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Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background There is emerging evidence showing improvement in clinical outcomes with optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Yet data supporting their use in emergency setting are still conflicting. Purpose We aim to compare the immediate angiographic outcomes, short and long-term clinical outcomes in patients undergoing emergency PCI with intracoronary imaging to those with angiography guidance only. Methods We included 426 patients from May 2012 to December 2020 who presented with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and underwent emergency PCI within 24 hours of hospital admission. Intracoronary imaging was used in 196 of them to guide PCI. Immediate angiographic outcomes in terms of TIMI flow grade (TFG), myocardial blush grade (MBG) and corrected TIMI frame count (CTFC) are compared. Clinical outcomes including major adverse cardiac events (MACE), target vessel revascularization (TVR), hospitalization for heart failure and all-cause mortality were also compared. Results 196 patients (46%) underwent intracoronary imaging-guided PCI. Use of imaging was associated with a higher post procedural CTFC (27.0 vs. 25.8, p=0.11), yet it failed to reach statistical significance. Comparing with angiography-guided PCI, imaging-guided PCI was associated with significantly larger proportion of high CTFC post procedure (slow coronary flow) (OR, 0.62; 95% CI: 0.38-1.0, P=0.05), and this result was consistent after adjustment of variables (adjusted OR, 0.57; 95% CI 0.34-0.98, P=0.04). Subjective measures of TIMI flow grade and MBG, however, were not different between the 2 groups. In the subgroup of patients with high Syntax score and American Heart Association (AHA)/American College of Cardiology (ACC) type C culprit lesion morphology, imaging guided PCI was associated with significantly worse post procedural MBG (OR, 0.36; 95% CI 0.17-0.78, P=0.01 vs. OR, 0.40; 95% CI 0.18-0.94, P=0.04), and the results were consistent after adjusting for variables. In the subgroup of patients with high Syntax score, imaging guided PCI was associated with significantly worse post procedural TIMI flow grade (adjusted OR, 0.35; 95% CI 0.12-0.95, P=0.05) and a trend towards higher CTFC (adjusted OR, 0.26; 95% CI: 0.06-0.94, P=0.05) after adjusting for variables. The cumulative incidences of all clinical outcome measures were not significantly different between the 2 groups before and after adjusting for confounders. Conclusions Imaging-guided PCI was not associated with improved angiographic or clinical outcomes in patients with STEMI who underwent emergency PCI. Use of intracoronary imaging in emergency PCI may associate with worse immediate angiographic outcomes.

Faced with the huge pressure of new self-driving vehicle technology and relative novel companies, traditional car manufactures are having to prepare for the challenge of the century. In general, the artificial intelligence equipment is high-cost. This research breakthrough uses lower-cost hardware but improves the accuracy of controlling a mobile robot with a high-precision operation model. Therefore, it can help to rapid development for self-driving industry regarding cost-effectiveness. In addition, this technology can be applied to the self-driving car in industry, it can also greatly improve the feasibility of outdoor automatic logistics. Especially it can help manufactories to transport important materials and reduce contact risk. The aim of this paper is to design a tracking control implementation system for the mobile robot, Turtlebot2. When it is passing a road crossing, the visually based SLAM system can recognize a moving target and predict its speed via a neural network-based speed estimation system. According to the robot velocity estimation result, the optimized passing routine and speed comes out. Similar to a human driving a car, the control system should drive the robot going through a crossing using the best passing program, which includes the following important elements, velocity, acceleration and desired path.

Ameloblastoma is a rare tumor of odontogenic epithelium, the low incidence rate of which precludes statistical determination of its molecular characterizations. Despite recent genomic and transcriptomic profiling, the etiology of ameloblastomas remains poorly understood. Risk factors of ameloblastoma development are also largely unknown. Whole exome sequencing was performed on 11 mandibular ameloblastoma samples. We identified 2 convergent mutational signatures in ameloblastoma: 1) a signature found in multiple types of lung cancers with probable etiology of tobacco carcinogens (COSMIC signature 4) and 2) a signature present in gingivobuccal oral squamous cell carcinoma and correlated with tobacco-chewing habits (COSMIC signature 29). These mutational signatures highlight tobacco usage or related mutagens as one possible risk factor of ameloblastoma, since the association of BRAF mutations and smoking was demonstrated in multiple studies. In addition to BRAF hotspot mutations (V600E), we observed clear inter- and intratumor heterogeneities. Interestingly, prior to BRAF mutation, important genes regulating odontogenesis mutated (e.g., corepressor BCOR), possibly playing important roles in tumorigenesis. Furthermore, recurrent mutations in the CDC73 gene, the germline mutations of which predispose patients to the development of jaw tumors, were found in 2 patients, which may lead to recurrence if not targeted by therapeutic drugs. Our unbiased profiling of coding regions of ameloblastoma genomes provides insights to the possible etiology of mandibular ameloblastoma and highlights potential disease risk factors for screening and prevention, especially for Asian patients. Because of the limited sample size and incomplete habitual, dietary, and occupational data, a causal link between tobacco usage and ameloblastoma still requires further investigations.

The vertebral column of individual mammalian species often exhibits remarkable robustness in the number and identity of vertebral elements that form (known as axial formulae). The genetic mechanism(s) underlying this constraint however remain ill-defined. Here, we reveal the interplay of three regulatory pathways (Gdf11, miR-196 and Retinoic acid) is essential in constraining total vertebral number and regional axial identity in the mouse, from cervical through to tail vertebrae. All three pathways have differing control over Hox cluster expression, with heterochronic and quantitative changes found to parallel changes in axial identity. However, our work reveals an additional role for Hox genes in supporting axial elongation within the tail region, providing important support for an emerging view that mammalian Hox function is not limited to imparting positional identity as the mammalian body plan is laid down. More broadly, this work provides a molecular framework to interrogate mechanisms of evolutionary change and congenital anomalies of the vertebral column., Vertebral column length and shape exhibits remarkable robustness within a species but diversity across species. Here the authors reveal the molecular logic constraining vertebral number in mouse and a novel role for posterior Hox genes in this context.

