Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Polynomial response of 2,4-D mineralization to temperature in soils at varying soil moisture contents, slope positions and depths

The herbicide 2,4-D [2,4-(dichlorophenoxy) acetic acid] is a widely used broadleaf control agent in cereal production systems. Although 2,4-D soil-residual activity (half-lives) are typicaly less than 10 days, this herbicide also has as a short-term leaching potential due to its relatively weak retention by soil constituents. Herbicide residual effects and leaching are influenced by environmental variables such as soil moisture and temperature. The objective of this study was to determine impacts of these environmental variables on the magnitude and extent of 2,4-D mineralization in a cultivated undulating Manitoba prairie landscape. Microcosm incubation experiments were utilized to assess 2,4-D half-lives and total mineralization using a 4 × 4 × 3 × 2 factorial design (with soil temperature at 4 levels: 5, 10, 20 and 40°C; soil moisture at 4 levels: 60, 85, 110, 135 % of field capacity; slope position at 3 levels: upper-, mid- and lower-slopes; and soil depth at 2 levels: 0–5 cm and 5–15 cm). Half-lives (t1/2) varied from 3 days to 51 days with the total 2,4-D mineralization (M T ) ranging from 5.8 to 50.9 %. The four-way interaction (temperature × moisture × slope × depth) significantly (p< 0.001) influenced both t1/2 and M T. Second-order polynomial equations best described the relations of temperature with t1/2 and MT as was expected from a biological system. However, the interaction and variability of t1/2 and MT among different temperatures, soil moistures, slope positions, and soil depth combinations indicates that the complex nature of these interacting factors should be considered when applying 2,4-D in agricultural fields and in utilizing these parameters in pesticide fate models.
Mechanistic insight into nuclear receptor‐mediated regulation of bile acid metabolism and lipid homeostasis by grape seed procyanidin extract (GSPE)

Dietary procyanidins have emerged as important bioactive components that regulate various metabolic pathways to maintain homeostasis. Grape seed procyanidin extract (GSPE), in particular, has demonstrated regulatory effects on bile acid and lipid metabolism in vivo. While numerous studies in rodent models have shown the potent hypolipidemic action of grape seed extracts, human studies have shown inconsistent results. This review will focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying the hypolipidemic actions of GSPE identified to date, specifically highlighting the effects exerted via nuclear receptors. Such evidence may provide avenues for future research in human subjects with GSPE as a therapeutic treatment for the prevention and amelioration of the metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.
Adsorption and desorption processes of MCPA in Polish mineral soils

Studies on the adsorption and desorption of MCPA (4-chloro-2-methylophenoxyacetic acid) were performed in soil horizons of three representative Polish agricultural soils. The Hyperdystric Arenosol, the Haplic Luvisol and the Hypereutric Cambisol were investigated in laboratory batch experiments. Initially, both the adsorption and desorption proceeded rapidly, and either the equilibrium was reached after approximately 30 min or the process slowed down and continued at a slow rate. In the latter case, the equilibrium was reached after 8 hours. Data on the adsorption/desorption kinetics fitted well to the two-site kinetic model. The measured sorption and desorption isotherms were of L-type. The sorption distribution coefficients (Kads d ) were in the range of 0.75--0.97 for Ap soil horizons and significantly lower in deeper soil layers. The corresponding desorption coefficients (Kdes d ) were higher and ranged from 1.02 to 2.01. Both the adsorption and desorption of MCPA in all soil horizons was strongly and negatively related to soil pH. It appears that hydrophobic sorption plays a dominant role in the MCPA retention in topsoils whereas hydrophilic sorption of MCPA anions is the dominant adsorption mechanism in subsoils.
Use of Computer and Cellular Phone Technology by Older Rural Adults

