bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomic Revelation of Phenolic Compounds Involved in Aluminum Toxicity Responses in Roots of Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook
Authors: Ma Zhihui , Lin Sizu
Published: October 2019

Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.) is one of the most important coniferous evergreen tree species in South China due to its desirable attributes of fast growth and production of strong and hardy wood. However, the yield of Chinese fir is often inhibited by aluminum (Al) toxicity in acidic soils of South China. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of Chinese fir root responses to Al toxicity might help to further increase its productivity. Here we used the Illumina Hiseq4000 platform to carry out transcriptome analysis of Chinese fir roots subjected to Al toxicity conditions. A total of 88.88 Gb of clean data was generated from 12 samples and assembled into 105,732 distinct unigenes. The average length and N50 length of these unigenes were 839 bp and 1411 bp, respectively. Among them, 58362 unigenes were annotated through searches of five public databases (Nr: NCBI non-redundant protein sequences, Swiss-Prot: A manually annotated and reviewed protein sequence database, GO: Gene Ontology, KOG/COG: Clusters of Orthologous Groups of proteins, and KEGG: the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database), which led to association of unigenes with 44 GO terms. Plus, 1615 transcription factors (TFs) were functionally classified. Then, differentially expressed genes (DEGs, |log2(fold change)| ≥ 1 and FDR ≤ 0.05) were identified in comparisons labelled TC1 (CK-72 h/CK-1 h) and TC2 (Al-72 h/Al-1 h). A large number of TC2 DEGs group were identified, with most being down-regulated under Al stress, while TC1 DEGs were primarily up-regulated. Combining GO, KEGG, and MapMan pathway analysis indicated that many DEGs are involved in primary metabolism, including cell wall metabolism and lipid metabolism, while other DEGs are associated with signaling pathways and secondary metabolism, including flavonoids and phenylpropanoids metabolism. Furthermore, TFs identified in TC1 and TC2 DEGs represented 21 and 40 transcription factor families, respectively. Among them, expression of bHLH, C2H2, ERF, bZIP, GRAS, and MYB TFs changed considerably under Al stress, which suggests that these TFs might play crucial roles in Chinese fir root responses to Al toxicity. These differentially expressed TFs might act in concert with flavonoid and phenylpropanoid pathway genes in fulfilling of key roles in Chinese fir roots responding to Al toxicity.
Genomic Selection for Antioxidant Production in a Panel of Sorghum bicolor and S. bicolor × S. halepense Lines
Authors: Habyarimana Ephrem , Lopez-Cruz Marco
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this work was to assess the performance of four genomic selection (GS) models (GBLUP, BRR, Bayesian LASSO and BayesB) in 4 sorghum grain antioxidant traits (phenols, flavonoids, total antioxidant capacity and condensed tannins) using whole-genome SNP markers in a novel diversity panel of Sorghum bicolor lines and landraces and S. bicolor × S. halepense recombinant inbred lines. One key breeding problem modelled was predicting the performance in the antioxidant production of new and unphenotyped sorghum genotypes (validation set). The population was weakly structured (analysis of molecular variance, AMOVA R2 = 9%), showed a significant genetic diversity and expressed antioxidant traits with a good level of variability and high correlation. The S. bicolor × S. halepense lines outperformed Sorghum bicolor populations for all the antioxidants. The four GS models implemented in this work performed comparably across traits, with accuracy ranging from 0.49 to 0.58, and are considered high enough to sustain sorghum breeding for antioxidants production and allow important genetic gains per unit of time and cost. The results presented in this work are expected to contribute to GS implementation and the genetic improvement of sorghum grain antioxidants for different purposes, including the manufacture of health-promoting and specialty foods.
Evolution of Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotype 3 in England and Wales: A Major Vaccine Evader
Authors: Groves Natalie , Sheppard Carmen L. , Litt David , Rose Samuel , Silva Ana , Njoku Nina , Rodrigues Sofia , Amin-Chowdhury Zahin , Andrews Nicholas , Ladhani Shamez , Fry Norman K.
Published: October 2019

Despite its inclusion in pneumococcal conjugate vaccine 13 (PCV13), Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 3 remains a major cause of invasive pneumococcal disease in England and Wales. Previous studies have indicated that there are distinct lineages within serotype 3 clonal complex 180 and the clade distributions have shifted in recent years with the emergence of clade II. We undertook whole genome sequencing and genomic analysis of 616 serotype 3 isolates from England and Wales between 2003 and 2018, including invasive and carriage isolates. Our investigations showed that clade II has expanded since 2014 and now represents 50% of serotype 3 invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) isolates in England and Wales. Genomic analysis of antibiotic resistance and protein antigen genes showed that distinct profiles are present within the clades which could account for the recent emergence of this clade. This investigation highlights the importance and utility of routine whole genome sequencing and its ability to identify new and emerging variation at the single nucleotide level which informs surveillance and will impact future vaccine development.
Knowledge and Expectations on Antibiotic Use among Older Adults in Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Kong Lai San , Islahudin Farida , Muthupalaniappen Leelavathi , Chong Wei Wen
Published: October 2019