Studies on parasite populations in Antarctic soils are scarce and thus little is known about the threat of these parasites towards either the natural fauna or human visitors. However, human presence in Antarctica, mainly through research and tourism, keeps increasing over time, potentially exposing visitors to zoonotic infections from Antarctic wildlife and environment. Most available literature to date has focused on faecal samples from Antarctic vertebrates. Therefore, this study addressed the possible presence of parasites in Antarctic soil that may be infectious to humans. Soil samples were obtained from five locations on Signy Island (South Orkney Islands, maritime Antarctic), namely North Point and Gourlay Peninsula (penguin rookeries), Pumphouse (relic coal-powered pump house), Jane Col (barren high altitude fellfield) and Berntsen Point (low altitude vegetated fellfield close to current research station). Approximately 10% of the soil samples (14/135) from 3 out of the 5 study sites had parasites which included Diphyllobotridae spp. eggs, Cryptosporidium sp., an apicomplexan protozoa (gregarine), Toxoplasma gondii, helminths (a cestode, Tetrabothrius sp., and a nematode larva) and mites. The presence of parasites in the 3 sites are most likely due to the presence of animal and human activities as two of these sites are penguin rookeries (North Point and Gourlay Peninsula) while the third site (Pumphouse Lake) has human activity. While some of the parasite species found in the soil samples appear to be distinctive, there were also parasites such as Cryptosporidium and Toxoplasma gondii that have a global distribution and are potentially pathogenic.

Cladosporium spores are ubiquitous in indoor and outdoor environment and may potentially trigger allergic responses upon inhalation. To date, there is limited investigation on the fate of Cladosporium spores after being inhaled into the respiratory tract. This study was conducted to investigate the interaction of Cladosporium sphaerospermum with Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells (BEAS-2B) and Human Pulmonary Alveolar Epithelial Cells (HPAEpiC). C. sphaerospermum conidia were harvested and co-cultured with BEAS-2B or HPAEpiC cells for 72 hours. At each time point (30 minutes, 2, 4, 24, 48 and 72 hours), adherence and invasion of the cells by C. sphaerospermum conidia (and hyphae) were investigated by immunofluorescence staining. This study demonstrated the adherence and internalization of C. sphaerospermum conidia within these epithelial cells. In addition, the conidia were able to germinate and invade the epithelial cells. The ability of the fungal conidia to adhere, internalize, germinate and invade both the bronchial and alveolar epithelial cells of the respiratory tract in vitro might contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis of Cladosporium in respiratory infection and allergy in vivo.

Glycycometus malaysiensis is an allergenic domestic mite found in houses. G. malaysiensis is known to be highly similar to and is often mistaken as Blomia tropicalis, one of the major house dust mite species that causes asthma and allergic diseases in many tropical and subtropical regions. It was also suggested that these mites cross-react with each other and that the prevalence of G. malaysiensis might be higher than previous reports. A review on the taxonomic keys as well as light and scanning electron micrographs of G. malaysiensis are presented to appreciate the fine morphological structures of G. malaysiensis. The mouth, setae, legs (trochanter, femur, genu, tibia and tarsus) and the sexual organs (genital openings, genital setae and genital suckers) of G. malaysiensis are outlined. The morphology of G. malaysiensis is also compared with that of B. tropicalis to delineate the key features for the differentiation between these two mite species.

The global demand for edible bird nests (EBNs) is high, especially from Hong Kong and Peoples Republic of China. Recently, this industry was greatly affected when China banned the import of all the EBNs from Malaysia (except for canned version) due to detection of high levels of nitrites. Several cases of anaphylaxis following ingestion of EBNs were reported. The source(s) of these allergens remain unknown. Mites have been reported to trigger allergic responses. Hence, this study was designed to quantify, isolate and identify the mites that are associated with EBNs. The raw EBNs were purchased from swiftlet farms in five locations in Peninsular Malaysia while the commercial nests were purchased from five different Chinese traditional medicinal shops. The average mite density of all the raw nests was 285 ± 603 mites per gram of EBN while the commercial nests had a much lower mean value of 21 ± 32 mites per gram of EBN (p = 0.082). Among the raw EBNs, the nests from Kajang had the highest average mite density (946 ± 1443 mites/g of EBN) whereas the nests from Kuala Sanglang had the lowest (54 ± 34 mites/g of EBN). Among the commercial EBNs, the nests from Company D had the highest average mite density (76 ± 18 mites/g of EBN) whereas the nests from Company A were free of mites. Overall, the average densities of mites in the raw nests obtained from southern regions of Malaysia (Selangor and Johor) were higher than those nests obtained from the northern regions (Kedah and Kelantan). Thirty types of mites were isolated from both the raw and commercial nests. Among these, some are probably feather mites (Eustathia cultrifer, Pteroherpus garrulacis, Pterodectes amaurochalinus, Laminalloptes sp., Berlesella alata and Neochauliacia sp.), house dust and storage mites (Suidasia sp., Austroglycyphagus sp., and Aleuroglyphus ovatus), mesostigmatid mites (Dermanyssus sp.), prostigmatid mites (Cheyletus sp., tarsonemid and cunaxid mites), astigmatid mites (Collocalidectes sp., Streetacarus sp. and Hemisarcoptes sp.) and oribatid mites. This study provides baseline information on the density and type of mites that are probably associated with EBNs. This study also heightens the importance of mites as a possible source of EBN-associated anaphylaxis.

SRS27, an andrographolide analogue, had been proven to have therapeutic properties at a dose of 3 mg/kg in both in vitro and in vivo asthma models of our previous study. The present study focuses on the pharmacokinetic and toxicity profile of this compound to provide further evidence for the development of this compound as an anti-asthma agent. A simple pharmacokinetic study was performed in female BALB/c mice to measure blood plasma concentration of the compound at therapeutic dose. At a single dose of 3 mg/kg, SRS27 had a relatively short half-life but was able to achieve a concentration range of 13-19 μM that is related to its in vitro bioactivities. With regard to toxicity profile, SRS27 appears to be safe, as no histopathological changes were observed in the liver, kidneys and ovaries of SRS27-treated female BALB/c mice. In addition, there was no significant change in the mean body weight and organ weight of the animals in the SRS27-treated groups compared with the vehicle-treated control group at the end of the treatment. This fully supports the absence of any significant changes in peripheral blood leukocyte counts of SRS27-treated mice. Rewardingly, this acute toxicity study also revealed that SRS27 has a wide therapeutic window as no toxicity symptoms were detected with a dose up to 60 mg/kg daily when tested for 14 days. These results provide strong justification for further investigation of SRS27 as a potential new anti-asthma agent.

