bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of ball milling time on physicochemical properties of Cordyceps militaris ultrafine particles
Authors: An Yanjun , Sun Yanan , Zhang Min , Adhikari Benu , Li Zhongqin
Published: April 2019

Cordyceps militaris powder with different particle sizes, a fungus rich in cordycepin and carotenoids, has different physicochemical properties. To explore the influence of different ball milling time on the properties, a batch ball‐mill was used before high energy nano‐impact mill to produce ultrafine particles from Cordyceps militaris. The particle formation kinetics was covering 2 to 16 hr of grinding was measured and explained. The surface charge (zeta potential), surface activity (surface tension), polarity and cordycepin, and carotenoids contents of particles during dissolution in water were measured and explained. The yield of ultrafine particles ~200 nm did not increase too much during 6–10 hr of grinding but they aggregated significantly at 16 hr of milling. The zeta potential, air‐water surface tension reducing ability, and particle polarity of these ultrafine particles were particle size dependent. The dissolution of cordycepin and carotenoids in water was faster in these ultrafine particles but their dissolution patterns were different. The ultrafine particles of C. militaris can be preferably used in nutraceuticals and as emulsifiers.

Practical applications

Consumers have recently become more favorite for the ultrafine particles of Cordyceps militaris with respect to its good active ingredient and nutrition. Hence, a comprehensive understanding of the effect of micronization on the particle size and also particle characteristics of Cordyceps would be useful for improving their functionality and to broaden their application. The research found that, ultrafine particles of Cordyceps militaris produced by ball milling have higher physicochemical characteristics.
Nutrient profiling and food prices: what is the cost of choosing healthier products?
Authors: de Abreu M. , Charlton K. , Probst Y. , Li N. , Crino M. , Wu J. H. Y.
Published: April 2019

Background

The Health Star Rating (HSR) is a front‐of‐pack label designed to help Australian consumers identify healthier packaged foods. Price is an important determinant of food choice and yet no previous studies have examined the relationship between HSR and price. In the present study, we investigated whether (i) healthier packaged food products, as determined by HSR, are more expensive than less healthy alternatives and (ii) products displaying the HSR are more expensive than similar products that do not.

Methods

Prices of three packaged foods categories (breakfast cereals, cereal‐based bars and fruit juices) and nutrient data (to calculate HSR) were obtained from shopping receipts of approximately 1600 Australians between June 2014 and September 2016. Associations between HSR and price [per energy ($/100 kJ) and per unit ($/100 g)] for products of comparable package sizes were assessed by linear regression and the results are presented as differences in average price over the theoretical maximum range of HSR from 0.5 to 5 stars.

Results

The HSR of products was not consistently related to price. Small positive associations were observed for juice ($0.08/100 mL; P = 0.03) and for cereal‐based bars ($0.04/100 kJ; P = 0.02). No other associations between HSR and price were observed (P ≥ 0.23). Products that displayed the HSR were no more expensive on average than products that received a similar HSR but did not display the HSR (P ≥ 0.16).

Conclusions

In summary, the findings of the present study suggest that healthier packaged food products were not consistently more expensive than less healthy products and also that price is unlikely to be a barrier for consumers to use the HSR to select healthier packaged foods.
Industrial ecology and the boundaries of the manufacturing firm
Authors: Magnusson Thomas , Andersson Hans , Ottosson Mikael
Published: April 2019

Decisions on organizational boundaries are critical aspects of manufacturing firms’ business strategies. This article brings together concepts and findings from industrial ecology and business strategy in order to understand how manufacturing firms engage in initiatives to facilitate recycling of process wastes. Based on a distinction between waste recovery and use of the recovered resources, the article introduces a typology of four different strategies: Closed, Outsourcing, Diversification, and Open. Each strategy has a unique set of organizational boundaries and is associated with different motives and benefits for the manufacturing firm. The typology of strategies provides a conceptual contribution to assist industrial managers in strategic decision‐making, and to support further studies on organizational boundaries in industrial ecology research.
Raw material criticality assessment as a complement to environmental life cycle assessment: Examining methods for product‐level supply risk assessment
Authors: Cimprich Alexander , Bach Vanessa , Helbig Christoph , Thorenz Andrea , Schrijvers Dieuwertje , Sonnemann Guido , Young Steven B. , Sonderegger Thomas , Berger Markus
Published: April 2019

