Low dose gamma irradiation does not affect the quality or total ascorbic acid concentration of “sweetheart” passionfruit (passiflora edulis)

Passionfruit (Passiflora edulis, Sims, cultivar “Sweetheart”) were subject to gamma irradiation at levels suitable for phytosanitary purposes (0, 150, 400 and 1000 Gy) then stored at 8 °C and assessed for fruit quality and total ascorbic acid concentration after one and fourteen days. Irradiation at any dose (≤1000 Gy) did not affect passionfruit quality (overall fruit quality, colour, firmness, fruit shrivel, stem condition, weight loss, total soluble solids level (TSS), titratable acidity (TA) level, TSS/TA ratio, juice pH and rot development), nor the total ascorbic acid concentration. The length of time in storage affected some fruit quality parameters and total ascorbic acid concentration, with longer storage periods resulting in lower quality fruit and lower total ascorbic acid concentration, irrespective of irradiation. There was no interaction between irradiation treatment and storage time, indicating that irradiation did not influence the effect of storage on passionfruit quality. The results showed that the application of 150, 400 and 1000 Gy gamma irradiation to “Sweetheart” purple passionfruit did not produce any deleterious effects on fruit quality or total ascorbic acid concentration during cold storage, thus supporting the use of low dose irradiation as a phytosanitary treatment against quarantine pests in purple passionfruit. © 2015 MDPI.Open access retrieved from: https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/4/3/37

Factors Influencing Engagement, Perceived Usefulness and Behavioral Mechanisms Associated with a Text Message Support Program

Introduction Many studies have now demonstrated the efficacy of text messaging in positively changing behaviours. We aimed to identify features and factors that explain the effectiveness of a successful text messaging program in terms of user engagement, perceived usefulness, behavior change and program delivery preferences. Methods Mixed methods qualitative design combining four data sources; (i) analytic data extracted directly from the software system, (ii) participant survey, (iii) focus groups to identify barriers and enablers to implementation and mechanisms of effect and (iv) recruitment screening logs and text message responses to examine engagement. This evaluation was conducted within the TEXT ME trial—a parallel design, single-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 710 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Qualitative data were interpreted using inductive thematic analysis. Results 307/352 (87% response rate) of recruited patients with CHD completed the program evaluation survey at six months and 25 participated in a focus group. Factors increasing engagement included (i) ability to save and share messages, (ii) having the support of providers and family, (iii) a feeling of support through participation in the program, (iv) the program being initiated close to the time of a cardiovascular event, (v) personalization of the messages, (vi) opportunity for initial face-to-face contact with a provider and (vii) that program and content was perceived to be from a credible source. Clear themes relating to program delivery were that diet and physical activity messages were most valued, four messages per week was ideal and most participants felt program duration should be provided for at least for six months or longer. Conclusions This study provides context and insight into the factors influencing consumer engagement with a text message program aimed at improving health-related behavior. The study suggests program components that may enhance potential success but will require integration at the development stage to optimize up-scaling

TRY plant trait database - enhanced coverage and open access

Plant traits-the morphological, anatomical, physiological, biochemical and phenological characteristics of plants-determine how plants respond to environmental factors, affect other trophic levels, and influence ecosystem properties and their benefits and detriments to people. Plant trait data thus represent the basis for a vast area of research spanning from evolutionary biology, community and functional ecology, to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem and landscape management, restoration, biogeography and earth system modelling. Since its foundation in 2007, the TRY database of plant traits has grown continuously. It now provides unprecedented data coverage under an open access data policy and is the main plant trait database used by the research community worldwide. Increasingly, the TRY database also supports new frontiers of trait-based plant research, including the identification of data gaps and the subsequent mobilization or measurement of new data. To support this development, in this article we evaluate the extent of the trait data compiled in TRY and analyse emerging patterns of data coverage and representativeness. Best species coverage is achieved for categorical traits-almost complete coverage for 'plant growth form'. However, most traits relevant for ecology and vegetation modelling are characterized by continuous intraspecific variation and trait-environmental relationships. These traits have to be measured on individual plants in their respective environment. Despite unprecedented data coverage, we observe a humbling lack of completeness and representativeness of these continuous traits in many aspects. We, therefore, conclude that reducing data gaps and biases in the TRY database remains a key challenge and requires a coordinated approach to data mobilization and trait measurements. This can only be achieved in collaboration with other initiatives