The demand of Auto Guidance Vehicles (AGVs) is increasing while the technique can be popularized to apply on industrial flexible path optimization in intelligent manufacturing and industry 4.0. In the general industrial environment, AGVs navigation is based on fixed guidance markers such as black line and QR code regarding to the cost-effectiveness. As deep learning technique carried out, Vision based Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (vSLAM) technique is widely used on unmanned vehicle auto-driving and navigation for the next generation of AGVs navigation. However, the challenges of vSLAM navigation technology are facing: 1) the vSLAM accuracy is up to 5~10cm, which cannot satisfy the parts of industrial requirements and 2) the problems of anti-disturbance ability are under complex environment, such as lighting, dynamic object, field of vision, therefore, those noise factors will affect the precision level of AGVs navigation. This paper focuses on the anti-disturbance problem of mobile robot’s vSLAM navigation and finds out the solution. An optimization algorithm is developed to minimize robot path following error and enhance the performance of AGVs navigation. The algorithm is based on Lyapunov direct method controller with RBF neural network estimator.

This paper proposes a navigation algorithm for the mobile robot which can save lots of running distances, running time and mechanical loss of the mobile robot, usually the real mobile robot is established on the embedded system and works in the indoor and dynamic environment, so this paper proposes a new algorithm to obtain the accurate moving direction of the mobile robot where the GPS and corresponding sensors are unavailable, it also proposes a navigation algorithm for the mobile robot in the dynamic environment based on the PF-SLAM algorithm which combines the Particle Filter and FAST-SLAM algorithm, they are very suitable running on the embedded system because it avoids the large complex computation, finally the simulation of the proposed algorithm is shown in the paper, the corresponding real experiment is carried out to prove the effectiveness of the algorithm for the mobile robot in our laboratory dynamic environment.

Fatigue is factor which can cause health problems and decrease work efficiency. State of the art fatigue studies are mainly committed to investigating impacts of the Visual Display Terminal (VDT) screen luminance, resolution, and the distance between the VDT and operators. Fewer studies commit to understanding visual performance experienced by the operator when facing different conditions. This paper aims to find out whether the degree of fatigue and color combination of the interface that can influence visual performance when interacting with a text-based and eye tracking under exercise and no-exercise consideration. The viewing performance of 30 subjects was estimated by comparing eye tracker measurements before and after moderate exercise. Visual reaction time is significantly affected by color backgrounds. Color background transfer results in a long reaction time, while the white background transfer leads to a short time reaction time. The testers who exercise before the experiment have more positive performance than those who do not in an attention test. For the subjects who exercised, the longer they were able to rest, the better their performance. Therefore, engaging in appropriate exercise may have a good effect on the performance of operators. Additionally, the change in interface motivates eye movements and improves eye performance.

Post-stroke spasticity seriously affects patients’ quality of life. Spasticity is considered to involve both neural and non-neural factors. Current clinical scales, such as the Modified Ashworth Scale and the Modified Tardieu Scale, lack reliability and reproducibility. These scales are also unable to identify the neural and non-neural contributions to spasticity. Surface electromyography and biomechanical and myotonometry measurement methods for post-stroke spasticity are discussed in this report. Surface electromyography can provide neural information, while myotonometry can estimate muscular properties. Both the neural and non-neural contributions can be estimated by biomechanical measurement. These laboratory methods can quantitatively assess spasticity. They can provide more valuable information for further study on treatment and rehabilitation than clinical scales.

Tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) is the alternate receptor for TNF and can mediate both pro- and anti-inflammatory activities of T cells. Although TNFR2 has been linked to enhanced suppressive activity of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in autoimmune diseases, the viability of TNFR2 as a target for cancer immunotherapy has been underappreciated. Here, we show that new murine monoclonal anti-TNFR2 antibodies yield robust antitumor activity and durable protective memory in multiple mouse cancer cell line models. The antibodies mediate potent Fc-dependent T cell costimulation and do not result in significant depletion of Tregs Corresponding human agonistic monoclonal anti-TNFR2 antibodies were identified and also had antitumor effects in humanized mouse models. Anti-TNFR2 antibodies could be developed as a novel treatment option for patients with cancer.

Small membranous secretions from tumor cells, termed exosomes, contribute significantly to intercellular communication and subsequent reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment. Here, we use optical imaging to determine that exogenously administered fluorescently labeled exosomes derived from highly metastatic murine breast cancer cells distributed predominantly to the lung of syngeneic mice, a frequent site of breast cancer metastasis. At the sites of accumulation, exosomes were taken up by CD45+ bone marrow–derived cells. Subsequent long-term conditioning of naïve mice with exosomes from highly metastatic breast cancer cells revealed the accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the lung and liver. This favorable immune suppressive microenvironment was capable of promoting metastatic colonization in the lung and liver, an effect not observed from exosomes derived from nonmetastatic cells and liposome control vesicles. Furthermore, we determined that breast cancer exosomes directly suppressed T-cell proliferation and inhibited NK cell cytotoxicity, and hence likely suppressed the anticancer immune response in premetastatic organs. Together, our findings provide novel insight into the tissue-specific outcomes of breast cancer–derived exosome accumulation and their contribution to immune suppression and promotion of metastases. Cancer Res; 76(23); 6816–27. ©2016 AACR.

The effective treatment of cerebral metastases from HER2-positive breast cancer remains an unmet need. Recent studies indicate that activated astrocytes and brain endothelial cells exert chemoprotective effects on cancer cells through direct physical interaction. Here we report that the endothelin axis mediates protection of HER2-amplified brain metastatic breast cancers to the anti-HER2 antibody–drug conjugate ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1). Macitentan, a dual inhibitor of endothelin receptors A and B, improves the efficacy of T-DM1 against breast cancers grown in the brain. We show that direct contact of brain stroma with cancer cells is required for protection to T-DM1. Our data suggest that targeting the endothelin axis may be beneficial when anti-signaling agent and cytotoxic agent are combined. These findings may contribute to the development of therapeutic approaches with enhanced efficacy in the brain microenvironment.

Aging problem is intensified yearly. Most of users of the barrier-free facilities are the elderly or people suffering with handicap or disability. Those users may not have the suitable and comfortable mobility equipment to cooperate with those barrier-free facilities; thus, it decreases the willingness of those users to contact with the community. An advanced smart wheelchair that including functions as zero turning function, multi-position, ergonomic transferring places, auto-tracking, center of gravity consideration, and smart healthcare system is designed to help for enhancing quality of life for elder and handicapped people. This smart wheelchair can improve the ease of travelling and enhance the wheelchair users' willingness of travelling. Besides, this study establishes the model between wheelchair and healthcare system. The model simulates the smart healthcare system that cooperates with the wheelchair, updating the data simultaneously to the database. Therefore, their health conditions can be analyzed and predicted. The smart wheelchair was done the experiment to validate its functions.

