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The Le Fort I maxillary advancement and rotational movement have been adopted to treat patients with cleft-related skeletal Class III pattern and anteromedial cheek soft tissue deficiency, but cleft-specific cheek soft tissue prediction data are insufficient. This 3D imaging-based study addressed the issue. 3D craniofacial soft tissue and bone models were created from 32 consecutive patients who received computer-aided two-jaw orthognathic surgery for the correction of cleft-related Class III deformity and cheek soft tissue deficiency. Using superimposed 3D models, the cheek volumetric change, the cheek sagittal movement, and the 3D cheek mass position were calculated. 3D data from orthognathic surgery-treated patients with no cleft (noncleft cohort) and individuals with no facial deformity (3D norm value) were retrieved for comparative analysis. Surgical maxillary advancement (p < 0.001) but not maxillary clockwise rotation (p > 0.05) had a significant impact on the cheek soft tissue change, with prediction models showing that maxillary advancement elucidated 77 and 79% of this change on the cleft and noncleft sides, respectively. Cleft cohort (0.46±0.12) had a significantly (p < 0.001) smaller cheek soft-to-hard tissue ratio than that of the noncleft cohort (0.73±0.13). Cleft maxillary advancements >4 mm resulted in a 3D cheek mass position (2.1±1.1 mm) similar (p > 0.05) to the 3D norm value (2.2±1.2 mm), but different (p = 0.037) from the noncleft cohort (2.38±0.7 mm). This study showed that maxillary advancement but not the maxillary rotation affects the cheek soft tissue change, and the predictive values and comparative data could assist the orthodontist–surgeon interaction during preoperative planning and patient counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing levels of air pollution greatly affect the environment and human health; air quality control is therefore of particular importance. To improve the efficiency of air pollution control, reliable air quality models for source apportionment are critically in need. The multitude of air quality models to find the sources of air pollution, however, have their own limitations. Hence, this study seeks to integrate different air quality models, including a diffusion model (AERMOD) and a grid model (CMAQ), employing initial meteorological fields provided by the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. Using the advantages of these models, this study builds a hybrid air quality model, which provides a more effective analysis of the distribution of primary pollutants, secondary pollutants, and other environmental information. Two significant fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) events were selected in this study to discuss the influence of the Taichung coal-fired power plant and the Taichung traffic source on the PM 2.5 in the Taichung area, as well as to evaluate the performance of the hybrid model. Simulation results for the two cases show that if the coal-fired power loads are reduced by 20% (around 1100 MW), the concentration of PM 2.5 in the Taichung area will decrease by 0.5%; such decrease will reach 1.25% when the power load reduction is 40%. If the traffic source is reduced by 20%, the concentration of PM 2.5 in the Taichung area will decrease by 4.3%, and by 6.6% with 30% traffic source reduction. The hybrid model shows that the contribution of different pollution sources can be illuminated to support air quality control strategies. Image 1 • The hybrid air quality model enhances the capabilities of source apportionment for ambient PM 2.5 concentrations. • The hybrid air quality model clarifies the primary and secondary components of PM 2.5 under the photochemical mechanism. • The hybrid air quality model has been applied to a metropolitan area with multiple emission sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC)-lung disease (LD) is increasing in patients without human immunodeficiency virus infection. However, data on host vulnerability to MAC-related immune responses, and in particular the interleukin (IL)-23/IL-17 axis, are lacking. Methods We enrolled 50 patients with MAC-LD, 25 age-matched patients with tuberculosis (TB) and 25 controls. We measured levels of plasma cytokines, and studied IL-12/IL-17 responses in macrophage and lymphocyte activation to MAC. Results The plasma level of IL-17 in the MAC group was higher than in the TB and control groups. In in-vitro macrophage stimulation, the expression of IL-23 in macrophages was similar in the patients with MAC-LD and controls, although the expression of IL-12 p40 was lower in the patients with MAC-LD. In assays of lymphocyte activation, IL-17 was induced by MAC-primed macrophages, but its level was lower in the patients with MAC-LD and TB than in the controls. The expression of programmed death (PD)-1 receptor was higher in CD4 + IL17A + lymphocytes in the patients with MAC-LD, and the production of IL-17 was significantly increased by blockade of PD-1 and PD-ligand 1. Conclusions MAC induced a similar expression of IL-23 from macrophages in the patients with MAC-LD compared to the controls, but a lower expression of IL-17 from lymphocytes, which may be through an increased expression of PD-1. The macrophage response of IL-12 p40 was stronger than that of IL-12 p70, and higher in the controls during MAC disease, which may suggest another kind of MAC-related immune evasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we presented the novel concept of graphene utilization for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) hybridization in surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor. The DNA sequences were obtained from DNA fragment IS6110, which