Passenger vehicle interior decontamination by low concentration hydrogen peroxide vapor following a wide area biological contamination incident.

AIMS: To assess low concentration hydrogen peroxide (LCHP) (H2O2) vapor dispersed with a home humidifier for its ability to decontaminate vehicle interiors contaminated with Bacillus anthracis surrogate Bacillus atrophaeus spores. METHODS AND RESULTS: Efficacy of a vaporized 3% H2O2 solution was evaluated for liquid volumes, on/off vehicle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system operations, and temperatures that ranged from 5 to 27°C. Survival of the spores was assessed by quantification of remaining viable spores with efficacy quantified in terms of mean log10 reduction. Decontamination efficacy after the 6-day dwell time increased when the 3% H2O2 liquid volume was doubled, increasing from 4-of-10 to 10-of-10 nondetects (zero colonies counted using standard dilution and filter plating) inside the vehicle cabin. Recirculating cabin air through the HVAC system during decontamination decreased efficacy to 6-of-10 non-detects. While no 6-log10 reduction in viable spores was observed on the cabin filter with the cabin filter kept in place, a 6-log10 reduction was achieved after its removal and placement in the cabin during treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study allow for informed decisions on the use of LCHP vapor as an effective decontamination approach for vehicle interiors.

Objective Assessment of Perioperative Anxiety using Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy in Elderly Patients: A Prospective Randomized Observational Pilot Study.

Background: Assessing and managing patient anxiety is essential to reduce postoperative complications in elderly patients. However, monitoring patient anxiety objectively is impossible. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the level of fNIRS signals and anxiety in patients aged 65 and older undergoing artificial joint replacement surgery. Material and Methods: Sixty patients aged ≥65 years scheduled for elective total knee arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia were included. To differentiate the degree of anxiety, the patients were randomly divided into three groups, each consisting of 20 patients (group 1: administered normal saline as a placebo; groups 2 and 3: administered dexmedetomidine at a rate of 0.2 and 0.5 µg/kg/h, respectively, for 10 min). Functional near-infrared spectroscopy was measured continuously for 10 min in each session (session 1: pre-anesthetic period; session 2: immediately after the spinal anesthesia period; session 3: normal saline or dexmedetomidine receiving period) in all patients. Vital signs were measured thrice at 5-min intervals during each session. State-Trait Anxiety Inventory -S (STAI-S) and Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS) scores were assessed at the end of each session. Results: The STAI-S score was significantly correlated with power of bandwidth (p = 0.034). In addition, the RSS score was significantly correlated with BW 1, 2, and 3 (p = 0.010, p < 0.001, and p = 0.003, respectively). Conclusion: The STAI-S score and BW 3 were significantly correlated, suggesting that fNIRS might help objectively and directly monitor anxiety levels.

Sampling and recovery of infectious SARS-CoV-2 from high-touch surfaces by sponge stick and macrofoam swab.

Effective sampling for severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a common approach for monitoring disinfection efficacy and effective environmental surveillance. This study evaluated sampling efficiency and limits of detection (LODs) of macrofoam swab and sponge stick sampling methods for recovering infectious SARS-CoV-2 and viral RNA (vRNA) from surfaces. Macrofoam swab and sponge stick methods were evaluated for collection of SARS-CoV-2 suspended in a soil load from 6-in2 coupons composed of four materials: stainless steel (SS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, bus seat fabric, and Formica. Recovery of infectious SARS-CoV-2 was more efficient than vRNA recovery on all materials except Formica (macrofoam swab sampling) and ABS (sponge stick sampling). Macrofoam swab sampling recovered significantly more vRNA from Formica than ABS and SS, and sponge stick sampling recovered significantly more vRNA from ABS than Formica and SS, suggesting that material and sampling method choice can affect surveillance results. Time since initial contamination significantly affected infectious virus recovery from all materials, with vRNA recovery showing limited to no difference, suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 vRNA can remain detectable after viral infectivity has dissipated. This study showed that a complex relationship exists between sampling method, material, time from contamination to sampling, and recovery of SARS-CoV-2. In conclusion, data show that careful consideration be used when selecting surface types for sampling and interpreting SARS-CoV-2 vRNA recovery with respect to presence of infectious virus.

Efficacy of chemical disinfectants against SARS-CoV-2 on high-touch surface materials.