Antibiotics are commonly prescribed among older adults, and inappropriate use of antibiotics has been noted. However, there is limited information about their knowledge and expectations for antibiotics. This study aimed to assess older adults’ knowledge of antibiotic use and resistance, their expectations for antibiotics and the relationship between knowledge, expectation and inappropriate practices related to antibiotic use. A cross-sectional survey involving respondents aged 60 years and above was conducted, using a validated questionnaire. A lack of knowledge about the role of antibiotics was observed, whereby more than half of the respondents incorrectly believed that antibiotics can treat viral infections (53.5%) and colds and coughs (53.7%). Also, 67.9% of respondents incorrectly believed that antibiotic resistance occurs when the body becomes resistant to antibiotics. Almost half of the respondents would expect antibiotics for symptoms of self-limiting viral infections. Respondents who answered correctly for the role of antibiotics in viral infections were more likely not to expect antibiotics for cold, flu and cough (p < 0.001). Respondents who answered correctly regarding the need to adhere to antibiotics were more likely to have completed their antibiotic course (p < 0.001). Future educational initiatives should provide key information on the role of antibiotics and the importance of complying with antibiotics in this population.
A WeChat-Based Self-Management Intervention for Community Middle-Aged and Elderly Adults with Hypertension in Guangzhou, China: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Li Xiaowen , Li Tong , Chen Jianying , Xie Yuanling , An Xia , Lv Yunhong , Lin Aihua
Published: October 2019

This study aimed to assess whether a WeChat-based self-management intervention would be effective for community middle-aged and elderly adults with hypertension in Guangzhou, China. We conducted a cluster-randomized control trial with a total of 464 participants (intervention, n = 186; control, n = 276) between March 2018 and May 2019. The self-management intervention lasted for 6 months, consisting of health education, health promotion, group chat, and blood pressure (BP) monitoring. All individuals in the baseline and follow-up surveys were assessed for BP and completed a hypertension knowledge questionnaire, self-efficacy scale, self-management scale, and social support scale. A total of 253 participants (intervention, n = 110; control, n = 143) completed the follow-up survey and were included in the analysis. The adjusted mean differences in the changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) between the intervention and control groups were −6.9 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) −11.2 to −2.6; p = 0.002) and −3.1 (95% CI −5.7 to −0.6; p = 0.016) mmHg, respectively. Individuals who participated in the intervention program had better BP monitoring, improved their hypertension self-management as well as parts of their disease knowledge and self-efficacy. The WeChat-based self-management intervention may be a feasible and efficient program to help Chinese community middle-aged and elderly hypertensive patients lower BP and improve self-management.
Determinants of Physical Activity Performed by Young Adults
Authors: García-Fernández Jacinto , González-López José Rafael , Vilches-Arenas Ángel , Lomas-Campos María de las Mercedes
Published: October 2019

Despite the World Health Organization considering it important to promote physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle, the official data show an increase in the percentage of physical inactivity, which has brought about the development of strategies at different levels (national and international) to reverse this trend. For the development of these strategies, it is relevant to know what the determinants of physical activity (at leisure and at work) are. Therefore, this is going to be analysed in the autochthonous young adults from Seville. A cross-sectional survey of their health behaviours was carried out. The sample was selected through a proportionally stratified random sampling procedure. From the results, we highlight that the general perceived health status is good and that most physical activity is performed during leisure time. However, a majority of the population analysed reported overweight or obesity. Participants with a low perceived health status, those who have low social support from their family and friends, and those who do not smoke are the ones who have more probability of engaging in physical activity during their leisure time. However, gender, education level, and alcohol consumption are revealed as determinants of the intensity of physical activity at work. In this regard, men and/or participants with a low level of studies are those who carry out more physically demanding activities at work.
Gut Microbiota Profiles Differ among Individuals Depending on Their Region of Origin: An Italian Pilot Study
Authors: Fontana Andrea , Panebianco Concetta , Picchianti-Diamanti Andrea , Laganà Bruno , Cavalieri Duccio , Potenza Adele , Pracella Riccardo , Binda Elena , Copetti Massimiliano , Pazienza Valerio
Published: October 2019

Background and aims: Microbiota heterogeneity among humans is mainly due to genetic background, age, dietary habits, lifestyle and local environments. In this study we investigated whether the gut microbiota profile of Italian healthy volunteers could differ based on their geographical origin. Materials and Methods: 16S rRNA gene sequencing was employed to analyze the gut microbiota of 31 healthy volunteers from three different Italian regions: Apulia (South), Lazio (Center) and Lombardy (North). Results: Differences in microbiota composition were detected when the study participants were grouped by their region of origin and when they were classified based on age classes (p-values < 0.05). Also species richness was significantly different both according to Italian Regions (median richness: 177.8 vs. 140.7 vs. 168.0 in Apulia, Lazio and Lombardy; p < 0.001) and according to age classes (median richness: 140.1 vs. 177.8 vs. 160.0 in subjects < 32, 32–41 and > 41 years; p < 0.001), whereas the Shannon index and beta diversity did not change. Conclusions: This study identified differences in the gut microbiota composition and richness among individuals with the same ethnicity coming from three different Italian regions. Our results underline the importance of studies on population-specific variations in human microbiota composition leading to geographically tailored approaches to microbiota engineering.
Impact of Fe and Ni Addition on the VFAs’ Generation and Process Stability of Anaerobic Fermentation Containing Cd
Authors: Zhang Huayong , Xu Yanli , Tian Yonglan , Zheng Lei , Hao He , Huang Hai
Published: October 2019

