which may explain the prevalence of red algae in the diet of green turtles off Brazil. Furthermore, evidence indicates that red algae diets are similar to animal diets as far as digestibility is considered, although a higher daily intake is necessary to acquire the same energy intake, due to a lower energy density.

In this article we present textile sensors for the continuous monitoring of electrocardiograms (ECG), made from fabrics coated with high electrically conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). Polymer coatings of PEDOT were in situ synthetized on plain weave fabrics of polyester by the vapour phase polymerization method, using aqueous oxidant solutions of Fe (III) chloride with a concentration of one molar, two polymerization layers and optimized process parameters. The coating provided fabrics with high electrical conductivity, characterized by a sheet resistivity of 10 Ω sq −1 . PEDOT coated fabrics and commercial conductive fabrics were made into sensors using a digital embroidery method. The performance of the sensors was analyzed by measurements of signal to noise ratio (SNR) under dry and moisture conditions and compared to those obtained with gel electrodes. The PEDOT sensors exhibited good performance characterized by SNR levels of the order to those obtained with gel electrodes. ECG sensors made of different types of fabrics exhibit significant differences in the noise amplitude, suggesting that the textile fibres and surface morphology are relevant parameters to consider in the sensoŕs design, affecting the contact resistance electrode—skin. The sensor’s resistance to washing cycles was tested under various temperature and detergent conditions. The experimental results indicate that the lifetime of the electrodes can be considerably enhanced with detergent solutions of dodecylbenzenesulfonate (DBS).

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a dynamic and complex interface between the blood and the central nervous system regulating brain homeostasis. Major functions of the BBB include the transport of nutrients and protection of the brain from toxic compounds. This review summarizes the most important transport pathways contributing to the nutrition of the brain. Carrier-mediated transport selectively delivers small molecules like sugars, amino acids, vitamins, and trace elements. Large biomolecules, lipoproteins, peptide and protein hormones cross the BBB by receptor-mediated transport. Active efflux transporters participate in the brain efflux of endogenous metabolites as well as toxins, xenobiotics and drugs. Dysfunction in the transport of nutrients at the BBB is described in several neurological disorders and diseases. The BBB penetration of neuroprotective nutrients, especially plant polyphenols and alkaloids, their potential protective effect on brain endothelium and the interaction of nutraceuticals with active efflux transporters at the BBB are discussed. In vitro BBB models to examine nutrient transport are also presented.

ResumenIntroducciónLa clase II-1 puede ser resultado de una mandíbula retrognata, de un maxilar prognato o de una combinación de ambas. Actualmente existen alternativas de tratamiento, como las extracciones de primeros premolares que en ocasiones se pueden acompañar de una extracción de incisivo central inferior o de segundos premolares inferiores, e incluso la extracción de los segundos premolares superiores, según sea el caso.ObjetivosEstablecer clase I canina, corregir la línea media dental y el traslape horizontal, así como mejorar el perfil de los tejidos blandos.Reporte del casoPaciente del sexo femenino de 32.6 años de edad. Presenta tratamiento ortodóncico previo con extracciones de primeros premolares superiores e inferiores, ausencia del segundo premolar superior izquierdo, periodontitis crónica leve generalizada y antecedentes de fractura en la sínfisis mentoniana con reconstrucción (mentoplastia).ConclusionesLa extracción del segundo premolar maxilar fue la alternativa viable para evitar otra cirugía, con un cambio significativo en el perfil, mejorando las expectativas y, especialmente, la autoestima de la paciente.AbstractIntroductionClass II-1 can be the result of a retrognathic mandible, a prognathic maxillary or both. Nowadays, there are several ways for class II treatment: maxillary first bicuspid extractions that can also include the extraction of one lower incisor or the first or second mandibular bicuspids, depending the case, or even the extraction of the second maxillary bicuspids as well.ObjectivesTo achieve canine class I, correct the midline discrepancy, the excessive overjet and to improve the patient's aesthetics.Case reportFemale patient of 32.6 years of age who had a previous orthodontic treatment with extractions of the first maxillary and mandibular bicuspids presents absence of the maxillary second bicuspid, generalized mild chronic periodontitis and previous mental foramen fracture with mentoplasty.ConclusionsThe second bicuspid extraction was the best alternative to avoid another surgery, with a significant change in the patient's profile, improving her expectations and self-esteem.