was proven as the stable biomarker for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC). A few graphene layers on top of SPR sensing chip were deposited by simple drop casting method from its dispersion solution. The presence of graphene layers plays the major role for single strain DNA immobilization. The single strain DNA (ssDNA) was covalently bond with the gold nano urchin (GNu) as the sensing probe (ssDNA-GNu). The binding mechanism between graphene layers and ssDNA probe is mainly due to the π-π stacking force. Furthermore, hydrogen bond influences the hybridization mechanism of the complementary single strain DNA (cssDNA) and the ssDNA; which has the higher energy compared to the π-π stacking force. Consequently, the presence of the cssDNA target in the reaction chamber disrupts the ssDNA-GNu from the few graphene layers. The experimental results demonstrated the detection limit of this method was achieved around 28 fM of cssDNA target in the salt buffer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Serratia marcescens CH-1 produces a red, cell-associated pigment, prodigiosin, synthesized by enzymes encoded in the pig operon. The underlying regulatory mechanism, especially its relationship with the RssAB two-component system signaling, remained uncharacterized. Here, we show that phosphorylated RssB (RssB-P) directly binds to the promoter region of the pig operon (pigA promoter), as observed using an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Furthermore, we identify the RssB-P binding site located downstream of the –10 and –35 regions in pigA using a DNase I footprinting assay. A compilation of the RssB-P binding sites in flhDC, rssB and pigA promoter regions reveals the presence of a conserved core sequence, GAGATTTTAGCTAAATTAATBTTT (B=C, G, or T), which we believe is the RssB binding sequence. Site-specific mutation of conserved nucleotides within the conserved RssB binding sequence in the pigA promoter region leads to absence of retardation in the presence of RssB-P in vitro and elevated transcription of pigA in vivo. These data suggest that RssAB signaling negatively regulates prodigiosin production, and such inhibition is mediated through direct and specific repression of transcriptional activity of the pig operon. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Members of the genus Serratia are increasingly responsible for nosocomial infections, the treatment of which may be complicated by the appearance of multi-antibiotic-resistant strains. Some but not all Serratia strains and species produce N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs), and possess luxR and luxI homologous genes. Phylogenetic comparisons have provided evidence for the lateral transfer of these quorum-sensing systems, and in at least one strain of S. marcescens, transfer via a complex transposon has been experimentally demonstrated. AHL-dependent quorum sensing in Serratia controls population surface migration, biofilm development, the biosynthesis of a carbapenem antibiotic and production of the red pigment, prodigiosin. Serratia also possesses LuxS and produces autoinducer-2 (AI-2) which appears to function as a second quorum-sensing system controlling many of the same phenotypes as the LuxR/AHL systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The current estimations of the burden of disease (BD) of PM 2.5 exposure is still potentially biased by two factors: ignorance of heterogeneous vulnerabilities at diverse urbanization levels and reliance on the risk estimates from existing literature, usually from different locations. Our objectives are (1) to build up a data fusion framework to estimate the burden of PM 2.5 exposure while evaluating local risks simultaneously and (2) to quantify their spatial heterogeneity, relationship to land-use characteristics, and derived uncertainties when calculating the disease burdens. The feature of this study is applying six local databases to extract PM 2.5 exposure risk and the BD information, including the risks of death, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and respiratory disease (RD), and their spatial heterogeneities through our data fusion framework. We applied the developed framework to Tainan City in Taiwan as a use case estimated the risks by using 2006–2016 emergency department visit data, air quality monitoring data, and land-use characteristics and further estimated the BD caused by daily PM 2.5 exposure in 2013. Our results found that the risks of CVD and RD in highly urbanized areas and death in rural areas could reach 1.20–1.57 times higher than average. Furthermore, we performed a sensitivity analysis to assess the uncertainty of BD estimations from utilizing different data sources, and the results showed that the uncertainty of the BD estimations could be contributed by different PM 2.5 exposure data (20–32%) and risk values (0–86%), especially for highly urbanized areas. In conclusion, our approach for estimating BD based on local databases has the potential to be generalized to the developing and overpopulated countries and to support local air quality and health management plans. [Display omitted] • The developed framework can estimate local PM 2.5 exposure risk and disease burden. • Risks for urban and rural areas were 1.20–1.57 times higher than average. • Spatial heterogeneity of risk can bias nationwide burden estimations and GBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to identify the contribution to health risk derived from various emission sources, this study investigated monsoon variations in PM 2.5 mass and concentrations of the associated trace elements in a region with complex pollution sources in central Taiwan. This study applied the Chemical Mass Balance model to analyze