bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pain characteristics and its influence in the labor activities in northeastern Brazilian farmers
Authors: De Miranda Cristiano Barreto , Azevedo-Santos Isabela Freire , Lupinacci Natália , Aragão José Aderval , Schneiberg Sheila
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Agricultural work is considered a dangerous activity with physical and mental stress. Pain is one of the most common disabilities among agricultural workers. Objective: To determine the incidence, intensity, characteristic of pain and its impact on labor activities in farmers. Methods: Transversal study, pain evaluations consist of: 1) presence / intensity; 2) characteristic of painful experience; 3) episode of pain in the last 30 days and 4) interference of pain at work. Validated and specific pain scales were used, and descriptive statistics were applied. Results: 157 rural farmers were recruited, 128 farmers, 40.4 (11.4) years, participated in the study, 25% of the farmers reported pain at the time of evaluation with mean of 5.5 (0.47) intensity. The predominant pain characteristic was the evaluative type (34%), followed by affective (30%), 83 (65%) of farmers reported pain in the last four weeks, and 60% of these farmers reported pain interference in work activity. Conclusion: Pain, according to farmers in this study, is the main cause of absence and poor performance at work. To accurately assess the intensity of work-related pain, instruments may need to be applied over a continuous period of time, preferably during work day.Key-words: worker health, pain, pain assessment.
KEEFPEKTIFAN MODEL COOPERATIVE INTEGRATED READING AND COMPOSITION (CIRC) DALAM MENINGKATKAN HASL BLAJAR IPA SISWA KELAS VI SD NEGERI 011 AIR EMAS
Authors: Sutiyem Sutiyem
Published: April 2019

Cooperative learning type integrated cooperative reading and composition is a comprehensive program that can be used in learning, especially in science learning. the aim was to improve students' learning outcomes in science class VI Elementary School 011 Air Emas. The results showed, at the base score the average score of students was only 64, after improvement in the first cycle using a cooperative model of integrated cooperative reading and composition (CIRC) type, the average value increased to 78, and in cycle II it increased to 86. These results prove that, the model of integrated cooperative reading and composition (CIRC) proved to be effective in improving the process and student learning outcomes.
THE CONCEPT OF INFORMATION - COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT : DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN EXPERIENCE
Authors: Maksimenyuk Marina
Published: April 2019

This articleanalyzes the concept of information-communication management highlighting the trends of society and knowledge economy development, the necessary changes in the innovation, the importance of lifelong learning, information networks creation and partnership in exchange of knowledge.Information-communication management is analyzed in terms of economic, analytical, organizational and systematic approach. Information-communication management development trendspeculiar to the Ukraine are highlighted. Based on the analysis of scientific articles, comparative insights into foreign states’experience and information-communication management solutions for the introduction of information technologies that predetermine the development of the information societyare presented there. The article summarizes the national (Ukrainian) and foreign authors’ research results, the information-communication management development trends are setas well as information-communication management development solutionsare provided.
Drought-Tolerant Barley: II. Root Tip characteristics in Emerging Roots
Authors: Carter Andrea Y. , Ottman Michael J. , Curlango-Rivera Gilberto , Huskey David A. , D’Agostini Brooke A. , Hawes Martha C.
Published: April 2019

Reduced water resources are of increasingly urgent global concern. One potential strategy to address the crisis is the use of drought tolerant crops in agriculture. Barley varieties developed for reduced irrigation (“Solum” and “Solar”) use significantly less water than conventional varieties (“Cochise” and “Kopious”). The underlying mechanism of this drought tolerance is unknown but root structure and function play a key role in plant water uptake. In this study, an empirical survey compared early root development between drought tolerant and conventional varieties. Traits associated with root meristem-regulated cell division including rate of seed germination, border cell number and root cap mucilage production, and root hair emergence were quantified during root emergence. Preliminary results revealed that drought tolerant varieties exhibited faster seed germination and root hair production than conventional varieties. Border cell number and mucilage production in the drought tolerant varieties also were higher than in the conventional variety “Kopious,” but lower than in “Cochise”. Each trait, if found to be linked to the observed drought tolerance, could yield a simple, rapid, and inexpensive tool to screen for new crop varieties. Further detailed studies are needed.
Comparative Study of the Trueness of the Inner Surface of Crowns Fabricated from Three Types of Lithium Disilicate Blocks
Authors: Son Keunbada , Yu Beom-young , Yoon Tae Ho , Lee Kyu-bok
Published: April 2019

