Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Soil and Groundwater Fecal Contamination as a Result of Sewage Sludge Land Application

The release of sludge-born bacteria and their further subsurface transport was studied. The migration of bacteria was investigated in column experiments which were carried out under the conditions correspond - ing to naturally occurring extreme rainfall. Coal fly ash as well as coarse and medium grained sand, whose properties are similar to the soils present in degraded areas, were used as column beds. Sewage sludge was applied on the top of column beds in the quantity corresponding to the best land-reclamation practice. Clos- tridium perfringens and fecal coliforms were used as bio-tracers of fecal pollution. The obtained results showed the dynamic of bacterial cells' leaching from the sludge matrix, and the dynamic of their infiltration through the column beds to the effluents. The bacterial breakthrough curves obtained for the fly ash and for the sandy media differ significantly, reflecting the differences in transport processes and in the survival of bacterial cells. It has been found that the fly ash layer, whose thickness equals 0.80 m, can be regarded as an effective filter, which limits bacterial migration. When sludge is applied to the sandy soils, about 0.02% of the initial number of sludge bacteria can migrate downwards the sandy layer and can cause contamination of potentially shallow aquifers.
Punitive Damages Reform: The Case of Alabama

however, I believe that they are generally accepted within the academic community. To illustrate their import with greater salience, however, I would like to present one recent example of a punitive damages verdict in Alabama: the case that inspired the research presented above. The case will both reaffirm the pressing need for punitive damages reform and illustrate why such reform should be expanded to all state and federal litigation. In the case of Gallant v. Prudential," decided by jury verdict in April 1994, Iran and Leslie Gallant sued Prudential Life Insurance Company based on the actions of a Prudential agent. The Gallants purchased a combination life insurance-annuity policy with a $25,000 face value at a monthly premium of roughly $39.00. At the time of sale, the agent told them that the value of the annuity was roughly twice what it in fact was. The agent had added together the table indicating "Projected Return" with the table indicating the lower "Guaranteed Return. " A jury found this action fraudulent and held the agent liable and Prudential separately liable for failing to better supervise the agent. 8 Fortunately, the problem was discovered before the policyholder had died or had retired to receive the annuity. Thus, to the time of trial, there was no true economic loss beyond the failed expectation of the larger future return. According to the transcript of the testimony, the Gallants testified that, between the time they discovered the misinformation and Prudential called them to offer a remedy (Prudential offered to return their premiums or to discuss adjusting the policy), they had suffered roughly two weeks of sleepless nights and substantial anger at having been misled. That was the extent of their "mental anguish. " 26. Joseph E. Stigletz, Economics of the Public Sector 347 (1986). 27. Gallant v. Prudential Life Ins. Co., Barbour County, AL, CV-93-50 (1994) [hereinafter cited as Gallant].
Intermittent neuroleptic treatment and risk for tardive dyskinesia: Curaçao Extrapyramidal Syndromes Study III.

OBJECTIVE The authors examined the association between three lifetime medication variables (cumulative amount of neuroleptics, number of interruptions in neuroleptic treatment, cumulative amount of anticholinergics) and the occurrence and severity of tardive dyskinesia. METHOD The study was conducted in the only psychiatric hospital of a well-defined catchment area (the Netherlands Antilles). For all patients who had a history of taking neuroleptics for at least 3 months and were currently using neuroleptics (N = 133, mean age = 51.5 years), the presence and severity of tardive dyskinesia were measured with the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale. RESULTS Of the three lifetime medication variables, only the number of neuroleptic interruptions was significantly related to tardive dyskinesia. The risk of tardive dyskinesia was three times as great for patients with more than two neuroleptic interruptions as for patients with two or fewer interruptions. CONCLUSIONS This finding supports the schizophrenia protocol of long-term neuroleptic treatment rather than targeted or intermittent neuroleptic treatment.
Induction of Neuronal Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression by cAMP in the Dentate Gyrus of the Hippocampus Is Required for Antidepressant-Like Behaviors