Introduction: Class II-1 can be the result of a retrognathic mandible, a prognathic maxillary or both. Nowadays, there are several ways for class II treatment: maxillary fi rst bicuspid extractions that can also include the extraction of one lower incisor or the fi rst or second mandibular bicuspids, depending the case, or even the extraction of the second maxillary bicuspids as well. Objectives: To achieve canine class I, correct the midline discrepancy, the excessive overjet and to improve the patient’s aesthetics. Case report: Female patient of 32.6 years of age who had a previous orthodontic treatment with extractions of the fi rst maxillary and mandibular bicuspids presents absence of the maxillary second bicuspid, generalized mild chronic periodontitis and previous mental foramen fracture with mentoplasty. Conclusions: The 2nd bicuspid extraction was the best alternative to avoid another surgery, with a signifi cant change in the patient’s profi le, improving her expectations and self-esteem. Key words: Class II-1, second maxillary bicuspid extractions.

This work aims at studying the potential of Ailanthus altissima as a raw material for papermaking. For this purpose, trees of two age groups (2 and 25 years) were studied in terms of wood density and chemical composition. The latter was evaluated at different height levels in the tree. Selected wood samples were submitted to kraft cooking under different operating conditions, namely effective alkali charges, in order to evaluate their pulping potential. The best screened pulp yield was close to 49% (w/w) and was obtained from the 2 years old trees. Ailanthus pulps were subsequently beaten using a PFI mill at 500, 1500, and 3000 revolutions. An industrial bleached Eucalyptus globulus kraft pulp was used as reference. Both pulps and papers were fully characterized in terms of morphological and physical properties. The results showed that the properties of the paper obtained from ailanthus are close to those of the reference ones.

Aims Although 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) contracts airway smooth muscle in many mammalian species, in guinea pig and human airways 5-HT causes a contraction followed by relaxation. This study explored potential mechanisms involved in the relaxation induced by 5-HT. Main methods Using organ baths, patch clamp, and intracellular Ca 2+ measurement techniques, the effect of 5-HT on guinea pig airway smooth muscle was studied. Key findings A wide range of 5-HT concentrations caused a biphasic response of tracheal rings. Response to 32 μM 5-HT was notably reduced by either tropisetron or methiothepin, and almost abolished by their combination. Incubation with 10 nM ketanserin significantly prevented the relaxing phase. Likewise, incubation with 100 nM charybdotoxin or 320 nM iberiotoxin and at less extent with 10 μM ouabain caused a significant reduction of the relaxing phase induced by 5-HT. Propranolol, L-NAME and 5-HT 1A , 5-HT 1B /5-HT 1D and 5-HT 2B receptors antagonist did not modify this relaxation. Tracheas from sensitized animals displayed reduced relaxation as compared with controls. In tracheas precontracted with histamine, a concentration response curve to 5-HT (32, 100 and 320 μM) induced relaxation and this effect was abolished by charybdotoxin, iberiotoxin or ketanserin. In single myocytes, 5-HT in the presence of 3 mM 4-AP notably increased the K + currents ( I K(Ca) ), and they were completely abolished by charybdotoxin, iberiotoxin or ketanserin. Significance During the relaxation induced by 5-HT two major mechanisms seem to be involved: stimulation of the Na + /K + -ATPase pump, and increasing activity of the high-conductance Ca 2+ -activated K + channels, probably via 5-HT 2A receptors.

