bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of carcinogenic signaling networks in endometrial cancer identifies RAB17 as a potential target
Authors: Zhou Xing , Xia Geqing , Liu Yan , Xin Xiaoyan , Shi Rui , An Lanfen , Zhang Jun , Zhao Rong , Zhao Yingchao , Wang Hongbo
Published: June 2020

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common malignancies in postmenopausal women. Several potential therapeutic targets have been investigated in current research, but few have been used clinically. Therefore, further investigating the potential pathogenesis of endometrial cancer and new effective therapeutic targets for endometrial malignancies is still necessary. Our study used a The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset and two Gene Expression Omnibus datasets for weighted gene coexpression network analysis to identify important genes associated with the histological grades of endometrial cancer. In addition, we performed gene set enrichment analysis on the three datasets and found that abnormally activated signaling pathways and metabolic pathways are the main biological behaviors of endometrial cancer. Moreover, we further used different algorithms and identified the RAB17 gene as a potential study object. To further illustrate the potential role of the genes we analyzed in clinical and cellular aspects, we performed a clinical correlation analysis. Finally, we demonstrated the important roles and mechanisms of the RAB17 gene in the cell cycle, proliferation, and metastasis of endometrial cancer. Using repeated database analysis and cell‐level assays, we propose RAB17 as a potential target gene for endometrial cancer for further study.
ADEA‐ADEE Shaping the Future of Dental Education III
Authors: Tonni Ingrid , Gadbury‐Amyot Cynthia C. , Govaerts Marjan , ten Cate Olle , Davis Joan , Garcia Lily T. , Valachovic Richard W.
Published: June 2020

Assessment in competency‐based dental education continues to be a recognized area for growth and development within dental programs around the world. At the joint American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and the Association for Dental Education in Europe (ADEE) 2019 conference, Shaping the Future of Dental Education III, the workshop on assessment was designed to continue the discussion started in 2017 at the ADEA‐ADEE Shaping the Future of Dental Education II.1 The focus of the 2019 conference involved examining the potential of entrustable professional activities (EPAs) and current thinking about workplace‐based assessment (WBA) within competency‐based education in the 21st century. Approximately 30 years ago, George Miller wrote about the assessment of competence in medical education and challenged faculty to reach for higher levels of assessment than knowledge or skill.2 Acknowledging that no one assessment method can result in a valid assessment of competence, Miller proposed a four‐level framework for assessment. The lowest level involves measuring what students know (“knows”), followed by assessment of the skill with which knowledge is applied in relevant tasks or problems (“knows how”). Next is an assessment of task performance in standardized settings (“shows how”), and finally, the highest level assesses the student's performance in the unstandardized clinical workplace (“does”). The 2019 assessment workshop focused on advances in the assessment of learners in the unstandardized workplace—the highest level of Miller's assessment pyramid (“does”). Research has shown that dental education has struggled to implement assessment strategies that meet this level.3 The workshop brought together individuals from around the world, with an interest in assessment in dental education, to consider how assessment in the “does” level, specifically EPAs and WBA, factors into competence assessment in dentistry/dental education.
ADEA‐ADEE Shaping the Future of Dental Education III
Authors: Patel Upen S. , Shapira Lior , Gallagher Jennifer E. , Davis Joan , Garcia Lily T. , Valachovic Richard W.
Published: June 2020

Global networking has been identified as an important method of enhancing health care education and services in the field of dentistry.1 The ability to share expertise, resources, knowledge, and experience to benefit all is highly desired among students, educators, health care professionals, and communities globally. Both our student and patient populations are dynamic societies that are becoming increasingly complex and facing growing needs and expectations, which is a constant challenge for educators and health care professionals to satisfy.2 The key question, stemming from the Global Networking (GN) workshop of the 2017 ADEE‐ADEA Shaping the Future of Dental Education II meeting, was identified as, “How can dental educators around the world network to share ideas, experience, expertise, and resources to improve our curricula and teaching and learning environments for our educators, students, and communities that they serve?” The action plan devised by the GN workshop from the 2017meeting indicated two key steps in these early stages of setting up a global network: 1) “…grassroots participation for input and consumption of meaningful and needed content,” and 2) “…advisors/consultants for organizational top‐down guidance to define and maintain the global networking philosophy and platform…”.1 The GN workshop of 2019 SFDE meeting aimed to deliver guidance and discussion with those experienced in engaging local communities from both a grassroots and an organizational approach.
ADEA‐ADEE Shaping the Future of Dental Education III
Authors: Dragan Irina F. , Walji Muhammad , Vervoorn Marjoke , Quinn Barry , Johnson Lynn , Davis Joan , Garcia Lily T. , Valachovic Richard W.
Published: June 2020

