This study determined the concentrations and inhalation bioaccessibility of cadmium, chromium, nickel and zinc in some foreign and locally available tobacco snuff and leaves. For the determination of the heavy metals ...This study determined the concentrations and inhalation bioaccessibility of cadmium, chromium, nickel and zinc in some foreign and locally available tobacco snuff and leaves. For the determination of the heavy metals concentration, the samples were ashed and washed with hydrochloric acid according to standard method. The bioaccessibility test employed the Stimulated Epithelial Lung Fluid (SELF). The total concentration of heavy metals in the four samples investigated ranged between 9.7 - 14.9 μg/g, 24.1 - 37.0 μg/g, 41 - 69 μg/g and 153 - 183 μg/g for cadmium, chromium, nickel and zinc respectively. The percentage inhalation bioaccessibility fraction of the four samples investigated ranged between 20.8% - 59.8%, 3.3% - 8.1%, 21.7% - 48.8% and 7.6% - 12.5% for cadmium, chromium, nickel, and zinc respectively. Statistical analyses using SPSS 21, revealed significant differences in the total concentration of heavy metals in the samples investigated except for Zinc. Risk assessment based on daily consumption of 10 g of the tobacco snuff employing total concentration of the heavy metals suggests that excluding nickel, all other metals investigated indicated daily intake values above WHO permissible levels. However, with the bioaccessible fractions, only cadmium, a known carcinogen indicated levels above WHO limits. From the results of this study, it can be deduced that consumption of tobacco snuff may induce negative health effects such as cancer and its attendant complications, the risk analysis based on bioaccessible concentration suggests lower health risk than analysis based on total heavy metal concentration;hence the assumption that snuff is a safe alternative to tobacco smoking may be erroneous.展开更多
Ground-level ozone(O_(3)) aff ects vegetation and threatens environmental health when levels exceed critical values,above which adverse eff ects are expected.Cyprus is expected to be a hotspot for O_(3)concentrations ...Ground-level ozone(O_(3)) aff ects vegetation and threatens environmental health when levels exceed critical values,above which adverse eff ects are expected.Cyprus is expected to be a hotspot for O_(3)concentrations due to its unique position in the eastern Mediterranean,receiving air masses from Europe,African,and Asian continents,and experiencing a warm Mediterranean climate.In Cyprus,the spatiotemporal features of O_(3) are poorly understood and the potential risks for forest health have not been explored.We evaluated O_(3) and nitrogen oxides(NO and NO 2)at four regional background stations at different altitudes over 2014−2016.O_(3) risks to vegetation and human health were estimated by calculating accumulated O_(3)exposure over a threshold of 40 nmol mol^(−1)(AOT40)and cumulative exposure to mixing ratios above 35 nmol mol^(−1)(SOMO35)indices.The data reveal that mean O_(3)concentrations follow a seasonal pattern,with higher levels in spring(51.8 nmol mol^(−1))and summer(53.2 nmol mol^(−1))and lower levels in autumn(46.9 nmol mol^(−1))and winter(43.3 nmol mol^(−1)).The highest mean O_(3)exposure(59.5 nmol mol^(−1)) in summer occurred at the high elevation station Mt.Troodos(1819 m a.s.l.).Increasing(decreasing)altitudinal gradients were found for O_(3)(NO x),driven by summer–winter diff erences.The diurnal patterns of O_(3) showed little variation.Only at the lowest altitude O_(3) displayed a typical O_(3) diurnal pattern,with hourly diff erences smaller than 15 nmol mol^(−1).Accumulated O_(3) exposures at all stations and in all years exceeded the European Union’s limits for the protection of vegetation,with average values of 3-month(limit:3000 nmol mol^(−1)h)and 6-month(limit:5000 nmol mol^(−1)h)AOT40 for crops and forests of 16,564 and 31,836 nmol mol^(−1)h,respectively.O_(3) exposures were considerably high for human health,with an average SOMO35 value of 7270 nmol mol^(−1) days across stations and years.The results indicate that O_(3) is a major environmental and public health issue in Cyprus,and policies must be adopted to mitigate O_(3) precursor emissions at local and regional scales.展开更多
Pathogenic microbes with antibiotic resistance can thrive on municipal solid waste as nutrients and be aerosolized and transported to vicinities during waste disposal processes.However,the characterization of pathogen...Pathogenic microbes with antibiotic resistance can thrive on municipal solid waste as nutrients and be aerosolized and transported to vicinities during waste disposal processes.However,the characterization of pathogenic bioaerosols and assessment of their exposure risks are lacking.Herein,particle size,concentration,activity,antibiotic resistance,and pathogenicity of airborne microorganisms were assessed in different sectors of a typical landfill.Results showed that active sector in downwind direction has the highest bioaerosol level(1234 CFU/m3),while residential area has the highest activity(14.82 mg/L).Botanical deodorizer from mist cannon can effectively remove bioaerosol.Most bioaerosols can be inhaled into respiratory system till bronchi with sizes ranging from 2.1−3.3 and 3.3−4.7μm.Pathogenic bacteria(Bacilli,Bacillus,and Burkholderia-Paraburkholderia)and allergenic fungi(Aspergillus,Cladosporium,and Curvularia)prevailed in landfill.Although high abundance of microbial volatile organic compounds(mVOCs)producing bioaerosols were detected,these mVOCs contributed little to odor issues in landfill.Notably,surrounding areas have higher levels of antibiotic-resistance genes(ARGs)than inner landfill with tetC,acrB,acrF,mdtF,and bacA as dominant ones.Most ARGs were significantly correlated with bacterial community,while environmental parameters mainly influenced fungal prevalence.These findings can assist in reducing and preventing respiratory allergy or infection risks in occupational environments relating to waste management.展开更多
Artisanal gold mining,a labor-intensive and antiquated technique,is a growing industry and the source of income for rural communities all over the world.However,artisanal gold mining has potential negative and long-te...Artisanal gold mining,a labor-intensive and antiquated technique,is a growing industry and the source of income for rural communities all over the world.However,artisanal gold mining has potential negative and long-term effects on economy,environment,and society.This study collected soil samples from 16 sample points including a control point to examine the pollution degrees and spatial distribution of heavy metals,as well as ecological and health risks associated with heavy metal pollution in the Ijero-Ekiti mining site,Nigeria.Geographical Information System(GIS)and remote sensing technologies were used to identify regions with high concentrations of heavy metals and assess the environmental impact of gold mining activities.The results show that the mean heavy metal concentrations of 16 soil pointa are 8.94(±5.97)mg/kg for As,0.18(±0.54)mg/kg for Cd,0.11(±1.06)mg/kg for Co,14.32(±3.43)mg/kg for Cr,6.89(±0.64)mg/kg for Cu,48.92(±11.77)mg/kg for Fe,135.81(±30.75)mg/kg for Mn,5.92(±0.96)mg/kg for Ni,5.72(±1.66)mg/kg for Pb,and 13.94(±1.38)mg/kg for Zn.The study reveals that heavy metal concentration in soils follows the order of Mn>Fe>Cr>Zn>As>Cu>Ni>Pb>Co>Cd.An analysis of soil samples indicates that 3 principal components(PCs)account for 70.008%of the total variance and there are strong positive correlations between various pairs of heavy metals.The total potential ecological risk index(309.599)in the study area is high.Non-carcinogenic risk suggests that there may be long-term health impacts on people who work in the mining areas due to chronic exposure to the environment.Based on the study,the hazard index of carcinogenic health risks associated with heavy metals through ingestion is 520.00×10^(–4).Dermal contact from As and Cr also increases the risk of cancer,with the highest hazard index value of 18.40×10^(–4).The lowest exposure pathway,with the hazard index value of 0.68×10^(–4),indicates that the inhalation of heavy metals has a comparatively low risk of cancer.This study recommends the formulation of policies to monitor the Ijero-Ekiti mining site and other regions in Nigeria where indiscriminate artisanal gold mining activities exist.展开更多