the source contribution of PM 2.5. The source apportionment to obtain the risk contribution of different sources were conducted for different monsoon periods according to the monsoon patterns. In this way, the contributions of individual sources and chemicals to health risk under different monsoon types can be understood to support development of effective control strategies. Among the top contributors of PM 2.5 during the north-east monsoon were Secondary Aerosol 28.93% >Coal Boiler 19.82% >Crustal Dust 15.99%; in south-west monsoon were Coal Boiler 37.29% >Traffic Emission 21.19% >Secondary Aerosol 17.84%. The total risk of cancer was above the acceptable risk (3.07 × 10−6), while the non-carcinogenic risk was within the acceptable range (0.262). The variation in the concentration and composition of PM 2.5 was related to the change of monsoon type. During the north-east monsoon, the air mass had a long transmission distance and the PM 2.5 concentration was relatively high. During the south-west monsoon, the air mass had a short transmission distance and the composition was mainly influenced by nearby emission sources, which resulted in higher risk due to chemical characteristics. To provide sound air quality management, attention should be paid to the composition of PM 2.5 in addition to its concentration. Image 1 • The composition and contributors of PM 2.5 are related to monsoon patterns. • The carcinogenic risk from trace elements in PM 2.5 was greater than 10−6. • A low concentration of PM 2.5 does not signify a lower health risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meteorological and geographic conditions play important roles in the occurrence of air pollution. This is especially true in island countries like Taiwan, where the atmospheric flow plays a key role in determining air quality. The atmospheric flows of 334 air pollution events between 2013 and 2017 were analyzed via radiosonde data and WRF simulations to elucidate how the spatial distribution of PM 2.5 concentrations in Taiwan is correlated to its terrain and environmental wind fields. The variables included in this analysis were the wind directions of the environmental wind field, Froude number (Fr), pitching angle (PA) of the surface-level and atmospheric boundary layer (ABL)-level airflows through the terrain, differences in wind speed between surface-level and ABL-level airflows, and the formation of lee-side vortices. Thus, we examined how the areas of air pollutant accumulation are related to the passage of environmental airflows through mountain ranges. Based on a composite analysis, we determined that the air pollution events can be divided into 10 categories, depending on the direction of the environmental airflows and the geographic location of the air pollution events. Fr was less than 0.25 in 87% air pollutant events, which indicates that the environmental airflows had a high stability and tended to split around the terrain. Each category corresponded to different environmental wind directions and PAs. It was found that air pollution events occurred the most frequently when PA was close to the north, and these events were accompanied by obvious differences in wind speed between surface-level and ABL-level. During the analysis of airflow characteristics via the WRF simulation, it was found that lee-side vortices were formed on the orthographic lee-side of terrain in seven synoptic flow categories. The results of this study provide evidence and variables to demonstrate how atmospheric flow, terrain, and pollutant accumulation areas are linked to each other in island. Image 1 • Pitching angle is the key factor to determine the location of pollution areas. • Both of surface and boundary layer wind are important to inspecting concentration location. • Low Froude number in most of air pollution events implied stable flow were split around topography. • Lee-side vortices occurred at the ABL in most of the air pollution events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intricate interactions between electric vehicles and energy policies necessitate a methodology that integrates technological, economic and environmental assessments. Given the spatial and temporal manifestations of nexus effects, the coordination between the central and local governments and the timing of policy implementation has to be considered to maximize synergy and minimize the tradeoffs between both policies. This study combined an econometric model that incorporates a technological prediction model with an atmospheric model. The aim is to explore the nexus effects of electric vehicle and energy policies and assess the resultant health risks attributed to PM 2.5 emissions. The findings from this study demonstrated that different locations benefit or suffer differently concerning changes in health risks after the government banned fuel-powered vehicles and provided subsidies for electric vehicles. The modeling outputs highlight the effects of time lags, spatial transfers, and net reductions in mortality on risk shifts resulting from the policy nexus. The key factors contributing to spatial and temporal variations in risks include technological evolution, facility lifespans and locations, and population density. [Display omitted] • Combination of electric vehicle and energy policies causes environmental nexuses. • Evolutions of various types of vehicles and power sources are predicted. • E3ME is combined with CMAQ and AERMOD to assess policy nexuses. • Health risks shift in terms of time lags, spatial transfers and net reductions. • Population, life span and location of facilities are key factors for risk shifts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammasomes are intracellular protein complexes that sense microbial