Plants from the Gnaphalium genus have been used in the Mexican traditional medicine for digestive and respiratory complaints. In the present study, the effect of methanolic extract from Gnaphalium conoideum HBK on the responses to contractile agonists was assessed in guinea pig tracheas, and the possible role of L-type Ca2+ channels was explored in tracheal guinea pig isolated myocytes. Cumulative concentration-response curves to carbachol or histamine, as well as contractile responses to 60 mM KCl were evaluated with or without 30 min preincubation with 20 or 100 microg ml(-1) Gnaphalium conoideum. Likewise, intracellular Ca2+ concentrations were measured by microfluorometric method (fura-2 AM) in isolated tracheal myocytes with or without preincubation with 0.1, 0.31 or 1 microg ml(-1)Gnaphalium conoideum. We found that methanolic extract from Gnaphalium conoideum significantly diminished the contractile responses to histamine, but not to carbachol or KCl. In isolated myocytes, Gnaphalium conoideum significantly reduced the intracellular Ca2+ rise induced by 60 mM KCl. Because histamine contractile responses are largely dependent on extracellular Ca2+, and KCl responses are mainly mediated through L-type Ca2+ channels, our results suggested that methanolic extract from Gnaphalium conoideum might be acting as a partial blocker of these Ca2+ channels.

Fluorescent Ca2+ probes and digital photo-sectioning techniques were used to directly study the dynamics of Ca2+ in isolated mast cell granules of normal (CB/J) and beige (Bg(j)/Bg(j)) mice. The resting intraluminal free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]L) is 25 +/- 4.2 microM (mean +/- SD, n = 68). Exposure to 3 microM inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) induced periodic oscillations of luminal Ca2+ ([Ca2+]L) of approximately 10 microM amplitude and a period around 8-10 s. The [Ca2+]L oscillations were accompanied by a corresponding oscillatory release of [Ca2+]L to the extraluminal space. Control experiments using ruthenium red (2 microM) and thapsigargin (100 nM) ruled out artifacts derived from the eventual presence of mitochondria or endoplasmic reticulum in the isolated granule preparation. Oscillations of [Ca2+]L and Ca2+ release result from a Ca2+/K+ exchange process whereby bound Ca is displaced from the heparin polyanionic matrix by inflow of K+ into the granular lumen via an apamin-sensitive Ca2+-sensitive K+ channel (ASK(Ca)), whereas Ca2+ release takes place via an InsP3-receptor-Ca2+ (InsP3-R) channel. These results are consistent with previous observations of [Ca2+]L oscillations and release in/from the endoplasmic reticulum and mucin granules, and suggest that a highly conserved common mechanism might be responsible for [Ca2+]L oscillations and quantal periodic Ca2+ release in/from intracellular Ca2+ storage compartments.

Norethisterone (NET) and its metabolite 5alpha-norethisterone (5alpha-NET) are competitors for the androgen receptor. The sensitivity of the rat vas deferens to the contractile action of methoxamine and serotonin is regulated by hormonal and anatomical factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of NET and 5alpha-NET to induce the androgen-regulated contractile response to methoxamine and serotonin in the epididymal and prostatic portions of rat vas deferens. Adult male rats either intact, castrated or steroid-treated castrated were used. The contractility was recorded isometrically, and non-cumulative concentration-response curves to either methoxamine or serotonin were obtained. NET and 5alpha-NET partially restored the sensitivity to methoxamine and serotonin in the epididymal portion of castrated rats. The maximal responses to both agonists were significantly higher than those observed in castrated rats, and significantly lower than the responses observed in either intact or androgen-treated castrated rats. The prostatic portion was less responsive to both agonists than the epididymal portion, in all groups but castrated rats, as castration induced sensitivity to both agonists. NET and 5alpha-NET displayed a partial though similar androgenic activity in the rat vas deferens. These results contrast with previous reports where a decrease of androgenic effect due to the 5alpha-reduction of NET has been found.