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Groundskeepers spend most of the year working outdoors, exposing them to heat and solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation and increasing their risk to related adverse health effects. Various studies on heat and UV exposures in different occupations have been published, but those on groundskeepers are rare. The purpose of this study was to assess the exposure to heat stress and solar UV radiation among groundskeepers in an eastern North Carolina university setting. Wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) index using a heat stress monitor and UV effective irradiance (UVeff) index using a digital UV meter were recorded in various work areas three times a day (morning, noon, afternoon) and during three seasons (spring, summer, fall). Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey Honestly Significant Difference (HSD), and Pearson Correlation tests. The mean (±SD) WBGT index was the highest in the afternoon (25.4 ± 5.0°C), summer (27.8 ± 3.1°C), and July (29.0 ± 2.6°C); the mean UVeffindex was the highest at noon, summer and June (0.0116 ± 0.0061, 0.0101 ± 0.0081, and 0.0114 ± 0.0089 mW/cm2, respectively). Differences in the mean WBGT and UVeffindices within the time periods of day, seasons and months were significant (P< 0.01). The overall correlation between WBGT and UV indices was moderate (r= 0.42,P< 0.01) but lack of correlation was found during different times of the day during the fall and summer seasons. The largest percentages of WBGT indices exceeding the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit values (TLVs) for different workloads were found in the afternoon (11.3–40.7%), summer (14.6–56%), and July (28.8–76.3%). The mean UVefffor noon (0.0116 mW/cm2) and afternoon (0.0100 mW/cm2) exceeded the TLV for 30-min exposure. This study shows that groundskeepers are potentially exposed to excessive heat stress and UV radiation, and are at risk to developing heat- and UV-related illnesses. The study findings will be beneficial in implementing recommended control measures to prevent heat stress and UV exposure among groundskeepers and other similar outdoor workers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We present an urban runoff model designed for stormwater managers to quantify runoff reduction benefits of mitigation actions that has lower input data and user expertise requirements than most commonly used models. The stormwater tool to estimate load reductions (TELR) employs a semi-distributed approach, where landscape characteristics and process representation are spatially-lumped within urban catchments on the order of 100 acres (40 ha). Hydrologic computations use a set of metrics that describe a 30-year rainfall distribution, combined with well-tested algorithms for rainfall-runoff transformation and routing to generate average annual runoff estimates for each catchment. User inputs include the locations and specifications for a range of structural best management practice (BMP) types. The model was tested in a set of urban catchments within the Lake Tahoe Basin of California, USA, where modeled annual flows matched that of the observed flows within 18% relative error for 5 of the 6 catchments and had good regional performance for a suite of performance metrics. Comparisons with continuous simulation models showed an average of 3% difference from TELR predicted runoff for a range of hypothetical urban catchments. The model usually identified the dominant BMP outflow components within 5% relative error of event-based measured flow data and simulated the correct proportionality between outflow components. TELR has been implemented as a web-based platform for use by municipal stormwater managers to inform prioritization, report program benefits and meet regulatory reporting requirements ( www.swtelr.com ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A flow injection inductively coupled plasma magnetic sector mass spectrometry (FI-ICP-MS) method was developed for the analysis of Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn, and Mn in estuarine waters. The method uses just greater than 3 ml sample, and employs an automated on-line preconcentration step using a metal chelating resin (Toyopearl AF-Chelate 650 M). Acidified samples for the analysis of Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn were buffered on-line to pH of 5.6±0.2 with ammonia acetate just prior to loading onto the chelating resin, while samples for Mn analysis were adjusted to pH of 9.0±0.2 prior to concentration. Limits of detection were: Cd=1.4 ng l−1 (0.013 nM), Cu=17 ng l−1 (0.27 nM), Ni=28 ng l−1 (0.48 nM), Zn=46 ng l−1 (0.70 nM), and Mn=86 ng l−1 (1.6 nM). The blank concentrations were less than 1.5% of the SLEW-2 concentrations for each element analyzed, except Ni, which had a significant, but very constant blank from the Ni cones used. The detection limits were less than 5% of the concentrations observed in the San Francisco Bay estuarine samples, with the exception of Zn where the detection limit was 10% of the concentration of lowest San Francisco Bay sample analyzed. Using the FI preconcentration