The Tongon mine, the largest gold mine in C?te d’Ivoire, has been in operation since April 2010. However, to our knowledge to date, no study has been conducted on metallic contamination in suspended particulate matte...The Tongon mine, the largest gold mine in C?te d’Ivoire, has been in operation since April 2010. However, to our knowledge to date, no study has been conducted on metallic contamination in suspended particulate matter (PM<sub>10</sub> and PM<sub>2.5</sub>) where there is a lack of information on the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk to human health associated with the exposure of populations in the Tongon area to these pollutants. The general objective of this study is to evaluate the level of contamination of PM<sub>10</sub>;PM<sub>2.5</sub> by heavy metals and their impact on the health of populations exposed to these pollutants in the Tongon gold mine area. The sampling and measurement of suspended particulate matter (PM<sub>10</sub> and PM<sub>2.5</sub>) were done using a MiniVol TAS passive air sampler. Heavy metal concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (Nex ION 2000 ICP-MS, USA). The results indicate that the average concentrations of suspended particles (PM<sub>2.5</sub> and PM<sub>10</sub>) obtained are all above the recommended exposure limits. In addition, among the heavy metals contained in the suspended particles, the concentrations of arsenic and nickel are high and all above the standard limit values. The assessment of the health risks related to the inhalation of PM<sub>10</sub> particles reveals that their inhalation over a long period could cause a carcinogenic risk.展开更多
BACKGROUND:In clinical practice,some patients might not be able or unwilling to provide a thorough history of medication and poison exposure.The aim of this study was to use toxicological analysis to examine the clini...BACKGROUND:In clinical practice,some patients might not be able or unwilling to provide a thorough history of medication and poison exposure.The aim of this study was to use toxicological analysis to examine the clinical characteristics of patients with acute poisoning whose exposure history was uncertain from a toxicological analysis perspective.METHODS:This was a retrospective and descriptive study from an institute of poisoning.Patient registration information and test reports spanning the period from April 1,2020 to March 31,2022,were obtained.Patients with uncertain exposure histories and who underwent toxicological analysis were included.Clinical manifestations and categories of toxics were analyzed.RESULTS:Among the 195 patients with positive toxicological analysis results,the main causes of uncertain exposure history was disturbance of consciousness(62.6%),unawareness(23.6%)and unwillingness or lack of cooperation(13.8%).The predominant clinical manifestations were disturbed consciousness(62.6%),followed by vomiting and nausea(14.4%)and liver function abnormalities(8.7%).A comparison of clinical manifestations between patients with positive and negative(n=99)toxicological analyses results revealed significantly different proportions of disturbances in consciousness(63%vs.21%),dizziness(1.5%vs.5.1%),multi-organ failure(1.5%vs.7.1%),and local pain(0 vs 4%).The main categories of substances involved were psychiatric medications(23.1%),sedatives(20.5%),insecticides(13.8%),and herbicides(12.8%).CONCLUSION:The clinical manifestations of acute poisoning in patients with an uncertain exposure history are diverse and nonspecific,and toxicological analysis plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of such patients.展开更多
Advanced glycation end-products(AGEs)are a group of heterogeneous compounds formed in heatprocessed foods and are proven to be detrimental to human health.Currently,there is no comprehensive database for AGEs in foods...Advanced glycation end-products(AGEs)are a group of heterogeneous compounds formed in heatprocessed foods and are proven to be detrimental to human health.Currently,there is no comprehensive database for AGEs in foods that covers the entire range of food categories,which limits the accurate risk assessment of dietary AGEs in human diseases.In this study,we first established an isotope dilution UHPLCQq Q-MS/MS-based method for simultaneous quantification of 10 major AGEs in foods.The contents of these AGEs were detected in 334 foods covering all main groups consumed in Western and Chinese populations.Nε-Carboxymethyllysine,methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone isomers,and glyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone-1 are predominant AGEs found in most foodstuffs.Total amounts of AGEs were high in processed nuts,bakery products,and certain types of cereals and meats(>150 mg/kg),while low in dairy products,vegetables,fruits,and beverages(<40 mg/kg).Assessment of estimated daily intake implied that the contribution of food groups to daily AGE intake varied a lot under different eating patterns,and selection of high-AGE foods leads to up to a 2.7-fold higher intake of AGEs through daily meals.The presented AGE database allows accurate assessment of dietary exposure to these glycotoxins to explore their physiological impacts on human health.展开更多
Crude oil pollution in the Niger Delta, perpetrated by both local communities and industrial actors, has brought about soil pollution with its consequent ecological, human health and food challenges. The purpose of th...Crude oil pollution in the Niger Delta, perpetrated by both local communities and industrial actors, has brought about soil pollution with its consequent ecological, human health and food challenges. The purpose of this research was to examine the concentration and distribution of heavy metals in soil from communities contaminated by crude oil in Niger Delta, and to evaluate the potential health risks to residents from exposure to these contaminants. To achieve this, soil samples were collected from the Ihwrekreka community and analyzed for heavy metal content using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The analytical results in mg/kg revealed a significant metals pollution level derived from the oil spill in the soil ranging from 4.85 - 17,078 (Cu), 1.01 - 16.1 (Cd), 0.22 - 36.8 (Cr), 8.28 - 40.9 (Ni), 7.51 - 6474 (Pb), and 8.84 - 12,851 (Zn) respectively. Most of the metals were above the permissible limits of World Health Organization, with Cu, Zn, and Pb as the most contaminating metals. Lead was found to be the main contributor to the hazard index (HI) values for both children and adults in the study area, with its concentration exceeding the permitted limits set by the WHO and the EC. The hazard index (HI) values of Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ni, and Cr were significantly higher than 1. These findings suggest that the release of heavy metals from an oil-contaminated site may pose a risk to human health and the environment.展开更多