The diversity of raw materials used in modern products, compounded by the risk of supply disruptions—due to uneven geological distribution of resources, along with socioeconomic factors like production concentration and political (in)stability of raw material producing countries—has drawn attention to the subject of raw material “criticality.” In this article, we review the state of the art regarding the integration of criticality assessment, herein termed “product‐level supply risk assessment,” as a complement to environmental life cycle assessment. We describe and compare three methods explicitly developed for this purpose—Geopolitical Supply Risk (GeoPolRisk), Economic Scarcity Potential (ESP), and the Integrated Method to Assess Resource Efficiency (ESSENZ)—based on a set of criteria including considerations of data sources, uncertainties, and other contentious methodological aspects. We test the methods on a case study of a European‐manufactured electric vehicle, and conclude with guidance for appropriate application and interpretation, along with opportunities for further methodological development. Although the GeoPolRisk, ESP, and ESSENZ methods have several limitations, they can be useful for preliminary assessments of the potential impacts of raw material supply risks on a product system (i.e., “outside‐in” impacts) alongside the impacts of a product system on the environment (i.e., “inside‐out” impacts). Care is needed to not overlook critical raw materials used in small amounts but nonetheless important to product functionality. Further methodological development could address regional and firm‐level supply risks, multiple supply‐chain stages, and material recycling, while improving coverage of supply risk characterization factors.
Facial cleansing with a sonic brush—A review of the literature and current recommendations
Authors: Gold Michael , Ablon Glynis , Andriessen Anneke , Goldberg David , Hooper Deirdre , Mandy Steve
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Skin cleansing is important for removal of dirt, debris, and sebum and plays an important role in reduction of pollution‐induced skin aging. Cleansing is an established part of treatment recommendations and procedures in dermatology. Different methods for facial skin cleansing are established but recommendations on use of special devices are not fully integrated into clinical practice.

Aim

We review the current literature on sonic cleansing to demonstrate that a gentle and effective cleansing routine using a sonic brush followed by appropriate additional methods for rehydration and skin protection may improve both inflammatory conditions including acne vulgaris and skin damage associated with overexposure to exogenous light and pollution.

Methods

A working group of experienced clinicians managing facial inflammatory skin conditions convened for a meeting. The panel reviewed the literature surrounding sonic brush cleansing and discussed clinical questions aiming to optimize facial cleansing outcomes.

Results

The panel agreed there are increasing concerns over the rise of atmospheric pollution globally and its impact on health and skin aging and that cleansing in combination with nonspecific skin care is able to support physiological microenvironmental skin conditions including pH levels on the skin surface, barrier function, and hydration.

Conclusion

Cleansing poses a challenge in balancing debris removal while avoiding excess sebum removal, thereby maintaining an intact stratum corneum barrier. The sonic brush may offer a safe and effective treatment for various conditions.
A case of bilateral Parry‐Romberg syndrome successfully treated with hyaluronic acid filler augmentation
Authors: Watchmaker Jacqueline , Saadeh Dana , Lam Christina , Vashi Neelam A.
Published: April 2019

Parry‐Romberg syndrome is a rare acquired neurocutaneous disorder typically characterized by hemifacial atrophy. Few cases of bilateral facial involvement have been reported. We report a case of a 60‐year‐old female with a 20‐year history of progressive bilateral facial atrophy. Although an initial diagnosis of acquired partial lipodystrophy was considered, a diagnosis of bilateral Parry‐Romberg was favored for three main reasons: (a) lipoatrophy was confined to the face (b) imaging findings of enophthalmos and underlying white matter changes (c) laboratories showing absence of C3 nephritic factor and normal complement levels. The patient was treated with hyaluronic acid fillers with dramatic improvement in cosmetic appearance.
Cigarette smoke reduces short chain fatty acid production by a Porphyromonas gingivalis clinical isolate
Authors: Zeller Iris , Malovichko Marina V. , Hurst Harrell E. , Renaud Diane E. , Scott David A.
Published: April 2019

Objectives

We hypothesized that short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production by oral pathogens is suppressed by exposure to cigarette smoke extract (CSE).

Background

Tobacco smoking is a major risk factor for plaque‐induced periodontal diseases. Despite increased disease susceptibility, overt oral inflammation is suppressed in smokers, presenting a diagnostic conundrum. Bacterial‐derived SCFAs can penetrate into oral tissues where they influence multiple components of immune and healing responses. Indeed, the SCFA burden has been correlated with the inflammatory condition of the gingiva. However, the influence of cigarette consumption on SCFA production is unknown.

Methods

GC/MS was employed to monitor the production of several SCFAs (propionic acid, isobutyric acid, butyric acid, and isovaleric acid) by representative anaerobic oral pathogens (Filifactor alocis 35896, Fusobacterium nucleatum 25586, Porphyromonas gingivalis 33277) that were exposed, or not, to a physiologically relevant dose of CSE (2000 ng/ml nicotine equivalents) generated from 3R4F reference cigarettes.

Results

The growth of all three bacterial species was unaffected by CSE. The capacity to produce SCFAs by these bacteria was highly varied. F alocis produced the highest concentration of a specific SCFA (butyrate); P gingivalis provided the most robust overall SCFA signal, while F alocis and F nucleatum did not release detectable levels of isobutyrate or isovalerate. As P gingivalis 33277 was the broadest SCFA producer, three low‐passage clinical isolates (10208C, 5607, and 10512) were also examined. Compared to unconditioned microbes, reduced SCFA release was apparent in CSE‐exposed low‐passage clinical isolates of P gingivalis which reached significance for one of the three isolates (propionic, isobutyric, butyric, and isovaleric acids, all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