The effects of Cd, Cd + Fe, and Cd + Ni on the thermophilic anaerobic fermentation of corn stover and cow manure were studied in pilot experiments by investigating the biogas properties, process stability, substrate biodegradation, and microbial properties. The results showed that the addition of Fe and Ni into the Cd-containing fermentation system induced higher cumulative biogas yields and NH4+–N concentrations compared with the only Cd-added group. Ni together with Cd improved and brought forward the peak daily biogas yields, and increased the CH4 contents to 80.76%. Taking the whole fermentation process into consideration, the promoting impact of the Cd + Ni group was mainly attributed to better process stability, a higher average NH4+–N concentration, and increased utilization of acetate. Adding Fe into the Cd-containing fermentation system increased the absolute abundance of Methanobrevibacter on the 13th day, and Methanobrevibacter and Methanobacterium were found to be positively correlated with the daily biogas yield. This research was expected to provide a basis for the reuse of biological wastes contaminated by heavy metals and a reference for further studies on the influence of compound heavy metals on anaerobic fermentation.
Adverse Birth Outcomes as Indicators of Poor Fetal Growth Conditions in a French Newborn Population—A Stratified Analysis by Neighborhood Deprivation Level
Authors: Kihal-Talantikite Wahida , Le Nouveau Pauline , Legendre Pierre , Zmirou Navier Denis , Danzon Arlette , Carayol Marion , Deguen Séverine
Published: October 2019

Background: Adverse birth outcomes are related to unfavorable fetal growth conditions. A latent variable, named Favorable Fetal Growth Condition (FFGC), has been defined by Bollen et al., in 2013; he showed that this FFGC latent variable mediates the effects of maternal characteristics on several birth outcomes. Objectives: The objectives of the present study were to replicate Bollen’s approach in a population of newborns in Paris and to investigate the potential differential effect of the FFGC latent variable according to the neighborhood socioeconomic level. Methods: Newborn health data were available from the first birth certificate registered by the Maternal and Child Care department of the City of Paris. All newborns (2008–2011) were geocoded at the mother residential census block. Each census block was assigned a socioeconomic deprivation level. Several mothers’ characteristics were collected from the birth certificates: age, parity, education and occupational status and the occupational status of the father. Three birth outcomes were considered: birth weight (BW), birth length (BL) and gestational age (GA). Results: Using a series of structural equation models, we confirm that the undirected model (that includes the FFGC latent variable) provided a better fit for the data compared with the model where parental characteristics directly affected BW, BL, and/or GA. However, the strength, the direction and statistical significance of the associations between the exogenous variables and the FFGC were different according to the neighborhood deprivation level. Conclusion: Future research should be designed to assess the how robust the FFGC latent variable is across populations and should take into account neighborhood characteristics to identify the most vulnerable group and create better design prevention policies.
Acute Febrile Illness Caused by Brucella Abortus Infection in Humans in Pakistan
Authors: Saddique Arbab , Ali Shahzad , Akhter Shamim , Khan Iahtasham , Neubauer Heinrich , Melzer Falk , Khan Aman Ullah , Azam Asima , El-Adawy Hosny
Published: October 2019

Brucellosis is a zoonosis of great and worldwide public health concern that can cause a severe febrile illness in humans. In Pakistan, brucellosis is a critical problem in both animals and humans. This study aimed to gain insight into its prevalence and to analyze the potential risk factors of patients with acute febrile illness (AFI) of an unknown cause, at the hospitals of Rawalpindi and Islamabad in Pakistan. In total, 446 blood samples were collected from patients and screened for brucellosis using the Rose Bengal Plat Test (RBPT). All the serum samples were investigated for Brucella DNA using specific real-time PCR. Age, sex, occupation, urbanicity, socioeconomic status and history of animal contact were recorded and assessed as potential risk factors. The proportion of acute febrile illness patients for whom brucellosis could be suspected was 10.1% by the RBPT. Brucella DNA was detected in 26 (5.8%) cases and identified as B. abortus. Contact with infected animals, consumption of raw milk and socioeconomic status showed a highly significant (p < 0.05) correlation with seropositivity. Elderly patients (19.7% RBPT and 12.1% PCR) and females (13% RBPT and 9.3% PCR) were of high risk of brucellosis. Patients suffering from brucellosis-related manifestations should be screened for brucellosis, especially those in contact with animals or those consuming their unprocessed products, given the increased risk. The results of this study, which highlight that Brucella abortus as an important cause of acute febrile illnesses in humans, aid the development of effective control strategies for human brucellosis in Pakistan.
Effects of Freeway Rerouting and Boulevard Replacement on Air Pollution Exposure and Neighborhood Attributes
Authors: Patterson Regan F. , Harley Robert A.
Published: October 2019