The cAMP cascade and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are critical modulators of depression. Here we have tested whether the antidepressive effect of the cAMP cascade is mediated by VEGF in the adult hippocampus. We used a conditional genetic system in which the Aplysia octopamine receptor (Ap oa1), a Gs-coupled receptor, is transgenically expressed in the forebrain neurons of mice. Chronic activation of the heterologous Ap oa1 by its natural ligand evoked antidepressant-like behaviors, accompanied by enhanced phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein and transcription of VEGF in hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) neurons. Selective knockdown of VEGF in these cells during the period of cAMP elevation inhibited the antidepressant-like behaviors. These findings reveal a molecular interaction between the cAMP cascade and VEGF expression, and the pronounced behavioral consequences of this interaction shed light on the mechanism underlying neuronal VEGF functions in antidepression.
Review of recent evidence: potential interaction between clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors.

PURPOSE Recent evidence of a potential interaction between clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is discussed. SUMMARY The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association recommend use of gastroprotective agents, specifically PPIs, in patients receiving aspirin, a thienopyridine, or the combination who have an increased risk for recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding. Available evidence from one small, short-term, randomized, double-blind trial evaluating platelet aggregation and several observational studies suggests that there is a potential for a clinically significant interaction between clopidogrel and PPIs. A post hoc analysis of a large, randomized, double-blind trial found no evidence of a clinically significant drug interaction at 28 days, though a significant difference was observed at one year. The authors concluded that the use of PPIs, regardless of clopidogrel use, increases the risk of adverse cardiovascular events. CONCLUSION Although data are limited, observational studies and prospective trials involving surrogate markers of platelet reactivity suggest a clinically significant interaction between clopidogrel and PPIs. Until further studies are completed to delineate the specifics of the interaction between clopidogrel and PPIs, the risks and benefits of concomitant treatment should be carefully weighed to determine the most appropriate treatment for each individual patient.
APOBEC3A Functions as a Restriction Factor of Human Papillomavirus

ABSTRACT Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are small DNA viruses causally associated with benign warts and multiple cancers, including cervical and head-and-neck cancers. While the vast majority of people are exposed to HPV, most instances of infection are cleared naturally. However, the intrinsic host defense mechanisms that block the early establishment of HPV infections remain mysterious. Several antiviral cytidine deaminases of the human APOBEC3 (hA3) family have been identified as potent viral DNA mutators. While editing of HPV genomes in benign and premalignant cervical lesions has been demonstrated, it remains unclear whether hA3 proteins can directly inhibit HPV infection. Interestingly, recent studies revealed that HPV-positive cervical and head-and-neck cancers exhibited higher rates of hA3 mutation signatures than most HPV-negative cancers. Here, we report that hA3A and hA3B expression levels are highly upregulated in HPV-positive keratinocytes and cervical tissues in early stages of cancer progression, potentially through a mechanism involving the HPV E7 oncoprotein. HPV16 virions assembled in the presence of hA3A, but not in the presence of hA3B or hA3C, have significantly decreased infectivity compared to HPV virions assembled without hA3A or with a catalytically inactive mutant, hA3A/E72Q. Importantly, hA3A knockdown in human keratinocytes results in a significant increase in HPV infectivity. Collectively, our findings suggest that hA3A acts as a restriction factor against HPV infection, but the induction of this restriction mechanism by HPV may come at a cost to the host by promoting cancer mutagenesis. IMPORTANCE Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are highly prevalent and potent human pathogens that cause >5% of all human cancers, including cervical and head-and-neck cancers. While the majority of people become infected with HPV, only 10 to 20% of infections are established as persistent infections. This suggests the existence of intrinsic host defense mechanisms that inhibit viral persistence. Using a robust method to produce infectious HPV virions, we demonstrate that hA3A, but not hA3B or hA3C, can significantly inhibit HPV infectivity. Moreover, hA3A and hA3B were coordinately induced in HPV-positive clinical specimens during cancer progression, likely through an HPV E7 oncoprotein-dependent mechanism. Interestingly, HPV-positive cervical and head-and-neck cancer specimens were recently shown to harbor significant amounts of hA3 mutation signatures. Our findings raise the intriguing possibility that the induction of this host restriction mechanism by HPV may also trigger hA3A- and hA3B-induced cancer mutagenesis.
Neuropathology and Genetics of Cerebroretinal Vasculopathies