The objective of this study was to explore the use of computer and cellular phone technology among older adults living in the rural Appalachian region of North Carolina. A 21-item questionnaire on access to and use of computer and cellular phone technology was administered to 43 older adults, using dichotomous and frequency-rated questions. The sample was recruited from two rural senior centers in the Appalachian region of North Carolina. Forty percent of the participants earned $20 000 or less annually. The majority owned a cellular phone (79.9%), and nearly half had a desktop computer (44.2%). High-speed Internet coverage was the most frequent type (42%) of in-home coverage. This study provides insights into the needs and challenges of older rural Appalachians with regard to technology. Computer technology may be more accessible and have fewer barriers by older adults than other forms of technology. Future research should explore the levels of computer literacy of older adults.
Does opportunistic screening for diabetic retinopathy result in timely and appropriate referral

Aims We studied the quality of opportunistic screening for diabetic retinopathy, which existed in the absence of a formal screening programme. Methods Patients referred during the period from June 1992 to May 1997 were identified. The findings and outcome at first ophthalmic consultation were used as surrogate measures to determine the appropriateness of referral. We considered patients to have had sight-threatening retinopathy (STDR) if laser treatment or fluorescein angiography was recommended, or follow-up at 6 months or less was arranged. Patients whose fundi could not be visualised were also included in the STDR group. Results Two hundred and eighty-nine case records were available for analysis; 190 of these (65.7%) were considered to have STDR and 41 (14.2%) had other pathology, without concurrent diabetic retinopathy. The agreement between the referrer's diagnosis and the diagnosis made by the ophthalmologist was only fair, when comparing major diagnostic categories (kappa 0.35, 95% CI 0.30–0.41) and also for grading of retinopathy (kappa 0.30, 95% CI 0.23–0.37). Conclusions Our findings suggest that opportunistic screening can identify retinopathy only at a late stage. Our data should be valuable in measuring the benefits of formal screening for diabetic retinopathy as compared to previously existing services. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of the organic matter from swine wastewater on the adsorption and desorption of alachlor in soil

The application of swine wastewater to the soil for agricultural purposes results in the addition of total and dissolved organic matter to the soil, which may interfere with the dynamics of pesticides in the soil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the application of total and dissolved organic matter from a biodigester and a treatment lagoon of swine wastewater in the adsorption and desorption of alachlor [2-chloro-2,6-diethyl-N(methoxymethyl acetamide)]. The assay was performed by the batch equilibrium method, and the results were fitted to the Freundlich model. The curve comparison test revealed a greater adsorption of alachlor in the soil treated with swine wastewater from the biodigester. The adsorption and desorption of alachlor increased in the soils where swine wastewater was added, and hysteresis was observed in all of the treatments.
Recreational substance use among elite Australian athletes.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of illicit drug use among elite Australian athletes with a focus upon cannabis, ecstasy, meth/amphetamine, cocaine, GHB and ketamine; explore perceptions concerning the extent of drug use among this group; ascertain opinions regarding specific drugs of concern; and investigate predictors of recent drug use. DESIGN AND METHODS Data were taken from surveys with 974 elite athletes. RESULTS One-third of the sample had been offered or had the opportunity to use illicit drugs in the past year; despite this, the self-reported prevalence of all six drugs under investigation was lower than that reported by the general population. Sixteen per cent of athletes believed that there was a drug of concern in their sport, with ecstasy, cocaine and alcohol being nominated. Knowing other athletes who use illicit drugs, being offered or having the opportunity to use drugs and identifying as a 'full-time athlete' were significant predictors of recent drug use. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The present study found that one-third of the athlete sample had been offered or had the opportunity to use illicit drugs in the past year; despite this, there was low self-reported drug use. Despite media discussion regarding alcohol use in sport, alcohol was nominated as a drug of concern only by a small proportion of athletes, and further research investigating this issue may be warranted.
A Box-Behnken design for determining the optimum experimental condition of the fungicide (Vapam) sorption onto soil modified with perlite