This study set out to compare the three-dimensional (3D) trueness of crowns produced from three types of lithium disilicate blocks. The working model was digitized, and single crowns (maxillary left second molar) were designed using computer-aided design (CAD) software. To produce a crown design model (CDM), a crown design file was extracted from the CAD software. In addition, using the CDM file and a milling machine (N = 20), three types of lithium disilicate blocks (e.max CAD, HASS Rosetta, and VITA Suprinity) were processed. To produce a crown scan model (CSM), the inner surface of each fabricated crown was digitized using a touch-probe scanner. In addition, using 3D inspection software, the CDM was partitioned (into marginal, axis, angular, and occlusal regions), the CDM and CSM were overlapped, and a 3D analysis was conducted. A Kruskal–Wallis test (α = 0.05) was conducted with all-segmented teeth with the root mean square (RMS), and they were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U-test and the Bonferroni correction method as a post hoc test. There was a significant difference in the trueness of the crowns according to the type of lithium disilicate block (p < 0.001). The overall RMS value was at a maximum for e.max (42.9 ± 4.4 µm), followed by HASS (30.1 ± 9.0 µm) and then VITA (27.3 ± 7.9 µm). However, there was no significant difference between HASS and VITA (p = 0.541). There were significant differences in all regions inside the crown (p < 0.001). There was a significantly high trueness in the angular region inside the crown (p < 0.001). A correction could thus be applied in the CAD process, considering the differences in the trueness by the type of lithium disilicate block. In addition, to attain a crown with an excellent fit, it is necessary to provide a larger setting space for the angular region during the CAD process.
Damage Detection in Beam Bridges Using Quasi-static Displacement Influence Lines
Authors: Zhang Shaoyi , Liu Yang
Published: April 2019

Quasi-static strain influence lines (ILs) based on the Brillouin optical time domain analysis (BOTDA) technique have been proposed to effectively locate damage in beam bridges. Using measurement points with a high spatial resolution, the BOTDA technique supplies enough strain ILs to help detect damage in bridges. Unlike quasi-static strain ILs based on the BOTDA technique, quasi-static displacement ILs are relatively easy to implement in actual bridges; furthermore, only a few quasi-static displacement ILs are necessary for actual bridges. On this basis, an improved method is proposed to determine the existence of damage in beam bridges by using only a few quasi-static displacement ILs. First, the Hankel matrix of the damage feature, established based on the number of strain ILs, is reconstructed to generate the damage feature using only a few quasi-static displacement ILs. Second, the method used to obtain the metric for evaluating the damage feature is improved, thereby greatly increasing the efficiency of damage detection using quasi-static ILs. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through both numerical analysis and experimentally measured data obtained during a quasi-static load test of a model bridge.
Usage of Interface Management System in Adaptive Reuse of Buildings
Authors: Eray Ekin , Sanchez Benjamin , Haas Carl
Published: April 2019

Adaptive reuse of buildings is considered a superior alternative for new construction in terms of sustainability and a disruptive practice in the current capital project delivery model for the renewal of today’s built environment. In comparison to green-field construction projects, adaptive reuse projects require distinct stages, definition of interfaces, decision gates, and planning methods in order to secure the success of the building project. Unfortunately, little research has been done regarding establishing feasible systems for the planning, assessment, and management of adaptive reuse projects, leading to underperforming building projects outcomes. Interface management (IM) can improve renovation projects outcomes by defining appropriate ways to identify, record, monitor, and track project interfaces. IM has the potential of bringing cost and time benefits during adaptive reuse projects execution. The aim of this study is to develop a reference framework for implementing IM for adaptive reuse projects. First, the inefficiencies of redevelopment projects are explained inside of a circular economy (CE) context. Second, an ontology of IM for adaptive reuse projects is defined based on the current barriers to adaptive reuse and the most common interface problems in construction projects. Third, the defined ontology is expanded through a case study by showing examples of adaptive reuse barriers on a case project, and how IM could have been part of the solution for these problems. Finally, this study concludes with the suggestions on interface management systems (IMS) implementation for future adaptive reuse projects.
High Mannose Binding Lectin (PFL) from Pseudomonas fluorescens Down-Regulates Cancer-Associated Integrins and Immune Checkpoint Ligand B7-H4
Authors: Sato Yuichiro , Matsubara Kiminori , Kubo Takanori , Sunayama Hirobumi , Hatori Yuta , Morimoto Kinjiro , Seyama Toshio
Published: April 2019

Pseudomonas fluorescens lectin (PFL), which belongs to the high mannose (HM)-binding OAAH (Oscillatoria agardhii agglutinin homologue) lectin family, induces cancer cell death. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying this process have not yet been elucidated. We found that PFL decreased various integrins as well as EGFR in cancer cells by promoting internalization and autophagic degradation of these molecules, subsequently inducing caspase-8 dependent cell apoptosis. As revealed by an ex vivo angiogenesis assay using the rat aortic model, PFL inhibited neovascularization in a dose-dependent manner, which was potentially mediated by down-regulation of endothelium integrins. Interestingly, PFL also down-regulated B7-H4 in cancer cells, which has been implicated as a negative regulator of T cell-mediated immunity. We found that B7-H4 co-localized with β3 integrin in MKN28 gastric cancer cells. siRNA silencing of B7-H4 in MKN28 cells decreased expression of β3 integrin, suggesting physical and functional association between these molecules. Direct interaction of PFL with integrin αvβ3 or B7-H4 was examined by surface plasmon resonance analysis, which detected high affinity glycan-dependent binding to PFL. These investigations suggest that PFL interaction with cell surface integrins is a key process for the anti-cancer activities of PFL.
Use of Machine-Learning Algorithms in Intensified Preoperative Therapy of Pancreatic Cancer to Predict Individual Risk of Relapse
Authors: Sala Elarre Pablo , Oyaga-Iriarte Esther , Yu Kenneth H. , Baudin Vicky , Arbea Moreno Leire , Carranza Omar , Chopitea Ortega Ana , Ponz-Sarvise Mariano , Mejías Sosa Luis D. , Rotellar Sastre Fernando , Larrea Leoz Blanca , Iragorri Barberena Yohana , Subtil Iñigo Jose C. , Benito Boíllos Alberto , Pardo Fernando , Rodríguez Rodríguez Javier
Published: April 2019