TRY plant trait database - enhanced coverage and open access

Plant traits—the morphological, anatomical, physiological, biochemical and phenological characteristics of plants—determine how plants respond to environmental factors, affect other trophic levels, and influence ecosystem properties and their benefits and detriments to people. Plant trait data thus represent the basis for a vast area of research spanning from evolutionary biology, community and functional ecology, to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem and landscape management, restoration, biogeography and earth system modelling. Since its foundation in 2007, the TRY database of plant traits has grown continuously. It now provides unprecedented data coverage under an open access data policy and is the main plant trait database used by the research community worldwide. Increasingly, the TRY database also supports new frontiers of trait‐based plant research, including the identification of data gaps and the subsequent mobilization or measurement of new data. To support this development, in this article we evaluate the extent of the trait data compiled in TRY and analyse emerging patterns of data coverage and representativeness. Best species coverage is achieved for categorical traits—almost complete coverage for ‘plant growth form’. However, most traits relevant for ecology and vegetation modelling are characterized by continuous intraspecific variation and trait–environmental relationships. These traits have to be measured on individual plants in their respective environment. Despite unprecedented data coverage, we observe a humbling lack of completeness and representativeness of these continuous traits in many aspects. We, therefore, conclude that reducing data gaps and biases in the TRY database remains a key challenge and requires a coordinated approach to data mobilization and trait measurements. This can only be achieved in collaboration with other initiatives

Plants in aquatic ecosystems: current trends and future directions

Aquatic plants fulfil a wide range of ecological roles, and make a substantial contribution to the structure, function and service provision of aquatic ecosystems. Given their well-documented importance in aquatic ecosystems, research into aquatic plants continues to blossom. The 14th International Symposium on Aquatic Plants, held in Edinburgh in September 2015, brought together 120 delegates from 28 countries and six continents. This special issue of Hydrobiologia includes a select number of papers on aspects of aquatic plants, covering a wide range of species, systems and issues. In this paper we present an overview of current trends and future directions in aquatic plant research in the early 21st century. Our understanding of aquatic plant biology, the range of scientific issues being addressed and the range of techniques available to researchers have all arguably never been greater; however, substantial challenges exist to the conservation and management of both aquatic plants and the ecosystems in which they are found. The range of countries and continents represented by conference delegates and authors of papers in the special issue illustrate the global relevance of aquatic plant research in the early 21st century but also the many challenges that this burgeoning scientific discipline must address

Influence of surface conditions and silane agent on the bond of resin to IPS Empress 2 ceramic

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different ceramic surface treatments on the tensile bond strength between IPS Empress 2 ceramic framework and Rely X adhesive resin cement, with or without the application of a silane coupling agent. Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty disks were made, embedded in resin, and randomly divided into six groups: group 1 = sandblasting (100 mum), no silanation; group 2 = sandblasting (100 pm), silane treatment; group 3 = sandblasting (50 pm), no silanation; group 4 = sandblasting (50 pm), silane treatment; group 5 = hydrofluoric acid etching, no silanation; and group 6 = hydrofluoric acid etching, silane treatment. The disks were bonded into pairs with adhesive resin cement. All samples were stored in distilled water at 37degreesC for 24 hours and then thermocycled. The samples were submitted to tensile testing. Results: The use of silane improved the bond strength in relation to the groups in which silane was not applied (P < .05). The most effective surface treatment was etching with 10% hydrofluoric acid, both with (25.6 MPa) and without silane application (16.4 MPa); these values showed a statistically significant difference compared to sandblasting with 50- and 100-mum Al(2)O(3). Sandblasting with 50-mum Al(2)O(3), with (11.8 MPa) and without silane (5.4 MPa), demonstrated significantly higher tensile bond strength than sandblasting with 100-pm Al(2)O(3), with (8.3 MPa) and without silane (3.8 MPa). Conclusion: Combined application of 10% hydrofluoric acid and silane enhanced the bond strength between the IPS Empress 2 ceramic framework and resin agent.16327728