AIMS: This study aimed to provide operationally relevant severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) surface disinfection efficacy information. METHODS AND RESULTS: Three EPA-registered disinfectants (Vital Oxide, Peroxide, and Clorox Total 360) and one antimicrobial formulation (CDC bleach) were evaluated against SARS-CoV-2 on material coupons and were tested using Spray (no touch with contact time) and Spray & Wipe (wipe immediately post-application) methods immediately and 2 h post-contamination. Efficacy was evaluated for infectious virus, with a subset tested for viral RNA (vRNA) recovery. Efficacy varied by method, disinfectant, and material. CDC bleach solution showed low efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 (log reduction < 1.7), unless applied via Spray & Wipe. Additionally, mechanical wiping increased the efficacy of treatments against SARS-CoV-2. The recovery of vRNA post-disinfection suggested that vRNA may overestimate infectious virus remaining. CONCLUSIONS: Efficacy depends on surface material, chemical, and disinfection procedure, and suggests that mechanical wiping alone has some efficacy at removing SARS-CoV-2 from surfaces. We observed that disinfectant treatment biased the recovery of vRNA over infectious virus. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: These data are useful for developing effective, real-world disinfection procedures, and inform public health experts on the utility of PCR-based surveillance approaches.

Residual antimicrobial coating efficacy against SARS-CoV-2.

AIMS: This study evaluated the residual efficacy of commercially available antimicrobial coatings or films against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on non-porous surfaces. METHODS AND RESULTS: Products were applied to stainless steel or ABS plastic coupons and dried overnight. Coupons were inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 in the presence of 5% soil load. Recovered infectious SARS-CoV-2 was quantified by TCID50 assay. Tested product efficacies ranged from <1.0 to >3.0 log10 reduction at a 2-h contact time. The log10 reduction in recovered infectious SARS-CoV-2 ranged from 0.44 to 3 log10 reduction on stainless steel and 0.25 to >1.67 log10 on ABS plastic. The most effective products tested contained varying concentrations (0.5%-1.3%) of the same active ingredient: 3-(trihydroxysilyl) propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride. Products formulated with other quaternary ammonium compounds were less effective against SARS-CoV-2 in this test. CONCLUSIONS: The residual antimicrobial products tested showed varied effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 as a function of product tested. Several products were identified as efficacious against SARS-CoV-2 on both stainless steel and ABS plastic surfaces under the conditions evaluated. Differences in observed efficacy may be due to variation in active ingredient formulation; efficacy is, therefore, difficult to predict based upon listed active ingredient and its concentration. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT: This study highlights the formulation-specific efficacy of several products against SARS-CoV-2 and may inform future development of residual antiviral products for use on non-porous surfaces. The identification of antimicrobial coatings or films showing promise to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 suggests that these products may be worth future testing and consideration.

Efficacy of detergent-based cleaning methods against coronavirus MHV-A59 on porous and non-porous surfaces.

This study evaluated the efficacy of detergent-based surface cleaning methods against Murine Hepatitis Virus A59 (MHV) as a surrogate coronavirus for SARS-CoV-2. MHV (5% soil load in culture medium or simulated saliva) was inoculated onto four different high-touch materials [stainless steel (SS), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene plastic (ABS), Formica, seat fabric (SF)]. Immediately and 2-hr post-inoculation, coupons were cleaned (damp wipe wiping) with and without pretreatment with detergent solution or 375 ppm hard water. Results identified that physical removal (no pretreatment) removed >2.3 log10 MHV on ABS, SS, and Formica when surfaces were cleaned immediately. Pretreatment with detergent or hard water increased effectiveness over wet wiping 2-hr post-inoculation; pretreatment with detergent significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05) removal of MHV in simulated saliva, but not in culture media, over hard water pretreatment (Formica and ABS). Detergent and hard water cleaning methods were ineffective on SF under all conditions. Overall, efficacy of cleaning methods against coronaviruses are material- and matrix-dependent; pre-wetting surfaces with detergent solutions increased efficacy against coronavirus suspended in simulated saliva. This study provides data highlighting the importance of incorporating a pre-wetting step prior to detergent cleaning and can inform cleaning strategies to reducing coronavirus surface transmission.

Rainfall Washoff of Spores From Concrete and Asphalt Surfaces.

