bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biosensors to Monitor Water Quality Utilizing Insect Odorant-Binding Proteins as Detector Elements
Authors: Dimitratos Spiros D. , Hommel Allison S. , Konrad Kenneth D. , Simpson Lauren M. , Wu-Woods Jessica J. , Woods Daniel F.
Published: May 2019

In the developing world, the identification of clean, potable water continues to pose a pervasive challenge, and waterborne diseases due to fecal contamination of water supplies significantly threaten public health. The ability to efficiently monitor local water supplies is key to water safety, yet no low-cost, reliable method exists to detect contamination quickly. We developed an in vitro assay utilizing an odorant-binding protein (OBP), AgamOBP1, from the mosquito, Anopheles gambiae, to test for the presence of a characteristic metabolite, indole, from harmful coliform bacteria. We demonstrated that recombinantly expressed AgamOBP1 binds indole with high sensitivity. Our proof-of-concept assay is fluorescence-based and demonstrates the usefulness of insect OBPs as detector elements in novel biosensors that rapidly detect the presence of bacterial metabolic markers, and thus of coliform bacteria. We further demonstrated that rAgamOBP1 is suitable for use in portable, inexpensive “dipstick” biosensors that improve upon lateral flow technology since insect OBPs are robust, easily obtainable via recombinant expression, and resist detector “fouling.” Moreover, due to their wide diversity and ligand selectivity, insect chemosensory proteins have other biosensor applications for various analytes. The techniques presented here therefore represent platform technologies applicable to various future devices.
A Laboratory Word Memory Test Analogue Differentiates Intentional Feigning from True Responding Using the P300 Event-Related Potential
Authors: Shelley-Tremblay John F. , Eyer Joshua C. , Hill Benjamin D.
Published: May 2019

Symptom exaggeration and feigned cognitive impairment occur commonly in forensic and medicolegal evaluations. As a result, methods to detect feigned cognitive impairment are an indispensable component of neuropsychological assessments. This study reports the results of two neurophysiological experiments using a forced-choice recognition task built from the stimuli of the Word Memory Test and Medical Symptom Validity Test as well as a new linguistically informed stimulus set. Participant volunteers were instructed either to do their best or to feign cognitive impairment consistent with a mild traumatic brain injury while their brain activity was monitored using event-related potentials (ERP). Experiment 1 varied instructions across individuals, whereas Experiment 2 varied instructions within individuals. The target brain component was a positive deflection indicating stimulus recognition that occurs approximately 300 ms after exposure to a stimulus (i.e., the P300). Multimodal comparison (P300 amplitude to behavioral accuracy) allowed the detection of feigned cognitive impairment. Results indicate that, for correct responses, P300s were equivalent for the simulated malingering and good effort conditions. However, for incorrect responses, feigned impairment produced reliable but significantly reduced P300 amplitudes. Although the P300 is an automatic index of recognition—even when knowledge is hidden—its amplitude appears capable of modulation by feigning strategies. Implications of this finding are discussed for research and clinical applications.
A Transgenic Mouse Model of Pacak–Zhuang Syndrome with An Epas1 Gain-of-Function Mutation
Authors: Wang Herui , Cui Jing , Yang Chunzhang , Rosenblum Jared S. , Zhang Qi , Song Qi , Pang Ying , Fang Francia , Sun Mitchell , Dmitriev Pauline , Gilbert Mark R. , Eisenhofer Graeme , Pacak Karel , Zhuang Zhengping
Published: May 2019

We previously identified a novel syndrome in patients characterized by paraganglioma, somatostatinoma, and polycythemia. In these patients, polycythemia occurs long before any tumor develops, and tumor removal only partially corrects polycythemia, with recurrence occurring shortly after surgery. Genetic mosaicism of gain-of-function mutations of the EPAS1 gene (encoding HIF2α) located in the oxygen degradation domain (ODD), typically p.530–532, was shown as the etiology of this syndrome. The aim of the present investigation was to demonstrate that these mutations are necessary and sufficient for the development of the symptoms. We developed transgenic mice with a gain-of-function Epas1A529V mutation (corresponding to human EPAS1A530V), which demonstrated elevated levels of erythropoietin and polycythemia, a decreased urinary metanephrine-to-normetanephrine ratio, and increased expression of somatostatin in the ampullary region of duodenum. Further, inhibition of HIF2α with its specific inhibitor PT2385 significantly reduced erythropoietin levels in the mutant mice. However, polycythemia persisted after PT2385 treatment, suggesting an alternative erythropoietin-independent mechanism of polycythemia. These findings demonstrate the vital roles of EPAS1 mutations in the syndrome development and the great potential of the Epas1A529V animal model for further pathogenesis and therapeutics studies.
Control of Tyrosine Kinase Signalling by Small Adaptors in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Mevizou Rudy , Sirvent Audrey , Roche Serge
Published: May 2019