components and damage of infected cells. Following activation by molecules released by pathogens or injured cells, inflammasomes activate caspase-1, allowing secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 from innate immune cells. Inflammasomes are also expressed in epithelial cells, where their function has attracted less attention. Nonetheless, depending on the tissue, epithelial inflammasomes can mediate inflammation, wound healing, and pain sensitivity. We review here recent findings on inflammasomes found in epithelial tissues, highlighting the importance of these protein complexes in the response of epithelial tissues to microbial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sensitivity of meteorological variation to air quality has attracted people's attention since climate change became a world issue. The goal of this study is to investigate the sensitivity of ground-level ozone concentrations to temperature variation in Taiwan. Several multivariate regression models were built based on historical data of ozone and meteorological variables at three cities located in northern, mid-western, and southern Taiwan. Results of descriptive statistics indicate that the severe pollution from the highest to the minor conditions following by the order of the southern (Pingtung), mid-western (Fengyuan), and the northern sites (Hsichih). Multiple regression models containing a principal component trigger variable effectively simulated the historical ozone exceedance during 2004–2009. Inclusion of the PC trigger were improved R 2 from the lowest 0.38 to the highest 0.58. High probability of detection and critical success index (mostly between 85% and 90%) and low false alarm rates (0–2.6%) were achieved for predicting the high ozone days (≧100 ppb). The results of sensitivity analysis indicated that (1) the ozone sensitivity was positively correlated with the temperature variation, (2) the sensitivity levels were opposite to that of the ozone problem severity, (3) the sensitivity was mostly apparent in ozone seasons, and (4) the sensitivity strongly depended on the seasonality in the urban cities Hischih and Fengyuan, but weakly depended on seasonality in the rural city Pingtung. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Because of the increasing numbers of nontuberculous mycobacterial isolates from clinical specimens, rapid and accurate methods for culture confirmation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis are urgently needed. The study evaluated the performance of the Capilia TB immunochromatographic assay (TAUNS, Numazu, Japan) for culture confirmation of M. tuberculosis using 242 culture-positive liquid media in 2 mycobacterial laboratories from November 2005 to February 2006. Among the 242 samples, 183 were also tested with the BD ProbeTec ET (CTB) assay (Becton Dickinson, Sparks, MD). The results of both assays were compared to the culture results and to each other. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the Capilia TB assay were 98.6% and 97.9%, respectively, and for the CTB assay were 97.3% and 97.1%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values for the Capilia TB assay were 98.6% and 97.9%, respectively, and for the CTB assay were 98.2% and 95.8%, respectively. Among the 183 samples tested with both assays, 8 had discrepant results, including Capilia-TB-false-positive in 2, CTB-false-positive in another 2, CTB-false-negative in 2, Capilia TB-false-negative in 1, and both assays with false-negative results in the remaining one. This study demonstrated that the Capilia TB assay has a similar diagnostic value with the CTB assay. In addition, with the immunochromatographic method, it is less time-consuming and does not require other laboratory equipment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ethnopharmacological relevance The medicinal mushroom Antrodia cinnamomea has been used to treat cancer but its anti-angiogenic effects have not been studied in detail. Aim of the study The main objective of this study was to determine the molecular mechanism of activity underlying the anti-angiogenic effects of A. cinnamomea. Materials and methods The effects of an A. cinnamomea ethanol extract (ACEE) on cell migration and microvessel formation were investigated in endothelial cells in vitro and Matrigel plugs implanted into mice in vivo . Activation of intracellular signaling pathways was examined using Western blotting. Protein expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry in a mouse model of lung metastasis. Results We show that treatment with ACEE inhibits cell migration and tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). ACEE suppresses phosphorylation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and expression of pro-angiogenic kinases in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-treated HUVECs, in addition to reducing expression of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). ACEE treatment inhibits VEGF-induced microvessel formation in Matrigel plugs in vivo . In addition, ACEE significantly reduces VEGFR2 expression in Lewis lung carcinoma cells and downregulates the expression of cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) and VEGFR2 in murine lung metastases. Conclusion These results indicate that A. cinnamomea produces anti-angiogenic effects by inhibiting the VEGFR2 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) is the well-known causative agents of tuberculosis (TB). Transmission of bacteria via airborne routes makes infection control difficult. Hence, rapid and accurate identification of TB from clinical sputum samples is essential for minimizing the spread of the disease. However, traditional bacterial identification methods for TB are time