Background: Although surgical resection is the only potentially curative treatment for pancreatic cancer (PC), long-term outcomes of this treatment remain poor. The aim of this study is to describe the feasibility of a neoadjuvant treatment with induction polychemotherapy (IPCT) followed by chemoradiation (CRT) in resectable PC, and to develop a machine-learning algorithm to predict risk of relapse. Methods: Forty patients with resectable PC treated in our institution with IPCT (based on mFOLFOXIRI, GEMOX or GEMOXEL) followed by CRT (50 Gy and concurrent Capecitabine) were retrospectively analyzed. Additionally, clinical, pathological and analytical data were collected in order to perform a 2-year relapse-risk predictive population model using machine-learning techniques. Results: A R0 resection was achieved in 90% of the patients. After a median follow-up of 33.5 months, median progression-free survival (PFS) was 18 months and median overall survival (OS) was 39 months. The 3 and 5-year actuarial PFS were 43.8% and 32.3%, respectively. The 3 and 5-year actuarial OS were 51.5% and 34.8%, respectively. Forty-percent of grade 3-4 IPCT toxicity, and 29.7% of grade 3 CRT toxicity were reported. Considering the use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factors, the number of resected lymph nodes, the presence of perineural invasion and the surgical margin status, a logistic regression algorithm predicted the individual 2-year relapse-risk with an accuracy of 0.71 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56–0.84, p = 0.005). The model-predicted outcome matched 64% of the observed outcomes in an external dataset. Conclusion: An intensified multimodal neoadjuvant approach (IPCT + CRT) in resectable PC is feasible, with an encouraging long-term outcome. Machine-learning algorithms might be a useful tool to predict individual risk of relapse. A small sample size and therapy heterogeneity remain as potential limitations.
Tailored Enzymatic Synthesis of Chitooligosaccharides with Different Deacetylation Degrees and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Authors: Santos-Moriano P. , Kidibule P. , Míguez N. , Fernández-Arrojo L. , Ballesteros A.O. , Fernández-Lobato M. , Plou F.J.
Published: April 2019

By controlled hydrolysis of chitosan or chitin with different enzymes, three types of chitooligosaccharides (COS) with MW between 0.2 and 1.2 kDa were obtained: fully deacetylated (fdCOS), partially acetylated (paCOS), and fully acetylated (faCOS). The chemical composition of the samples was analyzed by high-performance anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD) and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The synthesized fdCOS was basically formed by GlcN, (GlcN)2, (GlcN)3, and (GlcN)4. On the contrary, faCOS contained mostly GlcNAc, (GlcNAc)2 and (GlcNAc)3, while paCOS corresponded to a mixture of at least 11 oligosaccharides with different proportions of GlcNAc and GlcN. The anti-inflammatory activity of the three COS mixtures was studied by measuring their ability to reduce the level of TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor) in murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) after stimulation with a mixture of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Only fdCOS and faCOS were able to significantly reduce the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α at 6 h after stimulation with lipopolysaccharides.
Effects of Annealing on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Metastable Powder Metallurgy CoCrFeNiMo0.2 High Entropy Alloy
Authors: Zhang Cui , Liu Bin , Liu Yong , Fang Qihong , Guo Wenmin , Yang Hu
Published: April 2019

A CoCrFeNiMo0.2 high entropy alloy (HEA) was prepared through powder metallurgy (P/M) process. The effects of annealing on microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of P/M HEAs were investigated. The results show that the P/M HEA exhibit a metastable FCC single-phase structure. Subsequently, annealing causes precipitation in the grains and at the grain boundaries simultaneously. As the temperature increases, the size of the precipitates grows, while the content of the precipitates tends to increase gradually first, and then decrease as the annealing temperature goes up to 1000 °C. As the annealing time is prolonged, the size and content of the precipitates gradually increases, eventually reaching a saturated stable value. The mechanical properties of the annealed alloys have a significant correspondence with the precipitation behavior. The larger the volume fraction and the size of the precipitates, the higher the strength and the lower the plasticity of the HEA. The CoCrFeNiMo0.2 high entropy alloy, which annealed at 800 °C for 72 h, exhibited the most excellent mechanical properties with the ultimate tensile strength of about 850 MPa and an elongation of about 30%. Nearly all of the annealed HEAs exhibit good strength–ductility combinations due to the significant precipitation enhancement and nanotwinning. The separation of the coarse precipitation phase and the matrix during the deformation process is the main reason for the formation of micropores. Formation of large volume fraction of micropores results in a decrease in the plasticity of the alloy.
Distributed Capacity Allocation of Shared Energy Storage Using Online Convex Optimization
Authors: Xie Kan , Zhong Weifeng , Li Weijun , Zhu Yinhao
Published: April 2019