Tyrosine kinases (TKs) phosphorylate proteins on tyrosine residues as an intracellular signalling mechanism to coordinate intestinal epithelial cell communication and fate decision. Deregulation of their activity is ultimately connected with carcinogenesis. In colorectal cancer (CRC), it is still unclear how aberrant TK activities contribute to tumour formation because TK-encoding genes are not frequently mutated in this cancer. In vertebrates, several TKs are under the control of small adaptor proteins with potential important physiopathological roles. For instance, they can exert tumour suppressor functions in human cancer by targeting several components of the oncogenic TK signalling cascades. Here, we review how the Src-like adaptor protein (SLAP) and the suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS) adaptor proteins regulate the SRC and the Janus kinase (JAK) oncogenic pathways, respectively, and how their loss of function in the intestinal epithelium may influence tumour formation. We also discuss the potential therapeutic value of these adaptors in CRC.
Effect of Direct Reduction Treatment on Pt–Sn/Al2O3 Catalyst for Propane Dehydrogenation
Authors: Jung Jae-Won , Kim Won-Il , Kim Jeong-Rang , Oh Kyeongseok , Koh Hyoung Lim
Published: May 2019

Pt–Sn/Al2O3 catalysts were prepared by the direct reduction method at temperatures from 450 to 900 °C, denoted as an SR series (SR450 to SR900 according to reduction temperature). Direct reduction was performed immediately after catalyst drying without a calcination step. The activity of SR catalysts and a conventionally prepared (Cal600) catalyst were compared to evaluate its effect on direct reduction. Among the SR catalysts, SR550 showed overall higher conversion of propane and propylene selectivity than Cal600. The nano-sized dispersion of metals on SR550 was verified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation. The phases of the bimetallic Pt–Sn alloys were examined by X-ray diffraction, TEM, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Two characteristic peaks of Pt3Sn and PtSn alloys were observed in the XRD patterns, and these phases affected the catalytic performance. Moreover, EDS confirmed the formation of Pt3Sn and PtSn alloys on the catalyst surface. In terms of catalytic activity, the Pt3Sn alloy showed better performance than the PtSn alloy. Relationships between the intermetallic interactions and catalytic activity were investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Furthermore, qualitative analysis of coke formation was conducted after propane dehydrogenation using differential thermal analysis.
Effect of Surface Chemistry and Crystallographic Parameters of TiO2 Anatase Nanocrystals on Photocatalytic Degradation of Bisphenol A
Authors: Žerjav Gregor , Pintar Albin , Ferentz Michael , Landau Miron , Haimovich Anat , Goldbourt Amir , Herskowitz Moti
Published: May 2019

The photocatalytic activity of a series of anatase TiO2 materials with different amounts of exposed (001) facets (i.e., 12% (TiO2-1), 38% (TiO2-3), and 63% (TiO2-3)) was tested in a batch slurry reactor towards liquid-phase bisphenol A (BPA, c0(BPA) = 10 mg/L, ccat. = 125 mg/L) degradation. Photo-electrochemical and photo-luminescence measurements revealed that with the increasing amount of exposed anatase (001) facets, the catalysts generate more electron-hole pairs and OH∙ radicals that participate in the photocatalytic mineralization of pollutants dissolved in water. In the initial stages of BPA degradation, a correlation between % exposure of (001) facets and catalytic activity was developed, which was in good agreement with the findings of the photo-electrochemical and photo-luminescence measurements. TiO2-1 and TiO2-3 solids achieved 100% BPA removal after 80 min in comparison to the TiO2-2 sample. Adsorption of BPA degradation products onto the TiO2-2 catalyst surface was found to have a detrimental effect on the photocatalytic performance in the last stage of the reaction course. Consequently, the global extent of BPA mineralization decreased with the increasing exposure of anatase (001) facets. The major contribution to the enhanced reactivity of TiO2 anatase (001) surface is the Brønsted acidity resulting from dissociative chemisorption of water on a surface as indicated by FTIR, TPD, and MAS NMR analyses.
Zebrafish Carrying pycr1 Gene Deficiency Display Aging and Multiple Behavioral Abnormalities
Authors: Liang Sung-Tzu , Audira Gilbert , Juniardi Stevhen , Chen Jung-Ren , Lai Yu-Heng , Du Zheng-Cai , Lin Dar-Shong , Hsiao Chung-Der
Published: May 2019

Aging is a natural process that internal gene control and external stimuli mediate. Clinical data pointed out that homozygotic or heterozygotic mutation in the pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1 (PYCR1) gene in humans caused cutis laxa (ARCL) disease, with progeroid appearance, lax and wrinkled skin, joint laxity, osteopenia, and mental retardation phenotypes. In this study, we aimed to generate pycr1 knockout (KO) zebrafish and carried out biochemical characterizations and behavior analyses. Marked apoptosis and senescence were detected in pycr1 KO zebrafish, which started from embryos/larvae stage. Biochemical assays showed that adult pycr1 KO fish have significantly reduced proline and extracellular matrix contents, lowered energy, and diminished superoxide dismutase (SOD) and telomerase activity when compared to the wild type fish, which suggested the pycr1 KO fish may have dysfunction in mitochondria. The pycr1 KO fish were viable; however, displayed progeria-like phenotype from the 4 months old and reach 50% mortality around six months old. In adult stage, we found that pycr1 KO fish showed reduced locomotion activity, aggression, predator avoidance, social interaction interest, as well as dysregulated color preference and circadian rhythm. In summary, we have identified multiple behavioral alterations in a novel fish model for aging with pycr1 gene loss-of-function by behavioral tests. This animal model may not only provide a unique vertebrate model to screen potential anti-aging drugs in the future, but also be an excellent in vivo model towards a better understanding of the corresponding behavioral alterations that accompany aging.
Negative Thermal Expansivity of Ice: Comparison of the Monatomic mW Model with the All-Atom TIP4P/2005 Water Model
Authors: Huda Muhammad Mahfuzh , Yagasaki Takuma , Matsumoto Masakazu , Tanaka Hideki
Published: May 2019