Introduction Newborn screening is important for early diagnosis and effective treatment of inborn errors of metabolism (IEM). In response to a 2008 coroners' report of a 14-year-old boy who died of an undiagnosed IEM, the OPathPaed service model was proposed. In the present study, we investigated the feasibility of the OPathPaed model for delivering expanded newborn screening in Hong Kong. In addition, health care professionals were surveyed on their knowledge and opinions of newborn screening for IEM. Methods The present prospective study involving three regional hospitals was conducted in phases, from 1 October 2012 to 31 August 2014. The 10 steps of the OPathPaed model were evaluated: parental education, consent, sampling, sample dispatch, dried blood spot preparation and testing, reporting, recall and counselling, confirmation test, treatment and monitoring, and cost-benefit analysis. A fully automated online extraction system for dried blood spot analysis was also evaluated. A questionnaire was distributed to 430 health care professionals by convenience sampling. Results In total, 2440 neonates were recruited for newborn screening; no true-positive cases were found. Completed questionnaires were received from 210 respondents. Health care professionals supported implementation of an expanded newborn screening for IEM. In addition, there is a substantial need of more education for health care professionals. The majority of respondents supported implementing the expanded newborn screening for IEM immediately or within 3 years. Conclusion The feasibility of OPathPaed model has been confirmed. It is significant and timely that when this pilot study was completed, a government-led initiative to study the feasibility of newborn screening for IEM in the public health care system on a larger scale was announced in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive Policy Address of 2015.

This paper address the problem of control an underactuated two-wheel robot to follow a desired tracking path under unknown road disturbance. Based on the robot practical kinematics and dynamics model, the unknown road damping force should be nonlinear and related with wheels' velocity. The solutions include a Lyapunov-based trajectory tracking control law and disturbance estimator. In mathematics aspect, the control algorithm is solving the position, orientation and velocity error's boundedness and convergence problem. In general, all errors should be approaching to equilibrium states. According to real robot model, the controller performance includes following aspects: i) working against unknown road disturbance, i) considering the saturation problem of position error, iii) computing the nonlinear pa­rameters in robot model. Finally, in order to validate the controller, an experiment system was desined which is based on Matlab software on host computer and Inverted Pendulum Two-Wheeled Robot with Arduino MCU (Microprogrammed Control Unit) and DC (Direct Current) motor as lower computer.

Angiogenesis is triggered in response to hypoxia under many circumstances, from healthy cells and tissues during embryogenesis to pathological conditions like the formation of new blood vessels to supply tumours and promote invasive cancer. Siah2 has been shown to regulate the hypoxia pathway upstream of hypoxia-induced transcription factor subunit Hif-1alpha, and therefore may play an important role in angiogenesis in response to hypoxic stress in endothelial cells. This study aims to investigate the basic function of Siah2 in endothelial cells under hypoxia and to test the ability of Siah2 deficient cells to mount an angiogenic response when deprived of oxygen. We and others have previously shown that Siah2 is crucial for mediating the hypoxic response in many different cell types studied. In this study however, we describe that Siah2(-/-) endothelial cells have an intact hypoxic signalling pathway, including Hif-1alpha stabilisation and gene expression, the first report of a tissue or cell lineage in which the loss of Siah2 does not seem to impact hypoxic response signalling. In mice, the infiltration of Siah2(-/-) endothelial cells into a Matrigel plug containing a VEGF-A attractant was similar compared with wildtype endothelial cells. Ex vivo however, there was a reduced capacity of Siah2(-/-) aorta to form tubes or new vessels. Thus, we conclude that Siah2 is not essential for the hypoxic response of endothelial cells.

The principal objective of this review paper is to review the current state of understanding in the formation, classification and stability of crude oil emulsification. In the oil and gas industry, emulsions formation in the pipeline is unwanted as emulsions will have negative effects or problems to the field. The presence of emulsions in the crude oil will reduce the quality of the crude itself, increase the operating cost due to emulsions separation as well as cause of corrosion to the transport system and will contaminate catalyst used for the refining process. Since emulsions bring numerous disadvantages to the oil and gas industry, it is important to review on the formation of emulsions so that the research gaps in the emulsification field can be discovered and hence the preventive measures can be investigated or introduced. This review paper is focused on water-in-crude oil emulsion only because water-in-oil emulsion is regularly occurring in the oil and gas industries.

Extracellular vesicles represent a rich source of novel biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of disease. However, there is currently limited information elucidating the most efficient methods for obtaining high yields of pure exosomes, a subset of extracellular vesicles, from cell culture supernatant and complex biological fluids such as plasma. To this end, we comprehensively characterize a variety of exosome isolation protocols for their efficiency, yield and purity of isolated exosomes. Repeated ultracentrifugation steps can reduce the quality of exosome preparations leading to lower exosome yield. We show that concentration of cell culture conditioned media using ultrafiltration devices results in increased vesicle isolation when compared to traditional ultracentrifugation protocols. However, our data on using conditioned media isolated from the Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) SK-MES-1 cell line demonstrates that the choice of concentrating device can greatly impact the yield of isolated exosomes. We find that centrifuge-based concentrating methods are more appropriate than pressure-driven concentrating devices and allow the rapid isolation of exosomes from both NSCLC cell culture conditioned media and complex biological fluids. In fact to date, no protocol detailing exosome isolation utilizing current commercial methods from both cells and patient samples has been described. Utilizing tunable resistive pulse sensing and protein analysis, we provide a comparative analysis of 4 exosome isolation techniques, indicating their efficacy and preparation purity. Our results demonstrate that current precipitation protocols for the isolation of exosomes from cell culture conditioned media and plasma provide the least pure preparations of exosomes, whereas size exclusion isolation is comparable to density gradient purification of exosomes. We have identified current shortcomings in common extracellular vesicle isolation methods and provide a potential standardized method that is effective, reproducible and can be utilized for various starting materials. We believe this method will have extensive application in the growing field of extracellular vesicle research.Keywords: exosomes; cancer; plasma; cell culture; isolation; purification(Published: 17 July 2015)

Barrier-free facility is very important for handicapped daily life. Nevertheless, a good wheelchair design is helpfully supporting them. Unfortunately, sitting posture made handicapped perplexing, because the pressure ulcer problem occurs in their lower portion of body by traditional wheelchair. Since the major of the elders and the mobility patients are lower portion of body muscle or joint problems generated the travel inconvenience, therefore, it is necessary to design and study an innovative wheelchair that can aid the elders with mobility disability daily travelling a convenient transportation with multifunctional, easy-control method and superior user experience contributing to their lives. This investigation is going to discuss the possibility and feasibility of the smart wheelchair by Human Factors Engineering Technology to provide a comfortable and safety circumstance to the users, which can reduce the pressure ulcer problem by changing sitting posture with muscle signal control (EMG) and brain wave control (EEG).