Objective:This study aimed to identify predictive factors for percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL)bleeding risks.With better risk stratification,bleeding in high-risk patient can be anticipated and facilitates early ide...Objective:This study aimed to identify predictive factors for percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL)bleeding risks.With better risk stratification,bleeding in high-risk patient can be anticipated and facilitates early identification.Methods:A prospective observational study of PCNL performed at our institution was done.All adults with radio-opaque renal stones planned for PCNL were included except those with coagulopathy,planned for additional procedures.Factors including gender,co-morbidities,body mass index,stone burden,puncture site,tract dilatation size,operative position,surgeon's seniority,and operative duration were studied using stepwise multivariate regression analysis to identify the predictive factors associated with higher estimated hemoglobin(Hb)deficiency.Results:Overall,4.86%patients(n=7)received packed cells transfusion.The mean estimated Hb deficiency was 1.3(range 0-6.5)g/dL and the median was 1.0 g/dL.Stepwise multivariate regression analysis revealed that absence of hypertension(p=0.024),puncture site(p=0.027),and operative duration(p=0.023)were significantly associated with higher estimated Hb deficiency.However,the effect sizes are rather small with partial eta-squared of 0.037,0.066,and 0.038,respectively.Observed power obtained was 0.621,0.722,and 0.625,respectively.Other factors studied did not correlate with Hb difference.Conclusion:Hypertension,puncture site,and operative duration have significant impact on estimated Hb deficiency during PCNL.However,the effect size is rather small despite adequate study power obtained.Nonetheless,operative position(supine or prone),puncture number,or tract dilatation size did not correlate with Hb difference.The mainstay of reducing bleeding in PCNL is still meticulous operative technique.Our study findings also suggest that PCNL can be safely done by urology trainees under supervision in suitably selected patient,without increasing risk of bleeding.展开更多
Mucin genes are the main component of mucus. The sea anemone species, Aulactinia veratra (Phylum Cnidaria) contains different types of mucin genes. In the intertidal zone, A. veratra is found to be exposed to air duri...Mucin genes are the main component of mucus. The sea anemone species, Aulactinia veratra (Phylum Cnidaria) contains different types of mucin genes. In the intertidal zone, A. veratra is found to be exposed to air during the low tide and produces large quantities of mucus as an external covering. The relation between low tide and mucus secretion is still unclear, and what is the role of mucin during arial exposure is not yet investigated. This study hypothesised that the mucin genes in A. veratra would have significantly high expression in response to aerial exposure. Therefore, the aim of current study was to examine and analyses the response of A. veratra mucins in response to an experiment involving three hours of aerial exposure. To achieve this, aim the RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics analyses were used to examine the expression profile of A. veratra mucin genes in response to aerial exposure. The generated results have shown that, Mucin4-like and mucin5B-like were up-regulated in response to the three hours of aerial exposure in A. veratra. This finding shows a significant role of mucin5B-like and mucin4-like genes in response to air stress at low tide. The data generated from this study could be used in conjunction with future mucin gene studies of sea anemones and other cnidarians to compare A. veratra mucin gene expression results across time, and to extend our understanding of mucin stress response in this phylum.展开更多
Fluoride and nitrate enriched groundwater are potential threats to the safety of the groundwater supply that may cause significant effects on human health and public safety,especially in aggregated population areas an...Fluoride and nitrate enriched groundwater are potential threats to the safety of the groundwater supply that may cause significant effects on human health and public safety,especially in aggregated population areas and economic hubs.This study focuses on the high F^(−)and NO_(3)^(−)concentration groundwater in Tongzhou District,Beijing,North China.A total of 36 groundwater samples were collected to analyze the hydrochemical characteristics,elucidate genetic mechanisms and evaluate the potential human health risks.The results of the analysis indicate:Firstly,most of the groundwater samples are characterized by Mg-HCO_(3) and Na-HCO_(3) with the pH ranging from 7.19 to 8.28 and TDS with a large variation across the range 471-2337 mg/L.The NO_(3)^(−)concentration in 38.89%groundwater samples and the F^(−)concentration in 66.67%groundwater samples exceed the permissible limited value.Secondly,F^(−)in groundwater originates predominantly from water-rock interactions and the fluorite dissolution,which is also regulated by cation exchange,competitive adsorption of HCO_(3)−and an alkaline environment.Thirdly,the effect of sewage disposal and agricultural activities have a significant effect on high NO3-concentration,while the high F^(−)concentration is less influenced by anthropogenic activity.The alkaline environment favors nitrification,thus being conducive to the production of NO_(3)^(−).Finally,the health risk assessment is evaluated for different population groups.The results indicate that high NO_(3)^(−)and F^(−)concentration in groundwater would have the largest threat to children’s health.The findings of this study could contribute to the provision of a scientific basis for groundwater supply policy formulation relating to public health in Tongzhou District.展开更多
Background: The increasing use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) both on prescription and over the counter raises a major global health concern because of the risks associated with their use if no prop...Background: The increasing use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) both on prescription and over the counter raises a major global health concern because of the risks associated with their use if no proper guidance is given by the health care provider. This study assessed the roles of community pharmacists in screening and disseminating information about the risks associated with NSAID use in Zambia. Methodology: This was a national cross-sectional study in which a structured self-administered questionnaire was administered to 245 registered community pharmacists in Zambia. Stata/BE, version 15.1 (Stata Corporation, College Station, Texas, USA) and multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with information dissemination about ADRs of NS-NSAIDs. Results: 231 of the 245 distributed questionnaires were returned giving a response rate of 94.3%. All (100%) participating community pharmacists claimed to have practiced dispensing NSAIDs. However, only 26 (11.0%) and 71 (30.8%) regularly screened for risk factor of selective COX-2 NSAIDS (SC2-NSAIDS) and non-selective NSAIDS (NS-NSAIDs) respectively. Information dissemination on adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of SC2-NSAIDS was regularly provided by only 22 (9.5%) of pharmacists while that of NS-NSAIDs was regularly provided by 49 (21.2%). In the multivariate logistic regression model, being the owner of a pharmacy (AOR: 5.4, CI: 1.84 - 16.4) was significantly associated with information dissemination about ADRs of NS-NSAIDs while an hour increase in the working hours per day (AOR: 0.9, CI: 0.64 - 0.95) was associated with less likelihood of information dissemination. Conclusion: Pharmacists working in community pharmacies in Zambia did not regularly screen and disseminate information about the risks associated with NSAID use. Therefore, pharmacists should be able to screen and monitor patients at risk and be aware of the majority of risk factors while dispensing NSAIDs to minimize the associated complications.展开更多
