bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Cleaning Action of Ultrasonic Irrigation on Enterococcus faecalis Biofilm
Authors: Tse Michael C.C. , Cheung Gary S.P.
Published: May 2020

This study aimed to examine the spatial cleaning effect of ultrasonic irrigation in simulated root canal with oblong cross section in the absence of antimicrobial agent. A 7-day E. faecalis biofilm was cultivated in a rectangular, simulated canal model and subjected to passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) with sterile saline for 5 minutes. After that, the biofilm was examined by confocal microscopy after bacterial viability staining at 58 sites around and beyond the endosonic file. Results showed that, at the vicinity of the file, the amount of viable bacteria ranged from 13.1% (2.75 mm from the tip) to 40.5% (4.5 mm level). Lesser amounts of live bacteria were observed within 1 mm from the vibrating file, which amount increased for sites farther away. At 3 mm distance, the amount of bacteria (35.5 to 64.4%) was significantly greater than areas situated close to the vibrating file (P < 0.01). Sites next to the anti-nodes of file had less bacteria remaining than sites near the nodes (P = 0.050). Apically (0.5 mm or more), the amount of bacteria was significantly greater than that at the file tip (16.4%) (P < 0.05). It was concluded that PUI is able to dislodge a single-species biofilm, provided that they are situated in close vicinity to the vibrating file.
Cognitive Robotics and Control
Authors: Angulo Cecilio
Published: May 2020

Robotics and control are both research and application domains that have been frequently engineered with the use of interdisciplinary approaches like cybernetics [...]
Finite-Element Simulation for Thermal Modeling of a Cell in an Adiabatic Calorimeter
Authors: González-Durán José Eli Eduardo , Rodríguez-Reséndiz Juvenal , Ramirez Juan Manuel Olivares , Zamora-Antuñano Marco Antonio , Lira-Cortes Leonel
Published: May 2020

This research obtains a mathematical formulation to determine the heat transfer in a transient state, in a calorimeter cell, considering an adiabatic system. The development of the cell was established and the mathematical model was transiently solved, which approximated the physical phenomenon under the cell operation. A numerical method for complex geometries was used to validate performance. The results obtained in the transient heat transfer in a cylinder under boundary and initial conditions were compared using an analytical solution and numerical analysis employing the finite-element method with commercial software. The study from the temperature distribution can afford, selection between a cylindrical and spherical geometry, design criteria that are generated by changing parameters such as dimension, temperature, and working fluids to develop an adiabatic calorimeter to measure the heat capacity in fluids. We show the mathematical solution with its initial and boundary conditions as well as a comparison with a numerical solution for a cylindrical cell with a maximum error from 0.075% in the temperature value, along with a theoretical and numerical analysis for a temperature difference of 1 °C.
Advancement of Segmented Cell Technology in Low Temperature Hydrogen Technologies
Authors: Biswas Indro , Sánchez Daniel G. , Schulze Mathias , Mitzel Jens , Kimmel Benjamin , Gago Aldo Saul , Gazdzicki Pawel , Friedrich K. Andreas
Published: May 2020

The durability and performance of electrochemical energy converters, such as fuel cells and electrolysers, are not only dependent on the properties and the quality of the used materials. They strongly depend on the operational conditions. Variations in external parameters, such as flow, pressure, temperature and, obviously, load, can lead to significant local changes in current density, even local transients. Segmented cell technology was developed with the purpose to gain insight into the local operational conditions in electrochemical cells during operation. The operando measurement of the local current density and temperature distribution allows effective improvement of operation conditions, mitigation of potentially critical events and assessment of the performance of new materials. The segmented cell, which can replace a regular bipolar plate in the current state of the technology, can be used as a monitoring tool and for targeted developments. This article gives an overview of the development and applications of this technology, such as for water management or fault recognition. Recent advancements towards locally resolved monitoring of humidity and to current distributions in electrolysers are outlined.
Power Substation Construction and Ventilation System Co-Designed Using Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Perng Jau-Woei , Kuo Yi-Chang , Chang Yao-Tsung , Chang Hsi-Hsiang
Published: May 2020

This study discusses a numerical study that was developed to optimize the ventilation system in a power substation prior to its installation. We established a multiobjective particle swarm optimizer to identify the best approach for simultaneously improving, first, the ventilation performance considering the most appropriate inlet size and outlet openings and second, the reduction of the synthetic noise of the ventilation and power consumption from the exhaust fan equipment and its operation. The study used building information modeling to construct indoor and outdoor models of the substation building and verified the overall performance using ANSYS FLUENT 18.0 software to simulate the air velocity and air temperature distribution within the building. Results show that the exhaust fan of the B1F cable finishing room and the 23 kV gas insulated switchgear (GIS) room optimize the reduction of horsepower by approximately 1 Hp and 0.5 Hp. The combined noise is reduced by 4 dBA and 2 dBA; the exhaust fan runs for 30 min, and the two equipment rooms can cool down by 2.9 °C and 1.7 °C, respectively. Therefore, it is confirmed that the MOPSO algorithm provides a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly building ventilation environment.
Forecasting of Day-Ahead Natural Gas Consumption Demand in Greece Using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System
Authors: Papageorgiou Konstantinos , I. Papageorgiou Elpiniki , Poczeta Katarzyna , Bochtis Dionysis , Stamoulis George
Published: May 2020