This paper studies capacity allocation of an energy storage (ES) device which is shared by multiple homes in smart grid. Given a time-of-use (TOU) tariff, homes use the ES to shift loads from peak periods to off-peak periods, reducing electricity bills. In the proposed ES sharing model, the ES capacity has to be allocated to homes before the homes’ load data is completely known. To this end, an online ES capacity allocation algorithm is developed based on the online convex optimization framework. Under the online algorithm, the complex allocation problem can be solved round by round: at each round, the algorithm observes current system states and predicts a decision for the next round. The proposed algorithm is able to minimize homes’ costs by learning from home load data in a serial fashion. It is proven that the online algorithm can ensure zero average regret and long-term budget balance of homes. Further, a distributed implementation of the online algorithm is proposed based on alternating direction method of multipliers framework. In the distributed implementation, the one-round system problem is decomposed into multiple subproblems that can be solved by homes locally, so that an individual home does not need to send its private load data to any other. In simulation, actual home load data and a TOU tariff of the United States are used. Results show that the proposed online approach leads to the lowest home costs, compared to other benchmark approaches.
Flow Characteristics of Water-HPC Gel in Converging Tubes and Tapered Injectors
Authors: Cao Qin-Liu , Massoudi Mehrdad , Liao Wen-He , Feng Feng , Wu Wei-Tao
Published: April 2019

Gelled fuels combine the main advantages of liquid fuels (throttle ability) and solid fuels (easy handling, etc.) due to their non-Newtonian characteristics. In this paper, we study the flow characteristics of water-hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) gel in converging tubes and tapered injectors which mimic the flow and injection of kerosene gel in typical geometries of propulsion systems. The water-HPC gel is modeled as a non-linear fluid, where the shear viscosity is assumed to depend on the local shear rate and modeled by the Carreau–Yasuda model; the model parameters are fitted with our experimental measurements done by a rotational rheometer. The numerical simulations indicate that for the converging tubes, increasing the convergence angle, causes the mean apparent viscosity at tube exit to decrease while the mass flow rate reduces at a constant pressure drop. Therefore, there is a balance between the lowering of the pressure loss and reducing mean apparent viscosity. In the tapered injectors, the straight pipe after the converging part has a detrimental effect on the viscosity reduction.
A Residential House Comparative Case Study Using Market Available Smart Plugs and EnAPlugs with Shared Knowledge
Authors: Gomes Luis , Sousa Filipe , Pinto Tiago , Vale Zita
Published: April 2019

Smart home devices currently available on the market can be used for remote monitoring and control. Energy management systems can take advantage of this and deploy solutions that can be implemented in our homes. One of the big enablers is smart plugs that allow the control of electrical resources while providing a retrofitting solution, hence avoiding the need for replacing the electrical devices. However, current so-called smart plugs lack the ability to understand the environment they are in, or the electrical appliance/resource they are controlling. This paper applies environment awareness smart plugs (EnAPlugs) able to provide enough data for energy management systems or act on its own, via a multi-agent approach. A case study is presented, which shows the application of the proposed approach in a house where 17 EnAPlugs are deployed. Results show the ability to shared knowledge and perform individual resource optimizations. This paper evidences that by integrating artificial intelligence on devices, energy advantages can be observed and used in favor of users, providing comfort and savings.
Inertia Dependent Droop Based Frequency Containment Process
Authors: Das Kaushik , Altin Müfit , Hansen Anca D. , Sørensen Poul E.
Published: April 2019

Presently, there is a large need for a better understanding and extensive quantification of grid stability for different grid conditions and controller settings. This article therefore proposes and develops a novel mathematical model to study and perform sensitivity studies for the capabilities of different technologies to provide Frequency Containment Process (FCP) in different grid conditions. A detailed mathematical analytical approach for designing inertia-dependent droop-based FCP is developed and presented in this article. Impacts of different droop settings for generation technologies operating with different inertia of power system can be analyzed through this mathematical approach resulting in proper design of droop settings. In contrast to the simulation-based model, the proposed novel mathematical model allows mathematical quantification of frequency characteristics such as nadir, settling time, ROCOF, time to reach the nadir with respect to controller parameters such as gain, droop, or system parameters such as inertia, volume, of imbalance. Comparative studies between cases of frequency containment reserves (FCR) provision from conventional generators and wind turbines (WTs) are performed. Observations from these simulations are analyzed and explained with the help of an analytical approach which provides the feasible range of droop settings for different values of system inertia. The proposed mathematical approach is validated on simulated Continental Europe (CE) network. The results show that the proposed methodology can be used to design the droop for different technology providing FCP in a power system operating within a certain range of inertia.
A Wide Voltage-Ratio Dual-Output DC Converter for Charging Series-Connected Batteries
Authors: Juan Yu Lin
Published: April 2019