Freeway rerouting and replacement with a street-level boulevard are urban transportation policies, that may help redress disproportionate air pollution burdens resulting from freeway construction that took place during the mid-20th century. However, environmental justice activism for freeway rerouting and urban green space creation may have the unintended consequence of environmental gentrification. In this paper, we investigate the effects of freeway routing decisions on exposure to traffic-related air pollution and neighborhood socioeconomic and demographic change. We focus on the effects of rerouting the Cypress Freeway in West Oakland, along with the construction of a street-level boulevard (Mandela Parkway), on the original freeway alignment. The impacts of two rebuild scenarios, freeway rebuild-in-place and reroute, on near-roadway NOx and BC concentrations are compared. We also assess changes in demographics and land use in West Oakland, between the time when the Cypress Freeway was damaged by a major earthquake and after completion of Mandela Parkway. Our research indicates that freeway rerouting reduced annual average concentrations of both NOx (−38% ± 4%) and BC (−25% ± 2%) along the Mandela Parkway alignment. However, there is evidence of environmentally driven neighborhood change, given that there are larger decreases in the long-time Black population (−28%) and increases in property values (184%) along Mandela Parkway, compared to West Oakland as a whole. There are some attributes along the Mandela Parkway that enable low-income residents to live in proximity to the street-level boulevard, such as affordable housing.
Diagnose-Specific Antibiotic Prescribing Patterns at Otorhinolaryngology Inpatient Departments of Two Private Sector Healthcare Facilities in Central India: A Five-Year Observational Study
Authors: Silfwerbrand Elisabeth , Verma Sumeer , Sjökvist Cora , Stålsby Lundborg Cecilia , Sharma Megha
Published: October 2019

Antibiotics are over-prescribed in low-and-middle-income countries, where the infection rate is high. The global paucity of standard treatment guidelines and reliable diagnose-specific prescription data from high-infection risk departments such as the otorhinolaryngology (ENT: ears, nose and throat) is a barrier to rationalize antibiotic use and combat antibiotic resistance. The study was conducted to present diagnose-specific antibiotic prescribing patterns of five years at ENT inpatient departments of two private-sector Indian hospitals. Data of all consecutive inpatients (n = 3527) were collected but analyzed for the inpatients aged >15 years (n = 2909) using the World Health Organization’s methodologies. Patient records were divided into four diagnoses groups: surgical, non-surgical, chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), and others. Of 2909 inpatients, 51% had surgical diagnoses. An average of 83% of patients in the clean surgery group and more than 75% in the viral and non-infectious groups were prescribed antibiotics. CSOM was the most common diagnosis (31%), where 90% of inpatients were prescribed antibiotics. Overall, third-generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones were most commonly prescribed. This study highlights the inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics to patients of clean surgeries, viral infections, and non-infectious groups. The single-prophylactic dose of antibiotic for clean-contaminated surgeries was replaced by the prolonged empirical prescribing. The use of microbiology investigations was insignificant.
Association of Working Hours and Patient Safety Competencies with Adverse Nurse Outcomes: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Son Youn-Jung , Lee Eun Kyoung , Ko Yukyung
Published: October 2019

The environment of health organizations can determine healthcare quality and patient safety. Longer working hours can be associated with nurses’ health status and care quality, as well as work-related hazards. However, little is known about the association of hospital nurses’ working hours and patient safety competencies with adverse nurse outcomes. In this cross-sectional descriptive study, convenience sampling was employed to recruit 380 nurses from three tertiary care hospitals in South Korea. Data were collected using structured questionnaires from May to June 2016. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was used to identify the association of working hours and patient competencies with adverse nurse outcomes among 364 participants selected for analysis. Most nurses worked over 40 h/week. Working hours (β = 0.202, p < 0.001) had the strongest association with adverse nurse outcomes. Low perceived patient safety competencies (β = −0.179, p = 0.001) and frequently reporting patient safety accidents (β = 0.146, p = 0.018) were also correlated with adverse nurse outcomes. Nursing leaders should encourage work cultures where working overtime is discouraged and patient safety competencies are prioritized. Further, healthcare managers must formulate policies that secure nurses’ rights. The potential association of overtime with nurse and patient outcomes needs further exploration.
Service Quality and Customer Satisfaction in Pharmaceutical Logistics: An Analysis Based on Kano Model and Importance-Satisfaction Model
Authors: Chen Mu-Chen , Hsu Chia-Lin , Lee Li-Hung
Published: October 2019