The central purpose of scientific research and emerging dental health technologies is to improve care for patients and achieve health equity. The Impact of Scientific Technologies and Discoveries on Oral Health Globally workshop conducted joint American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and the Association for Dental Education in Europe (ADEE) 2019 conference, Shaping the Future of Dental Education III, highlighted innovative technologies and scientific discoveries to support personalized dental care in an academic and clinical setting. The 2019 workshop built upon the new ideas and way forward identified in the 2017 ADEE‐ADEA joint American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and the Association for Dental Education in Europe (ADEE) 2019 conference, Shaping the Future of Dental Education II held in London. During the most recent workshop the approach was to explore the “Teaching Clinic of the Future”. Participants applied ideas proposed by keynote speakers, Dr. Walji and Dr. Vervoorn to educational models (Logic Model) in an ideal dental education setting. It is only through this continuous improvement of our use of scientific and technological advances that dental education will be able to convey to students the cognitive skills required to continually adapt to the changes that will affect them and consequently their patients throughout their career. This workshop was a valuable experience for highlighting opportunities and challenges for all stakeholders when aiming to incorporate new technologies to facilitate patient care and students’ education.
An analysis of resilience in dental students using the Resilience Scale for Adults
Authors: Smith Carlos S. , Carrico Caroline K. , Goolsby Susie , Hampton Alena C.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Resilience is the ability to bounce back or recover from major life stressors. The aim of this study was to investigate resilience in dental students and how it may or may not vary across demographic characteristics such as gender, socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, self‐reported health, and parental educational level.

Methods

Data were collected from 151 dental students at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry with an anonymous survey that included the Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA) and various demographic variables. Associations between RSA and variables of interest were assessed using linear models.

Results

Dental students demonstrated relatively high levels of resilience. Resilience was significantly associated with gender (with females showing more resilience than males (P = 0.0395)), race (P = 0.0025), overall health (P = 0.0101), and mental health (P < 0.0001). Results from Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) supported a 5‐factor solution that explained 82.6% of the variability of resilience in the sample of dental students. The 5 factors were nearly identical to the 5 subscales originally described by the RSA demonstrating validity in this population. Overall health ratings were significantly related to resilience, suggesting that perceived resilience in dental students may protect against negative health outcomes. This study can inform internal and external support systems of dental students as well as institutional programmatic development to better support their educational experiences.
Innovations in pre‐doctoral dental education: Influencing attitudes and opinions about patients with substance use disorder
Authors: Odusola Folarin , Smith Jennifer L. , Bisaga Adam , Grbic John T. , Fine James B. , Granger Kelly E. , Hu Mei‐Chen , Levin Frances R.
Published: June 2020

Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is an evidence‐based model for managing patients with substance use disorders (SUD). Historically, SUD were seen as a criminal issue and access to treatment was limited, but that paradigm is shifting and substance abuse is now being recognized as a disease state and the management of patients with SUD is increasingly within the healthcare system starting with primary healthcare settings including dental facilities. In a new training initiative, first‐year dental students (DDS1) attended a 90‐minute SBIRT training. An Attitudes and Opinion Survey (AOS) consisting of 8 questions that separately assesses DDS1 attitudes toward alcohol and drug use disorders was utilized to evaluate the training. Assenting DDS1 anonymously completed the AOS before and following the training. Over 3 years, we analyzed changes in the AOS of 230 DDS1 using Chi‐squared test for bivariate comparison. We then applied a Bonferroni correction to the P‐values. Response rate was 95.5%. The SBIRT training improved DDS1 attitudes and opinions toward patients with SUD with respect to all AOS questions. There was a statistically significant improvement (P < 0.003) in DDS1 attitudes and opinions with respect to whether other patients care suffers because of time and resources spent on patients with SUD and whether the SBIRT training provided adequate education to prepare DDS1 to manage patients with SUD. SBIRT training is relevant to dental education. It fills an important educational gap and is a suitable model for other dental schools.
Death, dying, and bereavement in undergraduate dental education: A narrative review
Authors: Macdonald Mary Ellen , Singh Harprit K. , Bulgarelli Alexandre F.
Published: June 2020

As the population ages, and bidirectional relationships between oral and general health become clearer, dentistry has to be prepared for the needs of older adults, including at end of life. Death does not only occur in geriatric populations however; death, dying and bereavement are issues that affect all patients and practitioners. Dental education is not preparing undergraduate students to meet clinical, spiritual, and psychosocial needs of patients and families requiring end‐of‐life care. Further, it does not prepare them for the emotional impact of death on their personal or professional lives. This review examines how death, dying, and bereavement could be integrated into undergraduate dental education. We conducted a narrative review using seven data bases, in English, up to 2018. We retrieved 159 papers, of which 36 were included and analysed thematically. The findings parse into two deductive and one inductive theme: 1. Supporting dental students experiencing death, dying, and bereavement; 2. Teaching death, dying and bereavement: curricula, content, and strategies; and 3. Fostering compassionate care in dental education. Health professions curricula are beginning to address how to support trainees experiencing death and dying in their personal lives and when working with patients and families. Dental education has been slow to adopt this trend. No robust studies addressing how best to educate and support learners and professionals were found. Future research should include an examination of what is currently included in training, and a study with educators and professionals to design how best to prepare learners in their training and practice.
Medication knowledge among dental students in Australia—a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Park Joon Soo , Li Jasmine , Turner Emma , Page Amy , Kruger Estie , Tennant Marc
Published: June 2020

Purpose/objectives

Prescribing medicine is integral to clinical dentistry. Future dental practitioners need to have a thorough knowledge of how to prescribe safely and effectively. To date, medication knowledge among dental students in Australia has not been assessed at a national scale.