After a biological terrorist attack, understanding the migration of agents such as Bacillus anthracis is critical due to their deadly nature. This is important in urban settings with higher likelihood of human exposure and a large fraction of impervious materials contributing to pollutant washoff. The study goals were to understand the removal of spores from urban surfaces under different rainfall conditions, to compare washoff of two B. anthracis surrogate spores, and to compare two empirical fits for the first flush of spores from small areas. Concrete and asphalt were inoculated with either Bacillus atrophaeus or Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki spores and exposed to simulated rainfall. The study assessed goodness-of-fit for the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM)'s exponential washoff function compared to an alternative two-stage exponential function. The highest average washoff of spores was 15% for an hour-long experiment. Spore washoff was not significantly different for the two spore types, but there were significant differences in washoff from asphalt versus concrete with more occurring from asphalt. Average kinetic energy of the storm event impacted washoff from asphalt, but not concrete. The two-stage function had a better goodness-of-fit than the SWMM exponential function. As such, emergency responders should be aware that the spread of contamination is impacted by the droplet characteristics of the storm event and the surface material type in the contaminated area; modelers should be aware that different data-fitting approaches may be more appropriate for first-flush calculations of small washoff areas than those used for continuous long-term simulation of large subcatchments.

α-Casein Changes Gene Expression Profiles and Promotes Tumorigenesis of Prostate Cancer Cells.

Prostate cancer is among the most prevalent malignancies in men. High intake of dairy products is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. No study has examined the gene profile changes and molecular mechanism by which casein, milk protein, affects prostate cancer cells. In this study, we used gene expression profiling to identify gene changes in PC3 prostate cancer cells exposed to α-casein. α-casein altered the expression of a large number of genes-related prostate cancer, transcription factor, apoptotic, metabolic, and cell cycle pathways, in addition to the expected cell proliferation signaling pathways. To clarify the molecular events involved in the effect of α-casein on proliferation and progression of PC3 cells, we examined cell proliferation assay, quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining. α-casein promoted PC3 cell proliferation and survival under serum-free conditions by increasing the expression of E2F1 and its target gene PCNA. α-casein also protected PC3 cells from serum-starved autophagic cell death by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway through activation of mTORC1, up-regulation of p70S6K, and down-regulation of LC3 autophagosome formation. Our data provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the tumorigenic effect of α-casein in prostate cancer cells.

Impact of sporicidal fumigation with methyl bromide or methyl iodide on electronic equipment.

The effect of sporicidal fumigation with methyl bromide or methyl iodide on the functionality of valuable electronic equipment was evaluated using desktop computers as surrogates under target conditions of 200-250 mg/L fumigant for 48 h at 24-30 °C and 75-85% RH. Methyl iodide fumigation damaged light-emitting diodes and optical films in computer displays that were powered-on during fumigation. After five months of post-fumigation operation, five out of six methyl-bromide-fumigated and all six methyl-iodide-fumigated DVD ±â€¯RW optical drives failed. Deterioration of rubber spacers critical to maintaining correct disc geometry caused the failure. Metal coupons, included to measure corrosion, showed no significant differences in weight gain between control and fumigation conditions. Relative humidity sensors exhibited a substantial and sometimes irreversible reduction in sensitivity during and after methyl iodide fumigation. Methyl bromide and methyl iodide can cause damage to electronic equipment, but damage seems to be limited to organic materials rather than corrosion of metal surfaces.

Pharmacological evaluation of HM41322, a novel SGLT1/2 dual inhibitor, in vitro and in vivo.

HM41322 is a novel oral sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) 1/2 dual inhibitor. In this study, the in vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetic and pharmacologic profiles of HM41322 were compared to those of dapagliflozin. HM41322 showed a 10-fold selectivity for SGLT2 over SGLT1. HM41322 showed an inhibitory effect on SGLT2 similar to dapagliflozin, but showed a more potent inhibitory effect on SGLT1 than dapagliflozin. The maximum plasma HM41322 level after single oral doses at 0.1, 1, and 3 mg/kg were 142, 439, and 1830 ng/ml, respectively, and the T1/2 was 3.1 h. HM41322 was rapidly absorbed and reached the circulation within 15 min. HM41322 maximized urinary glucose excretion by inhibiting both SGLT1 and SGLT2 in the kidney. HM41322 3 mg/kg caused the maximum urinary glucose excretion in normoglycemic mice (19.32±1.16 mg/g) at 24 h. In normal and diabetic mice, HM41322 significantly reduced glucose excursion. Four-week administration of HM41322 in db/db mice reduced HbA1c in a dose dependent manner. Taken together, HM41322 showed a favorable preclinical profile of postprandial glucose control through dual inhibitory activities against SGLT1 and SGLT2.