(1) Background: Forecasting of energy consumption demand is a crucial task linked directly with the economy of every country all over the world. Accurate natural gas consumption forecasting allows policy makers to formulate natural gas supply planning and apply the right strategic policies in this direction. In order to develop a real accurate natural gas (NG) prediction model for Greece, we examine the application of neuro-fuzzy models, which have recently shown significant contribution in the energy domain. (2) Methods: The adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is a flexible and easy to use modeling method in the area of soft computing, integrating both neural networks and fuzzy logic principles. The present study aims to develop a proper ANFIS architecture for time series modeling and prediction of day-ahead natural gas demand. (3) Results: An efficient and fast ANFIS architecture is built based on neuro-fuzzy exploration performance for energy demand prediction using historical data of natural gas consumption, achieving a high prediction accuracy. The best performing ANFIS method is also compared with other well-known artificial neural networks (ANNs), soft computing methods such as fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) and their hybrid combination architectures for natural gas prediction, reported in the literature, to further assess its prediction performance. The conducted analysis reveals that the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of the proposed ANFIS architecture results is less than 20% in almost all the examined Greek cities, outperforming ANNs, FCMs and their hybrid combination; and (4) Conclusions: The produced results reveal an improved prediction efficacy of the proposed ANFIS-based approach for the examined natural gas case study in Greece, thus providing a fast and efficient tool for utterly accurate predictions of future short-term natural gas demand.
Carbon Dioxide Gasification Kinetics of Char from Rapeseed Oil Press Cake
Authors: Nowicki Lech , Siuta Dorota , Markowski Maciej
Published: May 2020

Rapeseed oil press cake (RPC) is an abundantly available and renewable agricultural waste material for the production of fuels or chemicals. In this study, the rates of carbon dioxide gasification of rapeseed oil press cake char were measured by thermogravimetric analysis measurements performed at various temperatures (800–900 °C) and CO2 mole fractions (0.10–1.00). The char was obtained by slow pyrolysis, where the dried RPC was decomposed at a temperature range of 1000 °C to obtain char free of impurities that can affect the measurements. The random pore model appeared to be suitable for describing the effect of conversion on the reaction rate. The temperature, CO2, and concentration dependence of the reaction rate were given by the Arrhenius equation and a power law (nth order) correlation. The kinetic parameters based on the experimental data were determined by a two-step estimation procedure. For the experimental conditions employed in this study, the parameters E and n were 222.1 kJ/mol and 0.57, respectively.
Lemon Grass Essential Oil does not Modulate Cancer Cells Multidrug Resistance by Citral—Its Dominant and Strongly Antimicrobial Compound
Authors: Viktorová Jitka , Stupák Michal , Řehořová Kateřina , Dobiasová Simona , Hoang Lan , Hajšlová Jana , Van Thanh Tran , Van Tri Le , Van Tuan Nguyen , Ruml Tomáš
Published: May 2020

With strong antimicrobial properties, citral has been repeatedly reported to be the dominant component of lemongrass essential oil. Here, we report on a comparison of the antimicrobial and anticancer activity of citral and lemongrass essential oil. The lemongrass essential oil was prepared by the vacuum distillation of fresh Cymbopogon leaves, with a yield of 0.5% (w/w). Citral content was measured by gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS) and determined to be 63%. Antimicrobial activity was tested by the broth dilution method, showing strong activity against all tested bacteria and fungi. Citral was up to 100 times more active than the lemongrass essential oil. Similarly, both citral and essential oils inhibited bacterial communication and adhesion during P. aeruginosa and S. aureus biofilm formation; however, the biofilm prevention activity of citral was significantly higher. Both the essential oil and citral disrupted the maturated P. aeruginosa biofilm with the IC50 7.3 ± 0.4 and 0.1 ± 0.01 mL/L, respectively. Although it may seem that the citral is the main biologically active compound of lemongrass essential oil and the accompanying components have instead antagonistic effects, we determined that the lemongrass essential oil-sensitized methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and doxorubicin-resistant ovarian carcinoma cells and that this activity was not caused by citral. A 1 mL/L dose of oil-sensitized MRSA to methicillin up to 9.6 times and a dose of 10 µL/L-sensitized ovarian carcinoma to doxorubicin up to 1.8 times. The mode of multidrug resistance modulation could be due to P-glycoprotein efflux pump inhibition. Therefore, the natural mixture of compounds present in the lemongrass essential oil provides beneficial effects and its direct use may be preferred to its use as a template for citral isolation.
Youth Justice, Black Children and Young Men in Liverpool: A Story of Rac(ism), Identity and Contested Spaces
Authors: Wainwright John , Robertson Laura , Larkins Cath , Mckeown Mick
Published: May 2020