Methods

Australian dental students were invited to undertake the survey comprising 12 multiple choice questions to investigate their medication knowledge. A total of 185 responses were received. The questions were 11 clinically relevant questions and 1 opinion‐based question with 4 options from which to select. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

The 185 respondents had a mean correct response of 6.77 ± 1.8 (range: 2−11 out of 11). Out of 185 students, 142 students (77%) answered more than half of the questions correctly. Only 1 student (1%) answered all 11 questions correctly. There were 135 students (73%) who either agreed or strongly agreed that they would feel confident to prescribe safe and effective medication for their patients after having completed dental school.

Conclusion

Most respondents answered more than half, but not all, of the clinical questions correctly. Despite this, many reported confidence in their prescribing skills. Future research needs to further investigate pharmacotherapeutic knowledge to determine detailed knowledge gaps in prescribing.
Functional crosstalk between T cells and monocytes in cancer and atherosclerosis
Authors: Padgett Lindsey E , Araujo Daniel J , Hedrick Catherine C , Olingy Claire E
Published: June 2020

Monocytes and monocyte-derived cells, including Mϕs and dendritic cells, exhibit a diverse array of phenotypic states that are dictated by their surrounding microenvironment. These cells direct T cell activation and function via cues that range from being immunosuppressive to immunostimulatory. Solid tumors and atherosclerotic plaques represent two pathological niches with distinct immune microenvironments. While monocytes and their progeny possess a phenotypic spectrum found within both disease contexts, most within tumors are pro-tumoral and support evasion of host immune responses by tumor cells. In contrast, monocyte-derived cells within atherosclerotic plaques are usually pro-atherogenic, pro-inflammatory, and predominantly directed against self-antigens. Consequently, cancer immunotherapies strive to enhance the immune response against tumor antigens, whereas atherosclerosis treatments seek to dampen the immune response against lipid antigens. Insights into monocyte-T cell interactions within these niches could thus inform therapeutic strategies for two immunologically distinct diseases. Here, we review monocyte diversity, interactions between monocytes and T cells within tumor and plaque microenvironments, how certain therapies have leveraged these interactions, and novel strategies to assay such associations.
T regulatory cells-derived extracellular vesicles and their contribution to the generation of immune tolerance
Authors: Rojas Carolina , Campos-Mora Mauricio , Cárcamo Ignacio , Villalón Natalia , Elhusseiny Ahmed , Contreras-Kallens Pamina , Refisch Aarón , Gálvez-Jirón Felipe , Emparán Ivana , Montoya-Riveros Andro , Vernal Rolando , Pino-Lagos Karina
Published: June 2020

T regulatory (Treg) cells have a major role in the maintenance of immune tolerance against self and foreign antigens through the control of harmful inflammation. Treg cells exert immunosuppressive function by several mechanisms, which can be distinguished as contact dependent or independent. Recently, the secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs) by Treg cells has been reported as a novel suppressive mechanism capable of modulating immunity in a cell-contact independent and targeted manner, which has been identified in different pathologic scenarios. EVs are cell-derived membranous structures involved in physiologic and pathologic processes through protein, lipid, and genetic material exchange, which allow intercellular communication. In this review, we revise and discuss current knowledge on Treg cells-mediated immune tolerance giving special attention to the production and release of EVs. Multiple studies support that Treg cells-derived EVs represent a refined intercellular exchange device with the capacity of modulating immune responses, thus creating a tolerogenic microenvironment in a cell-free manner. The mechanisms proposed encompass miRNAs-induced gene silencing, the action of surface proteins and the transmission of enzymes. These observations gain relevance by the fact that Treg cells are susceptible to converting into effector T cells after exposition to inflammatory environments. Yet, in contrast to their cells of origin, EVs are unlikely to be modified under inflammatory conditions, highlighting the advantage of their use. Moreover, we speculate in the possibility that Treg cells may contribute to infectious tolerance via vesicle secretion, intervening with CD4+ T cells differentiation and/or stability.
Targeting NLRP3 and Staphylococcal pore-forming toxin receptors in human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived macrophages
Authors: Chow Seong H , Deo Pankaj , Yeung Amy T Y , Kostoulias Xenia P , Jeon Yusun , Gao Mei-Ling , Seidi Azadeh , Olivier Françios Alwyn Benson , Sridhar Sushmita , Nethercott Cara , Cameron David , Robertson Avril A B , Robert Remy , Mackay Charles R , Traven Ana , Jin Zi-Bing , Hale Christine , Dougan Gordon , Peleg Anton Y , Naderer Thomas
Published: June 2020