In the present study, response surface methodology (RSM) based on the Box-Behnken design (BBD) was employed to investigate the effects of the different operating conditions on the removal of the fungicide (Vapam) onto soil modified with perlite using sorption process. The process parameters such as pH of the fungicide solution (2, 5 and 8), temperature (15, 25 and 35°C), shaking time (2, 13 and 24 h) and the percentage of perlite in the modified soil (0, 2 and 4 %) were investigated using a four-factor-three-level Box-Behnken design at an initial fungicide concentration of C0 = 1.6 mg/L as a fixed input parameter. A second-order quadratic model suggested the optimum conditions to be as follows: fungicide solution pH of 3.57, temperature of 15°C, shaking time of 3.5 h and 4% of perlite in the modified soil which resulted in the improvement of Vapam sorption. Under optimum conditions, the fungicide (Vapam) removal was predicted 12.88 μg/g by BBD. The confirmatory experiments were conducted and the results revealed that the fungicide removal was 13.14 μg/g which indicated that the predicted and the observed values of response (Vapam removal) were in close agreement. Therefore, the soil modified with perlite holds good potential for Vapam sorption. This is the first report on fungicide Vapam sorption onto soil modified with perlite using statistical experimental design employing response surface methodology.
Barriers and facilitators to cannabis treatment.

UNLABELLED INTRODUCTION AND AIMS. Despite its continued widespread use, relatively few individuals with cannabis use disorders present to treatment services. There is a dearth of research examining the reasons for this observed underutilisation of treatment. The aim of this paper is to examine barriers and facilitators to entry into cannabis treatment. DESIGN AND METHODS Three surveys of regular cannabis users in treatment (n=100), in the community (n=100) and from a widespread Internet sample (n=294). RESULTS Perceived barriers included: not being aware of treatment options; thinking treatment is unnecessary; not wanting to stop using cannabis; and wanting to avoid the stigma associated with accessing treatment. Perceived facilitators included: improving available information on treatment; keeping treatment specific to cannabis; offering additional services, such as telephone support; and simplifying treatment admission processes. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Participant's perceptions differed significantly depending on their age, gender and treatment status. Participants in treatment typically reported barriers intrinsic to the individual while participants from the community reported barriers relating to the treatment available. Reported facilitators were more homogenous and most commonly related to availability of information.
Antibiotic uptake by plants from manure-amended soils

Antibiotics are extensively given to livestock to promote growth and reduce diseases. Therefore, animal manure often contains antibiotics. Once manure is applied to agricultural land to improve soil productivity, crops would be exposed to antibiotics which may persist in soils from a few to several hundred days. The objective of this study was to evaluate the uptake of gentamicin and streptomycin by carrot (Daucus carota), lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and radish (Rhaphanus sativus) from manure-amended soil. The treatments were 0, 0.5 and 1 mg of antibiotic kg−1 of soil. Two pot experiments were carried out in the greenhouse. The first was conducted on the three crops and the second exclusively on radish. In radish, the increase in the concentrations of gentamicin was significant between the 0 and both of 0.5 and 1.0 mg kg−1 treatments, but not significant between the 0.5 and 1.0 mg kg−1. The average values were 35.5, 60.0 and 57.4 μg kg−1 for the 0, 0.5 and 1 mg kg−1 rates, respectively. However, the increase in streptomycin concentration in radish was not significant between the three treatments, and the average values were, 12.1, 15.2 and 17.4 μg kg−1 for the 0, 0.5 and 1 mg kg−1 rates, respectively. In carrot roots and lettuce leaves no significant increase in the concentrations of gentamicin or streptomycin was observed between the treatments. The three crops absorbed relatively higher amounts of gentamicin (small molecule) than streptomycin (large molecule). Generally the levels of antibiotics in plant tissue increased with increasing the antibiotic concentration in the manure (1 mg kg−1 > 0.5 mg kg−1).
Smoking cessation among Australian methadone clients: prevalence, characteristics and a need for action.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS The aim of this study was to describe a sample of Australian methadone clients with respect to smoking and cessation-related behaviours and motivations. DESIGN AND METHODS A cross-sectional survey was completed by 103 methadone clients in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia. RESULTS Characteristics of the sample included low socioeconomic status, and high polydrug use and nicotine dependence. Key findings were a high prevalence of smoking (84%) and low likelihood of quitting, including a quit ratio of less than 10%. Over half of smokers were classified as 'Precontemplative', and 34% as 'hard-core' smokers. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The need for research to develop and test tailored interventions for this population is highlighted, as is the need for methadone services and staff to facilitate client smoking cessation.
A review of emergency room studies on alcohol and injuries conducted in Latin America and the Caribbean region.