In this study, a dual-output converter with a wide input voltage range is proposed for directly equalized charging of series-connected batteries without additional power conversion losses. Compared with most of the equalized charging topologies, such as the those with a multi-winding transformer or voltage multiplier, the proposed converter could be applied to different voltage conversion ratio applications. The proposed converter is capable not only of step-down but also step-up/down power conversions for different input voltage levels. By operating in discontinuous conduction mode, the diode reverse recovery losses can be eliminated and operation stability can also be enhanced. The operation principles and design criteria are both illustrated. A prototype of charging two series-connected LiFePO4 batteries is constructed. Corresponding experimental results of different input voltage levels are provided to verify the performance and validity.
Mapping Maximum Tree Height of the Great Khingan Mountain, Inner Mongolia Using the Allometric Scaling and Resource Limitations Model
Authors: Zhang Yao , Shi Yuli , Choi Sungho , Ni Xiliang , Myneni Ranga B.
Published: April 2019

Maximum tree height is an important indicator of forest vegetation in understanding the properties of plant communities. In this paper, we estimated regional maximum tree heights across the forest of the Great Khingan Mountain in Inner Mongolia with the allometric scaling and resource limitations model. The model integrates metabolic scaling theory and the water–energy balance equation (Penman–Monteith equation) to predict maximum tree height constrained by local resource availability. Monthly climate data, including precipitation, wind speed, vapor pressure, air temperature, and solar radiation are inputs of this model. Ground measurements, such as tree heights, diameters at breast height, and crown heights, have been used to compute the parameters of the model. In addition, Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) data is used to verify the results of model prediction. We found that the prediction of regional maximum tree heights is highly correlated with the GLAS tree heights (R2 = 0.64, RMSE = 2.87 m, MPSE = 12.45%). All trees are between 10 to 40 m in height, and trees in the north are taller than those in the south of the region of research. Furthermore, we analyzed the sensitivity of the input variables and found the model predictions are most sensitive to air temperature and vapor pressure.
Among Trauma Patients, Younger Men with Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Have Worse Outcomes Compared to Older Men—An Exploratory Study
Authors: Younan Duraid , Delozier Sarah , McQuay Nathaniel , Adamski John , Violette Aisha , Loudon Andrew , Ustin Jeffrey , Berg Regan , Tinkoff Glen , Moorman Matthew ,   UHRISES Research Consortium
Published: April 2019

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia is associated with significant morbidity. Although the association of gender with outcomes in trauma patients has been debated for years, recently, certain authors have demonstrated a difference. We sought to compare the outcomes of younger men and women to older men and women, among critically ill trauma patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Methods: We reviewed our trauma data base for trauma patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia admitted to our trauma intensive care unit between January 2016 and June 2018. Data collected included demographics, injury mechanism and severity (ISS), admission vital signs and laboratory data and outcome measures including hospital length of stay, ICU stay and survival. Patients were also divided into younger (<50) and older (≥50) to account for hormonal status. Linear regression and binary logistic regression models were performed to compare younger men to older men and younger women to older women, and to examine the association between gender and hospital length of stay (LOS), ICU stay (ICUS), and survival. Results: Forty-five trauma patients admitted to our trauma intensive care unit during the study period (January 2016 to August 2018) had ventilator-associated pneumonia. The average age was 58.9 ± 19.6 years with mean ISS of 18.2 ± 9.8. There were 32 (71.1%) men, 27 (60.0%) White, and 41 (91.1%) had blunt trauma. Mean ICU stay was 14.9 ± 11.4 days and mean total hospital length of stay (LOS) was 21.5 ± 14.6 days. Younger men with VAP had longer hospital LOS 28.6 ± 17.1 days compared to older men 16.7 ± 6.6 days, (p < 0.001) and longer intensive care unit stay 21.6 ± 15.6 days compared to older men 11.9 ± 7.3 days (p = 0.02), there was no significant difference in injury severity (ISS was 22.2 ± 8.4 vs. 17 ± 8, p = 0.09). Conclusions: Among trauma patients with VAP, younger men had longer hospital length of stay and a trend towards longer ICU stay. Further research should focus on the mechanisms behind this difference in outcome using a larger database.
Controlling for Structural Changes in the Workforce Influenced Occupational Class Differences in Disability Retirement Trends
Authors: Solovieva Svetlana , Leinonen Taina , Husgafvel-Pursiainen Kirsti , Kauhanen Antti , Vanhala Pekka , Asplund Rita , Viikari-Juntura Eira
Published: April 2019