This study explores the experiences of the black children and young men that attended a Youth Offending Team (YOT) in Liverpool, a city in the North of England, UK. It focuses on the perspectives of both the YOT practitioners and the black children/young men as they develop working relationships with each other. Through this two-way prism the back children/young men reflect on what is important to them before and after they enter the criminal justice system. Likewise, the YOT practitioners provide their understanding of the key issues in the young people’s lives—in particular, how the black children/young men made sense of their lives in Liverpool with a particular identity with place, space, class and race. A genealogy of race/class prism, along with an intersectional and appreciative inquiry methodology, was employed that encouraged the youth justice workers and young black men to explore the strengths and realities of their lives. Focus groups were undertaken with seven YOT practitioners and managers, along with semi-structured interviews with five black children/young men. The methodology focused on points of intersection of power, difference and identity. Findings that emerged from the participants included the experience of racism within the criminal justice system, the community and the wider city, along with the importance of education, employment and relations with the young people’s family. A core theme was an identity of black children/young men from a specific region. This intersection was as Scousers, black boys/young men, the contestation over space and their negotiated identity regarding race. The ambivalence and (un)certainty that these identities evoked provide possibilities for youth justice practitioners engaging with young black men involved in serious and repeat offending.
Whole Exome Sequencing Reveals Novel and Recurrent Disease-Causing Variants in Lens Specific Gap Junctional Protein Encoding Genes Causing Congenital Cataract
Authors: Berry Vanita , Ionides Alex , Pontikos Nikolas , Moghul Ismail , Moore Anthony T. , Quinlan Roy A. , Michaelides Michel
Published: May 2020

Pediatric cataract is clinically and genetically heterogeneous and is the most common cause of childhood blindness worldwide. In this study, we aimed to identify disease-causing variants in three large British families and one isolated case with autosomal dominant congenital cataract, using whole exome sequencing. We identified four different heterozygous variants, three in the large families and one in the isolated case. Family A, with a novel missense variant (c.178G>C, p.Gly60Arg) in GJA8 with lamellar cataract; family B, with a recurrent variant in GJA8 (c.262C>T, p.Pro88Ser) associated with nuclear cataract; and family C, with a novel variant in GJA3 (c.771dupC, p.Ser258GlnfsTer68) causing a lamellar phenotype. Individual D had a novel variant in GJA3 (c.82G>T, p.Val28Leu) associated with congenital cataract. Each sequence variant was found to co-segregate with disease. Here, we report three novel and one recurrent disease-causing sequence variant in the gap junctional protein encoding genes causing autosomal dominant congenital cataract. Our study further extends the mutation spectrum of these genes and further facilitates clinical diagnosis. A recurrent p.P88S variant in GJA8 causing isolated nuclear cataract provides evidence of further phenotypic heterogeneity associated with this variant.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Spleen Revealed Mechanism of Dexamethasone-Induced Immune Suppression in Chicks
Authors: Guo Yujie , Su Aru , Tian Huihui , Zhai Minxi , Li Wenting , Tian Yadong , Li Kui , Sun Guirong , Jiang Ruirui , Han Ruili , Yan Fengbin , Kang Xiangtao
Published: May 2020

Stress-induced immunosuppression is a common problem in the poultry industry, but the specific mechanism of its effect on the immune function of chicken has not been clarified. In this study, 7-day-old Gushi cocks were selected as subjects, and a stress-induced immunosuppression model was successfully established via daily injection of 2.0 mg/kg (body weight) dexamethasone. We characterized the spleen transcriptome in the control (B_S) and model (D_S) groups, and 515 significant differentially expressed genes (SDEGs) (Fragments Per Kilobase of transcript sequence per Millions base pairs sequenced (FPKM) > 1, adjusted p-value (padj) < 0.05 and Fold change (|FC|) ≥ 2) were identified. The cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction signaling pathway was identified as being highly activated during stress-induced immunosuppression, including the following SDEGs—CXCL13L2, CSF3R, CSF2RB, CCR9, CCR10, IL1R1, IL8L1, IL8L2, GHR, KIT, OSMR, TNFRSF13B, TNFSF13B, and TGFBR2L. At the same time, immune-related SDEGs including CCR9, CCR10, DMB1, TNFRSF13B, TNFRSF13C and TNFSF13B were significantly enriched in the intestinal immune network for the IgA production signaling pathway. The SDEG protein-protein interaction module analysis showed that CXCR5, CCR8L, CCR9, CCR10, IL8L2, IL8L1, TNFSF13B, TNFRSF13B and TNFRSF13C may play an important role in stress-induced immunosuppression. These findings provide a background for further research on stress-induced immunosuppression. Thus, we can better understand the molecular genetic mechanism of chicken stress-induced immunosuppression.
Evidence for Allele-Specific Levels of Enhanced Susceptibility of Wheat mlo Mutants to the Hemibiotrophic Fungal Pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae pv. Triticum
Authors: Gruner Katrin , Esser Tobias , Acevedo-Garcia Johanna , Freh Matthias , Habig Michael , Strugala Roxana , Stukenbrock Eva , Schaffrath Ulrich , Panstruga Ralph
Published: May 2020