Microquantitation of Prostate-Speciflc Antigen by Using Antibody-Conjugated Magnetic Microsphere Beads.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a glycoprotein that is secreted by prostate gland epithelial cells, and elevation of PSA level in serum is often observed with prostate cancer or prostate disorders. Therefore, detection of PSA level in patient specimens is used as a diagnostic marker when screening of prostate cancer. In this study, we developed PSA antibody-conjugated microsphere beads that can be used for quantitation of PSA. We optimized the procedure for bead preparation and validated the detection analysis by using LNCaP and DU-145 prostate cancer cell lysates. By applying the procedure, extracellular PSA from culture media of LNCaP cells and standard PSA proteins were quantified to assess whether the antibody-conjugated microsphere bead can be used to detect trace amounts of PSA. The PSA level results obtained by using the antibody-conjugated microsphere beads indicate that the procedure is sensitive and quantitative in analyzing PSA. Taken together, the results suggest that the method is suitable for microquantitation of PSA from patient specimens.

Porphyrobacter algicida sp. nov., an algalytic bacterium isolated from seawater.

A novel Gram-stain-negative, yellow-pigmented, catalase- and oxidase-positive, non-endospore-forming, flagellated bacterium, designated strain Yeonmyeong 2-22T, was isolated from surface seawater of Geoje Island, Republic of Korea. Strain Yeonmyeong 2-22T showed algalytic activity against the seven strains tested: Cochlodinium polykrikoides, Chattonella marina, Heterosigma akashiwo, Scrippsiella trochoidea, Heterocapsa triquetra, Prorocentrum minimum and Skeletonema costatum. A taxonomic study was carried out based on a polyphasic approach to characterize the exact taxonomic position of strain Yeonmyeong 2-22T. The bacterium was able to grow at 10-40 °C, at salinities from 0 to 9 %, at pH from 4.0 to 9.0 and was not able to degrade gelatin or casein. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain Yeonmyeong 2-22T was considered to represent a novel species of the genus Porphyrobacter, which belongs to the family Erythrobacteraceae, and was related most closely to Porphyrobacter dokdonensis DSW-74T with 97.23 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. The dominant cellular fatty acids of strain Yeonmyeong 2-22T were C18 : 1ω7c (49.7 %), C16 : 0 (12.0 %) and 11-methyl C18 : 1ω7c (11.5 %), and ubiquinone-10 (Q-10) was the predominant respiratory lipoquinone. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain Yeonmyeong 2-22T was calculated to be 63.0 mol%. Phenotypic characteristics of the novel strain also differed from other members of the genus Porphyrobacter. On the basis of polyphasic taxonomic data, strain Yeonmyeong 2-22Trepresents as a novel species of the genus Porphyrobacter, for which the name of Porphyrobacter algicida sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Yeonmyeong 2-22T (=KEMB 9005-328T=JCM 31499T).

Lysobacter olei sp. nov., isolated from oil-contaminated soil.

Strain D-14T, a brown-coloured, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterium, was isolated from oil-contaminated soil. It was able to grow at 20-40 °C, at pH 6.0-10.0 and at 0-1 % (w/v) NaCl concentration. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain D-14T belonged to the genus Lysobacter and was closely related to Lysobacter caeni BUT-8T (99.0 % sequence similarity), Lysobacter ruishenii CTN-1T (98.5 %), Lysobacter daejeonensis GH1-9T (98.2 %) and Lysobacter panacisoli CJ29T (97.2 %). The only respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-8. The polar lipid profile revealed the presence of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidyl-N-methyl-ethanolamine. The predominant fatty acids of strain D-14T were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, summed feature 9 (iso-C17 : 1 ω9c and/or C16 : 0 10-methyl), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c), iso-C14 : 0, C11 : 0iso 3-OH, C15 : 1iso F and C16 : 0. The genomic DNA G+C content of this novel strain was 68.7 mol%. The DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain D-14T and L. caeni BUT-8T, L. ruishenii CTN-1T, L. daejeonensis GH1-9T and L. panacisoli CJ29T were 56.0, 46.3, 48.7 and 41.7 %, respectively, which fall below the threshold value of 70 % for the strain to be considered as novel. The morphological, physiological, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analyses clearly distinguished this strain from its closest phylogenetic neighbours. Thus, strain D-14T represents a novel species of the genus Lysobacter, for which the name Lysobacterolei sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is D-14T (=KEMB 9005-572T=KACC 19173T=JCM 31917T).