BACKGROUND Deep learning provides an efficient automatic image recognition method for small bowel(SB)capsule endoscopy(CE)that can assist physicians in diagnosis.However,the existing deep learning models present some ...BACKGROUND Deep learning provides an efficient automatic image recognition method for small bowel(SB)capsule endoscopy(CE)that can assist physicians in diagnosis.However,the existing deep learning models present some unresolved challenges.AIM To propose a novel and effective classification and detection model to automatically identify various SB lesions and their bleeding risks,and label the lesions accurately so as to enhance the diagnostic efficiency of physicians and the ability to identify high-risk bleeding groups.METHODS The proposed model represents a two-stage method that combined image classification with object detection.First,we utilized the improved ResNet-50 classification model to classify endoscopic images into SB lesion images,normal SB mucosa images,and invalid images.Then,the improved YOLO-V5 detection model was utilized to detect the type of lesion and its risk of bleeding,and the location of the lesion was marked.We constructed training and testing sets and compared model-assisted reading with physician reading.RESULTS The accuracy of the model constructed in this study reached 98.96%,which was higher than the accuracy of other systems using only a single module.The sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of the model-assisted reading detection of all images were 99.17%,99.92%,and 99.86%,which were significantly higher than those of the endoscopists’diagnoses.The image processing time of the model was 48 ms/image,and the image processing time of the physicians was 0.40±0.24 s/image(P<0.001).CONCLUSION The deep learning model of image classification combined with object detection exhibits a satisfactory diagnostic effect on a variety of SB lesions and their bleeding risks in CE images,which enhances the diagnostic efficiency of physicians and improves the ability of physicians to identify high-risk bleeding groups.展开更多
Drinking good quality water is essential for better health. It is therefore essential to assess the radiological quality of all water consumed in the District of Abidjan in order to prevent related hazards. Thus, the ...Drinking good quality water is essential for better health. It is therefore essential to assess the radiological quality of all water consumed in the District of Abidjan in order to prevent related hazards. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the risk of cancer due to the ingestion of alpha and beta emitting radionuclides in the different types of water consumed in the region. A total of 63 water samples with 43 tap water samples, 5 bottled mineral water and 15 sachet water samples was collected and taken to GAEC laboratory for analysis. The low background Gas-less Automatic Alpha/Beta counting system (Canberra iMatic<sup>TM</sup>) was used to determine alpha and beta activity concentrations. Activity concentrations of both gross alpha and gross beta obtained in water sample were respectively lower than the WHO recommended limits of 0.1 Bq/l and 1 Bq/l. Also, the annual effective dose and total equivalent effective dose found in mineral bottled water samples were higher than in other types of water. The assessment of radiological lifetime risk has shown values of cancer risk due to ingestion alpha and beta emitters lower than recommended limit. These results indicate that there is no health hazard associated to consumption of water in the District of Abidjan.展开更多
The need for psychotherapy is very high and the lack of care causes a lot of suffering and high costs. This paper presents an interdisciplinary approach to creating an AI-guided exposure therapy for fear of heights in...The need for psychotherapy is very high and the lack of care causes a lot of suffering and high costs. This paper presents an interdisciplinary approach to creating an AI-guided exposure therapy for fear of heights in virtual reality (VR). First, ethical principles for the use of conversational AI in psychotherapy were translated into technical requirements and made measurable. Based on this, an autonomous virtual reality exposure therapy was iteratively developed with a therapist. The feasibility and implementation of the ethical principles were tested with a patient. The patient was very satisfied with the VR setup. The AI therapist was also rated positively, although there is still room for improvement regarding conversational skills. Overall, the paper shows how AI can contribute responsibly to improving the psycho-therapeutic supply. It also provides guidelines that make ethical principles tangible and measurable for developers.展开更多
Objective To identify the critical risks in the process of innovative drug research and development,and to provide reference for improving the efficiency of innovative drug development and risk control in China.Method...Objective To identify the critical risks in the process of innovative drug research and development,and to provide reference for improving the efficiency of innovative drug development and risk control in China.Methods Expert investigation and analytic hierarchy process were used to determine the weights of different risks.Results and Conclusion The research and analysis results showed that the risks at different stages of development had different effects on the success rate of drug development,among which the risk at the drug discovery stage influenced the most.In the drug discovery stage,inappropriate target selection had the greatest impact on the success rate of drug development.The lack of appropriate cell tissue or animal models had the greatest impact on the success rate of drug development from the discovery of a compound to the application for clinical trials.The difference in changes between nonclinical and clinical studies had the greatest impact on the success rate of drug development from early clinical studies to pivotal clinical studies.Incorrect dose selection had the greatest impact on the success rate of drug development from pivotal clinical studies to marketing authorization applications.The biggest impact from the marketing authorization application to the approval stage was inadequate communication with regulators.After investigating the weight of risk factors in the process of innovative drug development based on scientific methods,a new perspective for the risk control of new drug development and improving the research and development efficiency is provided.展开更多
This study focuses on the dietary exposure of trace elements (TEs) through the intake of various agricultural products grown in greenhouse, and its corresponding health risks at different age categories in Korean popu...This study focuses on the dietary exposure of trace elements (TEs) through the intake of various agricultural products grown in greenhouse, and its corresponding health risks at different age categories in Korean population. It was observed that the mean contents of TEs found in selected agricultural products were well below their guidelines. Mean and 95th percentile intake estimates of TEs were ranged from 0.02 to that considerable attention should be paid to the potential health risks of TEs through intake of various foodstuffs and other exposure pathways.展开更多