Barley mlo mutants are well known for their profound resistance against powdery mildew disease. Recently, mlo mutant plants were generated in hexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) with the help of transgenic (transcription-activator-like nuclease, TALEN) and non-transgenic (targeted induced local lesions in genomes, TILLING) biotechnological approaches. While full-gene knockouts in the three wheat Mlo (TaMlo) homoeologs, created via TALEN, confer full resistance to the wheat powdery mildew pathogen (Blumeria graminis f.sp. tritici), the currently available TILLING-derived Tamlo missense mutants provide only partial protection against powdery mildew attack. Here, we studied the infection phenotypes of TALEN- and TILLING-derived Tamlo plants to the two hemibiotrophic pathogens Zymoseptoria tritici, causing Septoria leaf blotch in wheat, and Magnaporthe oryzae pv. Triticum (MoT), the causal agent of wheat blast disease. While Tamlo plants showed unaltered outcomes upon challenge with Z. tritici, we found evidence for allele-specific levels of enhanced susceptibility to MoT, with stronger powdery mildew resistance correlated with more invasive growth by the blast pathogen. Surprisingly, unlike barley mlo mutants, young wheat mlo mutant plants do not show undesired pleiotropic phenotypes such as spontaneous callose deposits in leaf mesophyll cells or signs of early leaf senescence. In conclusion, our study provides evidence for allele-specific levels of enhanced susceptibility of Tamlo plants to the hemibiotrophic wheat pathogen MoT.
Does COVID-2019 have an Impact on the Purchase Intention of Commercial Long-Term Care Insurance among the Elderly in China?
Authors: Xu Xiaocang , Zhang Lu , Chen Linhong , Wei Feng
Published: May 2020

Purpose: As an important measure to alleviate long-term care (LTC) costs for the disabled due to the aging of the population, long-term care insurance (LTCI) system has been paid more attention in China. In addition to the government-led public LTCI system that has been piloted in cities such as Qingdao, Chongqing and Shanghai, health insurers such as the China Life Insurance Company are also experimenting with various types of commercial LTCI in the private market. However, the commercial LTCI market is developing very slowly due to public awareness and other reasons. On the other hand, COVID-2019 has had an impact on the cognition of the importance of long-term care for the elderly due to the fact that the death cases of COVID-2019 have been mainly concentrated in the elderly population with chronic diseases such as hypertension. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the differences in the purchase intention of commercial LTCI among the elderly in two different periods: before and after the outbreak of COVID-2019. Methods: By using the Andersen behavioral model and two investigations in two different periods before and after the outbreak of COVID-2019, this study explores the impacts of COVID-2019 on the purchase intention of commercial LTCI. Results: Some significant discoveries were found. For example, 25.8% of interviewees showed purchase intention in LTCI in the time before the COVID-2019 outbreak, while this proportion increased to 37.6% after the COVID-2019 outbreak. People who were younger (OR = 2.128, before COVID-2019; OR = 1.875, after COVID-2019) or who had more education (OR = 1.502, before COVID-2019; OR = 2.218, after COVID-2019) were more interested in commercial LTCI. Conclusion: This study shows that COVID-2019 has had an obvious impact on the purchase intention of commercial LTCI, which provides some enlightenment for China to improve the LTCI system in the future, especially to accelerate the development of commercial LTCI. For example, it is essential to promote the importance of long-term care among the elderly in a focused and targeted way. In terms of the key target audience, it can be developed gradually from the groups with higher education levels and the middle elderly aged 45–64 years old.
The Need for Co-Creation of Care with Multi-Morbidity Patients—A Longitudinal Perspective
Authors: Kuipers Sanne J. , Nieboer Anna P. , Cramm Jane M.
Published: May 2020

Background: Primary care delivery for multimorbid patients is complex, due to single disease–oriented guidelines, complex care needs, time constraints and the involvement of multiple healthcare professionals. Co-creation of care, based on the quality of communication and relationships between healthcare professionals and patients, may therefore be valuable. This longitudinal study investigates the relationships of co-creation of care to physical and social well-being and satisfaction with care among multimorbid patients in primary care. Methods: In 2017 and 2018, longitudinal surveys were conducted among multimorbid patients from seven primary care practices in Noord-Brabant, the Netherlands (n = 138, age = 73.50 ± 9.99). Paired sample t-tests and multivariate regression analyses were performed. (3) Results: Co-creation of care improved significantly over time (t = 2.25, p = 0.026), as did social well-being (t = 2.31, p = 0.022) and physical well-being (t = 2.72, p = 0.007) but not satisfaction with care (t = 0.18, p = 0.858). Improvements in co-creation of care from T0 to T1 were associated with social well-being (B = 0.157, p = 0.002), physical well-being (B = 0.216, p = 0.000) and satisfaction with care (B = 0.240, p = 0.000). (4) Conclusions: Thus, investment in co-creation of care by primary care practices may lead to better outcomes for multimorbid patients.
Organ Trafficking and Migration: A Bibliometric Analysis of an Untold Story
Authors: Gonzalez Juan , Garijo Ignacio , Sanchez Alfonso
Published: May 2020