This study aims to develop a system to instantly detect traffic condition by using computer vision with RFID technology for obtaining vehicles data. The system detects the presence of vehicles and also calculates the detected objects. The method of background subtraction on motion objects detection is proposed. By taking samples from the objects, background models are being set and extracting foreground areas from background subtraction and reducing the shadow in the foreground. A threshold method is presented to divide standard to the image and improve the detection effect. The experiment results indicate that the performance of the background subtraction method is more stable on dynamic objects detection. This advanced method can contribute the smart traffic control and analysis for smart city development.

This paper proposed a trajectory tracking guidance that controls the horizontal positions of the quadrotor to track the desired trajectory by forcing the direction of velocity converge to a reference line pointing to the trajectories, and remains the magnitude of the velocities constant at desired value. The tracking response can be adjusted for different quadrotor dynamics. A nonlinear dynamic model is presented as two subsystems. The roll and pitch angles are stabilized during velocities tracking. Based on this design, a backstepping controller is derived to approach the desired velocities, vertical position and yaw angle and guaranteed by the Lyapunov theory. Simulations are carried out and show the good performance of trajectory tracking abilities and feasibility of the whole guidance system with controller.

Emulsion formation is unavoidable and can be detrimental to an oil field production. The presence of stable emulsions also reduces the quality of crude oil and causes more problems in the downstream refinery operations, such as corrosion and pipeline pressure drop. Hence, it is important to know the effects of emulsions in the pipeline. Light crude oil was used for the continuous phase in the W/O emulsions where the emulsions pass through a flow loop to test the pressure drop across the pipeline. The results obtained shows that pressure drop increases as water cut is increased until it peaks at the phase inversion of the W/O emulsion between 30% to 40% water cut. Emulsions produced by gradual constrictions show a lower stability as compared to sudden constrictions. Lower stability of emulsions in gradual constriction has the higher influence of pressure drop compared to a sudden sharp decrease in diameter in sudden constriction. Generally, sudden constriction experiences pressure drop of 0.013% to 0.067% higher than gradual constriction of the same ratio. Lower constriction ratio cases cause larger pressure drop ranging from 0.061% to 0.241%. Considering the higher profitability in lower emulsion stability and lower pressure drop at the developed flow region of different constrictions, an optimum design of constriction is found to be gradual constriction with a ratio of 0.5., {"references":["Duan, L., Jing, J.Q., Wang, J.Z., Huang, X.F., Qin, X.G., Qiu, Y.J., Study On Phase Inversion Characteristics of Heavy Oil Emulsions, 2010. International Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers. 83-84.","Plasencia, J., Pettersen, B., & Nydal, O. J. Pipe flow of water-in-crude oil emulsions: Effective viscosity, inversion point and droplet size distribution, 2013. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 101, 35-43.","Wong S.F., Law M.C., Samyadia Y., Dol S.S., 2015, Rheology study of water-in-crude oil emulsions, Chemical Engineering Transactions, 45, 1411-1416","Omer, A. A., Pipeline Flow Behavior of Water-in-Oil Emulsions, 2009. University of Waterloo.","Martínez-Palou, R., Reyes, J., Cerón-Camacho, R., Ramírez-de-Santiago, M., Villanueva, D., Vallejo, A. A., & Aburto, J., Study of the formation and breaking of extra-heavy-crude-oil-in-water emulsions—A proposed strategy for transporting extra heavy crude oils, 2015. Chemical Engineering and Processing: Process Intensification, 98, 112-122.","Lim, J.S., Wong, S.F., Law, M.C., Samyudia, Y. & Dol, S.S. A Review on the Effects of Emulsions on Flow Behaviours and Common Factors Affecting the Stability of Emulsions, 2015. Journal of Applied Sciences, 15(2).","Wong, S.F., Law, M.C., Samyudia, Y. & Dol, S.S. Rheology Study of Water-in-Crude Oil Emulsions, 2015. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING TRANSACTIONS, Vol. 45.","Elobeid, M. O., Alhems, L. M., Al-Sarkhi, A., Ahmad, A., Shaahid, S. M., Basha, M., Ejim, C. E. Effect of inclination and water cut on venturi pressure drop measurements for oil-water flow experiments, 2016. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering.","Mukhaimer, A., Al-Sarkhi, A., Nakla., E., M., A., & W. H., A.-H. L.. Pressure drop and flow pattern of oil–water flow for low viscosity oils: Role of mixture viscosity, 2015. International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 73, 90-96.\n[10]\tAl-Yaari, M., Al-Sarkhi, A., Hussein, I., Abbad, M., Chang, F., & Abu-Sharkh, B. Pressure Drop Reduction of Stable Water-in-Oil Emulsion Flow: Role of Water Fraction and Pipe Diameter, 2013. \n[11]\tSumner, R. J., Hill, K. B., & Shook, C. A. (1998). Pipeline Flow of Heavy Crude Oil Emulsions. doi: 10.2118/98-01-08\n[12]\tWael H., A., Y. Ching, C., & Mamdouh, S. (2006). Pressure recovery of two-phase flow across sudden expansions. International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 33, 19. \n[13]\tGafonova, O. V., & Yarranton, H. W. (2001). The Stabilization of Water-in-Hydrocarbon Emulsions by Asphaltenes and Resins. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 241(2), 469-478. \n[14]\tHwang, C. J., & Pal, R. (1997). Flow of two-phase oil/water mixtures through sudden expansions and contractions. Chemical Engineering Journal, 68(2), 157-163. \n[15]\tBalakhrisna, T., Ghosh, S., Das, G., & Das, P. K. (2010). Oil–water flows through sudden contraction and expansion in a horizontal pipe – Phase distribution and pressure drop. International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 36(1), 13-24.\n[16]\tDavies, J. T. (1985). Drop sizes of emulsions related to turbulent energy dissipation rates. Chemical Engineering Science, 40(5), 839-842.\n[17]\tKourakos, V. G., Rambaud, P., Chabane, S., Pierrat, D., & J.M., B. (2009). Two-phase Flow Modelling Within Expansion and Contraction Singularities. 63, 17.\n[18]\tDol, S. S., Salek, M. M. & Martinuzzi, R. J., 2014, Effects of Pulsation to the Mean Field and Vortex Development in a Backward-Facing Step Flow. Journal of Fluids Engineering, 136(1).\n[19]\tDol, S. S., Salek, M. M. & Martinuzzi, R. J., 2014, Energy Redistribution Between the Mean and Pulsating Flow Field in a Separated Flow Region. Journal of Fluids Engineering, 136(11)."]}