We explored occupational class differences in disability retirement trends accounting for structural changes in the workforce induced by the recent economic crisis and the following economic stagnation. Using nationwide register data on the general Finnish population aged 30–59 years, we examined trends in disability retirement due to all causes, musculoskeletal diseases, and mental disorders in 2007, 2010, and 2013. Applying propensity score (PS) matching to control for bias induced by structural changes in the workforce over time, we obtained 885,807 matched triplets. In the original study population, all-cause and cause-specific disability retirement declined between 2007 and 2013 for most occupational classes. In the matched study population, the disability retirement among skilled and unskilled manual workers sharply increased in 2010 and then declined in 2013. PS matching considerably attenuated the decline in disability retirement, particularly between the years 2007 and 2010. In general, the differences in disability retirement between both skilled and unskilled manual workers and upper-level non-manual employees widened during the period of economic stagnation. In occupational epidemiology, structural changes in the workforce should be accounted for when analysing trends in ill-health. Controlling for these changes revealed widening occupational class differences in disability retirement during the period of economic stagnation.
The Health Risks of Electronic Cigarette Use to Bystanders
Authors: Visser Wouter F. , Klerx Walther N. , Cremers Hans W. J. M. , Ramlal Ramon , Schwillens Paul L. , Talhout Reinskje
Published: April 2019

This works aimed to assess the health risks of e-cigarette use to bystanders. The exhaled breath of 17 volunteers was collected while they were vaping, and the levels of nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerol, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), and heavy metals were analyzed. Increased levels of nicotine, propylene glycol, TSNAs and copper were found in the exhaled breath of the volunteers. From these measurements, bystander exposure was estimated for two different scenarios: (1) A non-ventilated car with two e-cigarette users and (2) a ventilated office with one e-cigarette user. Our results show that bystanders may experience irritation of the respiratory tract as a result of exposure to propylene glycol and glycerol. Systemic effects of nicotine should also be expected if nicotine-containing e-liquid is used, including palpitations, and an increase of the systolic blood pressure. Furthermore, due to the presence of TSNAs in some e-liquids, an increased risk of tumors could not be excluded for the ‘car’ scenario. While e-cigarette use can clearly have effects on the health of bystanders, the risks depend on the rate of ventilation, dimensions of the room, and vaping behavior of the e-cigarette user. The presence of TSNAs in e-liquids can be avoided, which will prevent the most serious effect identified (increased risk of tumors).
Nitrofurantoin—Microbial Degradation and Interactions with Environmental Bacterial Strains
Authors: Pacholak Amanda , Smułek Wojciech , Zgoła-Grześkowiak Agnieszka , Kaczorek Ewa
Published: April 2019

The continuous exposure of living organisms and microorganisms to antibiotics that have increasingly been found in various environmental compartments may be perilous. One group of antibacterial agents that have an environmental impact that has been very scarcely studied is nitrofuran derivatives. Their representative is nitrofurantoin (NFT)—a synthetic, broad-spectrum antibiotic that is often overdosed. The main aims of the study were to: (a) isolate and characterize new microbial strains that are able to grow in the presence of NFT, (b) investigate the ability of isolates to decompose NFT, and (c) study the impact of NFT on microbial cell properties. As a result, five microbial species were isolated. A 24-h contact of bacteria with NFT provoked modifications in microbial cell properties. The greatest differences were observed in Sphingobacterium thalpophilum P3d, in which a decrease in both total and inner membrane permeability (from 86.7% to 48.3% and from 0.49 to 0.42 µM min−1) as well as an increase in cell surface hydrophobicity (from 28.3% to 39.7%) were observed. Nitrofurantoin removal by selected microbial cultures ranged from 50% to 90% in 28 days, depending on the bacterial strain. Although the isolates were able to decompose the pharmaceutical, its presence significantly affected the bacterial cells. Hence, the environmental impact of NFT should be investigated to a greater extent.
A Quality Improvement Assessment of the Delivery of Mental Health Services among WTC Responders Treated in the Community
Authors: Bellehsen Mayer , Moline Jacqueline , Rasul Rehana , Bevilacqua Kristin , Schneider Samantha , Kornrich Jason , Schwartz Rebecca M.
Published: April 2019

The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) provides mental health services through diverse service delivery mechanisms, however there are no current benchmarks to evaluate utilization or quality. This quality improvement (QI) initiative sought to examine the delivery and effectiveness of WTCHP mental health services for World Trade Center (WTC) responders who receive care through the Northwell Health Clinical Center of Excellence (CCE), and to characterize the delivery of evidence-based treatments (EBT) for mental health (MH) difficulties in this population. Methods include an analysis of QI data from the Northwell CCE, and annual WTCHP monitoring data for all responders certified for mental health treatment. Nearly 48.9% of enrolled responders with a WTC-certified diagnosis utilized treatment. The majority of treatment delivered was focused on WTC-related conditions. There was significant disagreement between provider-reported EBT use and independently-evaluated delivery of EBT (95.6% vs. 54.8%, p ≤ 0.001). EBT delivery was associated with a small decrease in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms over time. Providers engaged in the process of data collection, but there were challenges with adherence to outcome monitoring and goal setting. Data from this report can inform continued QI efforts in the WTCHP, as well as the implementation and evaluation of EBT.
Experimental Models of Brugada syndrome
Authors: Sendfeld Franziska , Selga Elisabet , Scornik Fabiana S. , Pérez Guillermo J. , Mills Nicholas L. , Brugada Ramon
Published: April 2019