The debate over trafficking of human beings for the purpose of organ removal (THBOR) remains largely absent from policy debates, as its crime is hardly detected, reported and sparsely researched. However, criminal networks continue to exploit vulnerable populations, particularly migrants. To help bridge this gap in knowledge, we employ a bibliometric analysis to examine whether the nexus between organ removal and migration is being addressed by the current academic literature. Our results indicate that (1) research exploring the link between THBOR and migrants is relatively scarce; (2) organ trafficking literature output is largely clustered in a couple of Western countries, and (3) despite the international nature of the topic, most empirical studies on organ trafficking and migration lack representation within the social sciences and humanities. Taken together, our results point to a huge gap on scientific publications between THBOR and migration. Quantitative data is required to lift the current knowledge constraints and better inform policymakers.
Association between Subjective Well-Being and Frequent Dental Visits in the German Ageing Survey
Authors: Valdez Richelle , Aarabi Ghazal , Spinler Kristin , Walther Carolin , Seedorf Udo , Heydecke Guido , Buczak-Stec Elzbieta , König Hans-Helmut , Hajek André
Published: May 2020

The relationship between subjective well-being (SWB) and frequent attendance is understudied. This study used data from a large German sample of non-institutionalized individuals aged 40+ in 2014 (n = 7264). SWB was measured using the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Number of self-reported dental visits in the past twelve months was used to measure the utilization frequency of dental services. Individuals with at least four dental visits in the preceding year (highest decile) were defined as frequent dental visits. Robustness checks were performed using alternative cut-offs to define frequent dental visits. Multiple logistic regressions showed that frequent dental visits (highest decile) were associated with less satisfaction with life [OR: 0.89, 95%-CI: 0.80–0.99] and higher negative affect [OR: 1.41, 95%-CI: 1.22–1.64], whereas it was not significantly associated with positive affect. Both associations depended on the cut-off chosen to define frequent dental visits. The present study highlights the association between SWB (particularly negative affect and low life satisfaction) and frequent dental visits. Further studies evaluating patients’ motivation for high dental service use are necessary to check the robustness of our findings.
Opening a Large Delivery Service Warehouse in the South Bronx: Impacts on Traffic, Air Pollution, and Noise
Authors: Shearston Jenni A. , Johnson A. Mychal , Domingo-Relloso Arce , Kioumourtzoglou Marianthi-Anna , Hernández Diana , Ross James , Chillrud Steven N. , Hilpert Markus
Published: May 2020

Mott Haven, a low-income neighborhood in New York City, suffers from increased air pollution and accommodates several industrial facilities and interstates. In 2018, a large delivery service warehouse opened. Our objectives are to characterize black carbon (BC), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and noise in the community; model changes in traffic due to the facility opening; and estimate associated BC and noise changes. BC, PM2.5, and noise were measured at eight sites pre-opening, and traffic counted continuously at two sites (June 2017–May 2019). An interrupted time series model was used to determine facility-related changes in traffic. Post-opening changes in traffic-related BC/noise were estimated from regressions of BC/noise with traffic flow. Mean (SD) pre-warehouse measures of BC and PM2.5 were 1.33 µg/m3 (0.41) and 7.88 µg/m3 (1.24), respectively. At four sites, equivalent sound levels exceeded the EPA’s recommended 70 dBA limit. After the warehouse opening, traffic increased significantly, predominantly at night. At one site, the greatest change for trucks occurred 9PM-12AM: 31.7% (95%CI [23.4%, 40.6%]). Increased traffic translated into mean predicted increases of 0.003 µg/m3 (BC) and 0.06 dBA (noise). Though small, they negate the substantial decrease the community seeks. Our findings can help communities and policymakers better understand impacts of traffic-intensive facilities.
Ambient Air Pollution Exposure Association with Anaemia Prevalence and Haemoglobin Levels in Chinese Older Adults
Authors: Elbarbary Mona , Honda Trenton , Morgan Geoffrey , Guo Yuming , Guo Yanfei , Kowal Paul , Negin Joel
Published: May 2020

Background: Health effects of air pollution on anaemia have been scarcely studied worldwide. We aimed to explore the associations of long-term exposure to ambient air pollutants with anaemia prevalence and haemoglobin levels in Chinese older adults. Methods: We used two-level linear regression models and modified Poisson regression with robust error variance to examine the associations of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) on haemoglobin concentrations and the prevalence of anaemia, respectively, among 10,611 older Chinese adults enrolled in World Health Organization (WHO) Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) China. The average community exposure to ambient air pollutants (PM with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 μm or less (PM10), 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5), 1 μm or less (PM1) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2)) for each participant was estimated using a satellite-based spatial statistical model. Haemoglobin levels were measured for participants from dried blood spots. The models were controlled for confounders. Results: All the studied pollutants were significantly associated with increased anaemia prevalence in single pollutant model (e.g., the prevalence ratios associated with an increase in inter quartile range in three years moving average PM10 (1.05; 95% CI: 1.02–1.09), PM2.5 (1.11; 95% CI: 1.06–1.16), PM1 (1.13; 95% CI: 1.06–1.20) and NO2 (1.42; 95% CI: 1.34–1.49), respectively. These air pollutants were also associated with lower concentrations of haemoglobin: PM10 (−0.53; 95% CI: −0.67, −0.38); PM2.5 (−0.52; 95% CI: −0.71, −0.33); PM1 (−0.55; 95% CI: −0.69, −0.41); NO2 (−1.71; 95% CI: −1.85, −1.57) respectively. Conclusions: Air pollution exposure was significantly associated with increased prevalence of anaemia and decreased haemoglobin levels in a cohort of older Chinese adults.
Potential of Technosols Created with Urban By-Products for Rooftop Edible Production
Authors: Grard Baptiste J-P. , Manouchehri Nastaran , Aubry Christine , Frascaria-Lacoste Nathalie , Chenu Claire
Published: May 2020