There is high disparity in the SCFA profiles of variant chronic periodontitis‐associated bacteria, while CSE exposure reduces SCFA production by a specific clinical strain of P gingivalis. If the latter phenomenon occurs in vivo, a reduced SCFA burden may help explain the reduced vascular response to dental plaque in tobacco smokers.
Inhibition of autotransporter biogenesis by small molecules
Authors: Steenhuis Maurice , Abdallah Abdallah M. , de Munnik Sabrina M. , Kuhne Sebastiaan , Sterk Geert‐Jan , van den Berg van Saparoea Bart , Westerhausen Sibel , Wagner Samuel , van der Wel Nicole N. , Wijtmans Maikel , van Ulsen Peter , Jong Wouter S. P. , Luirink Joen
Published: April 2019

Disarming pathogens by targeting virulence factors is a promising alternative to classic antibiotics. Many virulence factors in Gram‐negative bacteria are secreted via the autotransporter (AT) pathway, also known as Type 5 secretion. These factors are secreted with the assistance of two membrane‐based protein complexes: Sec and Bam. To identify inhibitors of the AT pathway, we used transcriptomics analysis to develop a fluorescence‐based high‐throughput assay that reports on the stress induced by the model AT hemoglobin protease (Hbp) when its secretion across the outer membrane is inhibited. Screening a library of 1600 fragments yielded the compound VUF15259 that provokes cell envelope stress and secretion inhibition of the ATs Hbp and Antigen‐43. VUF15259 also impairs β‐barrel folding activity of various outer membrane proteins. Furthermore, we found that mutants that are compromised in outer membrane protein biogenesis are more susceptible to VUF15259. Finally, VUF15259 induces the release of vesicles that appear to assemble in short chains. Taken together, VUF15259 is the first reported compound that inhibits AT secretion and our data are mostly consistent with VUF15259 interfering with the Bam‐complex as potential mode of action. The validation of the presented assay incites its use to screen larger compound libraries with drug‐like compounds.
Overview and outcome of mucormycosis among children with cancer: Report from the Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt
Authors: Madney Youssef , Khedr Reham , Ahmed Naglaa , El‐Mahallawy Hadir , Youssef Ayda , Taha Hala , Hassanain Omayma , Ahmed Gehad , Hafez Hanafy
Published: April 2019

Mucormycosis represents a real challenge in immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics, treatment outcome and infection‐related mortality in our patients at the Children's Cancer Hospital 57357, Cairo, Egypt. This is a retrospective study during the period 2007‐2017. Data analysis included demographic data, risk factors, diagnostic workup, treatment and outcome. During the study period, 45 patients developed proven mucormycosis according to EORTC/MSG criteria (2008). Ninety percentof cases were of haematological malignancies. Liposomal amphotericin B was the mainstay of treatment. Posaconazole was used as secondary prophylaxis in 35% of cases. Combination antifungal was used in three cases with progressive mucormycosis. Surgical intervention was achievable in 50% of cases. Therapy was successful in 35 patients (66%). Complications related to mucormycosis were seen in five cases with disfigurement and perforated hard palate. Chemotherapy delay with subsequent relapse of primary malignancy was reported in one case. Mucormycosis‐related mortality was 33% (15 cases). Mucormycosis is a major cause of mortality among patients with haematological malignancies. Early diagnosis of Mucormycosis infection, with rapid initiation of appropriate antifungal therapy and surgical intervention, whenever feasible, is the backbone of mucormycosis treatment.
Vincent McNabb 1868-1943, an Anniversary Commemoration
Authors: Nichols Aidan
Published: April 2019

This commemorative article, drafted for the 75th anniversary of Vincent McNabb's death in 2018 (it was also the hundred and fiftieth anniversary of his birth), re-tells his story, visits the unresolved question of his sanctity, and, by considering his themes, seeks to point up his amor intellectualis, and not just cordialis, the generosity of a many-sided man.
Large leaves in warm, moist environments confer an advantage in seedling light interception efficiency
Authors: Lusk Christopher H. , Grierson Ella R. P. , Laughlin Daniel C.
Published: April 2019

Leaf size varies conspicuously along environmental gradients. Small leaves help plants cope with drought and frost, because of the effect of leaf size on boundary layer conductance; it is less clear what advantage large leaves confer in benign environments.

We asked if large leaves give species of warm climates an advantage in seedling light interception efficiency over small‐leaved species from colder environments. We measured seedling leaf, architectural and biomass distribution traits of 18 New Zealand temperate rainforest evergreens; we then used a 3‐D digitiser and the Yplant program to model leaf area display and light interception.

Species associated with mild climates on average had larger leaves and larger specific leaf areas (SLA) than those from cold climates, and displayed larger effective foliage areas per unit of aboveground biomass, indicating higher light interception efficiency at whole‐plant level. This reflected differences in total foliage area, rather than in self‐shading.