Staphylococcus aureus causes necrotizing pneumonia by secreting toxins such as leukocidins that target front-line immune cells. The mechanism by which leukocidins kill innate immune cells and trigger inflammation during S. aureus lung infection, however, remains unresolved. Here, we explored human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived macrophages (hiPSC-dMs) to study the interaction of the leukocidins Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL) and LukAB with lung macrophages, which are the initial leukocidin targets during S. aureus lung invasion. hiPSC-dMs were susceptible to the leukocidins PVL and LukAB and both leukocidins triggered NLPR3 inflammasome activation resulting in IL-1β secretion. hiPSC-dM cell death after LukAB exposure, however, was only temporarily dependent of NLRP3, although NLRP3 triggered marked cell death after PVL treatment. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of the PVL receptor, C5aR1, protected hiPSC-dMs from PVL cytotoxicity, despite the expression of other leukocidin receptors, such as CD45. PVL-deficient S. aureus had reduced ability to induce lung IL-1β levels in human C5aR1 knock-in mice. Unexpectedly, inhibiting NLRP3 activity resulted in increased wild-type S. aureus lung burdens. Our findings suggest that NLRP3 induces macrophage death and IL-1β secretion after PVL exposure and controls S. aureus lung burdens.
The MPO system participates actively in the formation of an oxidative environment produced by neutrophils and activates the antioxidant mechanism of Naegleria fowleri
Authors: Flores-Huerta Nadia , Pacheco-Yépez Judith , Sánchez-Monroy Virginia , Rosales-Hernández Martha Cecilia , Silva-Olivares Angélica , Serrano-Luna Jesús , Shibayama Mineko
Published: June 2020

Naegleria fowleri produces a fatal disease called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), which is characterized by an extensive inflammatory reaction in the CNS. It is known that the immune response is orchestrated mainly by neutrophils, which activate several defense mechanisms in the host, including phagocytosis, the release of different enzymes such as myeloperoxidase (MPO), and the production of neutrophil extracellular traps. However, the mechanisms by which amoebas evade the neutrophil response are still unknown. In this study, we analyzed the ability of N. fowleri to respond to the stress exerted by MPO. Interestingly, after the interaction of trophozoites with neutrophils, the amoeba viability was not altered; however, ultrastructural changes were observed. To analyze the influence of MPO against N. fowleri and its participation in free radical production, we evaluated its enzymatic activity, expression, and localization with and without the specific 4-aminobenzoic acid hydrazide inhibitor. The production of oxidizing molecules is the principal mechanism used by neutrophils to eliminate pathogens. In this context, we demonstrated an increase in the production of NO, superoxide anion, and reactive oxygen species; in addition, the overexpression of several antioxidant enzymes present in the trophozoites was quantified. The findings strongly suggest that N. fowleri possesses antioxidant machinery that is activated in response to an oxidative environment, allowing it to evade the neutrophil-mediated immune response, which may contribute to the establishment of PAM.
Association of cardiac biomarkers and comorbidities with increased mortality, severity, and cardiac injury in COVID‐19 patients: A meta‐regression and decision tree analysis
Authors: Toraih Eman A. , Elshazli Rami M. , Hussein Mohammad H. , Elgaml Abdelaziz , Amin Mohamed , El‐Mowafy Mohammed , El‐Mesery Mohamed , Ellythy Assem , Duchesne Juan , Killackey Mary T. , Ferdinand Keith C. , Kandil Emad , Fawzy Manal S.
Published: June 2020

Background

Coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) has a deleterious effect on several systems, including the cardiovascular system. We aim to systematically explore the association of COVID‐19 severity and mortality rate with the history of cardiovascular diseases and/or other comorbidities and cardiac injury laboratory markers.

Methods

The standardized mean difference (SMD) or odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were applied to estimate pooled results from the 56 studies. The prognostic performance of cardiac markers for predicting adverse outcomes and to select the best cutoff threshold was estimated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Decision tree analysis by combining cardiac markers with demographic and clinical features was applied to predict mortality and severity in patients with COVID‐19.

Results

A meta‐analysis of 17 794 patients showed patients with high cardiac troponin I (OR = 5.22, 95% CI = 3.73‐7.31, P < .001) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels (OR = 3.64, 95% CI = 2.84‐4.66, P < .001) were more likely to develop adverse outcomes. High troponin I more than 13.75 ng/L combined with either advanced age more than 60 years or elevated AST level more than 27.72 U/L was the best model to predict poor outcomes.

Conclusions

COVID‐19 severity and mortality are complicated by myocardial injury. Assessment of cardiac injury biomarkers may improve the identification of those patients at the highest risk and potentially lead to improved therapeutic approaches.
Using coronary sinus ostium as the reference for the slow pathway ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia in children
Authors: Young Ming‐Lon , Niu Jianli
Published: June 2020

Background

Successful slow pathway (SP) ablation sites for atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) are usually located inside the Koch's triangle (KT). This study aimed to determine the ablation site of SP using the coronary sinus (CS) ostium (CSO) as the reference and to evaluate the efficacy of the CSO‐guided SP ablation.