Urban agriculture is sprouting throughout the world nowadays. New forms of urban agriculture are observed such as rooftop farming. In the case of low-tech rooftop farming projects, based on recycled urban waste, one of the key issues is the type of substrate used, as it determines the functions and ecosystem services delivered by the green roof. Using a five year experimental trial, we quantified the food production potential of Technosols created only with urban wastes (green waste compost, crushed wood, spent mushroom), as well as the soil fertility and the potential contamination of food products. Regarding food production, our cropping system showed promising results across the five years, in relation with the high fertility of the Technosols. This fertility was maintained, as well as the nutrients stocks after five cropping years. Most of the edible crops had trace metals contents below existing norms for toxic trace metals with nevertheless a concern regarding certain some trace metals such as Zn and Cu. There was no trace metal accumulation in the Technosols over time except for Zn. This study confirmed that constructing Technosols only from urban wastes is a suitable and efficient solution to design rooftops for edible production.
Improving the Effectiveness of Multi-Agent Cooperation for Green Manufacturing in China: A Theoretical Framework to Measure the Performance of Green Technology Innovation
Authors: Yin Shi , Zhang Nan , Li Baizhou
Published: May 2020

A green manufacturing system is an important tool to realize green transformation of the manufacturing industry. The systematicness of green technology innovation as the key foundation of green manufacturing supports the entire huge green manufacturing system. In order to improve the effectiveness of multi-agent cooperation, it is necessary to analyze a series of green technology innovation achievements of manufacturing enterprises under multi-agent cooperation. First of all, inter-indicator correlation analysis and exploratory factor analysis were used to construct the evaluation index system of the green technology innovation performance of manufacturing enterprises under multi-agent cooperation. Then, a secondary combined evaluation model was constructed based on the evaluation conclusions. Finally, a theoretical framework was constructed to measure the performance of the green technology innovation of manufacturing enterprises under multi-agent cooperation. The results of this study are as follows: The evaluation index system of the green technology innovation performance of manufacturing enterprises under multi-agent cooperation is composed of the technology output, economic output, and social effect of green technology innovation. The key factors that influence the green technology innovation performance of manufacturing enterprises under multi-agent cooperation are the proportion of green technology transformation in traditional technology, the number of papers published jointly by multi-agent cooperation, the user acceptance of green technology products, and the degree of improvement of public environmental preference and consciousness. A fusion of technology of subjective and objective methods is an effective evaluation technique and can be applied to evaluate the performance of green technology innovation. The secondary combined evaluation combines the evaluation conclusions obtained by each single evaluation method in a certain form.
Influence of Second-Hand Smoke and Prenatal Tobacco Smoke Exposure on Biomarkers, Genetics and Physiological Processes in Children—An Overview in Research Insights of the Last Few Years
Authors: Braun Markus , Klingelhöfer Doris , Oremek Gerhard M. , Quarcoo David , Groneberg David A.
Published: May 2020

Children are commonly exposed to second-hand smoke (SHS) in the domestic environment or inside vehicles of smokers. Unfortunately, prenatal tobacco smoke (PTS) exposure is still common, too. SHS is hazardous to the health of smokers and non-smokers, but especially to that of children. SHS and PTS increase the risk for children to develop cancers and can trigger or worsen asthma and allergies, modulate the immune status, and is harmful to lung, heart and blood vessels. Smoking during pregnancy can cause pregnancy complications and poor birth outcomes as well as changes in the development of the foetus. Lately, some of the molecular and genetic mechanisms that cause adverse health effects in children have been identified. In this review, some of the current insights are discussed. In this regard, it has been found in children that SHS and PTS exposure is associated with changes in levels of enzymes, hormones, and expression of genes, micro RNAs, and proteins. PTS and SHS exposure are major elicitors of mechanisms of oxidative stress. Genetic predisposition can compound the health effects of PTS and SHS exposure. Epigenetic effects might influence in utero gene expression and disease susceptibility. Hence, the limitation of domestic and public exposure to SHS as well as PTS exposure has to be in the focus of policymakers and the public in order to save the health of children at an early age. Global substantial smoke-free policies, health communication campaigns, and behavioural interventions are useful and should be mandatory.
VAV1 Gene Polymorphisms in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Pawlik Andrzej , Malinowski Damian , Paradowska-Gorycka Agnieszka , Safranow Krzysztof , Dziedziejko Violetta
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an important public health problem because this disease often causes disability. RA is a chronic, destructive autoimmune disease that leads to joint destruction and the development of extraarticular manifestations. VAV1 is an intracellular signal transduction protein that plays a significant role in signal transduction in T cells and affects T cell development, proliferation and activation. The VAV1 gene contains 27 exons and is located on chromosome 19. In this study, we examined the association between VAV1 rs2546133 and rs2617822 polymorphisms and RA. Methods: We examined 422 patients with RA and 338 healthy subjects as the control group. Results: Among RA patients, there was a statistically significant increase in the frequency of VAV1 rs2546133 polymorphism in T allele carriers (TT + CT versus CC, odds ratio: 1.69, 95% confidence interval 1.05–2.73, p = 0.035). There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of the rs2617822 genotypes and alleles between RA patients and the control group. Additionally, patients who carried the VAV1 rs2546133 T and rs2617822 G allele presented an increased frequency of extraarticular manifestations: vasculitis, amyloidosis and Sjogren syndrome. Conclusions: The results suggest an association between VAV1 gene rs2617822 polymorphism and RA.
Nicotine Dependence and Factors Related to Smoking Cessation among Physicians in Estonia
Authors: Põld Mariliis , Pärna Kersti
Published: May 2020