The implementation of National Health Insurance in Taiwan has affected the medical industry by significantly depleting the supply chain’s profits. Service providers in the medical industry must meet the dual-service expectation of serving as medical manufacturers with upper reaches and as suppliers in the downstream marketing channel. As a result, service providers must anticipate customer requirements, offer new service items that align with customer demands and improve the quality of existing services. This study aims to examine consumer perspectives about service satisfaction in the domestic medical industry using Kano’s two-dimensional model. In addition, it employs the importance-satisfaction model to determine service items that need improvement. The empirical findings show that consumer perceptions about service quality attributes vary and thus, service items may be categorized differently in Kano’s model. Further, the reliability of service quality significantly affects customer satisfaction. Thus, service providers can gain a competitive edge and maintain their market position by offering high value added and critical quality attributes. Finally, analyzing customer attitudes toward new service items for indifference quality will help service providers determine effective tactics in a competitive market. In general, service providers should assign higher priority to items that customers consider in need of improvement.
Integration of Remote Sensing and Social Sensing Data in a Deep Learning Framework for Hourly Urban PM2.5 Mapping
Authors: Shen Huanfeng , Zhou Man , Li Tongwen , Zeng Chao
Published: October 2019

Fine spatiotemporal mapping of PM2.5 concentration in urban areas is of great significance in epidemiologic research. However, both the diversity and the complex nonlinear relationships of PM2.5 influencing factors pose challenges for accurate mapping. To address these issues, we innovatively combined social sensing data with remote sensing data and other auxiliary variables, which can bring both natural and social factors into the modeling; meanwhile, we used a deep learning method to learn the nonlinear relationships. The geospatial analysis methods were applied to realize effective feature extraction of the social sensing data and a grid matching process was carried out to integrate the spatiotemporal multi-source heterogeneous data. Based on this research strategy, we finally generated hourly PM2.5 concentration data at a spatial resolution of 0.01°. This method was successfully applied to the central urban area of Wuhan in China, which the optimal result of the 10-fold cross-validation R2 was 0.832. Our work indicated that the real-time check-in and traffic index variables can improve both quantitative and mapping results. The mapping results could be potentially applied for urban environmental monitoring, pollution exposure assessment, and health risk research.
Environmental Pollution as a Risk Factor in Testicular Tumour Development: Focus on the Interaction between Bisphenol A and the Associated Immune Response
Authors: Nava-Castro Karen Elizabeth , Ramírez-Nieto Ricardo , Méndez-García Lucía Angélica , Girón-Pérez Manuel Iván , Segovia-Mendoza Mariana , Navidad-Murrieta Migdalia Sarahy , Morales Montor Jorge
Published: October 2019

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor to which animals and humans are highly exposed. Many reports have established a relationship between BPA exposure and breast cancer incidence, especially during critical periods of development. However, its effects on the immune response in testicular tumour growth have not yet been described. Thus, we wanted to analyse the effect of perinatal BPA exposure in pregnant female mice and the immune response modulation and tumour growth in an intratesticular cancer model in offspring male mice. Pregnant female mice were exposed to a dose of 250 mg/kg/day/body weight of BPA in their drinking water. In adulthood, male offspring underwent intrascrotal inoculation with 4T1 cancer cells. On day 21 after inoculation, mice were euthanised, and serum was obtained to measure BPA levels using HPLC coupled to mass spectrometry. The percentages of immune cell populations in peripheral lymph nodes (PLN), the spleen and tumours were evaluated by flow cytometry. In addition, the tumour expression of IL-10, TNF-α and TGF-β was analysed by RT-PCR. Of note, we found detectable circulating levels of BPA in the offspring of mothers exposed to it while pregnant. Remarkably, BPA treatment promoted tumour growth by about 75% compared to mice coming from female mice that did not receive the compound. Perinatal exposure to BPA modulated the percentages of different immune cells in the spleen and PLN. In addition, the expression of inflammatory-related cytokines (IL-10 and TNF-α) in the tumours was significantly enhanced compared to control and vehicle groups. In conclusion, the perinatal BPA administration in pregnant female mice modulated different cellular and molecular immune components that resulted in outstanding testicular tumour size in male offspring.
Effects of Detritus on the Mosquito Culex pipiens: Phragmites and Schedonorus (Festuca) Invasion Affect Population Performance
Authors: Leisnham Paul T. , Scott Brandon , Baldwin Andrew H. , LaDeau Shannon L.
Published: October 2019

Species interactions that influence the performance of the exotic mosquito Culex pipiens can have important effects on the transmission risk of West Nile virus (WNV). Invasive plants that alter the vegetation communities of ephemeral ground pools may facilitate or resist the spread of C. pipiens (L.) by altering allochthonous inputs of detritus in those pools. To test this hypothesis, we combined field surveys of roadside stormwater ditches with a laboratory microcosm experiment to examine relationships between C. pipiens performance and water quality in systems containing detritus from invasive Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. Ex Steud., introduced Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort., or native Juncus effusus L. or Typha latifolia L. In ditches, C. pipiens abundance was unrelated to detritus species but female C. pipiens were significantly larger from ditches with S. arundinaceus and smaller with J. effusus. Larger and smaller C. pipiens were also produced in microcosms provisioned with S. arundinaceus and J. effusus, respectively, yet the per capita rate of population of change did not vary. Larger females from habitats with S. arundinaceus were likely caused by faster decay rates of S. arundinaceus and resultant increases in microbial food, but lower survival as a result of fouling and higher tannin-lignin concentrations resulted in little changes to overall population performance. Larger female mosquitoes have been shown to have greater potential for transmitting arboviruses. Our findings suggest that changed community-level interactions from plant invasions in urban ephemeral ground pools can affect the fitness of C. pipiens and possibly increase WNV risk.
Comparison of ICDAS, CAST, Nyvad’s Criteria, and WHO-DMFT for Caries Detection in a Sample of Italian Schoolchildren
Authors: Campus Guglielmo , Cocco Fabio , Ottolenghi Livia , Cagetti Maria Grazia
Published: October 2019