Methods

A regional geometry around the KT was constructed by 3D mapping in 52 consecutive patients under age 18 with AVNRT. SP cryoablation was performed. If initial cryoablation was unsuccessful or cryoablation was deemed not suitable, then radiofrequency (RF) ablation was performed. The successful ablation site direction relative to the CSO was expressed as o'clock with the CSO viewed as a clock.

RESULTS

Cryoablation was used as the primary energy source in 40 patients. Of which, 32 were successful and eight required additional RF ablation. Direct RF ablation was performed in 11 patients. Using the CSO as reference, the successful site with cryoablation was at its 2.2 ± 0.6 o'clock; the RF ablation success site was at CSO 2.7 ± 0.5 o'clock (P = .006). During a median follow‐up of 12 month, there was 98% success of SP ablation in these patients, with one patient with RF ablation had a tachycardia recurrence.

Conclusions

Using CSO as reference, the cryoablation site at its 2:00 o'clock and RF ablation at its 3:00 o'clock are highly efficacious for SP ablation with good short‐term outcomes, and may be a useful tool in guiding the ablation target for AVNRT.
Mechanical stress regulates bone regulatory gene expression independent of estrogen and vitamin D deficiency in rats
Authors: Nepal Ashwini Kumar , van Essen Huib W. , van der Veen Albert J. , van Wieringen Wessel N. , Stavenuiter Andrea W. D. , Cayami Ferdy Kurniawan , Pals Gerard , Micha Dimitra , Vanderschueren Dirk , Lips Paul , Bravenboer Nathalie
Published: June 2020

Mechanical stress determines bone mass and structure. It is not known whether mechanical loading affects expression of bone regulatory genes in a combined deficiency of estrogen and vitamin D. We studied the effect of mechanical loading on the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of bone regulatory genes during vitamin D and/or estrogen deficiency. We performed a single bout in vivo axial loading with 14 N peak load, 2 Hz frequency and 360 cycles in right ulnae of nineteen weeks old female control Wistar rats with or without ovariectomy (OVX), vitamin D deficiency and the combination of OVX and vitamin D deficiency (N = 10/group). Total bone RNA was isolated 6 hours after loading, and mRNA expression was detected of Mepe, Fgf23, Dmp1, Phex, Sost, Col1a1, Cyp27b1, Vdr, and Esr1. Serum levels of 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)2D and estradiol were also measured at this time point. The effect of loading, vitamin D and estrogen deficiency and their interaction on bone gene expression was tested using a mixed effect model analysis. Mechanical loading significantly increased the mRNA expression of Mepe, and Sost, whereas it decreased the mRNA expression of Fgf23 and Esr1. Mechanical loading showed a significant interaction with vitamin D deficiency with regard to mRNA expression of Vdr and Esr1. Mechanical loading affected gene expression of Mepe, Fgf23, Sost, and Esr1 independently of vitamin D or estrogen, indicating that mechanical loading may affect bone turnover even during vitamin D deficiency and after menopause.
Remotely sensed vegetation indices for crop nutrition mapping
Authors: Sharifi Alireza
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Spectral reflectance measurements and vegetation indices have been used widely to monitor plant nutritional status. Remote sensing methods are very fast, convenient, and non‐destructive techniques for estimating crop nutrition indices. With the rapid development of remote sensing satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles, and the Internet of Things, remote sensing will increasingly be used in crop nutrition diagnosis. This can lead to lower operating costs for fertilization and can minimize loss of productivity.

RESULTS

In this study, satellite images were used for 2 years to evaluate the use of vegetation indices for crop nutrition mapping, in two regions, located in the cities of Ray and Karaj. For each farm, eight reference points in each year were selected to determine the crop nutrition status for model development and accuracy assessment. Then, ten spectral vegetation indices were used to calculate the crop nutrition content at mid‐season and at the end of the season. The results indicated that transformed chlorophyll absorption in reflectance index (TCARI) and modified chlorophyll absorption in reflectance index (MCARI) had the highest R2 and the lowest RMSE values, respectively (R2TCARI = 0.83, RMSETCARI = 12.47 kg ha−1 and R2MCARI = 0.75 and RMSEMCARI = 14.47 kg ha−1).

CONCLUSION

The performance of TCARI and MCARI was strong across the two farms and allowed the creation of highly accurate crop nutrition maps. In conclusion, the use of the near infra‐red and red‐edge bands in mid‐season led to better results than vegetation indices calculated at the end of the season or that do not included the red‐edge band. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of heat treatment, homogenization pressure, and overprocessing on the content of furfural compounds in liquid milk
Authors: Xing Qianqian , Ma Yanran , Fu Xiaofei , Cao Qing , Zhang Yue , You Chunping
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Sterilization of milk is aimed at killing the microorganisms present. There are three main sterilization methods commonly used in milk processing: high temperature and short time (HTST) pasteurization, ultrahigh pasteurization (UP), and ultrahigh temperature (UHT) sterilization. The Maillard reaction is of special interest in studying the effect of heat treatment on milk quality. Furfural compounds are one of the typical intermediates of the Maillard reaction, which have safety risks related to mutagenic and genotoxic effects. The furfural compounds content is directly related to the heat treatment intensity.