Smoking withdrawal can be difficult due to nicotine dependence (ND). The study objective was to describe ND and to analyze the association between ND and factors related to smoking cessation among daily smoking physicians in Estonia. Data was collected in 2014, using cross-sectional postal survey sampling all practicing physicians (n = 5666) in Estonia, of whom 2939 responded (corrected response rate 53.1%). The study sample was restricted to daily smoking physicians (n = 171). Results of the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) were described and ND scores calculated. Logistic regression was used to determine the association of ND (at-least-moderate vs. low) with factors related to smoking cessation. Crude and fully adjusted ORs with 95% CIs were calculated. The mean FTND score was 2.8 ± 2.1. The odds of having at-least-moderate ND decreased significantly with each year postponing smoking initiation (OR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.72–0.94). After adjustment, ND was no longer associated with the desire to quit smoking and motives to quit. In conclusion, more than half of daily smoking physicians had low ND. Higher ND was associated with younger age of smoking initiation. Knowledge of ND and factors related to smoking cessation is useful in the prevention of smoking and in development of cessation counselling tailored for physicians.
Biological Monitoring of Metal Ions Released from Hip Prostheses
Authors: Nicolli Annamaria , Trevisan Andrea , Bortoletti Isabella , Pozzuoli Assunta , Ruggieri Pietro , Martinelli Andrea , Gambalunga Alberto , Carrieri Mariella
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of As, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Tl, V, and Zn, by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in the urine of two groups of patients with two different types of metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip prostheses (ASR DePuy®, group A, 25 patients; total Met-Met System Lima®, group B, 28 patients). The determination of metals reflected a steady-state release (group A: 9 years after surgery and group B: 6 years after surgery). The results obtained confirmed the increase of Co and Cr urinary levels in both group when compared with the reference values for the general population adopted by the Italian Society of Reference Values (SIVR). In particular, Co and Cr levels exceeded the threshold values in urine, respectively, of 30 μg and 21 µg, adjusted to creatinine based on the threshold in whole blood of 7 μg/L proposed by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Regarding the other investigated metals, significantly higher values were found in Group A than in Group B. These differences could be due to the type of hip prosthesis implanted, the longer period of time since the implantation, as well as many other factors such as diet, age, drug consumption, physical activity, or presence of dental fillings. The continuous monitoring over the years of metal concentrations in patients carrying a prosthesis could be useful to better identify the sources of these metals.
Characteristic Human Individual Puffing Profiles Can Generate More TNCO than ISO and Health Canada Regimes on Smoking Machine When the Same Brand Is Smoked
Authors: Pauwels Charlotte G.G.M. , Boots Agnes W. , Visser Wouter F. , Pennings Jeroen L.A. , Talhout Reinskje , Van Schooten Frederik-Jan , Opperhuizen Antoon
Published: May 2020

Human smoking behavior influences exposure to smoke toxicants and is important for risk assessment. In a prospective observational study, the smoking behavior of Marlboro smokers was measured for 36 h. Puff volume, duration, frequency, flow and inter-puff interval were recorded with the portable CReSSmicro™ device, as has often been done by other scientists. However, the use of the CReSSmicro™ device may lead to some registration pitfalls since the method of insertion of the cigarette may influence the data collection. Participants demonstrated consistent individual characteristic puffing behavior over the course of the day, enabling the creation of a personalized puffing profile. These puffing profiles were subsequently used as settings for smoking machine experiments and tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide (TNCO) emissions were generated. The application of human puffing profiles led to TNCO exposures more in the range of Health Canada Intense (HCI)-TNCO emissions than for those of the International Standardization Organization (ISO). Compared to the ISO regime, which applies a low puff volume relative to human smokers, the generation of TNCO may be at least two times higher than when human puffing profiles were applied on the smoking machine. Human smokers showed a higher puffing intensity than HCI and ISO because of higher puffing frequency, which resulted in more puffs per cigarette, than both HCI and ISO.
The Valuation of Recreational Use of Wetlands and the Impact of the Economic Crisis
Authors: Vidal Gimenez Fernando , Ruiz Mas Claudio
Published: May 2020