With the development of China’s crewed space mission,the space radiation risk for astronauts is increasingly prominent.This paper describes a simulation of the radiation doses experienced by a Chinese female voxel ph...With the development of China’s crewed space mission,the space radiation risk for astronauts is increasingly prominent.This paper describes a simulation of the radiation doses experienced by a Chinese female voxel phantom on board the Chinese Space Station(CSS)performed using the Monte Carlo N-Particle(MCNP)software.The absorbed dose,equivalent dose,and effective dose experienced by the voxel phantom and its critical organs are discussed for different levels of shielding of the Tianhe core module.The risk of space-radiation exposure is then assessed by comparing these doses with the current risk limits in China(the skin dose limit for short-term low-earth-orbit missions)and the NASA figures(National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements Report No.98)for female astronauts.The results obtained can be used to guide and optimize the radiation protection provided for manned space missions.展开更多
Swimming pools adopt chlorination to ensure microbial safety. Giardia has attracted attention in swimming pool water because of its occurrence, pathogenicity, and chlorine resistance. To control Giardia concentrations...Swimming pools adopt chlorination to ensure microbial safety. Giardia has attracted attention in swimming pool water because of its occurrence, pathogenicity, and chlorine resistance. To control Giardia concentrations in pool water and reduce the microbial risk, higher chlorine doses are required during disinfection. Unfortunately, this process produces carcinogenic disinfection byproducts that increase the risk of chemical exposure. Therefore, quantitatively evaluating the comparative microbial vs. chemical exposure risks that stem from chlorination inactivation of Giardia in swimming pool water is an issue that demands attention. We simulated an indoor swimming pool disinfection scenario that followed common real-world disinfection practices. A quantitative microbial risk assessment coupled with a chemical exposure risk assessment was employed to compare the Giardia microbial exposure risk(MER) and the trihalomethane chemical exposure risk(CER) to humans. The results demonstrated a 22% decrease in MER-and CER-induced health exposure risk, from 8.45E-5 at 8:00 to 6.60E-5 at 19:00. Both the MER and CER decreased gradually, dropping to 3.26E-5 and 3.35E-5 at 19:00, respectively. However, the CER exceeded the MER after 18:30 and became the dominant factor affecting the total exposure risk. Past the 18 hr mark, the contribution of trihalomethane CER far exceeded the risk aversion from microbial inactivation, leading to a net increase in total exposure risk despite the declining MER. Swimmers may consider swimming after 19:00, when the total exposure risk is the lowest. Lowering water temperature and/or p H were identified as the most sensitive factors to minimize the overall health exposure risk.展开更多
文摘This study determined the concentrations and inhalation bioaccessibility of cadmium, chromium, nickel and zinc in some foreign and locally available tobacco snuff and leaves. For the determination of the heavy metals concentration, the samples were ashed and washed with hydrochloric acid according to standard method. The bioaccessibility test employed the Stimulated Epithelial Lung Fluid (SELF). The total concentration of heavy metals in the four samples investigated ranged between 9.7 - 14.9 μg/g, 24.1 - 37.0 μg/g, 41 - 69 μg/g and 153 - 183 μg/g for cadmium, chromium, nickel and zinc respectively. The percentage inhalation bioaccessibility fraction of the four samples investigated ranged between 20.8% - 59.8%, 3.3% - 8.1%, 21.7% - 48.8% and 7.6% - 12.5% for cadmium, chromium, nickel, and zinc respectively. Statistical analyses using SPSS 21, revealed significant differences in the total concentration of heavy metals in the samples investigated except for Zinc. Risk assessment based on daily consumption of 10 g of the tobacco snuff employing total concentration of the heavy metals suggests that excluding nickel, all other metals investigated indicated daily intake values above WHO permissible levels. However, with the bioaccessible fractions, only cadmium, a known carcinogen indicated levels above WHO limits. From the results of this study, it can be deduced that consumption of tobacco snuff may induce negative health effects such as cancer and its attendant complications, the risk analysis based on bioaccessible concentration suggests lower health risk than analysis based on total heavy metal concentration;hence the assumption that snuff is a safe alternative to tobacco smoking may be erroneous.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)(No.4210070867)the Foreign Young Talents Fund of the National Ministry of Science and Technology,China(No.31950410547)+1 种基金The Startup Foundation for Introducing Talent of Nanjing University of Information Science&Technology(NUIST),Nanjing,China(No.003080)the Jiangsu Distinguished Professor program of the People’s Government of Jiangsu Province,China.
文摘Ground-level ozone(O_(3)) aff ects vegetation and threatens environmental health when levels exceed critical values,above which adverse eff ects are expected.Cyprus is expected to be a hotspot for O_(3)concentrations due to its unique position in the eastern Mediterranean,receiving air masses from Europe,African,and Asian continents,and experiencing a warm Mediterranean climate.In Cyprus,the spatiotemporal features of O_(3) are poorly understood and the potential risks for forest health have not been explored.We evaluated O_(3) and nitrogen oxides(NO and NO 2)at four regional background stations at different altitudes over 2014−2016.O_(3) risks to vegetation and human health were estimated by calculating accumulated O_(3)exposure over a threshold of 40 nmol mol^(−1)(AOT40)and cumulative exposure to mixing ratios above 35 nmol mol^(−1)(SOMO35)indices.The data reveal that mean O_(3)concentrations follow a seasonal pattern,with higher levels in spring(51.8 nmol mol^(−1))and summer(53.2 nmol mol^(−1))and lower levels in autumn(46.9 nmol mol^(−1))and winter(43.3 nmol mol^(−1)).The highest mean O_(3)exposure(59.5 nmol mol^(−1)) in summer occurred at the high elevation station Mt.Troodos(1819 m a.s.l.).Increasing(decreasing)altitudinal gradients were found for O_(3)(NO x),driven by summer–winter diff erences.The diurnal patterns of O_(3) showed little variation.Only at the lowest altitude O_(3) displayed a typical O_(3) diurnal pattern,with hourly diff erences smaller than 15 nmol mol^(−1).Accumulated O_(3) exposures at all stations and in all years exceeded the European Union’s limits for the protection of vegetation,with average values of 3-month(limit:3000 nmol mol^(−1)h)and 6-month(limit:5000 nmol mol^(−1)h)AOT40 for crops and forests of 16,564 and 31,836 nmol mol^(−1)h,respectively.O_(3) exposures were considerably high for human health,with an average SOMO35 value of 7270 nmol mol^(−1) days across stations and years.The results indicate that O_(3) is a major environmental and public health issue in Cyprus,and policies must be adopted to mitigate O_(3) precursor emissions at local and regional scales.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.U1901210,41877363,42130611,and 42177410)the Science and Technology Project of Guangdong Province,China(No.2021A0505030070)+2 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province(No.2019A1515010599)the Local Innovative and Research Teams Project of Guangdong Pearl River Talents Program(No.2017BT01Z032)the Young S&T Talent Training Program of Guangdong Provincial Association,China(No.2022QNRC23).