Brugada syndrome is an inherited, rare cardiac arrhythmogenic disease, associated with sudden cardiac death. It accounts for up to 20% of sudden deaths in patients without structural cardiac abnormalities. The majority of mutations involve the cardiac sodium channel gene SCN5A and give rise to classical abnormal electrocardiogram with ST segment elevation in the right precordial leads V1 to V3 and a predisposition to ventricular fibrillation. The pathophysiological mechanisms of Brugada syndrome have been investigated using model systems including transgenic mice, canine heart preparations, and expression systems to study different SCN5A mutations. These models have a number of limitations. The recent development of pluripotent stem cell technology creates an opportunity to study cardiomyocytes derived from patients and healthy individuals. To date, only a few studies have been done using Brugada syndrome patient-specific iPS-CM, which have provided novel insights into the mechanisms and pathophysiology of Brugada syndrome. This review provides an evaluation of the strengths and limitations of each of these model systems and summarizes the key mechanisms that have been identified to date.
Molecular Mechanisms of Dermal Aging and Antiaging Approaches
Authors: Shin Jung-Won , Kwon Soon-Hyo , Choi Ji-Young , Na Jung-Im , Huh Chang-Hun , Choi Hye-Ryung , Park Kyung-Chan
Published: April 2019

The dermis is primarily composed of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and fibroblasts. During the aging process, the dermis undergoes significant changes. Collagen, which is a major component of ECM, becomes fragmented and coarsely distributed, and its total amount decreases. This is mainly due to increased activity of matrix metalloproteinases, and impaired transforming growth factor-β signaling induced by reactive oxygen species generated during aging. The reduction in the amount of collagen hinders the mechanical interaction between fibroblasts and the ECM, and consequently leads to the deterioration of fibroblast function and further decrease in the amount of dermal collagen. Other ECM components, including elastic fibers, glycosaminglycans (GAGs), and proteoglycans (PGs), also change during aging, ultimately leading to a reduction in the amount of functional components. Elastic fibers decrease in intrinsically aged skin, but accumulate abnormally in photoaged skin. The changes in the levels of GAGs and PGs are highly diverse, and previous studies have reported conflicting results. A reduction in the levels of functional dermal components results in the emergence of clinical aging features, such as wrinkles and reduced elasticity. Various antiaging approaches, including topicals, energy-based procedures, and dermal fillers, can restore the molecular features of dermal aging with clinical efficacy. This review summarizes the current understanding of skin aging at the molecular level, and associated treatments, to put some of the new antiaging technology that has emerged in this rapidly expanding field into molecular context.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a Tool to Investigate Plant Potassium and Sodium Transporters
Authors: Locascio Antonella , Andrés-Colás Nuria , Mulet José Miguel , Yenush Lynne
Published: April 2019

Sodium and potassium are two alkali cations abundant in the biosphere. Potassium is essential for plants and its concentration must be maintained at approximately 150 mM in the plant cell cytoplasm including under circumstances where its concentration is much lower in soil. On the other hand, sodium must be extruded from the plant or accumulated either in the vacuole or in specific plant structures. Maintaining a high intracellular K+/Na+ ratio under adverse environmental conditions or in the presence of salt is essential to maintain cellular homeostasis and to avoid toxicity. The baker’s yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has been used to identify and characterize participants in potassium and sodium homeostasis in plants for many years. Its utility resides in the fact that the electric gradient across the membrane and the vacuoles is similar to plants. Most plant proteins can be expressed in yeast and are functional in this unicellular model system, which allows for productive structure-function studies for ion transporting proteins. Moreover, yeast can also be used as a high-throughput platform for the identification of genes that confer stress tolerance and for the study of protein–protein interactions. In this review, we summarize advances regarding potassium and sodium transport that have been discovered using the yeast model system, the state-of-the-art of the available techniques and the future directions and opportunities in this field.
Novel Therapeutic Potentials of Taxifolin for Amyloid-β-associated Neurodegenerative Diseases and Other Diseases: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives
Authors: Tanaka Masashi , Saito Satoshi , Inoue Takayuki , Satoh-Asahara Noriko , Ihara Masafumi
Published: April 2019

Amyloid-β (Aβ) has been closely implicated in the pathogenesis of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the major causes of dementia. Thus, Aβ could be a target for the treatment of these diseases, for which, currently, there are no established effective treatments. Taxifolin is a bioactive catechol-type flavonoid present in various plants, such as herbs, and it exhibits pleiotropic effects including anti-oxidant and anti-glycation activities. Recently, we have demonstrated that taxifolin inhibits Aβ fibril formation in vitro and have further shown that it improves cerebral blood flow, facilitating Aβ clearance in the brain and suppressing cognitive decline in a mouse model of CAA. These findings suggest the novel therapeutic potentials of taxifolin for CAA. Furthermore, recent extensive studies have reported several novel aspects of taxifolin supporting its potential as a therapeutic drug for AD and metabolic diseases with a high risk for dementia as well as for CAA. In this review, we have summarized the recent advances in taxifolin research based on in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches. Furthermore, we have discussed future research directions on the potential of taxifolin for use in novel therapeutic strategies for CAA, AD, and metabolic diseases with an increased risk for dementia.
Micropropagation and Quantification of Bioactive Compounds in Mertensia maritima (L.) Gray
Authors: Park Han Yong , Kim Doo Hwan , Saini Ramesh Kumar , Gopal Judy , Keum Young-Soo , Sivanesan Iyyakkannu
Published: April 2019