Our findings advance the understanding of leaf size by showing that large leaves enable seedlings of species with highly conductive (but frost‐sensitive) xylem to deploy large foliage areas without increasing self‐shading. Leaf size variation along temperature gradients in humid forests may therefore reflect a trade‐off between seedling light interception efficiency and susceptibility to frost.
Abundance drives broad patterns of generalisation in plant–hummingbird pollination networks
Authors: Simmons Benno I. , Vizentin‐Bugoni Jeferson , Maruyama Pietro K. , Cotton Peter A. , Marín‐Gómez Oscar H. , Lara Carlos , Rosero‐Lasprilla Liliana , Maglianesi María A. , Ortiz‐Pulido Raul , Rocca Márcia A. , Rodrigues Licléia C. , Tinoco Boris A. , Vasconcelos Marcelo F. , Sazima Marlies , Martín González Ana M. , Sonne Jesper , Rahbek Carsten , Dicks Lynn V. , Dalsgaard Bo , Sutherland William J.
Published: April 2019

Abundant pollinators are often more generalised than rare pollinators. This could be because abundant species have more chance encounters with potential interaction partners. On the other hand, generalised species could have a competitive advantage over specialists, leading to higher abundance. Determining the direction of the abundance–generalisation relationship is therefore a ‘chicken‐and‐egg’ dilemma. Here we determine the direction of the relationship between abundance and generalisation in plant–hummingbird pollination networks across the Americas. We find evidence that hummingbird pollinators are generalised because they are abundant, and little evidence that hummingbirds are abundant because they are generalised. Additionally, most patterns of species‐level abundance and generalisation were well explained by a null model that assumed interaction neutrality (interaction probabilities defined by species relative abundances). These results suggest that neutral processes play a key role in driving broad patterns of generalisation in animal pollinators across large spatial scales.
Efficacy and patient opinion of wet‐wrap dressings using 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide ointment vs cream in the treatment of pediatric atopic dermatitis: A randomized split‐body control study
Authors: Cadmus Simi D. , Sebastian Katherine R. , Warren Donald , Hovinga Collin A. , Croce Emily A. , Reveles Liana A. , Levy Moise L. , Diaz Lucia Z.
Published: April 2019

Background

Wet wraps can be an effective means of improving atopic dermatitis (AD). Little research has been done regarding the comparative efficacy of topical steroid vehicles and patient preference.

Objective

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide ointment vs cream used with wet wraps in pediatric patients with AD and to explore patient preference/opinion.

Methods

We performed a small, randomized, investigator‐blind prospective study of 39 pediatric patients experiencing symmetric, bilateral AD flares. Patients were instructed to apply a topical steroid cream to one extremity and apply the same topical steroid in an ointment vehicle to the other extremity using the wet‐wrap technique once or twice daily for 3 to 5 consecutive days. Patients were evaluated at a follow‐up visit.

Results

Comparison of the change in Investigator’s Global Assessment scores disclosed no significant difference between efficacy ratings of cream (mean difference = 0.72) and ointment (mean difference = 0.59) when used with wet wraps (P = 0.22). Although patients found the ointment more difficult to apply, they were more likely to prefer ointments for future prescriptions (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Patient preference of corticosteroid vehicle is what should ultimately drive treatment. In this small study, we found no difference in efficacy between triamcinolone acetonide wet wraps with cream vs ointment. Dermatologists should select the vehicle of the patient's choice as it may increase satisfaction with treatment.
Fostering positive spaces in public health using a cultural humility approach
Authors: Allwright Kathryn , Goldie Catherine , Almost Joan , Wilson Rosemary
Published: April 2019

Culturally competent frameworks used within health care systems are contributing to the discrimination and marginalization of sexually and/or gender diverse persons. In this discursive paper, we argue that cultural humility ought to be implemented as the best practice approach for fostering sexually and gender diverse positive spaces in public health settings. A paradigm shift away from cultural competence frameworks toward cultural humility is necessary. This shift can be achieved by enhancing educational opportunities for public health nursing students and professionals and by recruiting organizational leaders to be champions for systemic change. In order to achieve this, we must establish effective educational programs that espouse cultural humility practices and develop valid measurement tools for assessing the provision of culturally humble care. This would equip educators, students, practitioners, and organizational leaders with the necessary tools to guide and assess their performance. Integrating a culturally humble approach will ultimately enhance self‐reported cultural safety in public health spaces and reduce health inequities experienced by sexually and/or gender diverse clients and staff members.
Multisite Causal Mediation Analysis in the Presence of Complex Sample and Survey Designs and Non-Random Non-Response
Authors: Qin Xu , Hong Guanglei , Deutsch Jonah , Bein Edward
Published: April 2019

This study provides a template for multisite causal mediation analysis using a comprehensive weighting-based analytic procedure that enhances external and internal validity. The template incorporates a sample weight to adjust for complex sample and survey designs, adopts an inverse probability of treatment weight to adjust for differential treatment assignment probabilities, employs an estimated non-response weight to account for non-random non-response and utilizes a propensity-score-based weighting strategy to decompose flexibly not only the population average but also the between-site heterogeneity of the total programme impact. Because the identification assumptions are not always warranted, a weighting-based balance checking procedure assesses the remaining overt bias, whereas a weighting-based sensitivity analysis further evaluates the potential bias related to omitted confounding or to propensity score model misspecification. We derive the asymptotic variance of the estimators for the causal effects that account for the sampling uncertainty in the estimated weights. The method is applied to a reanalysis of the data from the National Job Corps Study.
The oral health status of Syrian refugee children in Jordan: An exploratory study
Authors: Makan Rima , Gara Mohammad , Awwad Motasum Abu , Hassona Yazan
Published: April 2019

Objectives

To examine the oral health status and dental treatment needs of children Syrian refugees in Jordan.