consuming and labor intensive. The aim of this study is to propose a straightforward and rapid screening platform for MTBC using a portable organic light-emitting diode- (OLED-) based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor integrated with a nested PCR technique. Experimentally, the limit of detection (LOD) for MTBC PCR products measurement was estimated to be around 63 pg/mL. In addition, the biosensor can successfully differentiate MTBC from other nontuberculous mycobacterium strains. In 600 clinical sputum specimens, the sensitivity and specificity were 96.6% (86/89) and 98.4% (503/511), respectively. These results indicate that the portable OLED-based SPR biosensor may be taken into account as a suitable and convenient tool employed in the remote area and developing country for diagnosing TB diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants and mushrooms are used for medicinal purposes and the screening of molecules possessing biological activities. A single plant or mushroom may produce both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on immune cells, depending on experimental conditions, but the reason behind this dichotomy remains obscure. We present here a large body of experimental data showing that water extracts of plants and mushrooms usually activate immune cells, whereas ethanol extracts inhibit immune cells. The mode of extraction of plants and mushrooms may thus determine the effects produced on immune cells, possibly due to differential solubility and potency of stimulatory and inhibitory compounds. We also examine the possibility of using such plant and mushroom extracts to treat immune system disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance The medicinal mushroom Antrodia cinnamomea possesses anticancer properties but the active compounds responsible for these effects are mostly unknown. Aim of the study We aimed to identify novel A. cinnamomea compounds that produce cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. Materials and methods Using ethanol extraction and chromatography, we isolated the lanostanoid compound lanosta-7,9(11),24-trien-3β,15α,21-triol ( 1 ) from cultured A. cinnamomea mycelium. Cytotoxicity and pro-apoptotic effects of compound 1 were evaluated using the MTS assay and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. Results Compound 1 produced cytotoxic effects on the nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines TW02 and TW04, with IC 50 values of 63.3 and 115.0 μM, respectively. On the other hand, no cytotoxic effects were observed on non-tumorigenic nasopharyngeal epithelial cells (NP69). In addition, compound 1 induced apoptosis in TW02 and TW04 cells as revealed by flow cytometry analysis. Conclusions Our results demonstrate for the first time the presence of pinicolol B in A. cinnamomea mycelium and suggest that this compound may contribute to the anticancer effects of A. cinnamomea . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serratia marcescens swarms on 0.8% LB agar at 30 °C but not at 37 °C. To understand the molecular mechanism regulating Serratia swarming, transposon mutagenesis was performed to screen for mutants that swarmed at 37 °C. In one mutant, S. marcescens WW100, the transposon was inserted in the upstream region of manA, which encodes mannose-6-phosphate isomerase, a type I phosphomannose isomerase. The transcriptional and translational levels of manA were higher in S. marcescens WW100 than in the wild-type strain. S. marcescens WW100 produced more serrawettin W1 (biosurfactant) than the wild-type, as detected by thin-layer chromatography, to promote surface motility by reducing surface tension. Serratia swarming was previously shown to be negatively regulated by the RssA–RssB two-component system. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) indicated that phosphorylated RssB (the response regulator) binds upstream of the transposon insertion site and manA in S. marcescens WW100. Analysis by real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed that, compared to the wild-type level, manA mRNA was increased in the rssA deletion mutant. The results indicated that RssA–RssB signaling directly represses the expression of manA and that overexpression of manA increases the production of serrawettin for Serratia swarming at 37 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The rapid identification of mycobacteria from smear-positive sputum samples is very important. To identify the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and frequently isolated nontuberculous mycobacteria strains directly from smear-positive sputum samples, an improved multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed. Nine pairs of primers targeting the 16S–23S rDNA internal transcribed spacer-1, hsp65, and the early secretory antigen (ESAT-6) gene sequences were developed, and their efficacy was evaluated in comparison to traditional culturing and 16S rRNA gene sequencing methods. A total of 200 smear- and culture-positive sputum specimens collected between November 2005 and May 2006 were used for the analysis. The results of the assay showed an accurate identification rate for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) 3+, AFB 2+, and AFB rare/1+ samples of 98%, 95%, and 53%, respectively. The improved multiplex PCR method saves time and has advantages for identifying mycobacteria from AFB 2+ and 3+ sputum samples. The method is suitable for use in countries with a high MTBC prevalence rate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Widely identified in bacteria, yeasts and human beings, 2,3-butanediol has been studied for decades.This chemical reportedly functions as a neutralization agent to counteract lethal acidification