Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Global Perspective on Microplastics

Society has become increasingly reliant on plastics since commercial production began in about 1950. Their versatility, stability, light weight, and low production costs have fueled global demand. Most plastics are initially used and discarded on land. Nonetheless, the amount of microplastics in some oceanic compartments is predicted to double by 2030. To solve this global problem, we must understand plastic composition, physical forms, uses, transport, and fragmentation into microplastics (and nanoplastics). Plastic debris/microplastics arise from land disposal, wastewater treatment, tire wear, paint failure, textile washing, and at ‐ sea losses. Riverine and atmospheric transport, storm water, and disasters facilitate releases. In surface waters plastics/microplastics weather, biofoul, aggregate, and sink, are ingested by organisms and redistributed by currents. Ocean sediments are likely the ultimate destination. Plastics release additives, concentrate environmental contaminants, and serve as substrates for bio ﬁ lms, including exotic and pathogenic species. Microplastic abundance increases as fragment size decreases, as does the proportion of organisms capable of ingesting them. Particles <20 μ m may penetrate cell membranes, exacerbating risks. Exposure can compromise feeding, metabolic processes, reproduction, and behavior. But more investigation is required to draw de ﬁ nitive conclusions. Human ingestion of contaminated seafood and water is a concern. Microplastics indoors present yet uncharacterized risks, magni ﬁ ed by the time we spend inside (>90%) and the abundance of polymeric products therein. Scienti ﬁ c challenges include improving microplastic sampling and characterization approaches, understanding long ‐ term behavior, additive bioavailability, and organismal and ecosystem health risks. Solutions include improving globally based pollution prevention, developing degradable polymers and additives, and reducing consumption/expanding plastic reuse.
Ameliorative Effect of Heat-Killed Lactobacillus plantarum L.137 and/or Aloe vera against Colitis in Mice

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is one of the predominant intestinal diseases associated with chronic inflammation and ulceration of the colon. This study explored the ameliorative effect of Aloe vera extract (Aloe) and/or heat-killed Lactobacillus plantarum L.137 (HK L.137) on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Aloe and/or HK L.137 were supplied for 9 days and the mice were challenged with DSS for 7 days. The DSS group demonstrated bloody diarrhea, colitis of high histologic grade, increased nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and decreased IL-10 expression. These alterations were dwindled in DSS-induced mice treated with Aloe and HK L.137 separately. Aloe and HK L.137 together have augmented the therapeutic effect of each other. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that Aloe and/or HK L.137 ameliorated DSS-induced colitis by promoting the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines and suppressing pro-inflammatory mediators. This study indicated that A. vera may function synergistically with HK L.137 to confer an effective strategy to prevent colitis.
SPEAR: The Next Generation GFDL Modeling System for Seasonal to Multidecadal Prediction and Projection

We document the development and simulation characteristics of the next generation modeling system for seasonal to decadal prediction and projection at the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL). SPEAR (Seamless System for Prediction and EArth System Research) is built from component models recently developed at GFDL—the AM4 atmosphere model, MOM6 ocean code, LM4 land model, and SIS2 sea ice model. The SPEAR models are specifically designed with attributes needed for a prediction model for seasonal to decadal time scales, including the ability to run large ensembles of simulations with available computational resources. For computational speed SPEAR uses a coarse ocean resolution of approximately 1.0° (with tropical refinement). SPEAR can use differing atmospheric horizontal resolutions ranging from 1° to 0.25°. The higher atmospheric resolution facilitates improved simulation of regional climate and extremes. SPEAR is built from the same components as the GFDL CM4 and ESM4 models but with design choices geared toward seasonal to multidecadal physical climate prediction and projection. We document simulation characteristics for the time mean climate, aspects of internal variability, and the response to both idealized and realistic radiative forcing change. We describe in greater detail one focus of the model development process that was motivated by the importance of the Southern Ocean to the global climate system. We present sensitivity tests that document the influence of the Antarctic surface heat budget on Southern Ocean ventilation and deep global ocean circulation. These findings were also useful in the development processes for the GFDL CM4 and ESM4 models.
Rationale, indications, techniques and applications of interstitial brachytherapy for carcinoma cervix