The goal of this study was to establish an efficient protocol for the large-scale propagation of Mertensia maritima (L.) Gray, and evaluate the carotenoid, fatty acid, and tocopherol contents in the leaves of in vitro regenerated shoots. Surface-disinfected node and shoot tip explants were placed on semisolid Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 0–16 µM N6-benzyladenine (BA), kinetin, (KN), and thidiazuron (TDZ) alone, or in combination with, 1 or 2 µM α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Of the three different cytokinins employed, TDZ elicited the best results for axillary shoot proliferation. A maximum frequency of shoot initiation above 84%, with a mean of 8.9 and 4.8 shoots per node and shoot tip, respectively, was achieved on the culture medium supplemented with 4 µM TDZ. A combination of TDZ + NAA significantly increased the percentage of multiple shoot formation and number of shoots per explant. The best shoot induction response occurred on MS medium with 4 µM TDZ and 1 µM NAA. On this medium, the node (93.8%) and shoot tip (95.9%) explants produced an average of 17.7 and 8.6 shoots, respectively. The highest root induction frequency (97.4%) and number of roots per shoot (25.4), as well as the greatest root length (4.2 cm), were obtained on half-strength MS medium supplemented with 4 µM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The presence of six carotenoids and α-tocopherol in the leaf tissues of M. maritima was confirmed by HPLC. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the presence of 10 fatty acids, including γ-linolenic acid and stearidonic acid in the leaf tissues of M. maritima. All-E-lutein (18.49 μg g−1 fresh weight, FW), α-tocopherol (3.82 μg g−1 FW) and α-linolenic acid (30.37%) were found to be the significant compounds in M. maritima. For the first time, a successful protocol has been established for the mass propagation of M. maritima with promising prospects for harnessing its bioactive reserves.
The Role of Vitamin K and Its Related Compounds in Mendelian and Acquired Ectopic Mineralization Disorders
Authors: Nollet Lukas , Van Gils Matthias , Verschuere Shana , Vanakker Olivier
Published: April 2019

Ectopic mineralization disorders comprise a broad spectrum of inherited or acquired diseases characterized by aberrant deposition of calcium crystals in multiple organs, such as the skin, eyes, kidneys, and blood vessels. Although the precise mechanisms leading to ectopic calcification are still incompletely known to date, various molecular targets leading to a disturbed balance between pro- and anti-mineralizing pathways have been identified in recent years. Vitamin K and its related compounds, mainly those post-translationally activated by vitamin K-dependent carboxylation, may play an important role in the pathogenesis of ectopic mineralization as has been demonstrated in studies on rare Mendelian diseases, but also on highly prevalent disorders, like vascular calcification. This narrative review compiles and summarizes the current knowledge regarding the role of vitamin K, its metabolism, and associated compounds in the pathophysiology of both monogenic ectopic mineralization disorders, like pseudoxanthoma elasticum or Keutel syndrome, as well as acquired multifactorial diseases, like chronic kidney disease. Clinical and molecular aspects of the various disorders are discussed according to the state-of-the-art, followed by a comprehensive literature review regarding the role of vitamin K in molecular pathophysiology and as a therapeutic target in both human and animal models of ectopic mineralization disorders.
Activation of Interleukin-1 Beta in Arterialized Vein Grafts and the Influence of the -511C/T IL-1β Gene Polymorphism
Authors: Miyakawa Ayumi Aurea , Borin Thaiz Ferraz , Campos Luciene Cristina Gastalho , Girão-Silva Thais , Ribeiro-Silva Joao Carlos , Dallan Luis Alberto Oliveira , Krieger Jose Eduardo
Published: April 2019

The interleukin-1 family is associated with innate immunity and inflammation. The latter has been linked to the genesis of cardiovascular diseases. We, therefore, investigated whether interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) is activated during arterialization of vein grafts. First, we examined the activation of IL-1β using the rat arterialized jugular vein serially sampled for up to 90 days. IL-1β expression increased 18 times on day 1 in the arterialized rat jugular vein and remained five times above nonarterialized vein levels for up to 90 days. Similarly, IL-1β expression increased early (1–5 days) in human vein graft autopsy samples compared with late phases (1–4 years). Activation was also detected in ex vivo arterialized human saphenous veins. Upon stratification of the results, we uncovered a T allele promoter attenuating effect in IL-1β activation in response to hemodynamic stress. Altogether, the results show that IL-1β is activated during arterialization of vein grafts in rats and humans, and this response is modulated by -511C/T IL-1β gene polymorphism. It is tempting to speculate that the activation of IL-1β, and consequently local inflammation, modulates early vascular remodeling and that the gene polymorphism may be useful in predicting outcomes or assisting in interventions.