Methods

A convenience sample of Syrian refugee children who aged between 6 and 12 years at al‐Zaatari camp was used for the purpose of this study. Examination was performed according to the method proposed by WHO. DMFT and gingival indices were examined and reported by a trained dentist.

Results

A total of 125 children were examined. The mean DMFT score was 3.64 ± 9.83, and the mean dmft score was 2.98 ± 4.7. More than half of children (50.4%) were found to have high caries risk according to CAMBRA scale. Most of the DMFT score was contributed by decayed and missing teeth. Nearly, half of children (44.8%) showed fluorosis and almost all children had chronic gingivitis. More than half of the participants (55.2%) reported that they needed dental treatment during their stay at the camp, but only half (52%) received treatment mainly tooth extraction and prescription of medication. Only 6.4% of children received conservative dental treatment.

Conclusion

Syrian refugee children in Jordan were found to have high levels of unmet dental needs. Accessibility of dental services was found to be a primary barrier to care.
High incidence of clinically significant cytomegalovirus infection in CMV D+/R+ lung transplant recipients receiving 3 months of antiviral prophylaxis
Authors: Kabbani Dima , Hirji Alim , Hernandez Cristina , Malhi Harjot , Mabilangan Curtis , Chandrarathne Sanjaya , Halloran Kieran , Weinkauf Justin , Kapasi Ali , Lien Dale , Preiksaitis Jutta , Cervera Carlos
Published: April 2019

Background

Universal antiviral prophylaxis is the preferred preventive strategy for lung transplant recipients (LTRs) at risk of CMV infection. We compared the risk of CMV infection between CMV D+/R + and D‐/R + LTRs after 3 months of prophylaxis.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of CMV R + LTRs transplanted between 2005 and 2013. Patients dying before completing 3 months, or receiving >180 days of prophylaxis were excluded. The primary outcome was proportion of LTRs who developed CMV infection and clinically significant CMV infection defined as CMV infection leading to preemptive therapy or CMV disease.

Results

We analyzed 90 D+/R + and 72 D‐/R + with a median follow up of 730 days. CMV infection and disease was more common in D+/R + compared to D‐/R+ (CMV infection 66% vs 40%; P = 0.001; CMV disease 13% vs 4% P = 0.045). Fifty‐nine patients developed at least one episode of clinically significant CMV infection (41/90 [46%] D+/R + and 18/72 [25%] D‐/R + P=0.007) with recurrence occurring in 29 LTRs (49% of patients with previous CMV infection), of which 22 (76%) were CMV D+/R+. Thirty percent had side effects related to CMV therapy.

Conclusion

Three months prophylaxis in D+/R + LTRs was associated with high rates of clinically significant CMV infection and recurrences.
The prevalence of human T‐cell leukemia virus in blood donors in China
Authors: Li Ling , Ou Shanhai , Huang Chengyin , Zhou Xueyong , Ge Hongwei , Li Jianping , Zeng Jinfeng , Zhou Alyssa , He Liu , Xu Quming , Wu Jie , Li Longhuo , Wang Chenghui , Zang Liang , Huang Liqin , Niu Libin , Han Hui , Zhang Gang , Wan Jianhua , Wang Fang , Xu Ting , Zhao Binghai , Qian Liqiong , Wu Yanyun , Liu Zhong
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

China has not yet incorporated routine human T‐lymphotropic virus (HTLV)‐1/2 blood donor screening, even though HTLV has been reported in the southeastern coastal region. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of HTLV in five major regions across of China.

METHODS

From January 2016 to December 2017, blood samples were collected in 20 blood centers located in different regions of China. These samples were screened for HTLV‐1/2 antibodies using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). If the test samples were reactive, the samples were confirmed with a western blot (WB) assay. If the results of WB were indeterminate, the donor was interviewed after a minimum lapse of 8 weeks. All follow‐up samples from donors were tested for anti–HTLV‐1/2 with ELISA and WB.

RESULTS

There were 875,453 donor samples tested for anti–HTLV‐1/2 by ELISA. In all, 365 samples tested negative, 22 samples tested positive by WB, and 14 samples with HTLV status undetermined due to being lost to follow‐up. The prevalences were 11.09, 5.96, 3.16, 2.88 and 0.98 per 100,000 in Xiamen, Changsha, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Nanjing blood center, respectively. The prevalences were 0 per 100,000 for all 15 other blood centers. There was significant differences in the prevalence of HTLV in different regions of China (p = 0.0011).