Abstract With evolution of different newer radiotherapy techniques, still the role of brachytherapy in different gynecological malignancies has not sublimed. Most commonly used form of brachytherapy in carcinoma cervix patients is intracavitary brachytherapy. However, all the patients do not qualify for the treatment with intracavitary brachytherapy due to certain clinicopathological conditions. This warrants use of interstitial brachytherapy technique for treatment. For getting good results from interstitial brachytherapy, a good expertise and a proper infrastructure are needed. For perineal interstitial brachytherapy, different templates have been designed, used, and published by authors in different literature over the period. Among all these different templates, Martinez Universal Perineal Interstitial Template (MUPIT) has been used in gynecological, urological, and anorectal malignancies. In this literature review, we have discussed mainly MUPIT.
Intima-Media Thickness Measurement in Children; Techniques and Reference Values

Intima-media thickness (IMT) is a subclinical marker of vascular disease in obese children. There are several techniques for measuring IMT and reference values in children are rare. These references depend on the technique (B mode or radio-frequency ultrasound) and on how IMT is measured (manually, semi-automatic or automatic). IMT varies with age. The IMT values across age in the same pediatric population and according to the different techniques do not exist in the literature. It is therefore not accurate to extrapolate from adult data and it is difficult today to decide whether an IMT value in an obese child is normal or high.
Low Birth Weight, Renal Morphometry and Blood Pressure in Adolescent Females

Background: nowadays, hypertension is a health problem directly causing disability and death. Epidemiological data suggest that pre- and postnatal nutrition can be an important factor in the etiopathogenesis of this disease. Objective: to evaluate the effects of low birth weight on blood pressure and kidney size in adolescent females. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted in 50 adolescent females from Marianao, Havana. The following variables were measured: weight, height, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, birth weight and length and body mass index. Kidney length, width, parenchyma and volume were measured by ultrasound. Results: differences in blood pressure related to weight and length at birth were nonsignificant. Renal variables did not show significant changes in the classification by birth weight. An important relationship between systolic blood pressure and two indicators of the relative kidney size was found. Conclusion: results did not show an association between low birth weight and high blood pressure. It is demonstrated that blood pressure values are positively related to body adiposity and small kidney size.
Prevalence of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum infection in female sex workers and its association with douching: A study in East Jakarta, Indonesia using Mycoplasma System Plus

Background: Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum are commonly involved in pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis and non-specific genital infection, while doing vaginal douching also already known as predisposing factor. Methods: To evaluate the prevalence of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum infection in female sex workers and its association with vaginal douching, we conducted a study through 180 female sex workers in East Jakarta, Indonesia. Vaginal fluid samples were collected from these women. It was revealed that most of the women used betel soap, baby soap, tooth paste, or herbal medicine as vaginal douching materials. The association of vaginal douching and prevalence of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum was analyzed using cross sectional statistical methods. Results: There is a high prevalence of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum infection (72%), but there are no association between vaginal douching practice and infection of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum. Conclusions: The high prevalence of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum infection in female sex workers in East Jakarta warrants a routine screening of these infections. Unusual1 materials used for vaginal douching in this study might cause the negative association between high prevalence of these bacteria with vaginal douching. Keywords: Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, female sex workers, vaginal douching
Nano-oscillator based on radial vortex by overcoming the switching of core

The spin torque nano-oscillators (STNOs) have garnered significant interest as a potential nanosized microwave signal generator. However, the core of magnetic radial vortex may be annihilated at the edge with the large spin polarized current density, which leads to unstable STNOs. In this work, we propose new STNOs based on a magnetic radial vortex by overcoming the annihilation of core at the edge, which was realized by adding high magnetic crystal anisotropy materials on the boundary of the nanodisk. It is found that the oscillation frequency reaches up to 2.8 GHz through a circular motion of core of magnetic radial vortex, and the radial vortex-based STNOs have advantages of small size, lower driving current. Our result has important significance to design new STNOs and provide a possible candidate for designing of spintronic devices based on magnetic radial vortex.
Jogos digitais nas classes hospitalares: desbravando novas interfaces = Games in hospital classes: knowing new interfaces