Caries measurement methods vary considerably in terms of the stages of lesion considered making the comparison problematic among different surveys. In this cross-sectional study, four caries measurement methods, the WHO-DMFT, the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS), the Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST), and the Nyvad Criteria were tested in a sample of children. Five-hundred 12-year old children (236 males and 264 females) were examined four times by four calibrated examiners. The calibration process showed that Cohen’s Kappa exceeded the criterion of K = 0.75 and K = 0.80 for inter/intra-examiner agreement, respectively. In the survey, the total number of misclassification errors for the four methods amounted to 312 observations (67.94% regarding enamel lesions). The greatest difference among methods was shown by number of sound teeth (p < 0.01): WHO-DMFT n = 9505, 74.14%; ICDAS n = 2628, 20.49%; CAST n = 5053, 39.41%; and Nyvad Criteria n = 4117, 32.11%. At the level of dentinal Distinct/Active Cavity lesions, no statistically significant difference was observed (p = 0.40) between ICDAS (n = 1373, 10.71%), CAST (n = 1371, 0.69%), and Nyvad Criteria (n = 1720, 13.41%). In the severe caries levels, all methods were partially in agreement, while no accordance was found for the initial (enamel) lesions. A common language in caries detection is critical when different studies are compared.
Tracking the 6-DOF Flight Trajectory of Windborne Debris Using Stereophotogrammetry
Authors: Sabharwal Chaman Lal , Guo Yanlin
Published: October 2019

Numerous post-windstorm investigations have reported that windborne debris can cause costly damage to the envelope of buildings in urban areas under strong winds (e.g., during hurricanes or tornados). Thus, understanding the physics of debris flight is of critical importance. Previously developed numerical models describing debris flight physics have not been validated for the complex urban flow environment; such a validation requires experimentally measuring the debris flight trajectory in wind tunnel tests. In this context, this paper proposes a debris measurement algorithm using stereophotogrammetry. This algorithm aims to determine the six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) trajectory and velocity of flying debris, addressing the research gap, i.e., the lack of an algorithm/software for measuring three-rotational-DOF using stereophotogrammetry. This is a civil engineering problem, but computer graphics is the foundation to solve it. This paper focuses on the theoretical development of the algorithm. The developed algorithm can be readily implemented in modern wind tunnel experiments.
Nitric Oxide and Biological Mediators in Pediatric Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Asthma
Authors: Ferraro Valentina Agnese , Zanconato Stefania , Baraldi Eugenio , Carraro Silvia
Published: October 2019

Background: In the context of the so-called unified airway theory, chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and asthma may coexist. The inflammation underlying these conditions can be studied through the aid of biomarkers. Main body: We described the main biological mediators that have been studied in pediatric CRS and asthma, and, according to the available literature, we reported their potential role in the diagnosis and management of these conditions. As for CRS, we discussed the studies that investigated nasal nitric oxide (nNO), pendrin, and periostin. As for asthma, we discussed the role of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (feNO), the role of periostin, and that of biological mediators measured in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and exhaled air (volatile organic compounds, VOCs). Conclusion: Among non-invasive biomarkers, nNO seems the most informative in CRS and feNO in asthma. Other biological mediators seem promising, but further studies are needed before they can be applied in clinical practice.
Calcium Phosphate Bone Graft Substitutes with High Mechanical Load Capacity and High Degree of Interconnecting Porosity
Authors: Hettich Georg , Schierjott Ronja A. , Epple Matthias , Gbureck Uwe , Heinemann Sascha , Mozaffari-Jovein Hadi , Grupp Thomas M.
Published: October 2019

Bone graft substitutes in orthopedic applications have to fulfill various demanding requirements. Most calcium phosphate (CaP) bone graft substitutes are highly porous to achieve bone regeneration, but typically lack mechanical stability. This study presents a novel approach, in which a scaffold structure with appropriate properties for bone regeneration emerges from the space between specifically shaped granules. The granule types were tetrapods (TEPO) and pyramids (PYRA), which were compared to porous CaP granules (CALC) and morselized bone chips (BC). Bulk materials of the granules were mechanically loaded with a peak pressure of 4 MP; i.e., comparable to the load occurring behind an acetabular cup. Mechanical loading reduced the volume of CALC and BC considerably (89% and 85%, respectively), indicating a collapse of the macroporous structure. Volumes of TEPO and PYRA remained almost constant (94% and 98%, respectively). After loading, the porosity was highest for BC (46%), lowest for CALC (25%) and comparable for TEPO and PYRA (37%). The pore spaces of TEPO and PYRA were highly interconnected in a way that a virtual object with a diameter of 150 µm could access 34% of the TEPO volume and 36% of the PYRA volume. This study shows that a bulk of dense CaP granules in form of tetrapods and pyramids can create a scaffold structure with load capacities suitable for the regeneration of an acetabular bone defect.
Graphene-PEDOT: PSS Humidity Sensors for High Sensitive, Low-Cost, Highly-Reliable, Flexible, and Printed Electronics
Authors: Popov Vasiliy I. , Kotin Igor A. , Nebogatikova Nadezhda A. , Smagulova Svetlana A. , Antonova Irina V.
Published: October 2019