RESULTS

The furfural compounds content was measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection in 12 min. Then, 13 levels of heat treatment intensity (combinations of temperature and time) and three levels of homogenization pressure were selected to study the change of the furfural compounds content after different processing technologies in a pilot plant. The results show a higher temperature treatment can stimulate more Maillard reaction intermediates, such as hydroxymethylfurfural and furfural. A temperature regression evaluation model and content prediction models of hydroxymethylfurfural and furfural were developed to quantify the relationship between the furfural content and heat treatment with the data from the pilot plant.

CONCLUSION

Based on the temperature evaluation model, the heating temperature of three milk products was evaluated. The homogenization pressures had little effect on the furfural content in liquid milk. The emergence of the furyl methyl ketone and methylfurfural can be detected after overprocessing of the liquid milk. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
A comparison among innovative plants for high quality extra‐virgin olive oil production
Authors: Altieri Giuseppe , Genovese Francesco , Matera Attilio , Di Renzo Giovanni Carlo
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

The cleaning operation of extra‐virgin olive oil (EVOO), subsequent to its extraction, is generally performed by means of a vertical disc stack centrifuge separator causing qualitative damage due to increased oxidative alterations. However, previous works have demonstrated the great opportunity that settling represents in order to improve the EVOO quality performing the separation operation with minimal qualitative damage.

RESULTS

A new patented prototype device (ROTASED, RS) has been used in the cleaning operation of extra‐virgin olive comparing physical and chemical characterization of EVOO after 48 h from extraction and after 180 days of shelf‐life. In addition, the results have been compared with those obtained using an assisted sedimentation (AS) plant and an enhanced sedimentation plant by hydrocyclone (H) from previous authorsʼ works, in order to assess the improvement of EVOO quality that could be attained with respect to the use of the vertical disc stack centrifuge separator.

CONCLUSION

The results show that after 48 h of storage the tested patented prototype device seems to be preferable, however, after 180 days of storage, the difference between H and RS device results similar in terms of improvement of the final olive oil quality. In addition, the method of principal component analysis can be used to evaluate the suitability of an olive cv. in terms of quality of extracted oil. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Future impact of climate extremes in the Mediterranean: Soil erosion projections when fire and extreme rainfall meet
Authors: Morán‐Ordóñez Alejandra , Duane Andrea , Gil‐Tena Assu , De Cáceres Miquel , Aquilué Núria , Guerra Carlos A. , Geijzendorffer Ilse R. , Fortin Marie‐Josée , Brotons Lluís
Published: June 2020

Climate change projections over the Mediterranean basin point toward an increase in frequency and intensity of extreme events that will directly impact ecosystems resilience. In this study, we evaluated future trends of soil loss in forestland in Catalonia (NE Spain) due to fires and vegetation dynamics, considering the potential future impacts of co‐occurring extreme fire and rainfall events, and assessing how fire suppression can contribute to soil erosion mitigation. The process‐based MEDFIRE model was used to simulate changes in forestland due to climate and fires between 2011 and 2050 under six different future scenarios that resulted from the combination of two climatic scenarios and three fire management policies. Annual projections on landscape changes were used to estimate soil loss using the Universal Soil Loss Equation. Projected annual soil losses for forested land in Catalonia ranged between 15 and 16 tons/ha, with scenarios simulating current levels of fire suppression projecting around −5% soil loss than those assuming more relaxed suppression strategies. On average, fires explained 12–16% of annual soil loss in the region, but in fire‐severe years, they explained up to 90% of the total annual soil loss. Projected mean total soil loss in years where extreme rainfall and fire meet was 150% higher than in years where both events were not contemporary. The estimated annual probability that the two extreme impacts will co‐occur in the future ranged between 0.09 and 0.11 between scenarios. Our results highlight the importance of landscape and fire management in minimizing soil loss and its potential impacts for ecosystems.
Comparing the Bone Healing After Cold Ablation Robot‐Guided Er:YAG Laser Osteotomy and Piezoelectric Osteotomy—A Pilot Study in a Minipig Mandible
Authors: Baek Kyung‐won , Dard Michel , Zeilhofer Hans‐Florian , Cattin Philippe C. , Juergens Philipp
Published: June 2020

Background and Objective

To take major advantage of erbium‐doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Er:YAG) lasers in osteotomy—like freedom of cutting geometries and high accuracy—the integration and miniaturization of the robot, laser, and navigation technology was tried and applied to minipigs. The investigators hypothesized laser osteotomy would render acceptable bone healing based on the intraoperative findings and postoperative cut surface analysis.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

We designed and implemented a comparative bone‐cutting surgery in the minipig mandible with a cold ablation robot‐guided Er:YAG laser osteotome (CARLO) and a piezoelectric (PZE) osteotome. The sample was composed of different patterns of defects in the mandibles of six grown‐up female Goettingen minipigs. The predictor variable was Er:YAG osteotomy and PZE osteotomy. The outcome variable was the cut surface characteristics and bone healing at 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively. Descriptive and qualitative comparison was executed.