Cerebroretinal vasculopathy (CRV) and the related diseases hereditary endotheliopathy with retinopathy, neuropathy, and stroke (HERNS), hereditary vascular retinopathy (HVR) and hereditary systemic angiopathy (HSA) [subsequently combined as retinovasculopathy and cerebral leukodystrophy (RVCL)] are devastating autosomal‐dominant disorders of early to middle‐age onset presenting with a core constellation of neurologic and ophthalmologic findings. This family of diseases is linked by specific mutations targeting a core region of a gene. Frameshift mutations in the carboxyl‐terminus of three prime exonuclease‐1 (TREX1), the major mammalian 3′ to 5′ DNA exonuclease on chromosome 3p21.1‐p21.3, result in a systemic vasculopathy that follows an approximately 5‐year course leading to death secondary to progressive neurologic decline, with sometimes a more protracted course in HERNS. Neuropathological features include a fibrinoid vascular necrosis or thickened hyalinized vessels associated with white matter ischemia, necrosis and often striking dystrophic calcifications. Ultrastructural studies of the vessel walls often demonstrate unusual multilaminated basement membranes.
Differential Activation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Cascades and Apoptosis by Protein Kinase C &egr; and &dgr; in Neonatal Rat Ventricular Myocytes

Protein kinase C (PKC) &egr; and PKC&dgr; translocation in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) is accompanied by subsequent activation of the ERK, JNK, and p38MAPK cascades; however, it is not known if either or both novel PKCs are necessary for their downstream activation. Use of PKC inhibitors to answer this question is complicated by a lack of isoenzyme specificity, and the fact that many PKC inhibitors stimulate JNK and p38MAPK activity. Therefore, replication-defective adenoviruses (Advs) encoding constitutively active (ca) mutants of PKC&egr; and PKC&dgr; were used to test if either or both of these PKCs are sufficient to activate ERKs, JNKs, and/or p38MAPK in NRVMs. Adv-caPKC&egr; infection (1 to 25 multiplicities of viral infection (MOI); 4 to 48 hours) increased total PKC&egr; levels in a time- and dose-dependent manner, with maximal expression observed 8 hours after Adv infection. Adv-caPKC&egr; induced a time- and dose-dependent increase in phosphorylated p42 and p44 ERKs, as compared with a control Adv encoding &bgr;-galactosidase (Adv-ne&bgr;gal). Maximal ERK phosphorylation occurred 8 hours after Adv infection. In contrast, JNK was only minimally activated, and p38MAPK was relatively unaffected. Adv-caPKC&dgr; infection (1 to 25 MOI, 4 to 48 hours) increased total PKC&dgr; levels in a similar fashion. Adv-caPKC&dgr; (5 MOI) induced a 29-fold increase in phosphorylated p54 JNK, and a 15-fold increase in phosphorylated p38MAPK 24 hours after Adv infection. In contrast, p42 and p44 ERK were only minimally activated. Whereas neither Adv induced NRVM hypertrophy, Adv-caPKC&dgr;, but not Adv-caPKC&egr;, induced NRVM apoptosis. We conclude that the novel PKCs differentially regulate MAPK cascades and apoptosis in an isoenzyme-specific and time-dependent manner.
Surgical Management of Meckel's Diverticulum An Epidemiologic, Population‐Based Study