CONCLUSION

In China, HTLV‐1 confirmed positive donors are mainly from southeastern coastal areas. It may be necessary to conduct HTLV screening in these areas to reduce the risk of transfusion‐transmitted HTLV.
Predictive biomarkers for graft rejection in pig‐to‐non‐human primate corneal xenotransplantation
Authors: Yoon Chang Ho , Choi Se Hyun , Lee Hyun Ju , Kang Hee Jung , Kim Mee Kum
Published: April 2019

We investigated the predictive biomarkers for graft rejection in pig‐to‐non‐human primate (NHP) full‐thickness corneal xenotransplantation (n = 34). The graft score (0‐12) was calculated based on opacity, edema, and vascularization. Scores ≥ 6 were defined as rejection. NHPs were divided into two groups: (a) graft rejection within 6 months; and (b) graft survival until 6 months. In the evaluation of 2‐week biomarkers, none of the NHPs showed rejection within 2 weeks and the 34 NHPs were divided into two groups: (a) entire rejection group (n = 16); and (b) survival group (n = 18). In the evaluation of 4‐week biomarkers, four NHPs showing rejection within 4 weeks were excluded and the remaining 30 NHPs were divided into two groups: (a) late rejection group (n = 12); and (b) survival group (n = 18). Analysis of biomarker candidates included T/B‐cell subsets, levels of anti‐αGal IgG/M, donor‐specific IgG/M from blood, and C3a from plasma and aqueous humor (AH). CD8+IFNγ+ cells at week 2 and AH C3a at week 4 were significantly elevated in the rejection group. Receiver operating characteristic areas under the curve was highest for AH C3a (0.847) followed by CD8+IFNγ+ cells (both the concentration and percentage: 0.715), indicating excellent or acceptable discrimination ability, which suggests that CD8+IFNγ+ cells at week 2 and AH C3a at week 4 are reliable biomarkers for predicting rejection in pig‐to‐NHP corneal xenotransplantation.
Salmonella, Campylobacter, Clostridium difficile, and anti‐microbial resistant Escherichia coli in the faeces of sympatric meso‐mammals in southern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Bondo Kristin J. , Pearl David L. , Janecko Nicol , Reid‐Smith Richard J. , Parmley E. Jane , Weese J. Scott , Rousseau Joyce , Taboada Eduardo , Mutschall Steven , Jardine Claire M.
Published: April 2019

The role of free‐ranging wildlife in the epidemiology of enteropathogens causing clinical illness in humans and domestic animals is unclear. Salmonella enterica and anti‐microbial resistant bacteria have been detected in the faeces of raccoons (Procyon lotor), but little is known about the carriage of these bacteria in other sympatric meso‐mammals. Our objectives were to: (a) report the prevalence of Salmonella and associated anti‐microbial resistance, Campylobacter spp, Clostridium difficile, and anti‐microbial resistant Escherichia coli in the faeces of striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) and Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) in southern Ontario; and (b) compare the prevalence of these bacteria in the faeces of these meso‐mammal hosts with raccoons from a previously reported study. Faecal swabs were collected from striped skunks and Virginia opossums on five swine farms and five conservation areas from 2011 to 2013. Salmonella was detected in 41% (9/22) and 5% (5/95) of faecal swabs from Virginia opossums and striped skunks, respectively. None of the Salmonella serovars carried resistance to anti‐microbials. The prevalence of Campylobacter spp., C. difficile, and anti‐microbial resistant E. coli ranged from 6% to 22% in striped skunk and Virginia opossums. Using exact logistic regression, Salmonella was significantly more likely to be detected in faecal swabs of Virginia opossums than skunks and significantly less likely in faecal swabs from skunks than raccoons from a previously reported study. In addition, Campylobacter spp. was significantly more likely to be detected in raccoons than opossums. Salmonella Give was detected in 8/9 (89%) of Salmonella‐positive Virginia opossum faecal swabs. Our results suggest that striped skunks and Virginia opossums have the potential to carry pathogenic enteric bacteria in their faeces. The high prevalence of Salmonella Give in Virginia opossum faecal swabs in this study as well as its common occurrence in other Virginia opossum studies throughout North America suggests Virginia opossums may be reservoirs of this serovar.
A Renewal Weakest-Link Model of Strength Distribution of Polycrystalline Silicon MEMS Structures
Authors: Xu Zhifeng , Ballarini Roberto , Le Jia-Liang
Published: April 2019

Experimental data have made it abundantly clear that the strength of polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) structures exhibits significant variability, which arises from the random distribution of the size and shape of sidewall defects created by the manufacturing process. Test data also indicated that the strength statistics of MEMS structures depends strongly on the structure size. Understanding the size effect on the strength distribution is of paramount importance if experimental data obtained using specimens of one size are to be used with confidence to predict the strength statistics of MEMS devices of other sizes. In this paper, we present a renewal weakest-link statistical model for the failure strength of poly-Si MEMS structures. The model takes into account the detailed statistical information of randomly distributed sidewall defects, including their geometry and spacing, in addition to the local random material strength. The large-size asymptotic behavior of the model is derived based on the stability postulate. Through the comparison with the measured strength distributions of MEMS specimens of different sizes, we show that the model is capable of capturing the size dependence of strength distribution. Based on the properties of simulated random stress field and random number of sidewall defects, a simplified method is developed for efficient computation of strength distribution of MEMS structures.
Arterial Stiffness: Different Metrics, Different Meanings
Authors: Spronck B. , Humphrey J. D.
Published: April 2019