The purpose of this article is to provide experiences that integrate digital games in the activities carried out in the hospital classes, exactly of the University Hospital in Canary Islands (Tenerife-Spain) and the hospital complex Professor Edgard Santos (Salvador, Brazil). The use of digital games in thearea of health and education is growing, primarily due to its integration in professional training, in the therapeutic treatment of eating disorders, physical rehabilitation, etc. According to their own reports of patients, these experiences provide good sensations and pleasure, easing the anguish, anxiety, sadness and isolation caused during the period of hospitalization.
The Hidden Impacts of Phosphorus Pollution to Streams and Rivers

Phosphorus (P) enrichment to streams, lakes, and estuaries is increasing throughout the United States. P loading is typically viewed from a harmful algal bloom perspective; if added P causes excess growths of phytoplankton or macroalgae, it may become targeted for control. However, P loading also contributes to two other non–algae-based aquatic problems. Field and experimental evidence shows that P loading directly stimulates growth of aquatic bacteria, which can increase to concentrations that exert a significant biochemical oxygen demand on water bodies, contributing to hypoxia, a widespread impairment. Experimental evidence also demonstrates that fecal bacterial growth can be significantly stimulated by P loading, increasing health risks through exposure or the consumption of contaminated shellfish and causing economic losses from beach and shellfish area closures. Resource managers need to look beyond algal bloom stimulation and should consider the broader roles that excess P loading can have on ecosystem function and microbiological safety for humans.
Detection of bone metastases through diffusion-weighted whole-body imaging with background body signal suppression (DWIBS) compared with PET/CT 18F-NaF.

e23086 Background: To evaluate a diagnostic test which can allow the comparison between Diffusion-weighted imaging with background suppression (DWIBS) the novel diagnostic modality versus PET/CT 18F-NaF, the gold standard for the diagnosis of bone metastases (BM). Methods: University bioethics committee authorized the protocol. Patients with solid cancer and suspicion of BM (by clinical findings, imaging, and tumor biomarkers), who met inclusion criteria were included and provided their signed informed consent. The DWIBS in a MR 3.0 T was performed first and then the PET/CT 18F-NaF. Each study was interpreted blinded. Statistics to evaluate a diagnostic test were performed. Results: From April 2014 to April 2016, 91 patients (100%) were interviewed, 88 (93.4%) met the inclusion criteria. Nine patients (8%) were excluded: death 3, respiratory failure 2, refused participating 2, pacemaker 1, claustrophobia 1. Seventy-nine patients (86.8%) were included, of which 81.0% (64/79) were women. Primary cancer was: a) breast 73.4 b) prostate 15.2%; c) Non-Hodgkin lymphoma 2.5%; d) cervical 2.5%; e) thyroid 2.5%; f) lung 1.3%; g) colon 1.3%; and h) testicular 1.3%. Diagnostic performance of DWIBS compared to PET/CT 18F-NaF, sensitivity 88.1% (Confidence Interval [CI95%, 73.3-96.0), specificity of 48.7% (CI 95%, 31.9-65.6), PPV of 66.0% (CI 95%, 58.2-73.1), NPV of 78.3% (CI 95%, 59.7-89.7), PLR 1.7 (CI 95%, 1.2-2-4), NLR 0.2 (CI 95%, 0.1-0.6) and prevalence of 53.1% (CI 95%, 41.6-54.5). Results were stratified in quartiles (excellent, good, fair, and poor). Conclusions: DWIBS has excelent sensibility, fair specificity, good PPV, and excellent NPV. These data suggest DWIBS could be used as a proxy of PET/CT 18F-NaF.
How Cultural Frames Guide Strategies to Eliminate Child Hunger