A comparison of the structure and sensitivity of humidity sensors prepared from graphene (G)-PEDOT: PSS (poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)) composite material on flexible and solid substrates is performed. Upon an increase in humidity, the G: PEDOT: PSS composite films ensure a response (a linear increase in resistance versus humidity) up to 220% without restrictions typical of sensors fabricated from PEDOT: PSS. It was found that the response of the examined sensors depends not only on the composition of the layer and on its thickness but, also, on the substrate used. The capability of flexible substrates to absorb the liquid component of the ink used to print the sensors markedly alters the structure of the film, making it more porous; as a result, the response to moisture increases. However, in the case of using paper, a hysteresis of resistance occurs during an increase or decrease of humidity; that hysteresis is associated with the capability of such substrates to absorb moisture and transfer it to the sensing layer of the sensor. A study of the properties of G: PEDOT: PSS films and test device structures under deformation showed that when the G: PEDOT: PSS films or structures are bent to a bending radius of 3 mm (1.5% strain), the properties of those films and structures remain unchanged. This result makes the composite humidity sensors based on G: PEDOT: PSS films promising devices for use in flexible and printed electronics.
3D Cultures of Salivary Gland Cells in Native or Gelled Egg Yolk Plasma, Combined with Egg White and 3D-Printing of Gelled Egg Yolk Plasma
Authors: Charbonneau André M. , Kinsella Joseph M. , Tran Simon D.
Published: October 2019

For salivary gland (SG) tissue engineering, we cultured acinar NS-SV-AC cell line or primary SG fibroblasts for 14 days in avian egg yolk plasma (EYP). Media or egg white (EW) supplemented the cultures as they grew in 3D-Cryo histology well inserts. In the second half of this manuscript, we measured EYP’s freeze-thaw gelation and freeze-thaw induced gelled EYP (GEYP), and designed and tested further GEYP tissue engineering applications. With a 3D-Cryo well insert, we tested GEYP as a structural support for 3D cell culture or as a bio-ink for 3D-Bioprinting fluorescent cells. In non-printed EYP + EW or GEYP + EW cultures, sagittal sections of the cultures showed cells remaining above the well’s base. Ki-67 expression was lacking for fibroblasts, contrasting NS-SV-AC’s constant expression. Rheological viscoelastic measurements of GEYP at 37 °C on seven different freezing periods showed constant increase from 0 in mean storage and loss moduli, to 320 Pa and 120 Pa, respectively, after 30 days. We successfully 3D-printed GEYP with controlled geometries. We manually extruded GEYP bio-ink with fluorescence cells into a 3D-Cryo well insert and showed cell positioning. The 3D-Cryo well inserts reveal information on cells in EYP and we demonstrated GEYP cell culture and 3D-printing applications.
The Implantation of Bioactive Glass Granules Can Contribute the Load-Bearing Capacity of Bones Weakened by Large Cortical Defects
Authors: van Gestel Nicole A. P. , Gabriels Floor , Geurts Jan A. P. , Hulsen Dennis J. W. , Wyers Caroline E. , van de Bergh Joop P. , Ito Keita , Hofmann Sandra , Arts Jacobus J. , van Rietbergen Bert
Published: October 2019

Bioactive glass (BAG) granules (S53P4) have shown good clinical results in one-stage treatment of osteomyelitis. During this treatment, a cortical window is created, and infected bone is debrided, which results in large defects that affect the mechanical properties of the bone. This study aimed to evaluate the role of BAG granules in load-bearing bone defect grafting. First, the influence of the geometry of the cortical window on the bone bending stiffness and estimated failure moments was evaluated using micro finite element analysis (µFE). This resulted in significant differences between the variations in width and length. In addition, µFE analysis showed that BAG granules contribute to bearing loads in simulated compression of a tibia with a defect grafted with BAG and a BAG and bone morsel mixture. These mixtures potentially can unload the cortical bone that is weakened by a large defect directly after the operation by up to approximately 25%, but only in case of optimal load transfer through the mixture.
A Novel Strengthening Method for Damaged Pipeline under High Temperature Using Inorganic Insulation Material and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Composite Material
Authors: Li Yeou-Fong , Tsai Tsung-Han , Yang Tzu-Hsien
Published: October 2019