Although targeted therapies are often effective systemically, they fail to adequately control brain metastases. In preclinical models of breast cancer that faithfully recapitulate the disparate clinical responses in these micro-environments, we observed that brain metastases evade phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibition despite drug accumulation in the brain lesions. In comparison to extracranial disease, we observed increased HER3 expression and phosphorylation in brain lesions. HER3 blockade overcame the resistance of HER2-amplified and/or PIK3CA-mutant breast cancer brain metastases to PI3K inhibitors, resulting in marked tumor growth delay and improvement in mouse survival. These data provide a mechanistic basis for therapeutic resistance in the brain microenvironment and identify translatable treatment strategies for HER2-amplified and/or PIK3CA-mutant breast cancer brain metastases.

The growing number of elder people is a huge problem in Macau, China, especially, the elder people who loss living ability. In medical area, the complicating disease, such as press sore is one of the most dangerous reason to cause disabled people death. Therefore, some relative research projects are still developing. This paper address the problem of driving a smart wheelchair with independent active suspension system to follow a desired path. Based on a practical wheelchair, Krama KM5000.2, the suspension was a nonlinear system. The solution consists of a Lyapunov-based trajectory tracking control law and an active force for correcting vehicle running attitude. When the wheelchair is working, active suspension generates an active force to against vehicle attitude error. In detail, the paper demonstrates how Lyapunov based techniques yield a control structure includes i) active force against vehicle attitude error, i) saturation on position error and iii) nonlinear damping disturbance.

Five-year survival rates have not increased appreciably for patients with primary and metastatic brain tumors. Nearly 17,000 patients die from primary brain tumors, whereas approximately 200,000 cases are diagnosed with brain metastasis every year in the US alone. At the same time, with improved control of systemic disease, the incidence of brain metastasis is increasing. Thus, novel approaches for improving the treatment outcome for these uniformly fatal diseases are needed urgently. In the review, we summarize the challenges in the treatment of these diseases using antiangiogenic therapies alone or in combination with radio-, chemo- and immuno-therapies. We also discuss the emerging strategies to improve the treatment outcome using both pharmacological approaches to normalize the tumor microenvironment and physical approaches (e.g., focused ultrasound) to modulate the blood-tumor-barrier, along with limitations of each approach. Finally, we offer some new avenues of future research.

Purpose To evaluate the correlation between different fusional convergence parameters and the Newcastle Control Score (NCS) in children with intermittent exotropia. Methods In this consecutive prospective observational series, 101 Chinese children with intermittent exotropia were examined by a single observer, who assessed the level of control using the revised NCS and measured the angle of deviation and fusional convergence. Levels of control were defined according to the NCS as good (0-3), moderate (4-6), or poor (7-9). The correlation between the different fusional convergence parameters and the NCS was evaluated. Results The total convergence amplitude was similar among the different control groups ( P = 0.288 and P = 0.628 at near and at distance, respectively). The convergence reserve was higher in the good control group compared with the moderate and poor control groups, both at near ( P = 0.001) and at distance ( P = 0.001). Among all fusional convergence parameters, we determined that the fusional reserve ratio had strongest correlation with control (near ratio: r = −0.66, P = 0.001; distant ratio: r = −0.59, P = 0.001). Among patients with a fusional reserve ratio ≥2 at distance, 100% (5 of 5 patients) of these patients demonstrated good control (NCS ≤ 3). Conclusions In children with intermittent exotropia, the total convergence amplitude was similar among different levels of control. The convergence reserve was lower in the poor control group. Fusional reserve ratio ≥2 was an indicator of good control in patients.

Purpose: To determine the preoperative factors affecting the efficacy in bilateral lateral rectus recession surgery for infantile exotropia. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 50 patients with infantile exotropia who had bilateral lateral rectus recession surgery correction with more than 1 year of follow-up. Preoperative parameters influencing the response of the surgery were obtained and evaluated using multiple regression analysis including age at onset, age at surgery, interval between onset and surgery, preoperative deviation, refractive error, anisometropia, amount of surgery performed, presence of A- or V-pattern, and preoperative phase of exotropia. The response to surgery was defined as the change in deviation divided by the amount of the surgery. Results: Thirty-two (64%) and 24 (48%) patients had successful outcome at 6 weeks and 1 year postoperatively, respectively. The mean response to surgery was 1.79 ± 0.63 prism diopters (PD)/mm recession at 6 weeks and 1.58 ± 0.75 PD/mm recession at 1 year postoperatively. Exotropic drift was 5.12 ± 7.27 PD at 6 weeks and 8.02 ± 6.81 PD at 1 year postoperatively. Pre-operative deviation was correlated with the response of surgery at 6 weeks (β = 0.342, P = .020) and 1 year (β = 0.391, P = .007) postoperatively. Conclusions: Surgical response decreases over time due to the exotropic drift. Larger preoperative distance deviation was associated with larger surgical response. Both the exotropic drift and the preoperative deviation should be considered in applying the surgical dose in infantile exotropia. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2013;50(4):245–250.]

Siah ubiquitin ligases play important roles in a number of signaling pathways involved in the progression and spread of cancer in cell-based models, but their role in tumor progression remains controversial. Siah proteins have been described to be both oncogenic and tumor suppressive in a variety of patient cohort studies and animal cancer models. This review collates the current knowledge of Siah in cancer progression and identifies potential methods of translation of these findings into the clinic. Furthermore, key experiments needed to close the gaps in our understanding of the role Siah proteins play in tumor progression are suggested. Cancer Res; 73(8); 2400–6. ©2013 AACR.

With the population ageing, it is a critical factor in the public transportation to erect a physical setting that fosters independent living. However, none of research studies designed a barrier free car seat device for supporting elderly and disabilities ingress or egress the vehicle, as well as sit to stand movement. In this present work, it applied ergonomics concept to design intelligent barrier free car seat device. The device is controlled by mobile application to facilitate them. Moreover, 22 healthy subjects volunteered the effect of standup assistant function experiment. The result indicates this function helps sit-to-stand sequences compared with normal movement.