文摘Pathogenic microbes with antibiotic resistance can thrive on municipal solid waste as nutrients and be aerosolized and transported to vicinities during waste disposal processes.However,the characterization of pathogenic bioaerosols and assessment of their exposure risks are lacking.Herein,particle size,concentration,activity,antibiotic resistance,and pathogenicity of airborne microorganisms were assessed in different sectors of a typical landfill.Results showed that active sector in downwind direction has the highest bioaerosol level(1234 CFU/m3),while residential area has the highest activity(14.82 mg/L).Botanical deodorizer from mist cannon can effectively remove bioaerosol.Most bioaerosols can be inhaled into respiratory system till bronchi with sizes ranging from 2.1−3.3 and 3.3−4.7μm.Pathogenic bacteria(Bacilli,Bacillus,and Burkholderia-Paraburkholderia)and allergenic fungi(Aspergillus,Cladosporium,and Curvularia)prevailed in landfill.Although high abundance of microbial volatile organic compounds(mVOCs)producing bioaerosols were detected,these mVOCs contributed little to odor issues in landfill.Notably,surrounding areas have higher levels of antibiotic-resistance genes(ARGs)than inner landfill with tetC,acrB,acrF,mdtF,and bacA as dominant ones.Most ARGs were significantly correlated with bacterial community,while environmental parameters mainly influenced fungal prevalence.These findings can assist in reducing and preventing respiratory allergy or infection risks in occupational environments relating to waste management.
文摘Artisanal gold mining,a labor-intensive and antiquated technique,is a growing industry and the source of income for rural communities all over the world.However,artisanal gold mining has potential negative and long-term effects on economy,environment,and society.This study collected soil samples from 16 sample points including a control point to examine the pollution degrees and spatial distribution of heavy metals,as well as ecological and health risks associated with heavy metal pollution in the Ijero-Ekiti mining site,Nigeria.Geographical Information System(GIS)and remote sensing technologies were used to identify regions with high concentrations of heavy metals and assess the environmental impact of gold mining activities.The results show that the mean heavy metal concentrations of 16 soil pointa are 8.94(±5.97)mg/kg for As,0.18(±0.54)mg/kg for Cd,0.11(±1.06)mg/kg for Co,14.32(±3.43)mg/kg for Cr,6.89(±0.64)mg/kg for Cu,48.92(±11.77)mg/kg for Fe,135.81(±30.75)mg/kg for Mn,5.92(±0.96)mg/kg for Ni,5.72(±1.66)mg/kg for Pb,and 13.94(±1.38)mg/kg for Zn.The study reveals that heavy metal concentration in soils follows the order of Mn>Fe>Cr>Zn>As>Cu>Ni>Pb>Co>Cd.An analysis of soil samples indicates that 3 principal components(PCs)account for 70.008%of the total variance and there are strong positive correlations between various pairs of heavy metals.The total potential ecological risk index(309.599)in the study area is high.Non-carcinogenic risk suggests that there may be long-term health impacts on people who work in the mining areas due to chronic exposure to the environment.Based on the study,the hazard index of carcinogenic health risks associated with heavy metals through ingestion is 520.00×10^(–4).Dermal contact from As and Cr also increases the risk of cancer,with the highest hazard index value of 18.40×10^(–4).The lowest exposure pathway,with the hazard index value of 0.68×10^(–4),indicates that the inhalation of heavy metals has a comparatively low risk of cancer.This study recommends the formulation of policies to monitor the Ijero-Ekiti mining site and other regions in Nigeria where indiscriminate artisanal gold mining activities exist.
文摘The Tongon mine, the largest gold mine in C?te d’Ivoire, has been in operation since April 2010. However, to our knowledge to date, no study has been conducted on metallic contamination in suspended particulate matter (PM<sub>10</sub> and PM<sub>2.5</sub>) where there is a lack of information on the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk to human health associated with the exposure of populations in the Tongon area to these pollutants. The general objective of this study is to evaluate the level of contamination of PM<sub>10</sub>;PM<sub>2.5</sub> by heavy metals and their impact on the health of populations exposed to these pollutants in the Tongon gold mine area. The sampling and measurement of suspended particulate matter (PM<sub>10</sub> and PM<sub>2.5</sub>) were done using a MiniVol TAS passive air sampler. Heavy metal concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (Nex ION 2000 ICP-MS, USA). The results indicate that the average concentrations of suspended particles (PM<sub>2.5</sub> and PM<sub>10</sub>) obtained are all above the recommended exposure limits. In addition, among the heavy metals contained in the suspended particles, the concentrations of arsenic and nickel are high and all above the standard limit values. The assessment of the health risks related to the inhalation of PM<sub>10</sub> particles reveals that their inhalation over a long period could cause a carcinogenic risk.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(82172184)。
文摘BACKGROUND:In clinical practice,some patients might not be able or unwilling to provide a thorough history of medication and poison exposure.The aim of this study was to use toxicological analysis to examine the clinical characteristics of patients with acute poisoning whose exposure history was uncertain from a toxicological analysis perspective.METHODS:This was a retrospective and descriptive study from an institute of poisoning.Patient registration information and test reports spanning the period from April 1,2020 to March 31,2022,were obtained.Patients with uncertain exposure histories and who underwent toxicological analysis were included.Clinical manifestations and categories of toxics were analyzed.RESULTS:Among the 195 patients with positive toxicological analysis results,the main causes of uncertain exposure history was disturbance of consciousness(62.6%),unawareness(23.6%)and unwillingness or lack of cooperation(13.8%).The predominant clinical manifestations were disturbed consciousness(62.6%),followed by vomiting and nausea(14.4%)and liver function abnormalities(8.7%).A comparison of clinical manifestations between patients with positive and negative(n=99)toxicological analyses results revealed significantly different proportions of disturbances in consciousness(63%vs.21%),dizziness(1.5%vs.5.1%),multi-organ failure(1.5%vs.7.1%),and local pain(0 vs 4%).The main categories of substances involved were psychiatric medications(23.1%),sedatives(20.5%),insecticides(13.8%),and herbicides(12.8%).CONCLUSION:The clinical manifestations of acute poisoning in patients with an uncertain exposure history are diverse and nonspecific,and toxicological analysis plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of such patients.