Findings from basic science and clinical studies agree that arterial stiffness is fundamental to both the mechanobiology and the biomechanics that dictate vascular health and disease. There is, therefore, an appropriately growing literature on arterial stiffness. Perusal of the literature reveals, however, that many different methods and metrics are used to quantify arterial stiffness, and reported values often differ by orders of magnitude and have different meanings. Without clear definitions and an understanding of possible inter-relations therein, it is increasingly difficult to integrate results from the literature to glean true understanding. In this paper, we briefly review methods that are used to infer values of arterial stiffness that span studies on isolated cells, excised intact vessels, and clinical assessments. We highlight similarities and differences and identify a single theoretical approach that can be used across scales and applications and thus could help to unify future results. We conclude by emphasizing the need to move toward a synthesis of many disparate reports, for only in this way will we be able to move from our current fragmented understanding to a true appreciation of how vascular cells maintain, remodel, or repair the arteries that are fundamental to cardiovascular properties and function.
Enhancing the Performance of a Safe Controller Via Supervised Learning for Truck Lateral Control
Authors: Chen Yuxiao , Hereid Ayonga , Peng Huei , Grizzle Jessy
Published: April 2019

Correct-by-construction techniques, such as control barrier functions (CBFs), can be used to guarantee closed-loop safety by acting as a supervisor of an existing legacy controller. However, supervisory-control intervention typically compromises the performance of the closed-loop system. On the other hand, machine learning has been used to synthesize controllers that inherit good properties from a training dataset, though safety is typically not guaranteed due to the difficulty of analyzing the associated learning structure. In this paper, supervised learning is combined with CBFs to synthesize controllers that enjoy good performance with provable safety. A training set is generated by trajectory optimization that incorporates the CBF constraint for an interesting range of initial conditions of the truck model. A control policy is obtained via supervised learning that maps a feature representing the initial conditions to a parameterized desired trajectory. The learning-based controller is used as the performance controller and a CBF-based supervisory controller guarantees safety. A case study of lane keeping (LK) for articulated trucks shows that the controller trained by supervised learning inherits the good performance of the training set and rarely requires intervention by the CBF supervisor.
Experimental Comparison of Micromilling Pure Titanium and Ti–6Al–4V
Authors: Campos Fábio de Oliveira , Araujo Anna Carla , Kapoor Shiv Gopal
Published: April 2019

Pure titanium is the ideal metallic material to be used for producing dental implants due to its good corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. However, pure titanium does not present high mechanical resistance, which can be a limiting factor. Recently, the pure titanium is being replaced by titanium alloy with aluminum and vanadium (Ti–6Al–4V). This study deals with micromilling machinability of pure titanium and Ti–6Al–4V considering mechanical properties, the forces measured during the process, surface roughness, top burr height, and chips morphology. The cutting tests are performed for the constant depth of cut and cutting speed, and a range of feed per tooth from 0.5 to 4.0 μm/tooth. Results show no significant differences in roughness and burr formation, whereas higher forces are found for the titanium alloy compared to pure metal. Both materials produce long chips for smaller feeds.
Polymer Stamp-Based Mechanical Exfoliation of Thin High-Quality Pyrolytic Graphite Sheets
Authors: Hahn David , Jayasena Buddhika , Jiang Zhigang , Melkote Shreyes N.
Published: April 2019

This paper reports on a polymer stamp-based mechanical exfoliation method for producing thin (<1 μm) graphite sheets from a highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) source by tailoring key exfoliation process parameters, utilizing in-plane shear oscillation during exfoliation, and controlling the thickness of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamp. Experiments on the effect of high frequency in-plane shear oscillation and the effect of PDMS stamp thickness are designed to reduce the thickness of exfoliated layers and to minimize surface morphological variations. Results show that the exfoliated sheets consist of a range of layer thicknesses, surface areas, and surface morphological features. The exfoliated HOPG sheets are also found to be thinner, more electrically and thermally conductive, and of higher quality than commercially available pyrolytic graphite sheets.
Profile Design for Misaligned Journal Bearings Subjected to Transient Mixed Lubrication
Authors: Gu Thomas , Jane Wang Q. , Xiong Shangwu , Liu Zhong , Gangopadhyay Arup , Liu Zhiqiang
Published: April 2019

Misalignment between the shaft and the bearing of a journal bearing set may be inevitable and can negatively impact journal bearing performance metrics in many industrial applications. This work proposes a convex profile design of the journal surface to help counteract the negative effects caused by such a misalignment. A transient mass-conserving hydrodynamic Reynolds equation model with the Patir–Cheng flow factors and the Greenwood–Tripp pressure–gap relationship is developed to conduct the design and analysis. The results reveal that under transient impulse loading, a properly designed journal profile can help enhance the minimum film thickness, reduce mean and peak bearing frictions, and increase bearing durability by reducing the asperity-related wear load. The mechanism for the minimum film thickness improvement due to the profile design is traced to the more even distribution of the hydrodynamic pressure toward the axial center of the bearing. The reason for the reductions of the friction and wear load is identified to be the decreased asperity contact by changing the lubrication regime from mixed lubrication to nearly hydrodynamic lubrication. Parametric studies and a case study are reported to highlight the key points of the profile design and recommendations for profile height selection are made according to misalignment parameters.
Asymmetric Lamb Wave Propagation and Mode Isolation in Thin Plate With Spatiotemporal Periodic Stiffness
Authors: Zhao Liuxian , Lai Chang Quan
Published: April 2019