The economic valuation of environmental resources is of great interest to society in general and to public managers in particular. It can promote more sustainable environmental policies, as it clearly shows the high economic value of natural resources. Thus, these valuation tools can provide useful evidence to support such policies by quantifying the economic value associated with the protection of such resources. However, there is an inherent difficulty in the implementation of methods to assess the economic valuation of environmental resources, mainly as a result of the absence of a market and hence a price that explains its social demand. However, both the travel cost method and the contingent valuation method used in this paper offer an approach to the economic values of the recreational services for wetlands. The aim is to analyze whether these values have been influenced by the economic crisis, so two time periods are compared separated for a decade. Results do not show an unequivocal influence between values in both periods, with different behaviors among natural areas, although with a certain tendency to increase in the decade being analyzed.
Effect of Kelulut Honey on the Cellular Dynamics of TGFβ-Induced Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Primary Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Nordin Abid , Chowdhury Shiplu Roy , Saim Aminuddin Bin , Bt Hj Idrus Ruszymah
Published: May 2020

Over-induction of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) by tumor growth factor beta (TGFβ) in keratinocytes is a key feature in keloid scar. The present work seeks to investigate the effect of Kelulut honey (KH) on TGFβ-induced EMT in human primary keratinocytes. Image analysis of the real time observation of TGFβ-induced keratinocytes revealed a faster wound closure and individual migration velocity compared to the untreated control. TGFβ-induced keratinocytes also have reduced circularity and display a classic EMT protein expression. Treatment of 0.0015% (v/v) KH reverses these effects. In untreated keratinocytes, KH resulted in slower initial wound closure and individual migration velocity, which sped up later on, resulting in greater wound closure at the final time point. KH treatment also led to greater directional migration compared to the control. KH treatment caused reduced circularity in keratinocytes but displayed a partial EMT protein expression. Taken together, the findings suggest the therapeutic potential of KH in preventing keloid scar by attenuating TGFβ-induced EMT.
Preferences in Information Processing, Marginalized Identity, and Non-Monogamy: Understanding Factors in Suicide-Related Behavior among Members of the Alternative Sexuality Community
Authors: Cramer Robert J. , Langhinrichsen-Rohling Jennifer , Kaniuka Andrea R. , Wilsey Corrine N. , Mennicke Annelise , Wright Susan , Montanaro Erika , Bowling Jessamyn , Heron Kristin E.
Published: May 2020

Suicide-related behavior (SRB) is a mental health disparity experienced by the alternative sexuality community. We assessed mental health, relationship orientation, marginalized identities (i.e., sexual orientation minority, gender minority, racial minority, ethnic minority, and lower education), and preferences in information processing (PIP) as factors differentiating lifetime SRB groups. An online cross-sectional survey study was conducted in 2018. Members of the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF; n = 334) took part. Bivariate analyses identified the following SRB risk factors: female and transgender/gender non-binary identity, sexual orientation minority identity, lower education, suicide attempt/death exposure, Need for Affect (NFA) Avoidance, depression, and anxiety. Monogamous relationship orientation was a protective factor. Multi-nomial regression revealed the following: (1) monogamous relationship orientation was a protective factor for suicidal ideation and attempt; (2) lower education was a risk factor for suicide attempt; (3) anxiety was a risk factor for suicide attempt; and (4) depression was a risk factor for suicidal ideation. A two-way interaction showed that elevated NFA Approach buffered the negative impacts of depression. Relationship orientation, several marginalized identities (i.e., based on gender, sexual orientation, and educational level), and PIP all contributed uniquely to SRB. Further study is necessary to understand the role of relationship orientation with suicide. Health education and suicide prevention efforts with NCSF should be tailored to account for marginalized identity, mental health, and NFA factors.
Particulate Matter Decreases Intestinal Barrier-Associated Proteins Levels in 3D Human Intestinal Model
Authors: Woodby Brittany , Schiavone Maria Lucia , Pambianchi Erika , Mastaloudis Angela , N. Hester Shelly , M. Wood Steven , Pecorelli Alessandra , Valacchi Giuseppe
Published: May 2020

(1) Background: The gastrointestinal tract (GI) tract is one of the main organs exposed to particulate matter (PM) directly through ingestion of contaminated food or indirectly through inhalation. Previous studies have investigated the effects of chronic PM exposure on intestinal epithelia in vitro using Caco−2 cells and in vivo using mice. In this study, we hypothesized that chronic PM exposure would increase epithelial permeability and decrease barrier function due to altered redox homeostasis, which alters levels and/or localization of barrier-associated proteins in human three-dimensional (3D) intestinal tissues. (2) Methods: Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) in tissues exposed to 50, 100, 150, 250, and 500 µg/cm2 of PM for 1 week and 2 weeks was analyzed. Levels and localization of tight junction proteins zonula occludens protein 1 (ZO−1) and claudin−1 and desmosome-associated desmocollin were analyzed using immunofluorescence. As a marker of oxidative stress, levels of 4-hydroxy-nonenal (4HNE) adducts were measured. (3) Results: No differences in TEER measurements were observed between exposed and un-exposed tissues. However, increased levels of 4HNE adducts in exposed tissues were observed. Additionally, decreased levels of ZO−1, claudin−1, and desmocollin were demonstrated. (4) Conclusion: These data suggest that chronic PM exposure results in an increase of oxidative stress; modified levels of barrier-associated proteins could possibly link to GI tract inflammatory conditions.