We calculate the thermal expansivity of ice I for the monatomic mW model using the quasi-harmonic approximation. It is found that the original mW model is unable to reproduce the negative thermal expansivity experimentally observed at low temperatures. A simple prescription is proposed to recover the negative thermal expansion by re-adjusting the so-called tetrahedrality parameter, λ. We investigate the relation between the λ value and the Grüneisen parameter to explain the origin of negative thermal expansion in the mW model and compare it with an all-atom water model that allows the examination of the effect of the rotational motions on the volume of ice.
Quasi-Liquid Layer on Ice and Its Effect on the Confined Freezing of Porous Materials
Authors: Zeng Qiang , Li Kefei
Published: May 2019

Freezing of the water confined in thin pores can be destructive to the porous frame, but the effect of the quasi-liquid layer (QLL) between the confined ice and the pore walls remains still far from being fully understood. In the present study, the physical origins of the intermediate phase of QLL were discussed by thermodynamic analyses. Different interactions on QLL bring different models to estimate its thickness, which generally decays with temperature decreasing. Four representative models of QLL thickness were selected to unveil its effect on the growing rates and extents of ice in a concrete. The engineering consequences of the confined freezing were then discussed in the aspects of effective pore pressures built from the confined ice growth and deformations framed by a poro-elastic model. Overall, thickening QLL depresses ice growing rates and contents and, consequentially, decreases pore pressures and material deformations during freezing. The QLL corrections also narrow the gaps between the predicted and measured freezing deformations. The findings of this study contribute to profound understandings of confined freezing that may bridge over physical principles and engineering observations.
A Novel Hybrid Meta-Heuristic Algorithm Based on the Cross-Entropy Method and Firefly Algorithm for Global Optimization
Authors: Li Guocheng , Liu Pei , Le Chengyi , Zhou Benda
Published: May 2019

Global optimization, especially on a large scale, is challenging to solve due to its nonlinearity and multimodality. In this paper, in order to enhance the global searching ability of the firefly algorithm (FA) inspired by bionics, a novel hybrid meta-heuristic algorithm is proposed by embedding the cross-entropy (CE) method into the firefly algorithm. With adaptive smoothing and co-evolution, the proposed method fully absorbs the ergodicity, adaptability and robustness of the cross-entropy method. The new hybrid algorithm achieves an effective balance between exploration and exploitation to avoid falling into a local optimum, enhance its global searching ability, and improve its convergence rate. The results of numeral experiments show that the new hybrid algorithm possesses more powerful global search capacity, higher optimization precision, and stronger robustness.
The Acoustic Properties of Sandy and Clayey Hydrate-Bearing Sediments
Authors: Wang Xiao-Hui , Xu Qiang , He Ya-Nan , Wang Yun-Fei , Sun Yi-Fei , Sun Chang-Yu , Chen Guang-Jin
Published: May 2019

Natural gas hydrates samples are rare and difficult to store and transport at in situ pressure and temperature conditions, resulting in difficulty to characterize natural hydrate-bearing sediments and to identify hydrate accumulation position and saturation at the field scale. A new apparatus was designed to study the acoustic properties of seafloor recovered cores with and without hydrate. To protect the natural frames of recovered cores and control hydrate distribution, the addition of water into cores was performed by injecting water vapor. The results show that hydrate saturation and types of host sediments are the two most important factors that govern the elastic properties of hydrate-bearing sediments. When gas hydrate saturation adds approximately to 5–25%, the corresponding P-wave velocity (Vp) increases from 1.94 to 3.93 km/s and S-wave velocity (Vs) increases from 1.14 to 2.23 km/s for sandy specimens; Vp and Vs for clayey samples are 1.72–2.13 km/s and 1.10–1.32 km/s, respectively. The acoustic properties of sandy sediments can be significantly changed by the formation/dissociation of gas hydrate, while these only minorly change for clayey specimens.
Resources and Future Availability of Agricultural Biomass for Energy Use in Beijing
Authors: Zhang Fengli , Li Chen , Yu Yajie , Johnson Dana M.
Published: May 2019

The increasing importance of lignocellulosic biomass based energy production has led to an urgent need to conduct a reliable resource supply assessment. This study analyses and estimates the availability of agricultural residue biomass in Beijing, where biomass energy resources are relatively rich and is mainly distributed in the suburbs. The major types of crops considered across Beijing include food crops (e.g., maize, winter wheat, soybean, tubers and rice), cotton crops and oil-bearing crops (e.g., peanuts). The estimates of crop yields are based on historical data between 1996 and 2017 collected from the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Statistics. The theoretical and collectable amount of agricultural residues was calculated on the basis of the agricultural production for each crop, multiplied by specific parameters collected from the literature. The assessment of current and near future agricultural residues from crop harvesting and processing resources in Beijing was performed by employing three advanced modeling methods: the Time Series Analysis Autoregressive moving average (ARMA) model, Least Squares Linear Regression and Gray System Gray Model (GM) (1,1). The results show that the time series model prediction is suitable for short-term prediction evaluation; the least squares fitting result is more accurate but the factors affecting agricultural waste production need to be considered; the gray system prediction is suitable for trend prediction but the prediction accuracy is low.
Toolface Control Method for a Dynamic Point-the-Bit Rotary Steerable Drilling System
Authors: Wang Weiliang , Geng Yanfeng , Wang Ning , Pu Xiaojiao , Fiaux Joice de Oliveira
Published: May 2019