ABSTRACT Cultural frames, or myths we use to communicate, shape how we understand social problems, such as child hunger. In 48 interviews, we identified metaphors and myths, such as “the poor will always be with you,” “meat product,” and “butterfly effects” that point to cultural frames of child hunger. Three different frames were identified – the welfare state, the free market, and the resilience and resistance frame. Speakers used frames to communicate different types of social responsibility for hunger. Understanding which frames we invoke with our stories may allow for more effective collaborative action to end child hunger.
Esporte e Lazer

Esta pesquisa identifica as leis relacionadas ao esporte/lazer, durante processo histórico da Lei Orgânica do Município de Macapá até a atualidade. Trata-se de uma pesquisa documental, onde se utilizou a Lei Orgânica Municipal, Leis ordinárias e complementares. Para fins de análise, optamos por agrupar a discussão em três categorias: “Espaço: perdas e ganhos”; “Garantia e Construção de Direitos” e “Manutenção de uma Agenda Pós-Estruturada”. A inclusão do esporte/lazer nas leis municipais acompanha o movimento inaugurado pela Constituição Federal de 1988, o que implicou em uma trajetória de leis que abordam esporte/lazer como direito social na cidade de Macapá. Foi possível identificar dezessete leis que abarcam esse tema no município. No entanto, esse processo está calcado em contradições, revelando um hiato entre o dispositivo legal e a efetivação de políticas sociais no setor.
The role of frequency of use in lexical change

Abstract Based on the number of words per meaning across the Indo-European Swadesh list, Pagel et al. (2007) suggest that frequency of use is a general mechanism of linguistic evolution. We test this claim using within-language change. From the IDS (Key & Comrie 2015) we compiled a comparative word list of 1,147 cognate pairs for Classical Latin and Modern Spanish, and 1,231 cognate pairs for Classical and Modern Greek. We scored the amount of change for each cognate pair in the two language histories according to a novel 6-point scale reflecting increasing levels of change from regular sound change to external borrowing. We find a weak negative correlation between frequency of use and lexical change for both the Latin-Spanish and Classical-Modern Greek language developments, but post hoc tests reveal that low frequency of use of borrowed words drive these patterns, casting some doubt on frequency of use as a general mechanism of language change.
A Dynamically Tunable Microwave Absorber Based on Graphene

In this article, a dynamically tunable graphene-based absorber in Ku-band is proposed for the first time, the center frequency of which can be continuously tuned while maintaining an excellent absorption performance. It consists of a periodically patterned graphene sandwich structure (GSS) and periodic patches printed on the substrate backed with the ground. The periodically patterned GSS is directly deposited on the top surface of patches. By using the external bias voltage, the proposed absorber can provide a dynamically tunable operating frequency from 13.9 to 16.4 GHz, in which the absorptions remain above 0.92. To theoretically investigate the performance of the absorber, an equivalent circuit based on transmission-line is derived. We fabricate and measure some samples to experimentally verify the dynamical frequency tunability of the graphene-based absorber, which has never been really achieved before in microwave frequency. A good agreement between simulation and measurement is acquired. The whole thickness of the absorber is equal to $0.06\lambda $ , which provides a path forward for the realization of a dynamically tunable and ultra thin absorber. The design strategy can generally be applied to other wavelength region applications such as mechanical deformation and bolometric detector.
Collagen synthesis markers and matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP-2) and 9 (MMP-9) in the suction blister fluid and serum of juvenile diabetic patients