基金the financial support received from the Natural Science Foundation of China(32202202 and 31871735)。
文摘Advanced glycation end-products(AGEs)are a group of heterogeneous compounds formed in heatprocessed foods and are proven to be detrimental to human health.Currently,there is no comprehensive database for AGEs in foods that covers the entire range of food categories,which limits the accurate risk assessment of dietary AGEs in human diseases.In this study,we first established an isotope dilution UHPLCQq Q-MS/MS-based method for simultaneous quantification of 10 major AGEs in foods.The contents of these AGEs were detected in 334 foods covering all main groups consumed in Western and Chinese populations.Nε-Carboxymethyllysine,methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone isomers,and glyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone-1 are predominant AGEs found in most foodstuffs.Total amounts of AGEs were high in processed nuts,bakery products,and certain types of cereals and meats(>150 mg/kg),while low in dairy products,vegetables,fruits,and beverages(<40 mg/kg).Assessment of estimated daily intake implied that the contribution of food groups to daily AGE intake varied a lot under different eating patterns,and selection of high-AGE foods leads to up to a 2.7-fold higher intake of AGEs through daily meals.The presented AGE database allows accurate assessment of dietary exposure to these glycotoxins to explore their physiological impacts on human health.
文摘Crude oil pollution in the Niger Delta, perpetrated by both local communities and industrial actors, has brought about soil pollution with its consequent ecological, human health and food challenges. The purpose of this research was to examine the concentration and distribution of heavy metals in soil from communities contaminated by crude oil in Niger Delta, and to evaluate the potential health risks to residents from exposure to these contaminants. To achieve this, soil samples were collected from the Ihwrekreka community and analyzed for heavy metal content using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The analytical results in mg/kg revealed a significant metals pollution level derived from the oil spill in the soil ranging from 4.85 - 17,078 (Cu), 1.01 - 16.1 (Cd), 0.22 - 36.8 (Cr), 8.28 - 40.9 (Ni), 7.51 - 6474 (Pb), and 8.84 - 12,851 (Zn) respectively. Most of the metals were above the permissible limits of World Health Organization, with Cu, Zn, and Pb as the most contaminating metals. Lead was found to be the main contributor to the hazard index (HI) values for both children and adults in the study area, with its concentration exceeding the permitted limits set by the WHO and the EC. The hazard index (HI) values of Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ni, and Cr were significantly higher than 1. These findings suggest that the release of heavy metals from an oil-contaminated site may pose a risk to human health and the environment.
文摘Objective:This study aimed to identify predictive factors for percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL)bleeding risks.With better risk stratification,bleeding in high-risk patient can be anticipated and facilitates early identification.Methods:A prospective observational study of PCNL performed at our institution was done.All adults with radio-opaque renal stones planned for PCNL were included except those with coagulopathy,planned for additional procedures.Factors including gender,co-morbidities,body mass index,stone burden,puncture site,tract dilatation size,operative position,surgeon's seniority,and operative duration were studied using stepwise multivariate regression analysis to identify the predictive factors associated with higher estimated hemoglobin(Hb)deficiency.Results:Overall,4.86%patients(n=7)received packed cells transfusion.The mean estimated Hb deficiency was 1.3(range 0-6.5)g/dL and the median was 1.0 g/dL.Stepwise multivariate regression analysis revealed that absence of hypertension(p=0.024),puncture site(p=0.027),and operative duration(p=0.023)were significantly associated with higher estimated Hb deficiency.However,the effect sizes are rather small with partial eta-squared of 0.037,0.066,and 0.038,respectively.Observed power obtained was 0.621,0.722,and 0.625,respectively.Other factors studied did not correlate with Hb difference.Conclusion:Hypertension,puncture site,and operative duration have significant impact on estimated Hb deficiency during PCNL.However,the effect size is rather small despite adequate study power obtained.Nonetheless,operative position(supine or prone),puncture number,or tract dilatation size did not correlate with Hb difference.The mainstay of reducing bleeding in PCNL is still meticulous operative technique.Our study findings also suggest that PCNL can be safely done by urology trainees under supervision in suitably selected patient,without increasing risk of bleeding.
文摘Mucin genes are the main component of mucus. The sea anemone species, Aulactinia veratra (Phylum Cnidaria) contains different types of mucin genes. In the intertidal zone, A. veratra is found to be exposed to air during the low tide and produces large quantities of mucus as an external covering. The relation between low tide and mucus secretion is still unclear, and what is the role of mucin during arial exposure is not yet investigated. This study hypothesised that the mucin genes in A. veratra would have significantly high expression in response to aerial exposure. Therefore, the aim of current study was to examine and analyses the response of A. veratra mucins in response to an experiment involving three hours of aerial exposure. To achieve this, aim the RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics analyses were used to examine the expression profile of A. veratra mucin genes in response to aerial exposure. The generated results have shown that, Mucin4-like and mucin5B-like were up-regulated in response to the three hours of aerial exposure in A. veratra. This finding shows a significant role of mucin5B-like and mucin4-like genes in response to air stress at low tide. The data generated from this study could be used in conjunction with future mucin gene studies of sea anemones and other cnidarians to compare A. veratra mucin gene expression results across time, and to extend our understanding of mucin stress response in this phylum.
基金supported by the project of China Geological Survey(Grant No.DD20221677-2)the fundamental research funds of Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences Basal Research Fund(Grant No.JKYQN202307).
文摘Fluoride and nitrate enriched groundwater are potential threats to the safety of the groundwater supply that may cause significant effects on human health and public safety,especially in aggregated population areas and economic hubs.This study focuses on the high F^(−)and NO_(3)^(−)concentration groundwater in Tongzhou District,Beijing,North China.A total of 36 groundwater samples were collected to analyze the hydrochemical characteristics,elucidate genetic mechanisms and evaluate the potential human health risks.The results of the analysis indicate:Firstly,most of the groundwater samples are characterized by Mg-HCO_(3) and Na-HCO_(3) with the pH ranging from 7.19 to 8.28 and TDS with a large variation across the range 471-2337 mg/L.The NO_(3)^(−)concentration in 38.89%groundwater samples and the F^(−)concentration in 66.67%groundwater samples exceed the permissible limited value.Secondly,F^(−)in groundwater originates predominantly from water-rock interactions and the fluorite dissolution,which is also regulated by cation exchange,competitive adsorption of HCO_(3)−and an alkaline environment.Thirdly,the effect of sewage disposal and agricultural activities have a significant effect on high NO3-concentration,while the high F^(−)concentration is less influenced by anthropogenic activity.The alkaline environment favors nitrification,thus being conducive to the production of NO_(3)^(−).Finally,the health risk assessment is evaluated for different population groups.The results indicate that high NO_(3)^(−)and F^(−)concentration in groundwater would have the largest threat to children’s health.The findings of this study could contribute to the provision of a scientific basis for groundwater supply policy formulation relating to public health in Tongzhou District.