Automotive designers have been trying to use dimples to reduce drag in vehicles. In this work, a car model has been applied with dimple surface with a parameter called dimple ratio DR, the ratio between the depths of the half dimple over the print diameter of the dimple, has been introduced and numerically simulated via k-ε turbulence model to study the aerodynamics performance with the increasing depth of the dimples The Ahmed body car model with 25 degree slant angle is simulated with the DR of 0.05, 0.2, 0.3 0.4 and 0.5 at Reynolds number of 176387 based on the frontal area of the car model. The geometry of dimple changes the kinematics and dynamics of flow. Complex interaction between the turbulent fluctuating flow and the mean flow escalates the turbulence quantities. The maximum level of turbulent kinetic energy occurs at DR = 0.4. It can be concluded that the dimples have generated extra turbulence energy at the surface and as a result, the application of dimples manages to reduce the drag coefficient of the car model compared to the model with smooth surface., {"references":["D. Srivastav, Flow control over airfoils using different shaped dimples, International Conference on Fluid Dynamics and Thermodynamics Technologies, (2012) 92–97, Singapore: IACSIT Press.","L.-m Tian, L.-q Ren, Q.-p Liu, Z.-w Han, X, Jiang, The mechanism of drag reduction around bodies of revolution using bionic non-smooth surfaces, Journal of Bionic Engineering, (2007) 109-116.","Dol, S.S., Azimov, U. & Martinuzzi, R.J.M. (2012). Statistical description in the turbulent near wake of rotating circular cylinder. World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology 72, 505 – 509.","L. Hermann, B. Michael, K. Cagatay, Drag Reduction by dimples? A Complementary Experimental/Numerical Investigation, International Journal of Heat and Fluid Flow, 29(3), (2008) 783-791.","S.R. Ahmed, G. Ramm, G. Faltin, Some salient features of the times-averaged ground vehicle wake, SAE Society of Automotive Eng., Inc, 1(840300) (1984) 1–31.","C.K. Chear, S.S. Dol, Vehicle Aerodynamics: Drag Reduction by Surface Dimples? International Journal of Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial and Mechatronics Engineering 9(1) (2015), 202-205."]}

Background We previously reported that prior nasal administration of highly attenuated Bordetella pertussis BPZE1 provides effective and sustained protection against lethal challenge with influenza A viruses. The protective effect was mediated by suppressing the production of major pro-inflammatory mediators. To further explore the anti-inflammatory properties of BPZE1, we investigated the effect of BPZE1 nasal pretreatment on two mouse models of allergic disease, allergic airway inflammation, and contact hypersensitivity (CHS). Methods Allergic reactions were induced in mice nasally pretreated with live attenuated BPZE1 bacteria using the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic airway inflammation and dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced CHS models. Results Prior BPZE1 nasal treatment suppressed OVA-induced lung inflammation and inflammatory cell recruitment and significantly reduced IgE levels and cytokine production. Similarly, BPZE1 nasal pretreatment markedly inhibited ear swelling, skin inflammation, and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the DNCB-induced CHS model. For both models, we showed that BPZE1 pretreatment does not affect the sensitization phase. Upon challenge, BPZE1 pretreatment selectively reduced the level of cytokines whose production is increased and did not affect the basal level of other cytokines. Together, our observations suggest that BPZE1 pretreatment specifically targets those cytokine-producing effector cells that are recruited and involved in the inflammatory reaction. Conclusion Our study demonstrates the broad anti-inflammatory properties of the attenuated B. pertussis BPZE1 vaccine candidate and supports its development as a promising agent to prevent and/or treat allergic diseases.

The purpose of this research was to assess the ability of ductus venosus (DV) Doppler velocimetry to predict adverse perinatal outcome in pregnancies complicated by pre-existing diabetes mellitus.This was a prospective study conducted at a tertiary referral obstetric facility in Brisbane, Australia. The study group included women with pregestational diabetes mellitus who delivered in the hospital between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 2006. The DV Doppler index was defined as abnormal if the DV peak velocity index for veins (PVIV) was equal to or greater than the 95(th) percentile for gestation. Adverse perinatal outcome included one or more of the following criteria: small-for-gestational-age infant; Cesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status; fetal acidemia at delivery; a 1-min Apgar score ofor= 3; a 5-min Apgar score of7; hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy; and stillbirth or neonatal death. The maternal characteristics and perinatal outcomes of pregnancies with normal or abnormal DV Doppler indices were compared.Eighty-two pregestational diabetic pregnancies were studied and an abnormal DV-PVIV was identified in 25 (30.5%). Adverse perinatal outcome was identified in eight of 25 (32.0%) pregnancies with an abnormal DV-PVIV compared to seven of 57 (12.3%) pregnancies with a normal DV-PVIV (P0.05). The sensitivity of the DV-PVIV in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes in pregestational diabetic pregnancies was 53.3%, the specificity was 74.6%, the positive predictive value was 32.0% and the negative predictive value was 87.7%.It may be useful to include DV-PVIV in the antenatal screening of pregnancies complicated by pregestational diabetes.

Objective This study was carried out to evaluate the perinatal outcomes of pregnancy with pregestational diabetes mellitus complicated by polyhydramnios. Methods This was a retrospective study of singleton pregnancies, with an antepartum diagnosis of polyhydramnios, seen at the maternal fetal medicine department of Mater Mothers’ Hospital, a tertiary-level facility. All pregnancies in women with pregestational diabetes with a singleton pregnancy beyond 24 weeks of gestation, from 1996 to 2006, were reviewed (n = 314), and pregnancies complicated by polyhydramnios were identified (n = 59). Pregnancy outcomes of women whose pregnancy was complicated with polyhydramnios were compared to those without this complication. Results The incidence of polyhydramnios in the study population was 18.8%. Women with polyhydramnios had increased hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels throughout the pregnancy, and the difference was significant during the prepregnancy period and in the third trimester (P = 0.003 and P = 0.025, respectively). Significantly more mothers in the polyhydramnios group delivered preterm (54.2% vs. 33.3%, P = 0.004), the majority of which were iatrogenic preterm deliveries (44.1%). More pregnancies with polyhydramnios were delivered by Cesarean section (83.0% vs. 62%; P = 0.006), with the majority being performed electively in both groups (79.6% and 70.3%, respectively). Regardless, there were no significant differences in perinatal mortality rates, congenital abnormality rates, the incidences of low Apgar score, acidemia, hypoglycemia requiring intravenous therapy, phototherapy and ventilatory needs between the babies of the two groups. Conclusion Pregestational diabetic pregnancy with polyhydramnios is associated with poor diabetic control. Despite this, there is no significant increase in adverse perinatal outcome in these pregnancies, apart from a higher iatrogenic preterm birth rate. Copyright  2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of immature myeloid progenitor cells that are expanded in cancer and act as potent suppressors of the anti-tumor immune response. MDSCs consist of two major subsets, namely monocytic (M-) MDSCs and granulocytic (G-) MDSCs that differ with respect to their phenotype, morphology and mechanisms of suppression. Here, we cultured bone marrow cells with IL-6 and GM-CSF in vitro to generate a population of bone marrow MDSCs (BM-MDSCs) similar to G-MDSCs from tumor-bearing mice in regards to phenotype, morphology and suppressive-function. Through fluorescent labeling of these BM-MDSCs and optical imaging, we could visualize the recruitment and localization of BM-MDSCs in breast tumor-bearing mice in vivo. Furthermore, we were able to demonstrate that BM-MDSCs home to primary and metastatic breast tumors, but have no significant effect on tumor growth or progression. Ex vivo flow cytometry characterization of BM-MDSCs after adoptive transfer demonstrated both organ-and tumor-specific effects on their phenotype and differentiation, demonstrating the importance of the local microenvironment on MDSC fate and function. In this study, we have developed a method to generate, visualize and detect BM-MDSCs in vivo and ex vivo through optical imaging and flow cytometry, in order to understand the organ-specific changes rendered to MDSCs in breast cancer.