In diabetes, various connective tissue alterations have been noted in the skin, such as thickening of the dermis and changes in the basement membranes. The mechanisms behind these changes are not known. In the present study, skin thickness and markers of collagen synthesis and degradation were studied in 17 male, juvenile diabetic patients and in 11 healthy, male controls. Asq markers of collagen synthesis, C-propeptides and N-propeptides of type I procollagen (PICP and PINP) and N-propeptides of type III procollagen (PIINP) were measured both from suction blister fluid and serum. As pmarkers of collagen degradation, the matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 (72 kDa gelatinase) and MMP-9 (92 kDa gelatinase) were assayed by the zymography method from the blister fluids and serum. No marked changes could be found in the skin thickness of the diabetic patients compared to the controls when the A-scan ultrasound technique was used. In general, the concentrations of the collagen propeptides and the matrix metalloproteinases were remarkably similar in the diabetic patients and the controls in both the suction blister fluid in the diabetic fluid and the serum. Interestingly, the concentrations of PINP in the blister fluid in the diabetic patients with long established disease were lower than those in the controls and the PICP/PINP ratio was therefore significantly higher (p < 0.05) in these patients than in the controls. This may be due to either a reduced cleavage rate of PINP from type I procollagen in the skin or a reduced diffusion rate of PINP into the blister cavity. Since the ration of PICP/PINP was not changed to the same extent in the serum as in the blister fluid, there is probably no generalized cleavage defect of procollagens present in diabetes
EFFECTS OF GENETIC MANIPULATION OF PHOSPHOLAMBAN PROTEIN LEVELS ON CONTRACTILE FUNCTION AND REMODELING IN MURINE CARDIAC AND SLOW-TWITCH SKELETAL MUSCLES

The major function of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in Ca homeostasis and contractility in cardiac and slow-twitch skeletal muscles is tightly regulated by the SR Ca ATPase (SERCA2a) and its crucial inhibitor phospholamban (PLN). The present dissertation investigated: 1) the role of PLN in cardiac muscle with specific emphasis on evaluation of the efficacy of PLN inhibition on contractile dysfunction and remodeling; and 2) the physiological significance of PLN in slow-twitch skeletal muscle. 1) In cardiac muscle, mounting evidence has shown depressed SR Ca cycling is a hallmark feature of failing heart. Normalization of Ca cycling by ablation or inhibition of the SERCA2a inhibitor PLN has prevented cardiac failure in experimental dilated cardiomyopathy. However, the potential benefits of restoring SR function on primary cardiac hypertrophy, a common antecedent of heart failure, remain unknown. We therefore tested the efficacy of PLN ablation in preventing the ventricular failure of Gαq overexpression induced cardiac hypertrophy. PLN ablation normalized the characteristically prolonged cardiomyocyte Ca transients and enhanced unloaded fractional shortening with no change in SR Ca pump abundance in the Gαq overexpressor. Despite “rescue” of cardiomyocyte mechanical function and Ca signaling, there was no parallel improvement in in vivo cardiac function. Furthermore, PLN ablation was unable to alleviate Gαq-induced hypertrophic remodeling. These findings indicated restoration of SR Ca cycling by PLN ablation was not sufficient to prevent the ventricular failure of the Gαq-induced cardiac hypertrophy. 2) In transgenic mice with PLN specific overexpression in slow-twitch skeletal muscle, the PLN protein levels and the PLN/SERCA2a ratio in transgenic soleus were
Restless Legs Syndrome in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common chronic sensory motor disorder that prevents initiation and/or sleep staying. Patients with this syndrome have uncomfortable sensations in their legs (and sometimes arms or other parts of the body), with moving their legs to relieve this sensations. The symptoms of RLS are usually worse in the evening and at night. The diagnosis of RLS is primarily based on clinical evaluation and clinical history of the patient. International restless leg syndrome group study (IRLSSG) evaluates the symptoms and severity of RLS. RLS can be divided into two groups of primary and secondary. Iron deficiency, Parkinson’s disease, kidney failure, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and pregnancy may cause RLS. Antinausea, antipsychotic drugs, some antidepressants, and antihistamines may also worsen the symptoms. RLS is also observed in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which makes the outcomes worse. COPD is a main preventable health problem that can lead to morbidity and mortality. Thus, RLS in COPD causes excessive daytime hypersomnolence, fatigue, poor quality of life, disability and neuropsychological complications such as social isolation, frequent daytime headaches, anxiety and depression.