The Effect of Surface Treatments on the Micro-shear Bond Strength of a Resin Luting Agent and Four All-ceramic Systems

Objective. The current study evaluated the micro-shear bond strength between a resin luting agent and four strengthened all-ceramic systems under different surface treatments. Methods. Rectangular specimens of IPS Empress 2 (Ivoclar-Vivadent), Cergogold (DeguDent), In Ceram Alumina (Vita) and Cercon (DeguDent) ceramics were fabricated and randomly divided into three groups: 1-no treatment; 2-etched with 9.5% hydrofluoric acid and 3-airborne-particle abraded with 50 gm aluminum oxide particles. The ceramic surfaces of the specimens were coated with a silane agent (Clearfil Porcelain Bond, Kuraray), then bonded with a resin-luting agent (Panavia F, Kuraray). A micro-shear bond test was carried out to measure the bond strength. Moreover, each ceramic surface was observed morphologically by scanning electron microscopy. The results were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey's post-hoc analysis (p<0.05). Results. The bond strength of all ceramic systems evaluated was affected by the surface treatments (p<0.05). The highest values for bond strength of IPS Empress 2 were found when the surface treatment used was hydrofluoric acid etching, followed by airborne particle abrasion treatment. On the other hand, airborne particle abrasion treatment and acid etching were not different for Cergogold and In Ceram Alumina ceramics, but they were higher when compared to the control (p<0.05). The highest bond strength to Cercon was found when it was treated with airborne particle abrasion with aluminum oxide. The SEM photographs showed that the hydrofluoric acid etching treatment affected the surface of IPS Empress 2 and Cergogold; however, Cercon and In Ceram surface morphology were not changed by the hydrofluoric acid etching. The airborne particle abrasion treatment altered the Cercon ceramic morphology but it did not change the other ceramic's surface.344399407University of Uberaba, Uberaba-MG, Brazil [PIBIC 079/2005]University of Uberaba, Uberaba-MG, Brazil [PIBIC 079/2005

In Vitro Marginal Fit of Three All-Ceramic Crown Systems Before and After Cementation

Statement of the Problem: Full-coverage all-ceramic restorations are widely used. The impact of various classifications of luting agent on marginal discrepancies is not well understood. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cervical fit of all ceramic crowns (IPS e.maxPress, Cergogold, and In Ceram) on bovine teeth with two luting agents before and after cementation. Materials and Methods: Ninety bovine incisors were embedded in resin. The coronal portions of the teeth were prepared to receive full-coverage crowns. Thirty crowns of 7.0 +/- 0.5 mm height, 8.0 mm cervical diameter, and 4.2 mm incisal diameter were fabricated for each ceramic system. The crowns were seated on the teeth, and the marginal discrepancy was measured using a measuring microscope. Then, 15 crowns of each ceramic system were luted on the teeth with resin cement (Variolink II) or resin-modified glass ionomer cement (Rely X luting), and the marginal discrepancy was measured. The results were submitted to analysis of variance, t test and Tukey's test (p<0.05). Results: The three ceramic systems showed cervical fits after cementation statistically inferior to cervical fits before cementation for the two cements. The IPS e.maxPress showed values for cervical fit statistically superior to Cergogold before cementation. No statistically significant difference was found between IPS e.maxPress and In Ceram and In Ceram and Cergogold. After cementation, no statistically significant difference was found for the three ceramics systems when luted with resin or resin-modified glass ionomer luting agents. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that both cements studied increase the marginal discrepancy between the crown and the preparation for the three ceramic systems evaluated.376641649University of Uberaba, Brazi