In the dynamic point-the-bit rotary steerable system (DPRSS), a high dynamic stiffness toolface control method is desired to ensure the stabilized platform traces the directional command accurately and quickly. A three-loop compound toolface control method using the Model-based Active Disturbance Rejection Control (MADRC) algorithm is presented, and a load torque estimator and an outer housing speed estimator are designed based on system model to obtain the external disturbances. The proposed toolface control method was verified by numerical simulation and DPRSS prototype testing, and its speed loop frequency responses are analyzed. The results reveal that this method is effective in disturbance rejection and robust against parameter uncertainties, and the MADRC shows better performance compared with the conventional ADRC and the proportional-integral (PI) controller. The proposed method has the potential to be used in harsh drilling conditions.
Reconstruction of June–July Temperatures Based on a 233 Year Tree-Ring of Picea jezoensis var. microsperma
Authors: Jiang Yangao , Yuan Xue , Zhang Junhui , Han Shijie , Chen Zhenju , Wang Xiaoguang , Wang Junwei , Hao Lin , Li Guode , Dong Shengzhong , He Haisheng
Published: May 2019

In this study, ring-width chronology of Picea jezoensis var. microsperma from the Changbai Mountain (CBM) area, Northeast China, was constructed. Growth/climate responses suggested that mean maximum temperature (Tmax) was the limiting factor affecting radial growth of PJ trees in the study region. According to the correlation analysis between the ring-width index and meteorological data, a June–July mean maximum temperature (Tmax6–7) series between 1772 and 2004 was reconstructed by using the standard chronology. For the calibration period (1959–2004), the explained variance of the reconstruction was 41.6%. During the last 233 years, there were 36 warm years and 34 cold years, accounting for 15.5% and 14.7% of the total reconstruction years, respectively. Cold periods occurred in 1899–1913, 1955–1970, and 1975–1989, while warm periods occurred in 1881–1888. The reconstructed temperature series corresponded to the historical disaster records of extreme climatic events (e.g., drought and flood disasters) in this area. Comparisons with other temperature reconstructions from surrounding areas and spatial correlation analysis between the gridded temperature data and reconstruction series indicated that the regional climatic variations were well captured by the reconstruction. In addition, multi-taper method spectral analysis indicated the existence of significant periodicities in the reconstructed series. The significant spatial correlations between the reconstructed temperature series and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), solar activity, and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) suggested that the temperature in the CBM area indicated both local-regional climate signals and global-scale climate changes.
Polish Pony Changes Lower Layer Biodiversity in Old Growth Scots Pine Stands
Authors: Boiko Sergii , Bielinis Ernest , Sierota Zbigniew , Zawadzka Anna , Słupska Alicja , Nasiadko Maciej , Borkowski Jakub
Published: May 2019

The study examines the influence of Polish primitive horse grazing on vegetation in deciduous and coniferous old forest stands in north-east Poland. It was conducted in both forest sites in two complexes located in: (i) the fenced area of the Popielno Research Station of the Polish Academy of Sciences, with free-living Polish pony [Polish primitive horse (Equus ferus caballus Linnaeus, 1758)] in 130-year-old stands, and (ii) in the open 116-year-old managed (harvested) Maskulińskie Forest District, without horses. In both areas the stands are inhabited by free-living red and roe deer. The impact of forest animals on ground cover layer as well as on understory shrub layer and undergrowth was compared. Very significant differences in the structure of the understory and undergrowth (above 0.5 m) layer vegetation communities between both areas and type of stands were found. The results suggest that the presence of the Polish horse substantially changed the species composition and increased the species diversity of the ground layer and shrub layer both in the coniferous forest and deciduous forest habitats. The height of the shrub layer trees was lower by 30% in the area with the Polish horse. The level of biodiversity of forest plants was dependent on the presence of the Polish horse, which in the past was one of the natural inhabitants of forests in the area of research.
Effect of Disease-Associated Germline Mutations on Structure Function Relationship of DNA Methyltransferases
Authors: Norvil Allison , Saha Debapriya , Dar Mohd , Gowher Humaira
Published: May 2019