Results

The sample was composed of four kinds of bone defects on both sides of the mandibles of six minipigs. We observed more bleeding during the operation, open‐cut surfaces, and a faster healing pattern with the laser osteotomy. There was a possible association between the intraoperative findings, postoperative cut surface analysis, and the bone healing pattern.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that characteristic open‐cut surfaces could explain favorable bone healing after laser osteotomy. Future studies will focus on the quantification of the early healing characteristics after laser osteotomy, its diverse application, and the safety feature. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Case Series of Fractional Ablative Laser Resurfacing of Pediatric Facial Traumatic and Surgical Scars
Authors: Lederhandler Margo H. , Bloom Bradley S. , Pomerantz Hyemin , Geronemus Roy G.
Published: June 2020

Background and Objectives

Fractional ablative 10,600‐nm carbon dioxide (CO2) laser has well‐demonstrated safety and efficacy in resurfacing treatment of scars in the adult population and in the treatment of pediatric burn scars. However, there is a paucity of literature regarding laser resurfacing of traumatic and surgical scars for cosmetic benefit in the pediatric population, and in majority of cases previously reported, this was done under general anesthesia.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

This was a retrospective chart review of pediatric patients under the age of 18 who underwent fractional ablative CO2 laser resurfacing (FALR) of traumatic or surgical scars at a single center between 2018 and 2019, inclusive. Primary endpoints included safety and tolerance.

Results

A total of 31 FALR treatments were performed in 10 patients with traumatic and surgical scars located on the face (age 4–14 years, Fitzpatrick skin type [FST] I–IV, 60% female). Settings ranged from total energy per session 0.02–0.33 kJ, with a 7‐mm tip and 30–50% coverage. Nine patients had two or more treatments (average 3, maximum 8) spaced at least 4 weeks apart. All resurfacing treatments were well‐tolerated with local infiltration of 1% lidocaine with epinephrine (1:100,000). Six (67%) patients were treated with additional measures including pulsed dye laser, 1927‐nm fractional non‐ablative low‐energy, low‐density laser, or intralesional agents (5‐fluorouracil, triamcinolone, botulinum toxin). At follow‐up (of varied intervals), short‐term erythema, as expected, was seen in six patients, and hyperpigmentation in one case (FST IV), both treated with aforementioned alternate devices. Although gradual, improvement in scar appearance and texture was seen with FALR treatments. No additional scarring, infection, or hypopigmentation was seen.

Conclusions

Treatment with fractional ablative laser resurfacing is safe and well‐tolerated in the pediatric population in an outpatient setting with local anesthesia. Traumatic scars may cause significant distress to children and parents alike. Multimodal therapy may lead to optimal cosmesis. Given the excellent tolerability, the authors recommend consideration of laser resurfacing in pediatric patients with traumatic or surgical scars when bothersome, either cosmetically or psychologically. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
A Methodology of Hydrodynamic Complexity in Topologically Hyper‐Branched Polymers Undergoing Hierarchical Multiple Relaxations
Authors: Lu Haibao , Wang Xiaodong , Hossain Mokarram , Fu Yong Qing
Published: June 2020

A hydrodynamic model is proposed to describe conformational relaxation of molecules, viscoelasticity of arms, and hierarchical multiple‐shape memory effect (multi‐SME) of hyper‐branched polymer. Fox–Flory and Boltzmann’s principles are employed to characterize and predict the hierarchical relaxations and their multi‐SMEs in hyper‐branched polymers. A constitutive relationship among relaxation time, molecular weight, glass transition temperature, and viscoelastic modulus is then formulated. Results reveal that molecular weight and number of arms of the topologically hyper‐branched polymers significantly influence their hydrodynamic relaxations and shape memory behaviors. The effectiveness of model is demonstrated by applying it to predict mechanical and shape recovery behaviors of hyper‐branched polymers, and the theoretical results show good agreements with the experimental ones. This study is expected to provide an effective guidance on designing multi‐SME in topologically hyper‐branched polymers.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF A HIGH‐RESOLUTION MASS SPECTROMETRY METHOD FOR ULTRA‐TRACE ANALYSIS OF CHLORINATED DIOXINS IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES INCLUDING VIET NAM ERA VETERANS
Authors: Lay Jackson O. , Liyanage Rohana , Gidden Jennifer A.
Published: June 2020