ObjectiveThe authors determined whether Meckel's diverticulum, discovered incidentally at operation, should be removed. Summary Background DataIt is not clear from the medical literature whether the risk of an incidental Meckel's diverticulectomy is greater than the risk of leaving the diverticulum in place. MethodsThe authors used the medical experience of Olmsted County, Minnesota residents for the period 1950 to 1992 to answer the question. ResultsDuring the period, 58 residents developed Meckel's complications that required diverticulectomies. The incidence of complications was 87 per 100.000 person-years, and the lifetime risk (to 80 years of age) of developing them was 6.4%. The risks were similar throughout the period and at all ages of life, but were greater among men (124 per 100,000 person-years) than women (50 per 100,000 person-years, p < 0.05). Diverticulectomies for complications carried an operative mortality and morbidity of 2% and 12% and a cumulative risk of long-term postoperative complications of 7%, whereas incidental diverticulectomies done in 87 residents during the period carried corresponding rates of only 1%, 2%, and 2%, respectively. ConclusionsMeckel's diverticula discovered incidentally at operation should be removed for most patients, regardless of age.
Caco-2 cell-based Antioxidant Activity of 36 Vegetables Commonly Consumed in China

Determination of antioxidant activity using biologically relevant assay is important to screen vegetables for potential health benefits. This study was to evaluate the Caco-2 cell-based antioxidant activity (CAA) of 36 vegetables commonly consumed in China. Total phenolics, total flavonoids and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) for selected vegetables were also measured to be compared with CAA values. The results showed that there was a large variation among different vegetables in CAA values with the highest value of 37 ± 3.7 µmol of quercetin equivalents (QE) / in lotus root and lowest value of 0.376 ± 0.053 µmol of QE/ in green bell pepper, and 23 vegetables were of unquantifiable CAA values due to their low activities. Correlation analysis showed that CAA values were significantly correlated to total phenolics (R = 0.516, p < 0.01) and ORAC values (R = 0.350, p < 0.05), suggesting a better predictor of total phenolics for the CAA of vegetables. The data obtained could be useful for consumers to plan antioxidant rich diets and for nutritionists to estimate health benefits of vegetables from daily intake.
Las ecuaciones de Mincer y las tasas de rendimiento de la educación en Galicia

Una parte importante de la salud de una economia se refleja en la evolucion de su mercado de trabajo. Conocer las caracteristicas de sus principales variables es fundamental para realizar un diagnostico de la insercion laboral. Pese al amplio uso en la investigacion de los rendimientos de la educacion, existen muy pocos estudios en donde se profundice en este tema centrandose en la problematica particular de los jovenes. Esta investigacion tiene como objetivo analizar los rendimientos privados que los jovenes obtienen de las inversiones en educacion tomando como referencia las ecuaciones de ingresos de Mincer. El estudio se lleva a cabo con microdatos procedentes de una encuesta realizada en el ano 2008 en diferentes zonas geograficas (Bergantinos, Costa da Morte y Ferrolterra) de la Comunidad Autonoma de Galicia. La poblacion objeto de estudio son jovenes trabajadores con edades comprendidas entre 16 y 34 anos, ambos incluidos. En el analisis se profundiza en una serie de rasgos basicos de los individuos de la muestra, los mas significativos son: el sexo, el nivel de estudios, la edad, la experiencia, el trabajar por cuenta ajena y la preferencia de ubicaciones de trabajo cercanas al domicilio.
GENTAMICIN SULFATE, NEW ANTIBIOTIC AGAINST GRAM-NEGATIVE BACILLI. LABORATORY, PHARMACOLOGICAL, AND CLINICAL EVALUATION.

A laboratory and clinical evaluation was made of gentamicin sulfate which is a new antibiotic produced by a species of the genus Micromonospora . It has a broad spectrum that includes both Pseudomonas and Proteus organisms; staphylococci also are susceptible in vitro. Intramuscular injection produced antibacterial concentrations in the serum and urine. The drug is excreted almost entirely in active form by the kidney by glomerular filtration with little or no reabsorption. Uncomplicated urinary tract infections were successfully treated; cases with complicating conditions often relapsed. Gram-negative bacteremia responded infrequently to the doses used, but treatment was sometimes life saving. Labyrinthine intoxication was the only serious side effect observed and was always associated with pre-existing renal failure or a large dose.
Caged O(2). Reaction of cytochrome bo(3) oxidase with photochemically released dioxygen from a cobalt peroxo complex.