Despite a large body of evidence supporting the role of aberrant DNA methylation in etiology of several human diseases, the fundamental mechanisms that regulate the activity of mammalian DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) are not fully understood. Recent advances in whole genome association studies have helped identify mutations and genetic alterations of DNMTs in various diseases that have a potential to affect the biological function and activity of these enzymes. Several of these mutations are germline-transmitted and associated with a number of hereditary disorders, which are potentially caused by aberrant DNA methylation patterns in the regulatory compartments of the genome. These hereditary disorders usually cause neurological dysfunction, growth defects, and inherited cancers. Biochemical and biological characterization of DNMT variants can reveal the molecular mechanism of these enzymes and give insights on their specific functions. In this review, we introduce roles and regulation of DNA methylation and DNMTs. We discuss DNMT mutations that are associated with rare diseases, the characterized effects of these mutations on enzyme activity and provide insights on their potential effects based on the known crystal structure of these proteins.
Assessment of Wetland Restoration and Climate Change Impacts on Water Balance Components of the Heeia Coastal Wetland in Hawaii
Authors: Ghazal Kariem A. , Leta Olkeba Tolessa , El-Kadi Aly I. , Dulai Henrietta
Published: May 2019

Hydrological modeling is an important tool that can be used to assess water resources’ availability and sustainability that are necessary for food security and ecological health of coastal regions. In this study, we assessed the impacts of land use and climate changes on water balance components (WBCs) of the Heeia coastal wetland. We developed a Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to capture the unique characteristics of the Hawaiian Islands, including its volcanic soil’s nature and high initial infiltration rates. We used the sequential uncertainty fitting algorithm to assess the sensitivity and uncertainty of WBCs under different climate change scenarios. Results of the statistical analysis of daily streamflow simulations showed that the model performance was within the generally acceptable criteria. Under future climate scenarios, rainfall change was the determinant factor most negatively impacting WBCs. Recharge and baseflow components had the highest sensitivity to the combined effects of land use and climate changes, especially during dry season. The uncertainty analysis indicated that the streamflow is projected to slightly increase by the middle of 21st century, but expected to decline by 40% during the late 21st century of Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 8.5.
Analysis of Genetic Characterization and Clonality of Legionella pneumophila Isolated from Cooling Towers in Japan
Authors: Nakanishi Noriko , Nomoto Ryohei , Tanaka Shinobu , Arikawa Kentaro , Iwamoto Tomotada
Published: May 2019

We investigated the genetic characteristics of 161 Legionella pneumophila strains isolated over a period of 10 years from cooling towers in Japan. Minimum spanning tree analysis based on the sequence-based typing (SBT) of them identified three clonal complexes (CCs); CC1 (105/161, 65.2%), CC2 (22 /161, 13.7%), and CC3 (20/161, 12.4%). CC1 was formed by serogroup (SG) 1 and SG7, whereas CC2 was mainly formed by SG1. All of the CC3 isolates except two strains were SG13. The major sequence types (STs) in CC1 and CC2 were ST1 (88/105, 83.8%) and ST154 (15/22, 68.2%), respectively. These STs are known as typical types of L. pneumophila SG1 in Japanese cooling tower. Additionally, we identified 15 strains of ST2603 as the major type in CC3. This ST has not been reported in Japanese cooling tower. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis of the representative strains in the three CCs, which were isolated from various cooling towers over the 10 years, elucidated high clonal population of L. pneumophila in Japanese cooling tower. Moreover, it revealed that the strains of CC2 are phylogenetically distant compared to those of CC1 and CC3, and belonged to L. pneumophila subsp. fraseri.
A Comparison of Flavorless Electronic Cigarette-Generated Aerosol and Conventional Cigarette Smoke on the Survival and Growth of Common Oral Commensal Streptococci
Authors: Cuadra Giancarlo A. , Smith Maxwell T. , Nelson John M. , Loh Emma K. , Palazzolo Dominic L.
Published: May 2019

Background: The use of electronic cigarettes (ECIG) has become very common. Consequently, critical analysis of the biological effects of ECIG aerosol deserves attention. Flavorless ECIG aerosol is known to comprise fewer harmful constituents than cigarette smoke. Therefore, we hypothesize that aerosol has less immediate effect on the viability of oral commensal streptococci than smoke. Methods: Survival and growth of four strains of commensal streptococci were measured after exposure to flavorless ECIG aerosol ± nicotine and smoke. Peristaltic pumps were used to transport aerosol or smoke into chambers containing recently seeded colony-forming units (CFUs) of the oral commensal streptococci on agar plates. Bacterial survival and growth, based on colony counts and sizes, were determined 24 h post-exposure. Additionally, aerosol or smoke were delivered into chambers containing pre-adhered streptococci to plastic coverslips and biofilm formation was determined 24 h post-exposure via scanning electron microscopy. Results: The results suggest that flavorless aerosol ± nicotine has a modest effect on bacterial growth both as colonies on agar and as biofilms. In contrast, smoke dramatically decreased bacterial survival and growth in all parameters measured. Conclusion: Unlike cigarette smoke, flavorless ECIG aerosol has only a small effect on the survival and growth of oral commensal streptococci.
Rationing of Nursing Care and Its Relationship with Nurse Staffing and Patient Outcomes: The Mediation Effect Tested by Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Zhu Xiaowen , Zheng Jing , Liu Ke , You Liming
Published: May 2019