ISSUES Alcohol-attributable burden of injury is one of the most serious public health problems in Latin America and the Caribbean region (LAC). Although knowledge on alcohol's involvement in injuries has progressed along with the implementation of evidenced-based alcohol policies in developed countries, this was not true for the most part of LAC countries for which reducing alcohol-related injuries is an urgent necessity. APPROACH A systematic review was performed in order to identify the most up-to-date information on alcohol and injuries derived from emergency room (ER) studies conducted in LAC. KEY FINDINGS Findings corroborate that alcohol has a high prevalence among injured patients in the ER setting in LAC, with violence-related injuries showing an increased association with alcohol use compared to unintentional injuries. However, a large number of studies did not include all types of injury and the measurement of injury risk associated with alcohol consumption. The amount of alcohol consumed in the event and hazardous drinking patterns seem to be strongly associated with injury occurrence, as well as drinking in public spaces, but a paucity of data relating to social-contextual factors limits the interpretation of the heterogeneity in the magnitude of the association of alcohol and injuries found across studies. CONCLUSIONS There is a lack of ER studies able to support strategies to reduce alcohol-related injuries in a region where effective alcohol policies are scant. Future research should focus on understanding how drinking influenced by local contexts and drinking behaviours may affect the risk of injury within each LAC country.
Effect of 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo [4, 5-b] pyridine on oxidative stress and gene expression of c-fos, c-jun, p16 and Rb in rat colons and protective role of seabuckthorn seed oil

Exposure to 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo [4, 5-b] pyridine (PhIP), a typical example of heterocyclic amine compounds, increases colon cancer risk. Seabuckthorn (SBT) seed oil is a biologically active substance extracted from seeds of wild Hippophae rhamnoides L. Here, we sought to investigate the toxicological mechanisms underlying oxidative stress and cancer-related gene expression in the rat colons as well as the protective effect of SBT seed oil against colonic oxidative damage. Our results showed that PhIP significantly decreased the anti-oxidative enzyme activities whereas increased the malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, protein carbonyl (PCO) levels and DNA-protein cross-links (DPC) coefficients in the rat colons compared with the solvent-control group. Moreover, PhIP activated expression of c-fos and c-jun and inhibited p16 and Rb expression. Additionally, SBT seed oil plus PhIP significantly improved antioxidant markers and reduced the levels of MDA, PCO and DPC compared to those in rats exposed to PhIP alone. These data indicated that PhIP could induce oxidative stress and abnormal alterations of cancer-related gene expression in the rat colons while SBT seed oil may be beneficial because of its ability to alleviate the PhIP-induced oxidative damage to the rats.
The Assessment of Recovery Capital: properties and psychometrics of a measure of addiction recovery strengths.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Sociological work on social capital and its impact on health behaviours have been translated into the addiction field in the form of 'recovery capital' as the construct for assessing individual progress on a recovery journey. Yet there has been little attempt to quantify recovery capital. The aim of the project was to create a scale that assessed addiction recovery capital. DESIGN AND METHODS Initial focus group work identified and tested candidate items and domains followed by data collection from multiple sources to enable psychometric assessment of a scale measuring recovery capital. RESULTS The scale shows moderate test-retest reliability at 1 week and acceptable concurrent validity. Principal component analysis determined single factor structure. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The Assessment of Recovery Capital (ARC) is a brief and easy to administer measurement of recovery capital that has acceptable psychometric properties and may be a useful complement to deficit-based assessment and outcome monitoring instruments for substance dependent individuals in and out of treatment.
Integrating Physical Education, Math, and Physics