Chlorinated dioxins are labeled and recognized by both the World Health Organization and the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) as “persistent organic pollutants”. Their potential for high toxicity is one of the primary factors behind intense public and regulatory scrutiny and the need to measure the compounds at very low limits, specifically the isomer 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (2,3,7,8‐TCDD). This article highlights the early mass spectrometry methods to investigate, detect, confirm, and quantify chlorinated dioxins and the initial applications involving human biomonitoring, as attempts were made to attribute health effects to TCDD exposure. This effort represented a complex and difficult scientific response to the pressing need to investigate expected exposures and alleged subsequent medical effects, which in the case of the Viet Nam veterans was being attempted a decade or more after their exposure. It is noteworthy that this method and its development touched on delicate issues involving human subjects, war veterans, environmental contamination, and was difficult not only scientifically, but for ethical and political reasons as well. Stable‐isotope dilution with analysis by gas chromatography/high‐resolution mass spectrometry (GC/HRMS) became the method of choice because of its ability to monitor characteristic ions and isotope ratios to quantify and qualify/confirm the analyte in the presence of coextracting and coeluting interferences at these low levels with the highest possible confidence. This method was rigorously tested and validated before it was used to discover and monitor levels in the environment and in various populations at then unprecedented low levels. These early studies demonstrated the feasibility of monitoring dioxins in humans even decades after exposure, and led to the detection of 2,3,7,8‐TCDD in the general population as well as specific overexposed populations. These studies also provided strong evidence regarding the origins of the 2,3,7,8‐isomer in the environment. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Mass Spec Rev
Experimental evaluation of thermophysical properties of oil‐based titania nanofluids for medium temperature solar collectors
Authors: Akhter J. , Gilani S.I. , Al‐Kayiem H.H. , Ali M. , Masood F.
Published: June 2020

Thermal oils are widely used as working fluids in the medium temperature heat transfer applications including concentrating solar thermal collectors. However, the weak thermal characteristics of these oils are major drawbacks in their successful application in the medium‐high temperature solar collectors. Fortunately, the emergence of nanotechnology has provided the opportunity to alter thermo‐physical properties of base fluids by adding small amount of sub‐micron size solid particles possessing better properties. This paper presents an experimental investigation of thermophysical properties of an oil‐based nanofluid to be used in the medium temperature solar collector for enhanced thermal energy transport. The colloidal suspensions were prepared by dispersing different weight fractions (0.25 wt.%, 0.5 wt.%, 0.75 wt.% and 1.0 wt.%) of Titania nanoparticles in Therminol‐55 oil using two‐step method. Shear mixing and high energy ultrasonication was employed to achieve uniform mixing and de‐agglomeration of the nanoparticles in order to enhance the stability of the colloidal suspensions. Thermophysical properties of the nanofluids were determined as a function of nanoparticles concentrations in the temperature range of 25 °C–130 °C. The experimental results demonstrated substantial improvement in thermal conductivity of the nano‐oils with an increase in nanoparticles loading which further enhanced at higher temperatures. Dynamic viscosity and effective density displayed a decreasing trend against rising temperature which indicate the effectiveness of these nanofluids for medium temperature heat supply. Nano‐oils with superior thermal properties can improve the performance of medium temperature solar thermal collectors.
Impact of multiple reflow on intermetallic compound of nickel‐doped tin‐silver‐copper on ENImAg substrate
Authors: Rabiatul Adawiyah M.A. , Amirul S.A. , Saliza Azlina O. , Syafiq H.
Published: June 2020

The growth of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) of the tin‐silver‐copper‐nickel/electroless nickel immersion silver (SACN/ENImAg) at the 230 °C during multiple reflows was investigated. The characterization analysis of the samples was conducted using scanning electron microscopy and assisted by a dispersive x‐ray analysis. A layer of continuous (Cu, Ni)6Sn5 and discontinuous (Ni, Cu)3Sn4 intermetallic were formed at the interface after up to the third reflow, while Ag3Sn nano‐sized was formed on the intermetallic surface. The total thickness of the intermetallic layer increased as the reflow increased. The findings also revealed that the intermetallic thickness became thicker with the mass percentage of nickel increased. Hence, the intermetallic growth was controlled mainly by reflow times and nickel content in solders.
3D graphene/fly ash waste material for hybrid supercapacitor electrode: specific capacitance analysis
Authors: Pransisco P. , Balbir Singh M.S. , Shuaib M. , Shukur M.F. , Joseph E.
Published: June 2020

The performance of supercapacitor energy storage is depending on the type of the material that is used as supercapacitor electrode. Graphene has been widely used as the base material for a lot of applications due to its remarkable properties. In this research, we try to combine 3D Graphene with waste material fly ash to be used as the electrode of supercapacitor. Fly ash is a residual material from burning pulverized coal in electric generation power plants which contain metal oxide materials such as iron oxide and aluminum oxide. This residual material might be usable as an electrode for supercapacitor due to its material contained. As the base material, the 3D graphene was successfully fabricated by using low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) method and afterwards the fly ash was coated on the top of 3D graphene. The chemical properties and surface structure of the electrode material was studied by using Raman spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron spectroscopy (FESEM). 3 electrode systems were used to analyze the cyclic voltammetry results. According to the results, they show that the highest specific capacitance of 3D graphene/fly ash (FA) was about 0.025 F/cm2 at the lowest scan rate of 5 mV/s and it is recommended to use as the supercapacitor electrode.