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to test the mediation effect of rationing of nursing care (RONC) and the relationship this has between nurse staffing and patient outcomes. Methods: The analytic sample included 7802 nurse surveys and 5430 patient surveys. Three patient outcome indicators, nurse staffing, RONC, and confounding factors were considered in the model pathways. Results: The hypothesized model was shown to be statistically significant. In the model, nurses who were in the units with lower nurse-to-patient ratios reported higher scores on RONC, which meant that an increased level of withheld nursing care or a failure to carry out nursing duties was apparent. Nurses who reported a higher score on RONC, scored poorly on the quality assessment and were more frequently involved in patient adverse events. Nurse staffing influenced quality assessments and patient adverse events through RONC. In units with poorer nurse-reported quality assessments or more frequently patient adverse events, patient-reported dissatisfaction scores were higher. Conclusions: The results suggest that a lack of nurse staffing leads to RONC, which leads to poorer patient outcomes. These results are seen when considering the evaluations completed by both nurses and patients. The relationship between staffing numbers and patient outcomes explains the mediating role of RONC.
Evaluation of the Computer-Based Intervention Program Stayingfit Brazil to Promote Healthy Eating Habits: The Results from a School Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Brito Beck da Silva Karine , Ortelan Naiá , Giardini Murta Sheila , Sartori Isabel , Couto Ricardo David , Leovigildo Fiaccone Rosemeire , Lima Barreto Maurício , Jones Bell Megan , Barr Taylor Craig , Ribeiro-Silva Rita de Cássia
Published: May 2019

Interventions via the Internet are promising regarding the promotion of healthy habits among youth. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an adapted version of StayingFit to promote healthy eating habits and the measurement adequacy of anthropometric markers among adolescents. A web school-based 12-month cluster-randomized controlled trial examining 7th to 9th grade students was conducted in twelve schools in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The schools’ students were randomly distributed into the intervention and control groups. The intervention group participated in StayingFit, an online program designed to encourage and guide healthy eating habits and control body weight. Data on food consumption, anthropometry, physical activity level, and sedentary behavior were collected from all of the students at the beginning of and after the 12-month study. Demographic and socioeconomic data were collected at baseline. The baseline data indicated high rates of overweight (14.4% overweight and 8.5% obese), insufficiently active (87.6%), and sedentary (63.7%). Furthermore, few adolescents regularly consumed fruits (18.8%) and vegetables/legumes (16.4%). Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used to evaluate the effect of the intervention. At the end of the follow-up period, students in the intervention group had a 43% increased chance of regularly consuming beans (OR = 1.43, 95% CIs = 1.10–1.86) and a 35% decreased chance of regularly consuming soft drinks (OR = 0.65, 95% CIs = 0.50–0.84). No differences were found between the groups studied with regard to the anthropometric parameters. Despite these modest results, the implementation of a web intervention can be beneficial and help promote positive changes in adolescent eating habits.
Assessing the Impact of Lifestyle Interventions on Diabetes Prevention in China: A Modeling Approach
Authors: Luo Linna , Pang Bowen , Chen Jian , Li Yan , Xie Xiaolei
Published: May 2019

China’s diabetes epidemic is getting worse. People with diabetes in China usually have a lower body weight and a different lifestyle profile compared to their counterparts in the United States (US). More and more evidence show that certain lifestyles can possibly be spread from person to person, leading some to propose considering social influence when establishing preventive policies. This study developed an innovative agent-based model of the diabetes epidemic for the Chinese population. Based on the risk factors and related complications of diabetes, the model captured individual health progression, quantitatively described the peer influence of certain lifestyles, and projected population health outcomes over a specific time period. We simulated several hypothetical interventions (i.e., improving diet, controlling smoking, improving physical activity) and assessed their impact on diabetes rates. We validated the model by comparing simulation results with external datasets. Our results showed that improving physical activity could result in the most significant decrease in diabetes prevalence compared to improving diet and controlling smoking. Our model can be used to inform policymakers on how the diabetes epidemic develops and help them compare different diabetes prevention programs in practice.
Analysis of Required Investigations of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Spain
Authors: Carrillo-Castrillo Jesús Antonio , Pérez-Mira Ventura , Pardo-Ferreira María del Carmen , Rubio-Romero Juan Carlos
Published: May 2019

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are the most common source of occupational health problems in Western countries. In Spain, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can be reported either as accidents or occupational diseases. When reported as an occupational disease, a full diagnosis is performed, as the compensation system needs the approval of the social security authority and a mandatory investigation has to be performed. Although many methods are available for investigating the causes of occupational accidents, occupational diseases have not been analysed with the same depth, and there is a lack of investigation methods. This paper aims to analyse the role of 43 occupational investigations of causes of musculoskeletal diseases in the prevention cycle. This study is based on the occupational investigations performed by workplaces’ occupational health and safety specialists when musculoskeletal diseases are reported. The analysis of the data involves descriptive statistics and the Φ coefficient. Based on administrative data, 68 workplaces employing 15,260 workers were surveyed and 41 workplaces with 13,201 workers submitted valid questionnaires to be analysed. The most frequent cause of reported musculoskeletal disease, in terms of primary risk, is repetitive movement. The only proposed measure with a significant association to the exposure by repetitive movements is job rotation (alternating workers between tasks within a job or between activities as a means to vary different levels of exposure). The investigation of occupational diseases has been useful in most of the cases for proposing preventive measures. Most of the workplaces surveyed have performed investigations and adopted preventive measures, but the managers of some workplaces were not aware of any disease notification regarding their workers when surveyed. More research is needed to provide tools for this important task.
Fluoride Occurrence and Human Health Risk in Drinking Water Wells from Southern Edge of Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Jia Hui , Qian Hui , Qu Wengang , Zheng Le , Feng Wenwen , Ren Wenhao
Published: May 2019