technique, we conducted medium resolution scans of potential isobaric interferences (mass units 55–66) using a magnetic sector ICP-MS to identify a number of interferent complications with evaluating certain isotopes, especially, 59Co, and 60Ni. Investigations of potential interferents illustrate the importance of appropriate isotope selection and, in some instances, the need to perform blank corrections with both an instrumental and a matrix blank. The method was verified by the analysis of an estuarine water standard reference materials (SLEW-2), and San Francisco Bay samples with previously reported values. Six estuarine samples run in triplicate generated the following average precision (presented as % R.S.D.); Cd=4.2%, Cu=3.2%, Ni=3.3%, Zn=4.4%, and Mn=2.2%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Urban stormwater runoff is among the most significant sources of trash delivery to waterways, degrading aquatic habitats and contributing to oceanic trash gyres across the globe. Municipal water quality permits that require elimination of trash inputs to stormwater systems employ visual trash assessments on city streets to demonstrate litter reduction progress. We present a novel method to increase the utility of these assessments by quantifying their degree of certainty at a granular spatial scale via Bayesian credibility intervals. Using data collected in the City of Salinas, California, we illustrate how the outputs can be used to determine effective trash controls and prioritize areas for management actions. Spatial dependence was incorporated to the uncertainty estimates within individual stormwater drainages and results were interpolated to adjacent parcels. After 3–6 observation periods over 20 months, we found approximately 30% of the city area showed minimal litter accumulation at an 80% certainty level. The outputs provide a practical alternative for cities to determine compliance with stormwater trash regulations, update understanding of trash accumulation patterns, and iteratively adjust sampling designs in response to new observations. The methods described have been implemented as a web-based geospatial decision support tool to help stormwater managers target implementation actions and report progress to regulators. • An approach is presented to quantify uncertainty associated with assessments of urban trash loading to stormwater systems. • Outputs can be used to track trash mitigation effectiveness and prioritize areas for action. • The approach has been incorporated into web-based geospatial stormwater management platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The convergence of urban expansion, deteriorating infrastructure, and a changing climate will escalate the risks of stormwater pollution and urban flooding in the coming decades. Using outputs from an ensemble of global climate models to drive a high spatial resolution stormwater model, we analyzed climate change impacts on urban stormwater runoff and control measures for 23 cities across the United States. Runoff model outputs for two future emissions scenarios ending in 2055 were compared against a historical scenario to assess changes. All cities showed increases in average annual stormwater runoff, with changes up to 30% over the next 30 years due to a greater frequency of high intensity storm events. Runoff model outputs showed substantial variation across cities with untreated stormwater runoff increasing by as much as 48%. Patterns of future runoff impacts within cities will affect the performance of distributed treatment strategies such as Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) to meet municipal water quality improvement and runoff reduction goals. Results indicate that adoption of adaptable design standards and decision support tools that readily accommodate projected precipitation changes are critical for supporting more resilient designs of stormwater control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limitation of excessive inflammation due to selective degradation of pro-inflammatory proteins is one of the cytoprotective functions attributed to autophagy. In the current study, we highlight that selective autophagy also plays a vital role in promoting the establishment of a robust inflammatory response. Under inflammatory conditions, here TLR3-activation by poly(I:C) treatment, the inflammation repressor TNIP1 (TNFAIP3 interacting protein 1) is phosphorylated by Tank-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) activating an LIR motif that leads to the selective autophagy-dependent degradation of TNIP1, supporting the expression of pro-inflammatory genes and proteins. This selective autophagy efficiently reduces TNIP1 protein levels early (0-4 h) upon poly(I:C) treatment to allow efficient initiation of the inflammatory response. At 6 h, TNIP1 levels are restored due to increased transcription avoiding sustained inflammation. Thus, similarly as in cancer, autophagy may play a dual role in controlling inflammation depending on the exact state and timing of the inflammatory response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The LAS was designed to minimize pretransplant mortality while