The parallel epidemics of obesity and Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are progressing rapidly in Australia. The high prevalence of obesity and sedentary lifestyle in the population, compounded by later child bearing, has led to an increase in the prevalence of T2DM pre-dating pregnancy. In some centers, pregnant women with T2DM now outnumber those with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). Although there is controversy as to whether T2DM is associated with worse outcomes than T1DM in pregnancy, modern reports clearly acknowledge the seriousness of this condition. There is a clear association between obesity and adverse pregnancy outcomes (cesarean section, gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, birth defects and prematurity). Aside from obesity and the metabolic syndrome, additional factors may contribute to these adverse outcomes: A lack of preconception planning, a failure to achieve tight glycaemic control early in pregnancy and socio-economic disadvantage. It's likely that obesity and diabetes have compounding effects on pregnancy outcomes. In this review, we evaluate both the underlying pathogenesis of T2DM and obesity in the pregnancy context and the adverse clinical maternal and perinatal outcomes described in pregnancies complicated by maternal T2DM and obesity. We highlight the need for a comprehensive strategy to improve clinical outcomes in these pregnancies.

Objective To compare the effectiveness of a nuchal scan at 10 to 14 + 6 weeks and a detailed morphology scan at 12 to 14 + 6 weeks in screening for fetal structural abnormalities. Methods From March 2001 to November 2004, 8811 pregnant women were randomized into either the control group (10 to 14 + 6-week nuchal scan followed by routine 16–23-week scan) or the study group (10 to 14 + 6-week nuchal scan and 12 to 14 + 6–week detailed scan followed by routine 16–23-week scan). Results We analyzed 7642 cases of singleton pregnancies with viable fetuses at first-trimester ultrasound examination and with known pregnancy outcome. In the control group, the detection rate of structural abnormalities in the first trimester was 32.8% (21/64; 95% CI, 21.6–45.7%) and the overall detection rate was 64.1% (41/64; 95% CI, 51.1–75.7%). In the study group, the detection rate in the first trimester was 47.6% (30/63; 95% CI, 34.9–60.6) and the overall detection rate was 66.7% (42/63; 95% CI, 53.7–78.0%). The overall detection rate in the control group did not differ significantly from that in the study group (P > 0.05). Conclusions When the nuchal scan is offered, a basic anatomical survey can be done in conjunction with nuchal translucency thickness measurement. A detailed ultrasound examination at this early gestational age may not be superior to the nuchal scan in screening for fetal abnormalities in the low-risk population. Though a wide range of abnormalities can be detected at 10 to 14 + 6 weeks, the routine 16–23-week scan cannot be abandoned. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

In order to alleviate a flooding problem of the upper catchment area, it was proposed to construct a drainage channel across the fishponds of Inner Deep Bay which were considered as having high ecological value particularly for wetland birds. The potential loss of 34.6 ha of fishponds, which would be converted into the footprint of the drainage channel, was the major controversial issue of the environmental impact assessment study of the project even though an environmentally friendly design of the channel was proposed as a mitigation measure. Construction works were commenced in 1993 and completed in 1997. Post-construction monitoring of the drainage channel was conducted in 2001 and 2002 and its utilization by wetland birds was reported. The results indicated that the drainage channel with the unlined earth bottom and mangrove plantation provided a favorable habitat for wetland birds especially Ardeids and wintering ducks during low-tide periods. As the channel was connected to the estuary, its ecological function was similar to that of a tidal creek which promoted natural flushing and nutrient recycling. The exposed mudflat during low tide provided an important foraging habitat for wetland birds of the Inner Deep Bay area. The construction of the environmentally friendly drainage channel not only enhanced habitat diversity but also enriched the landscape element of the study area which used to be only fishponds in a homogeneous setting.

Allergens of Dermatophagoides and Blomia species are well-characterized but not for other species. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of allergic sensitization to house dust (HDM) and storage mites (SM). One hundred adult subjects (aged ≥ 18) were recruited. The mite specific IgE of all allergic subjects were higher compared with healthy subjetcs despite being not statistically significant except for D. farinae and G. malaysiensis. The mean serum IgE levels against HDM and SM for allergic subjects were significantly higher compared with those in healthy subjects. They were mainly sensitized to Dermatophagoides farinae (35%) and Glycycometus malaysiensis (37%). Immunoblots revealed not all allergic subjects showed positive immuno-reactivity against the mites tested. Single or multiple bands were observed for different species. The subjects were commonly sensitized to Group 2 (9-12 kDa), 10 (38 kDa) and 18 (40-48 kDa) allergens. Twenty-one out of 60 allergic subjects were sensitized to either one or more species. The majority of them (71%) were sensitized to single species. The allergic subjects were mainly sensitized to D. pteronyssinus, followed by Tyrophagus putrecentiae and Aleuroglyphus ovatus. Seven were solely sensitized to HDM while 10 were solely sensitized to SM. Four subjects were sensitized to both. Pre-adsorption study revealed no cross-reactivity. There was difference between the prevalence and reactivity to allergens of HDM and SM in these subjects. Both ELISA and immunoblot did not correlate well but can complement each other in improving the detection of mite allergens to the species level.