Fluoride hydrogeochemistry and associated human health risks implications are investigated in several aquifers along the southern edge of the Chinese Loess Plateau. Locally, 64% shallow groundwater samples in loess aquifer exceed the fluoride limit (1.5 mg/L) with the maximum of 3.8 mg/L. Presently, the shallow groundwater is the main source of private wells for domestic use, and this is clearly a potential risk for human health. Hydrogeochemistry and stable isotopes are used to elucidate the diversity of occurrence mechanisms. Enrichment of fluoride in groundwater is largely controlled by the F-containing minerals dissolution. Furthermore, alkaline condition and calcium-removing processes promote water–rock interactions. Stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen (δD and δ18O) in study area waters demonstrate that groundwater in loess aquifer is old, which means groundwater remains in the aquifer for a long time. Long residence time induces sufficient water–rock interactions, which play significant roles in the resolution of fluoride minerals. Samples from the shallow loess aquifer show elevated fluoride levels, which may pose human health risk for both adults (60%) and children (94%) via oral intake. To ensure drinking water safety, management measures such as popularizing fluoride-removing techniques and optimizing water supply strategies need to be implemented.
Predictors of Caregivers’ Satisfaction with the Management of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Study at Multiple Levels of Health Care
Authors: Nik Adib Nik Aida , Ibrahim Mohd Ismail , Ab Rahman Azriani , Bakar Raishan Shafini , Yahaya Nor Azni , Hussin Suria , Wan Mansor Wan Nor Arifin
Published: May 2019

Background: Caregivers are the initial gatekeepers in the health care management of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the factors associated with caregivers’ satisfaction with different levels of health care services in managing children with ASD in Kelantan. The satisfaction scores of 227 main caregivers of confirmed ASD children were assessed with a modified Parent Satisfaction Scale (PSS) questionnaire. Results: The analysis showed that caregivers who waited longer for a doctor’s consultation in primary care had a reduced PSS score, whereas caregivers who were satisfied with the waiting time in primary care had higher PSS scores. At the secondary care level, caregivers who possessed at least a diploma had reduced PSS scores, whereas caregivers who were satisfied with both doctors’ consultation times and occupational therapy appointments had higher PSS scores. At the tertiary care level, caregivers with an underlying medical problem and who had children undergoing occupational therapy for two months or more had reduced PSS scores. Nevertheless, the analysis showed that caregivers who were concerned with their children’s sleeping problems, who had been informed about parental support, who were satisfied with speech and occupational therapy appointments, who were satisfied with waiting times at tertiary care clinics, and who were satisfied with their doctor’s knowledge and experience had higher PSS scores. Conclusions: This study elucidated the importance of understanding caregivers’ satisfaction in attaining care for their ASD children and highlighted the need to promote factors that would increase caregivers’ satisfaction with current ASD services.
Assessment of the Sludge Reduction of the Metabolic Uncoupler 3,3′,4′,5-tetrachlorosalicylanilide (TCS) in Activated Sludge Culture
Authors: Yang Xiaofan , Xu Xiaoping , Wei Xueyu , Li Jincheng , Wan Jie
Published: May 2019

Batch experiments were completed to assess the sludge reduction of the metabolic uncoupler 3,3′,4′,5-tetrachlorosalicylanilide (TCS). The effects of various TCS concentrations on sludge yield were evaluated and the mechanisms associated with sludge reduction were assessed. We discovered that TCS addition resulted in a reduction in sludge. Furthermore, a low dose of TCS (≤3 mg/L) resulted in a slight reduction in the efficiency of the wastewater treatment system, while >3 mg/L TCS reduced matrix removal efficiency, with an especially remarkable inhibition effect on ammonia removal. An increase in TCS addition was associated with a gradual decrease in both the electron transport system (ETS) activity and the specific cellular ATP (SATP) in the TCS system. It was demonstrated that TCS plays an important role in metabolic uncoupling. However, with the addition of TCS, both contents and compositions were increased, and the protein content increased more than polysaccharide production in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). At TCS concentrations of ≤3 mg/L, DNA content was stable, but it increased rapidly from 4.97 mg/L to 15.34 mg/L as the TCS concentration was elevated from 6 mg/L to 12 mg/L. This implied that the mechanisms of sludge reduction were different for different TCS concentrations, including uncoupling metabolism, maintenance metabolism and lysis–cryptic growth.
Place of Birth Inequalities in Dental Care Use before and after the Economic Crisis in Spain
Authors: Rodriguez-Alvarez Elena , Lanborena Nerea , Borrell Luisa N.
Published: May 2019