Pedobacter kyonggii sp. nov., a psychrotolerant bacterium isolated from forest soil.

Strain K-4-11-1T, a psychrotolerant, light salmon-coloured, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterium, was isolated from forest soil of Kyonggi University, Suwon, South Korea. It was able to grow at 0-32 °C, at pH 5.0-10.0 and with 0-1.5 % (w/v) NaCl. This strain was taxonomically characterized by a polyphasic approach. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain K-4-11-1T belongs to the genus Pedobacter and is closely related to Pedobacter ginsenosidimutans THG-45T (98.75 % sequence similarity), Pedobacter borealis G-1T (98.48 %), Pedobacter terrae DS-57T (98.20 %), Pedobacter agri PB92T (97.92 %) and Pedobacter suwonensis 15-52T (97.84 %). The only respiratory quinone was menaquinone-7. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and unidentified glycolipids. The predominant fatty acids of strain K-4-11-1T were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, anteiso-C17 : 0 and summed feature 9 (iso-C17 : 1ω9c and/or C16 : 0 10-methyl). The genomic DNA G+C content of this novel strain was 38.3 mol%. The DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain K-4-11-1T and P. ginsenosidimutans KACC 14530T, P. borealis KACC 14287T, P. terrae KACC 13766T, P. agri KACC 13768T and P. suwonensis KACC 11317T were 40.0, 36.3, 37.0, 32.3 and 29.7 %, respectively. The morphological, physiological, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analyses clearly distinguished this novel strain from its closest phylogenetic neighbours. Thus, strain K-4-11-1T represents a novel species of the genus Pedobacter, for which the name Pedobacter kyonggii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is K-4-11-1T (=KEMB 9005-574T=KACC 19174T=JCM 31916T).

Efficacy and Tolerability of Solifenacin 5 mg Fixed Dose in Korean Children with Newly Diagnosed Idiopathic Overactive Bladder: a Multicenter Prospective Study.

We investigated the efficacy and tolerability of solifenacin 5 mg fixed dose in children with newly diagnosed idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB). A total of 34 children (male/female patients = 16/18) aged under 13 years (mean age: 7.2 ± 2.3; range: 5-12) who were newly diagnosed with OAB from January 2012 to September 2014 were prospectively evaluated with open-label protocol. All patients were treated with solifenacin 5 mg fixed dose once daily for at least 4 weeks. The efficacy and tolerability of solifenacin were evaluated 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the initiation of treatment. The mean voiding frequency during daytime was decreased from 9.4 ± 3.0 to 6.5 ± 2.3 times after the 12-week treatment (P < 0.001). The mean total OAB symptom score (OABSS) decreased from 7.7 ± 4.2 to 3.1 ± 3.1 after the 12-week treatment (P < 0.001). The urgency and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) domains significantly improved from the 12-week treatment, and complete resolution of urgency occurred in 38.9% of patients and the percentage of children with UUI among urgent patients decreased from 79.4% to 57.1%. According to 3-day voiding diaries, the average bladder capacity increased from 90.4 ± 44.4 to 156.2 ± 67.3 mL (P < 0.001). Drug-induced adverse effects (AEs) were reported in 7 patients (20.6%). Our results indicate that solifenacin 5 mg fixed dose is effective against OAB symptoms, and its tolerability is acceptable without significant AEs in children with OAB.

Subjective memory complaints in an elderly population with poor sleep quality.

OBJECTIVES: The association between sleep disturbances and cognitive decline in the elderly has been putative and controversial. We evaluated the relation between subjective sleep quality and cognitive function in the Korean elderly. METHOD: Among 459 community-dwelling subjects, 352 subjects without depression or neurologic disorders (mean age 68.2 ± 6.1) were analyzed in this study. All the participants completed the Korean version of the consortium to establish a registry for Alzheimer's disease neuropsychological battery (CERAD-KN) as an objective cognitive measure and subjective memory complaints questionnaire (SMCQ). Based on the Pittsburgh sleep quality index, two types of sleepers were defined: 'good sleepers' and 'poor sleepers'. RESULTS: There were 192 good sleepers (92 men) and 160 poor sleepers (51 men). Poor sleepers reported more depressive symptoms and more use of sleep medication, and showed higher SMCQ scores than good sleepers, but there was no difference in any assessments of CERAD-KN. In the regression analysis, depressive symptoms and subjective sleep quality were associated with subjective memory complaints (ß = 0.312, p < 0.001; ß = 0.163, p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: In the elderly without depression, poor sleep quality was associated with subjective memory complaints, but not with objective cognitive measures. As subjective memory complaints might develop into cognitive disorders, poor sleep quality in the elderly needs to be adequately controlled.