In this paper, a strengthening method for the damaged high-temperature steel pipeline using inorganic insulation material which was confined by carbon fiber reinforcement plastic (CFRP) composite materials was proposed. Two inorganic insulation materials were composed of magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) mixing with perlite and vermiculite powders, respectively. The influences of insulation material composites with various ratios of the perlite or vermiculite powder were discussed, in terms of compressive strength and thermal conductivity coefficients of inorganic insulation materials. The insulation materials confined by carbon fiber reinforced polymer jackets for enhancing the mechanical behavior were also investigated. From the experimental results, the main finding of the work was that the inorganic insulation materials added to the perlite powder represented greater insulation capability than added vermiculite ones under the condition of the same compressive strength. Different ratios of perlite inorganic insulation material cylinders with the dimension of ϕ 10 cm × 20 cm were confined by one layer and two layers of CFRP composite material. The compressive strength of the specimens increased by 258%–927% after using 1-layer CFRP composite material and increased by 480%–1541% after applying 2-layer CFRP composite material. A peak strength prediction model of insulation materials confined by CFRP was proposed, and it was found that the proposed model accurately predicted the peak strength of the inorganic insulation material cylinder. Finally, a verification test of the strengthening method for damaged high-temperature pipeline was performed to prove that the proposed strengthening method is feasible.
Laser Alloying Monel 400 with Amorphous Boron to Obtain Hard Coatings
Authors: Kuklinski Mateusz , Bartkowska Aneta , Przestacki Damian
Published: October 2019

In this study, Monel 400 is laser heat treated and laser alloyed with boron using diode laser to obtain adequate remelting and to improve the microhardness Single laser tracks were produced on the surface with three different laser beam scanning velocities: 5, 25, and 75 m/min. In order to enrich Monel 400 with boron surfaces were covered with initial layers of two different thicknesses before the process: 100 μm and 200 μm. In all experiments, laser beam power density was equal to 178 kW/cm2. Produced laser tracks were investigated in areas of microstructure, depth of remelting and microhardness. It was found that remelted zones are mainly composed of dendrites and the more boron is present in the laser track, the dendritic structure more fragmented is. Depth of remelting and microhardness depend not only on the laser beam scanning velocity but also on thickness of the initial boron layer. While microhardness of Monel 400 is equal to approximately 160 HV0.1, microhardness up to 980 HV0.1 was obtained in areas laser alloyed with boron.
Thin Degradable Coatings for Optimization of Osteointegration Associated with Simultaneous Infection Prophylaxis
Authors: Burtscher Sophie , Krieg Peter , Killinger Andreas , Al-Ahmad Ali , Seidenstücker Michael , Latorre Sergio Hernandez , Bernstein Anke
Published: October 2019

One of the most common causes of implant failure is aseptic prosthesis loosening. Another frequent complication after prosthesis implant is the microbial colonization of the prosthesis surface, which often leads to a replacement of the prosthesis. One approach to reduce these complications is the application of bioactive substances to implant surfaces. Both an antibiotic prophylaxis and a faster osteointegration can be obtained by incorporation of bactericidal active metals in degradable calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings. In this study, thin degradable calcium phosphate ceramic coatings doped with silver (Ag), copper (Cu), and bismuth (Bi) on a titanium substrate were prepared with the aid of the high-velocity suspension flame spraying (HVSFS) coating process. To characterize the samples surface roughness, brightfield microscopy of the coatings, X-ray diffraction (XRD)-analysis for definition of the phase composition of the layers, Raman spectroscopy for determination of the phase composition of the contained metals, element-mapping for Cu-content verification, release kinetics for detection of metal ions and ceramic components of the coatings were carried out. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity of the coatings. For biocompatibility testing, growth experiments were performed using the cell culture line MG-63. Cell viability was investigated by Giemsa staining and live/dead assay. The WST-1 kit was used to quantify cell proliferation and vitality in vitro and the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) kit to quantify cytotoxicity. The formation of hydroxyapatite crystals in simulated body fluid was investigated to predict bioactivity in vivo. The Safe Airborne Antibacterial Assay with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was used for antimicrobial testing. The results showed good biocompatibility of all the metal doped CaP coatings, furthermore Cu and Ag doped layers showed significant antibacterial effects against S. aureus.
Enhancement of Mechanical Properties and Rolling Formability in AZ91 Alloy by RD-ECAP Processing
Authors: Xu Qiong , Ma Aibin , Li Yuhua , Saleh Bassiouny , Yuan Yuchun , Jiang Jinghua , Ni Chaoying
Published: October 2019

In this study, the influence of rotary-die equal channel angular pressing (RD-ECAP) processing on the mechanical properties and rolling formability of AZ91 alloys was investigated. The as-cast and pre-homogenized AZ91 alloys were pre-processed by RD-ECAP for 16 passes at 573 K and subjected to post-ECAP rolling at 573 K with a rolling speed of 10 m/min. The microstructure and deformation characteristics of the AZ91 alloys were characterized. Results demonstrated that fine-grained AZ91 alloys with improved strength and ductility were obtained via the high-pass RD-ECAP processing, indicating a good plastic formability. The ECAP-ed alloys were easily rolled at 573 K from 4.5 mm to 1.1 mm in thickness without edge cracking. After rolling, heterogeneous grain structures were observed with large numbers of twins and shear bands that created strong basal textures. The rolled AZ91 alloys exhibited higher tensile strength and appropriate elongation. The post-ECAP rolling was successfully used in the high productivity of AZ91 rolled plates with good mechanical properties.