This study evaluates inequalities in the use of dental services according to place of birth before and after the economic crisis in Spain. A cross-sectional study was performed in adults aged 18 to 65 years in Spain. We used data from three Spanish National Health Surveys for the years 2006 (before the crisis), 2014, and 2017 (after the crisis). Log-binomial regression was used to quantify the association between place of birth and use of dental care services before and after controlling for the selected covariates. In 2006, we found a greater probability of not using dental care services in immigrants from Asia (PR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.10–1.67) and Africa (PR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.05–1.28) compared to the natives. For 2014, the probability of not using dental care services was greater for all immigrants relative to natives, with the greatest probability for those from Africa (PR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.46–2.01) and Asia (PR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.23–1.47). The associations for 2017 were weaker in magnitude than the ones observed for 2014, although stronger than for 2006. This study suggests that the economic recovery did not have the same impact for natives and immigrants regardless of regions of origin, given the observed inequalities in use of dental services.
Modeling of High Nanoparticle Exposure in an Indoor Industrial Scenario with a One-Box Model
Authors: Ribalta Carla , Koivisto Antti J. , Salmatonidis Apostolos , López-Lilao Ana , Monfort Eliseo , Viana Mar
Published: May 2019

Mass balance models have proved to be effective tools for exposure prediction in occupational settings. However, they are still not extensively tested in real-world scenarios, or for particle number concentrations. An industrial scenario characterized by high emissions of unintentionally-generated nanoparticles (NP) was selected to assess the performance of a one-box model. Worker exposure to NPs due to thermal spraying was monitored, and two methods were used to calculate emission rates: the convolution theorem, and the cyclic steady state equation. Monitored concentrations ranged between 4.2 × 104–2.5 × 105 cm−3. Estimated emission rates were comparable with both methods: 1.4 × 1011–1.2 × 1013 min−1 (convolution) and 1.3 × 1012–1.4 × 1013 min−1 (cyclic steady state). Modeled concentrations were 1.4-6 × 104 cm−3 (convolution) and 1.7–7.1 × 104 cm−3 (cyclic steady state). Results indicated a clear underestimation of measured particle concentrations, with ratios modeled/measured between 0.2–0.7. While both model parametrizations provided similar results on average, using convolution emission rates improved performance on a case-by-case basis. Thus, using cyclic steady state emission rates would be advisable for preliminary risk assessment, while for more precise results, the convolution theorem would be a better option. Results show that one-box models may be useful tools for preliminary risk assessment in occupational settings when room air is well mixed.
Association between Weather Types based on the Spatial Synoptic Classification and All-Cause Mortality in Sweden, 1991–2014
Authors: Fonseca-Rodríguez Osvaldo , Lundevaller Erling Häggström , Sheridan Scott C. , Schumann Barbara
Published: May 2019

Much is known about the adverse health impact of high and low temperatures. The Spatial Synoptic Classification is a useful tool for assessing weather effects on health because it considers the combined effect of meteorological factors rather than temperature only. The aim of this study was to assess the association between oppressive weather types and daily total mortality in Sweden. Time-series Poisson regression with distributed lags was used to assess the relationship between oppressive weather (Dry Polar, Dry Tropical, Moist Polar, and Moist Tropical) and daily deaths over 14 days in the extended summer (May to September), and 28 days during the extended winter (November to March), from 1991 to 2014. Days not classified as oppressive weather served as the reference category. We computed relative risks with 95% confidence intervals, adjusting for trends and seasonality. Results of the southern (Skåne and Stockholm) and northern (Jämtland and Västerbotten) locations were pooled using meta-analysis for regional-level estimates. Analyses were performed using the dlnm and mvmeta packages in R. During summer, in the South, the Moist Tropical and Dry Tropical weather types increased the mortality at lag 0 through lag 3 and lag 6, respectively. Moist Polar weather was associated with mortality at longer lags. In the North, Dry Tropical weather increased the mortality at shorter lags. During winter, in the South, Dry Polar and Moist Polar weather increased mortality from lag 6 to lag 10 and from lag 19 to lag 26, respectively. No effect of oppressive weather was found in the North. The effect of oppressive weather types in Sweden varies across seasons and regions. In the North, a small study sample reduces precision of estimates, while in the South, the effect of oppressive weather types is more evident in both seasons.
Hepatoprotective Effect of Kombucha Tea in Rodent Model of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Lee Chanbin , Kim Jieun , Wang Sihyung , Sung Sumi , Kim Namgyu , Lee Hyun-Hee , Seo Young-Su , Jung Youngmi
Published: May 2019

Kombucha tea (KT) has emerged as a substance that protects the liver from damage; however, its mechanisms of action on the fatty liver remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated the potential role of KT and its underlying mechanisms on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). db/db mice that were fed methionine/choline-deficient (MCD) diets for seven weeks were treated for vehicle (M + V) or KT (M + K) and fed with MCD for four additional weeks. Histomorphological injury and increased levels of liver enzymes and lipids were evident in the M + V group, whereas these symptoms were ameliorated in the M + K group. The M + K group had more proliferating and less apoptotic hepatocytic cells than the M + V group. Lipid uptake and lipogenesis significantly decreased, and free fatty acid (FFA) oxidation increased in the M + K, when compared with the M + V group. With the reduction of hedgehog signaling, inflammation and fibrosis also declined in the M + K group. Palmitate (PA) treatment increased the accumulation of lipid droplets and decreased the viability of primary hepatocytes, whereas KT suppressed PA-induced damage in these cells by enhancing intracellular lipid disposal. These results suggest that KT protects hepatocytes from lipid toxicity by influencing the lipid metabolism, and it attenuates inflammation and fibrosis, which contributes to liver restoration in mice with NAFLD.