T he primary goal of education is to help students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to solve the problems that will occur in life. One of the most touted methods for doing this is curriculum integration (McBee, 2000). The concept of integrated curricula has been around since the 19th century, and it is once again at the forefront of educational change (Vars, 1991). Those who are leading this movement claim that an integrated curriculum is far superior to one that is compartmentalized and discipline-based (Venville, Wallace, Rennie, & Malone, 2000). Among the leaders of the movement are educational psychologists who claim that an integrated curriculum, by design, reaches more students by
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell–conditioned Medium Suppressed Melanoma Tumorigenicity Through the Enhancement of Natural-Killer Cellular Immunity

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can secrete cytokines that are involved in T-cell development and affect cytotoxic activity. To assess the effect of iPSC-conditioned medium on tumorigenicity, we retrieved splenocytes from B6 mice and cocultured them with or without irradiated B16 melanoma cells, mouse interleukin-2 (mIL-2), or iPSC-conditioned medium. Splenocyte cytotoxicity assays against B16 melanoma cells [as cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity] and P815 cells [as natural killer (NK) activity] were performed. IL-10 and interferon-&ggr; concentrations were measured. An in vivo subcutaneous B16 melanoma growth model was performed in B6 mice and treated with iPSC-conditioned medium. The lymphocyte subpopulation depletion test was performed to determine effectors against B16 melanoma cells. We found that unstimulated splenocytes had little cytotoxic activity. Without tumor cells, mIL-2 could augment iPSC-conditioned medium-treated CTL and NK activities (P<0.01). With irradiated tumor cells, mIL-2 treatment of splenocytes could not enhance CTL or NK activity, but iPSC-conditioned medium could enhance CTL and NK activity (P<0.001). Irradiated tumor cells induced mice splenocytes to secrete more IL-10, similar to mIL-2 treatment, but not iPSC-conditioned medium treatment. mIL-2 had better efficacy than conditioned medium in inducing splenocyte interferon-&ggr; production. The CTL and NK cell depletion test showed that the immunostimulating effect of iPSC-conditioned medium on splenocytes was through the enhancement of NK cellular activity (P<0.05). The subcutaneous melanoma growth model showed that B16-bearing mice treated with an iPSC-conditioned medium intraperitoneal injection had a decreased tumor growth rate (P<0.01). Our study suggests that iPSC-conditioned medium had a protective effect against tumor-induced immunosuppression through the enhancement of host NK cellular activity.
Gluteal muscle dysfunction and the role of specific strengthening in hip osteoarthritis: a review

Abstract Background: The muscle system provides essential support to a joint, and muscle weakness and atrophy may occur in the presence of joint pathology, such as osteoarthritis (OA). The gluteal muscles – gluteus medius and gluteus maximus – provide an important stability role in the hip joint and evidence exists for gluteal weakness in hip OA. Therefore, rehabilitation should address such dysfunction. Objectives: To identify the use of gluteal strengthening in exercise-based randomised controlled trials or randomised clinical trials of hip OA. Methods: A structured literature search was undertaken to review the evidence for use of gluteal strengthening in hip OA clinical trials. Results: Eleven randomised controlled or randomised clinical trials of strengthening-based exercise in hip OA were identified and searched for evidence of gluteal strengthening. None of the studies reported specific strengthening of the gluteal muscles and details of the strengthening regimes used were poorly described in most of the studies. This lack of specificity may be one of the reasons why only small effect sizes and short-term benefits have been found for exercise therapy in the management of hip OA.
Quality of Life and Psychological State after Radical Vulvectomy

The aim of the present paper was to evaluate retrospectively the quality of life in a group of women treated with radical vulvectomy with or without lymphadenectomy for vulvar neoplasia.The series consists of 21 patients under age 61 evaluated from 6 months to more than 5 years after surgery. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain information relating to work activity, emotional adjustment and the sexual relationship with the partner. All patients also completed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Analyses indicated a decrease in adjustment for the emotional relationship in 41% of the subjects, in 38% of the subjects for working activity, and among 76% of the subjects for sexual activity. The MMPI results showed high values for the 3 ‘neurotic’ scales (hysteria, hypochondria, depression), with only slight elevations for the ‘psychotic’ scales. These data are discussed in the context of previous research on the psychosocial and sexual outcomes following gynecologic cancer treatment.