maximizing post-transplant outcome. Recipients <12 are not allocated lungs based on LAS. Waitlist mortality has decreased for those >12, but not <12, suggesting this population may be disadvantaged. To identify predictors of waitlist mortality, a retrospective analysis of the UNOS database was performed since implementation of the LAS. There were 16 973 patients listed for lung transplant in the United States; 12 070 (71.1%) were transplanted, and 2498 (14.7%) patients died or were removed from the wait list. Significantly more pediatric patients died or were removed compared with adults (22.0% vs. 14.4%, p < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, in addition to higher LAS at time of listing (adj. HR1.058, 1.055-1.060), shorter height (1.008, 1.006-1.010), male gender (1.210, 1.110-1.319), and requiring ECMO (1.613, 1.202-2.163) were associated with pretransplant mortality. Post-transplant survival was not affected by height. The current age cutoff may impose limitations within the current lung allocation system in the United States. Height is an independent predictor of waitlist mortality and may be a valuable factor for the development of a comprehensive lung allocation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) generated from human cardiac biopsies have been shown to have disease-modifying bioactivity in clinical trials. Paradoxically, CDCs’ cellular origin in the heart remains elusive. We studied the molecular identity of CDCs using single-cell RNA sequencing (sc-RNAseq) in comparison to cardiac non-myocyte and non-hematopoietic cells (cardiac fibroblasts/CFs, smooth muscle cells/SMCs and endothelial cells/ECs). We identified CDCs as a distinct and mitochondria-rich cell type that shared biological similarities with non-myocyte cells but not with cardiac progenitor cells derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells. CXCL6 emerged as a new specific marker for CDCs. By analysis of sc-RNAseq data from human right atrial biopsies in comparison with CDCs we uncovered transcriptomic similarities between CDCs and CFs. By direct comparison of infant and adult CDC sc-RNAseq data, infant CDCs revealed GO-terms associated with cardiac development. To analyze the beneficial effects of CDCs (pro-angiogenic, anti-fibrotic, anti-apoptotic), we performed functional in vitro assays with CDC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs). CDC EVs augmented in vitro angiogenesis and did not stimulate scarring. They also reduced the expression of pro-apoptotic Bax in NRCMs. In conclusion, CDCs were disclosed as mitochondria-rich cells with unique properties but also with similarities to right atrial CFs. CDCs displayed highly proliferative, secretory and immunomodulatory properties, characteristics that can also be found in activated or inflammatory cell types. By special culture conditions, CDCs earn some bioactivities, including angiogenic potential, which might modify disease in certain disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) constitutes a life-threatening aortic pathology with significant morbidity and mortality. Without surgical intervention the usual mortality rate averages between 1 and 2% per hour. Thus, an early diagnosis of ATAAD is of pivotal importance to direct the affected patients to the appropriate treatment. Preceding tests to find an appropriate biomarker showed among others an increased aggrecan (ACAN) mRNA expression in aortic tissue of ATAAD patients. As a consequence, we investigated whether ACAN is a potential biomarker for diagnosing ATAAD. Mean ACAN protein concentration showed a significantly higher plasma concentration in ATAAD patients (38.59 ng/mL, n = 33) compared to plasma of patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms (4.45 ng/mL, n = 13), patients with myocardial infarction (11.77 ng/mL, n = 18) and healthy volunteers (8.05 ng/mL, n = 12). Cardiac enzymes like creatine kinase MB and cardiac troponin T showed no correlation with ACAN levels in ATAAD patients. Receiver-operator characteristics (ROC) curve analysis for ATAAD patients versus control subjects an optimum discrimination limit of ACAN plasma levels at 14.3 ng/mL with a corresponding sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 81%. According to our findings ACAN is a reliable potential biomarker in plasma samples to detect ATAAD with high sensitivity and specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic factors undoubtedly affect the development of congenital heart disease (CHD) but still remain ill defined. We sought to identify genetic risk factors associated with CHD and to accomplish a functional analysis of SNP-carrying genes. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 4034 White patients with CHD and 8486 healthy controls. One SNP on chromosome 5q22.2 reached genome-wide significance across all CHD phenotypes and was also indicative for septal defects. One region on chromosome 20p12.1 pointing to the MACROD2 locus identified 4 highly significant SNPs in patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA). Three highly significant risk variants on chromosome 17q21.32 within the GOSR2 locus were detected in patients with anomalies of thoracic arteries and veins (ATAV). Genetic variants associated with ATAV are suggested to influence the expression of WNT3, and the variant rs870142 related to septal defects is proposed to influence the expression of MSX1. We analyzed the expression of all 4 genes during cardiac differentiation of human and murine induced pluripotent stem cells in vitro and by single-cell RNA-Seq analyses of developing murine and human hearts. Our data show that MACROD2, GOSR2, WNT3, and MSX1 play an essential functional role in heart development at the embryonic and newborn stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Environmental Exposure Chamber (EEC) should have standardized and controlled allergenic and non-allergenic exposures to perform reproducible clinical studies. The aim was to demonstrate that mite exposure in the Alyatec® EEC could induce early (EAR) and/or late asthmatic reactions (LAR) in at least 60% of subjects allergic to mite. Methods: The EEC has a volume of 147-m3 with 20 seats. The nebulized particle number, airborne Der p1, endotoxins, and volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations were measured. Twenty-four asthmatics allergic to mite were randomly exposed to 15, 25, and 46 ng/m3 Der p1. Specificity was assessed in not mite-sensitized asthmatics. Results: No significant endotoxin or VOC contamination was measured. The mean inter-assay CVs were 12.5% for the airborne particle number and 28.7% for airborne Der p1 concentrations. For the three Der p1 concentrations, at least 88% of the subjects developed EAR and/or LAR, and at least 46% developed a dual response. No reaction occurred with placebo or in the control group. No severe bronchial reaction occurred. Conclusions: The Alyatec® EEC demonstrated a tight control of allergenic and non-allergenic exposures. The EEC was clinically validated, with airborne Der p1 levels close to levels found in natural settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myosin binding protein H-like (MYBPHL) is a protein associated with myofilament structures in atrial tissue. The protein exists in two isoforms that share an identical amino acid sequence except for a deletion of 23 amino acids in isoform 2. In this study, MYBPHL was found to be expressed preferentially in atrial tissue. The expression of isoform 2 was almost exclusively restricted to the atria and barely detectable in the ventricle, arteria mammaria interna, and skeletal muscle. After atrial damage induced by cryo- or radiofrequency ablation, MYBPHL was rapidly and specifically released into the peripheral circulation in a time-dependent manner. The plasma MYBPHL concentration remained substantially elevated up to 24 hours after the arrival of patients at the intensive care unit. In addition, the recorded MYBPHL values were strongly correlated with those of the established biomarker CK-MB. In contrast, an increase in MYBPHL levels was not evident in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement or transcatheter aortic valve implantation. In these patients, the values remained virtually constant and never exceeded the concentration in the plasma of healthy controls. Our findings suggest that MYBPHL can be used as a precise and reliable biomarker to specifically predict atrial myocardial damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With growing understanding of trash impacts on aquatic habitats throughout the world, cities increasingly face regulatory requirements to reduce trash inputs to local waterways and the ocean, but they often rely upon insufficient monitoring data to prioritize and measure trash reduction effectiveness. We present an approach designed to make urban trash monitoring more cost-efficient and align the data collected with critical information needs of cities. We quantified urban trash accumulation along roadsides using vehicle mounted cameras and a deep convolutional neural network model to identify trash in the imagery captured. We compared the trash detection performance of three different models, with the best performing model (Mask R-CNN) achieving 91% recall, 83% precision, and 77% accuracy using data collected along 84 road segments in two California Cities. Trash detection model outputs were interpreted via a statistical model to relate the proportion of image pixels identified as trash to measured trash volumes. The resulting model estimates explained 67% of the variance in measured trash volumes collected on roadsides, which is more than double the variance explained by walking visual assessments. With vastly more efficient data collection compared to the visual assessments, deep learning-based monitoring approaches can provide a stronger basis for understanding urban trash sources, changes over time, and cost-effective compliance with stormwater regulatory requirements. • An image-based approach is presented to quantify trash volumes on city streets. • The model successfully detected 91% of trash with a precision of 87%. • Outputs explained more than double the trash variance of visual surveys. • The demonstrated approach can provide substantial cost savings for trash surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]