We developed the synthesis of the caged oxygen donor (micro-peroxo)(micro-hydroxo)bis[bis(bipyridyl)cobalt(III)] complex (HPBC) as nitrate salt, which has, compared with the perchlorate-form described previously [MacArthur, R. , Sucheta, A. , Chong, F.F. & Einarsdottir, O. (1995) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA, 92, 8105-8109], greatly enhanced solubility. Now, the quantum efficiency of the photolytical release of dioxygen was determined to be 0.4 per photon at a laser wavelength of 308 nm, which was used to observe biological reactions. The X-ray structure of HPBC has been solved, and the molecular interactions of photochemically generated oxygen with cytochrome oxidase were investigated with optical and FT-IR spectroscopy: it acts as acceptor of electrons transferred from prereduced cytochrome bo(3), the heme-copper oxidase from Escherichia coli. FT-IR spectra revealed typical absorbance difference changes in the carbonyl region of cytochrome bo(3), supported by bandshifts due to solvent isotope exchange and by assignment using site-directed mutants. IR difference spectra of the photooxidation reaction using the caged oxygen compound, and of the photoreduction reaction using the caged electron donor FMN, have inverted shapes. The spectroscopic signals of carboxyl groups are thus equivalent in both reactions: the use of chemically produced oxygen allows the observation of the ongoing molecular changes of cytochrome bo(3) oxidase under quasi-physiological conditions.
Levels of soluble VCAM‐1, soluble ICAM‐1, and soluble E‐selectin during disease exacerbations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); a long term prospective study

Active SLE is characterized by immune deposits and subsequent vascular inflammation in many organs. Expression and up‐regulation of adhesion molecules is basic to migration of inflammatory cells into the tissues. Recently, soluble isoforms of these molecules have been described which might be an expression of their up‐regulation in the tissues and, as such, of disease activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether changes in levels of soluble adhesion molecules reflect disease activity. We analysed serial sera in a 6‐month period preceding 22 consecutive exacerbations of SLE for levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule‐l (sVCAM‐1). soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐l (slCAM‐1), and sE‐selectin. Levels were related to clinical disease activity (SLEDAI). and levels of anti‐dsDNA and complement. At the time of maximal disease activity, levels of sVCAM‐1 in patients with SLE were higher than those in controls (P < 0.0001), levels in patients with renal involvement being higher than in those without (P < 0.02). Levels of sVCAM‐1 correlated with SLEDAI scores (P < 005) and, inversely, with levels of C3 (P = 0.01). In addition, in the presence of anti‐dsDNA, levels of sVCAM‐1 tended to correlate with levels of these autoantibodies (P < 0.1). Levels of sICAM‐1 were normal and sE‐selectin levels even decreased compared with controls. Levels of sVCAM‐l were higher at the moment of relapse (P = 0.001) than at 6 months before this time point. This rise correlated with the rise in SLEDAI score (P < 0.02). Levels of sICAM‐l and sE‐selectin did not rise, and remained in the normal range in all exacerbations studied. In conclusion, in contrast to sICAM‐1 and sE‐selectin, levels of sVCAM‐l are increased, rise parallel to disease activity during exacerbations in SLE, and are associated with decreasing levels of complement factors. This favours the hypothesis of immune deposit formation, activation of the complement cascade and activation of endothelial cells. Concurrent up‐regulation of vascular adhesion molecules may thus result in transmigration of activated inflammatory cells inducing tissue damage.
MoviLetrando: Jogo de Movimentos para Alfabetizar Crianças com Down

Recentemente os jogos tem sido desenvolvidos com propositos alem do entretenimento, levando ao que se chama de Jogos Serios (JS). Os JS tem mostrado eficacia em varias areas do conhecimento. Mas, todos os beneficios dos JS tem sido pouco explorados em uma populacao que carece muito de estimulo no processo ensino-aprendizagem: os Deficientes Intelectuais. Estimular as funcoes motoras e cognitivas com JS pode ser benefico para esta populacao, ainda mais se usar uma tecnologia que evite o uso de dispositivos especiais e/ou caros. Este artigo apresenta um JS para criancas com sindrome de Down com o objetivo de estimular as funcoes motoras (atraves do movimento) e cognitivas com vistas a alfabetizacao, usando so uma webcam.