by bacterial growth and as a signaling molecule involved in interactions among insects, and between bacteria and the plant host. While 2,3-butanediol is produced by many pathogenic bacterial species, its significance and effect on mammals remains basically uncharacterized. Herein, we show that gastric intubation of 2,3-butanediol in rats significantly ameliorates acute lung injury (ALI) and the inflammatory responses induced by the bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS), with an efficacy comparable to that of the polyphenol compound resveratrol. Such effect was further demonstrated to occur via modulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. These results indicate that bacterial metabolite, 2,3-butanediol has a negative regulatory effect on host innate immunity response, suggesting bacteria may use some metabolites for host immune evasion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novelly improved polymerase chian reaction and immunochromatography test (PCR–ICT) hybrid assay comprising traditional multiplex-nested PCR and ICT, (a lateral-flow device) was developed for direct detection of Legionella bacteria from environmental cooling tower samples. The partial 16S rDNA (specific for Legionella spp.) and dnaJ (specific for Legionella pneumophila) genes from Legionella chromosome were first specifically amplified by multiplex-nested PCR, respectively, followed by detection using ICT strip. Reading of results was based on presence or absence of the two test lines on the strips. Presence of test line 1 indicated existence of Legionella spp. specific 16S rDNA and identified Legionella spp. Presence of test line 2 further indicated existence of dnaJ and thus specifically identified L. pneumophila. In contrast, for non-Legionellae bacteria no test line formation was observed. Results of direct detection of Legionella bacteria and L. pneumophila from water tower specimens by this assay showed 100% sensitivity, and 96.6% and 100% specificity, respectively compared with traditional culture, biochemical and serological identification methods. The PCR–ICT hybrid assay does not require sophisticated equipment and was proved to be practically useful in rapid and direct Legionellae detection from environmental water samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

From 12 to 15 December 2002, the area-averaged surface ozone concentrations in south Taiwan increased to 100 ppb from a background value of 40. The maximum hourly ozone concentration reached 150 ppb on 15 December. GPS-radiosondes, tethered ozonesondes and an instrumented ultralight aircraft were used to measure vertical ozone concentrations and meteorological conditions during this period. An ozone concentration of 60–90 ppb was observed in the nocturnal residual layer, 20–50 ppb of which was estimated to be produced from local photochemical reactions. Downward mixing of ozone from the residual layer to the ground level was observed in the morning of the episode day. Back air trajectory analysis was performed to locate the source region of the accumulated ozone. The results revealed that the source of high concentration of accumulated ozone was in an ozone-polluted area with an ozone concentration in the range 90–100 ppb on the previous day. About 60% of the ozone in the polluted area on the previous day persisted to the morning of the episode day. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose of this study is to discuss the electric vehicle policy's effects on air pollution reduction in Taiwan. Since PM 2.5 is one of Taiwan's major air-pollution issues, Environmental Protection Administration of Taiwan (TEPA) promoted a policy that the sale of cars powered by fossil fuels would be banned in 2040, which means all the pollutants emitted by petrol-engine vehicles will be reduced. But at the same time the electric vehicles require additional power consumption, therefore, it is important to investigate the effect of air quality and health benefit when mobile emission reduces but power plant emission increases. To evaluate this clean air policy, Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) - Community Multi-scale Air Quality model (CMAQ) and Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program (BenMAP) were applied in scenarios discussion. The location of power plants to generate additional electric power and the seasonal variation were adapted in scenarios for considering the atmospheric transportation effects. The results showed if additional power supply was generated in northern, central, or southern Taiwan, the average annual PM 2.5 concentration would be reduced by 2.88, 2.90, and 2.92 μg/m3, respectively. The associated health benefits would be 43.35 billion, 43.40 billion, and 43.54 billion USD. This evaluation presents adopting electric vehicles would improve the air quality of Taiwan significantly. The analysis of seasonal scenarios also indicates the location to generate additional electric power is important when adopting electric vehicles policy. The prevailing wind of different season will transport the air pollutant to diverse downwind area. The additional electricity demand generated by northern power plants in summer and autumn but switched to southern power plants in spring and winter would reduce 2.95 μg/m3 PM 2.5 and lead to the best air quality and health benefits across Taiwan among the considered options. Image 1 • Electric vehicles related air quality policy needs to examine additional power generation and pollution emissions. • WRF-CMAQ-BenMAP models are used to investigate air quality and health co-benefits. • Population distribution, seasonal wind, and emission locations are important in policy making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]