The Lamb wave propagation through a thin plate with periodic spatiotemporal variation of material property was investigated through numerical simulations. It was found that regular oscillations of Young's modulus in both space and time can lead to the creation of distinct band gaps for different modes of Lamb wave. Moreover, the dispersion relation for each mode was dependent on the direction of wave propagation (i.e., nonreciprocal). These results allow the Lamb wave modes to be reduced to a single mode traveling in a single direction for specific frequencies. This frequency range was observed to widen with an increasing modulation amplitude of Young's modulus but was not significantly altered by the modulation frequency. The insights derived from this study indicate that spatiotemporal control of material property can be used to effectively isolate Lamb wave modes and reduce reflections, leading to an improvement in the accuracy of the structural health monitoring of materials.
Orthography and second language word learning: Moving beyond “friend or foe?”
Authors: Bürki Audrey , Welby Pauline , Clément Mélanie , Spinelli Elsa
Published: April 2019

French participants learned English pseudowords either with the orthographic form displayed under the corresponding picture (Audio-Ortho) or without (Audio). In a naming task, pseudowords learned in the Audio-Ortho condition were produced faster and with fewer errors, providing a first piece of evidence that orthographic information facilitates the learning and on-line retrieval of productive vocabulary in a second language. Formant analyses, however, showed that productions from the Audio-Ortho condition were more French-like (i.e., less target-like), a result confirmed by a vowel categorization task performed by native speakers of English. It is argued that novel word learning and pronunciation accuracy should be considered together.
CIM City: the Game Continues for a Better Carbapenemase Test
Authors: Humphries Romney M.
Published: April 2019

The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute and European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing agree that carbapenemase testing is not necessary for clinical care, provided that the laboratory is up to date with current breakpoints. Nonetheless, publication on the development and modification of carbapenemase tests continues, as is the case in this issue of the
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
(R.
Identification of the Bacterial Biosynthetic Gene Clusters of the Oral Microbiome Illuminates the Unexplored Social Language of Bacteria during Health and Disease
Authors: Aleti Gajender , Baker Jonathon L. , Tang Xiaoyu , Alvarez Ruth , Dinis Márcia , Tran Nini C. , Melnik Alexey V. , Zhong Cuncong , Ernst Madeleine , Dorrestein Pieter C. , Edlund Anna
Published: April 2019

The healthy oral microbiome is symbiotic with the human host, importantly providing colonization resistance against potential pathogens. Dental caries and periodontitis are two of the world’s most common and costly chronic infectious diseases and are caused by a localized dysbiosis of the oral microbiome. Bacterially produced small molecules, often encoded by BGCs, are the primary communication media of bacterial communities and play a crucial, yet largely unknown, role in the transition from health to dysbiosis. This study provides a comprehensive mapping of the BGC repertoire of the human oral microbiome and identifies major differences in health compared to disease. Furthermore, BGC representation and expression is linked to the abundance of particular oral bacterial taxa in health versus dental caries and periodontitis. Overall, this study provides a significant insight into the chemical communication network of the healthy oral microbiome and how it devolves in the case of two prominent diseases.
Cystic Fibrosis Rapid Response: Translating Multi-omics Data into Clinically Relevant Information
Authors: Cobián Güemes Ana Georgina , Lim Yan Wei , Quinn Robert A. , Conrad Douglas J. , Benler Sean , Maughan Heather , Edwards Rob , Brettin Thomas , Cantú Vito Adrian , Cuevas Daniel , Hamidi Rohaum , Dorrestein Pieter , Rohwer Forest
Published: April 2019

Proper management of polymicrobial infections in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) has extended their life span. Information about the composition and dynamics of each patient’s microbial community aids in the selection of appropriate treatment of pulmonary exacerbations. We propose the cystic fibrosis rapid response (CFRR) as a fast approach to determine viral and microbial community composition and activity during CF pulmonary exacerbations. The CFRR potential is illustrated with a case study in which a cystic fibrosis fatal exacerbation was characterized by the presence of shigatoxigenic
Escherichia coli
. The incorporation of the CFRR within the CF clinic could increase the life span and quality of life of CF patients.
Global Transcriptomic Analysis of the Interactions between Phage φAbp1 and Extensively Drug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Yang Zichen , Yin Supeng , Li Gang , Wang Jing , Huang Guangtao , Jiang Bei , You Bo , Gong Yali , Zhang Cheng , Luo Xiaoqiang , Peng Yizhi , Zhao Xia
Published: April 2019

Previous research has reported the transcriptomic phage-host interactions in
Escherichia coli
and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, leading to the detailed discovery of transcriptomic regulations and predictions of specific gene functions. However, a direct relationship between
A. baumannii
and its phage has not been previously reported, although
A. baumannii
is becoming a rigorous drug-resistant threat. We analyzed transcriptomic changes after φAbp1 infected its host, extensively drug-resistant (XDR)
A. baumannii
AB1, and found defense-like responses of the host, step-by-step control by the invader, elaborate interactions between host and phage, and elevated drug resistance gene expressions of AB1 after phage infection. These ﬁndings suggest the detailed interactions of
A. baumannii
and its phage, which may provide both encouraging suggestions for drug design and advice for the clinical use of vital phage particles.