Biomethane production and microbial community response according to influent concentration of molasses wastewater in a UASB reactor.

This study aimed to investigate the interaction between methane production performance and active microbial community dynamics at different loading rates by increasing influent substrate concentration. The model system was an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor using molasses wastewater. The active microbial community was analyzed using a ribosomal RNA-based approach in order to reflect active members in the UASB system. The methane production rate (MPR) increased with an increase in organic loading rate (OLR) from 3.6 to 5.5 g COD·L(-1)·day(-1) and then it decreased with further OLR addition until 9.7 g COD·L(-1)·day(-1). The UASB reactor achieved a maximum methane production rate of 0.48 L·L(-1)·day(-1) with a chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of 91.2 % at an influent molasses concentration of 16 g COD·L(-1) (OLR of 5.5 g COD·L(-1)·day(-1)). In the archaeal community, Methanosarcina was predominant irrespective of loading rate, and the relative abundance of Methanosaeta increased with loading rate. In the bacterial community, Firmicutes and Eubacteriaceae were relatively abundant in the loading conditions tested. The network analysis between operation parameters and microbial community indicated that MPR was positively associated with most methanogenic archaea, including the relatively abundant Methanosarcina and Methanosaeta, except Methanofollis. The most abundant Methanosarcina was negatively associated with Bifidobacterium and Methanosaeta, whereas Methanosaeta was positively associated with Bifidobacterium.

The Change of Stretched Penile Length and Anthropometric Data in Korean Children Aged 0-14 Years: Comparative Study of Last 25 Years.

There has been a great improvement in height and weight of Korean children owing to economic development over the last 25 years. This study aimed to evaluate the penile length of Korean children today and to compare it with a previous Korean study reported in 1987. The cross-sectional study was conducted with 909 Korean boys aged 0-14 years who had been brought to outpatient clinics of five tertiary hospitals (Busan, Ulsan, and Changwon) between September 2013 and May 2015. The stretched penile length (SPL) was measured and the testicular size was measured using orchidometry (mL). Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the result of our study and the study reported in 1987. SPL of Korean children gradually increased from 4.1 ± 0.8 cm at 0-1 year old to 9.6 ± 3.0 cm at 13-14 years old, the most rapidly during the age of 13. While body weight and testicular size significantly increased from 1987 in most of age groups, there were no significant changes in SPL although there was in some age groups. Height decreased in the infants < 1 year old and increased in the children > 6 years old. With the great economic development over the last quarter century in Korea, height, body weight, and testicular size of children significantly increased but there was no significant change in SPL except penile growth pattern.

HYPERSPECTRAL ANALYSIS FOR STANDOFF DETECTION OF DIMETHYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE ON BUILDING MATERIALS.

Detecting organophosphates in indoor settings can greatly benefit from more efficient and faster methods of surveying large surface areas than conventional approaches, which sample small surface areas followed by extraction and analysis. This study examined a standoff detection technique utilizing hyperspectral imaging for analysis of building materials in near-real time. In this proof-of-concept study, dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) was applied to stainless steel and laminate coupons and spectra were collected during active illumination. Absorbance bands at approximately 1275 cm-1 and 1050 cm-1 were associated with phosphorus-oxygen double bond (P=O) and phosphorus-oxygen-carbon (P-O-C) bond stretches of DMMP, respectively. The magnitude of these bands increased linearly (r2 = 0.93) with DMMP across the full absorbance spectrum, between ν1 = 877 cm-1 to ν2 = 1262 cm-1. Comparisons between bare and contaminated surfaces on stainless steel using the spectral contrast angle technique indicated that the bare samples showed no sign of contamination, with large uniformly distributed contrast angles of 45°-55°, while the contaminated samples had smaller spectral contact angles of < 20° in the contaminated region and > 40° in the uncontaminated region. The laminate contaminated region exhibited contact angles of < 25°. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate that hyperspectral imaging can be used to detect DMMP on building materials, with detection levels similar to concentrations expected for some organophosphate deposition scenarios.