文摘Background: The increasing use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) both on prescription and over the counter raises a major global health concern because of the risks associated with their use if no proper guidance is given by the health care provider. This study assessed the roles of community pharmacists in screening and disseminating information about the risks associated with NSAID use in Zambia. Methodology: This was a national cross-sectional study in which a structured self-administered questionnaire was administered to 245 registered community pharmacists in Zambia. Stata/BE, version 15.1 (Stata Corporation, College Station, Texas, USA) and multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with information dissemination about ADRs of NS-NSAIDs. Results: 231 of the 245 distributed questionnaires were returned giving a response rate of 94.3%. All (100%) participating community pharmacists claimed to have practiced dispensing NSAIDs. However, only 26 (11.0%) and 71 (30.8%) regularly screened for risk factor of selective COX-2 NSAIDS (SC2-NSAIDS) and non-selective NSAIDS (NS-NSAIDs) respectively. Information dissemination on adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of SC2-NSAIDS was regularly provided by only 22 (9.5%) of pharmacists while that of NS-NSAIDs was regularly provided by 49 (21.2%). In the multivariate logistic regression model, being the owner of a pharmacy (AOR: 5.4, CI: 1.84 - 16.4) was significantly associated with information dissemination about ADRs of NS-NSAIDs while an hour increase in the working hours per day (AOR: 0.9, CI: 0.64 - 0.95) was associated with less likelihood of information dissemination. Conclusion: Pharmacists working in community pharmacies in Zambia did not regularly screen and disseminate information about the risks associated with NSAID use. Therefore, pharmacists should be able to screen and monitor patients at risk and be aware of the majority of risk factors while dispensing NSAIDs to minimize the associated complications.
基金The Shanxi Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine,No.2023ZYYDA2005.
文摘BACKGROUND Deep learning provides an efficient automatic image recognition method for small bowel(SB)capsule endoscopy(CE)that can assist physicians in diagnosis.However,the existing deep learning models present some unresolved challenges.AIM To propose a novel and effective classification and detection model to automatically identify various SB lesions and their bleeding risks,and label the lesions accurately so as to enhance the diagnostic efficiency of physicians and the ability to identify high-risk bleeding groups.METHODS The proposed model represents a two-stage method that combined image classification with object detection.First,we utilized the improved ResNet-50 classification model to classify endoscopic images into SB lesion images,normal SB mucosa images,and invalid images.Then,the improved YOLO-V5 detection model was utilized to detect the type of lesion and its risk of bleeding,and the location of the lesion was marked.We constructed training and testing sets and compared model-assisted reading with physician reading.RESULTS The accuracy of the model constructed in this study reached 98.96%,which was higher than the accuracy of other systems using only a single module.The sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of the model-assisted reading detection of all images were 99.17%,99.92%,and 99.86%,which were significantly higher than those of the endoscopists’diagnoses.The image processing time of the model was 48 ms/image,and the image processing time of the physicians was 0.40±0.24 s/image(P<0.001).CONCLUSION The deep learning model of image classification combined with object detection exhibits a satisfactory diagnostic effect on a variety of SB lesions and their bleeding risks in CE images,which enhances the diagnostic efficiency of physicians and improves the ability of physicians to identify high-risk bleeding groups.
文摘Drinking good quality water is essential for better health. It is therefore essential to assess the radiological quality of all water consumed in the District of Abidjan in order to prevent related hazards. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the risk of cancer due to the ingestion of alpha and beta emitting radionuclides in the different types of water consumed in the region. A total of 63 water samples with 43 tap water samples, 5 bottled mineral water and 15 sachet water samples was collected and taken to GAEC laboratory for analysis. The low background Gas-less Automatic Alpha/Beta counting system (Canberra iMatic<sup>TM</sup>) was used to determine alpha and beta activity concentrations. Activity concentrations of both gross alpha and gross beta obtained in water sample were respectively lower than the WHO recommended limits of 0.1 Bq/l and 1 Bq/l. Also, the annual effective dose and total equivalent effective dose found in mineral bottled water samples were higher than in other types of water. The assessment of radiological lifetime risk has shown values of cancer risk due to ingestion alpha and beta emitters lower than recommended limit. These results indicate that there is no health hazard associated to consumption of water in the District of Abidjan.
文摘The need for psychotherapy is very high and the lack of care causes a lot of suffering and high costs. This paper presents an interdisciplinary approach to creating an AI-guided exposure therapy for fear of heights in virtual reality (VR). First, ethical principles for the use of conversational AI in psychotherapy were translated into technical requirements and made measurable. Based on this, an autonomous virtual reality exposure therapy was iteratively developed with a therapist. The feasibility and implementation of the ethical principles were tested with a patient. The patient was very satisfied with the VR setup. The AI therapist was also rated positively, although there is still room for improvement regarding conversational skills. Overall, the paper shows how AI can contribute responsibly to improving the psycho-therapeutic supply. It also provides guidelines that make ethical principles tangible and measurable for developers.
文摘Objective To identify the critical risks in the process of innovative drug research and development,and to provide reference for improving the efficiency of innovative drug development and risk control in China.Methods Expert investigation and analytic hierarchy process were used to determine the weights of different risks.Results and Conclusion The research and analysis results showed that the risks at different stages of development had different effects on the success rate of drug development,among which the risk at the drug discovery stage influenced the most.In the drug discovery stage,inappropriate target selection had the greatest impact on the success rate of drug development.The lack of appropriate cell tissue or animal models had the greatest impact on the success rate of drug development from the discovery of a compound to the application for clinical trials.The difference in changes between nonclinical and clinical studies had the greatest impact on the success rate of drug development from early clinical studies to pivotal clinical studies.Incorrect dose selection had the greatest impact on the success rate of drug development from pivotal clinical studies to marketing authorization applications.The biggest impact from the marketing authorization application to the approval stage was inadequate communication with regulators.After investigating the weight of risk factors in the process of innovative drug development based on scientific methods,a new perspective for the risk control of new drug development and improving the research and development efficiency is provided.
文摘This study focuses on the dietary exposure of trace elements (TEs) through the intake of various agricultural products grown in greenhouse, and its corresponding health risks at different age categories in Korean population. It was observed that the mean contents of TEs found in selected agricultural products were well below their guidelines. Mean and 95th percentile intake estimates of TEs were ranged from 0.02 to that considerable attention should be paid to the potential health risks of TEs through intake of various foodstuffs and other exposure pathways.
基金Project supported by the Open Project Funds for the Key Laboratory of Space Photoelectric Detection and Perception(Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics),the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China(Grant No.NJ2022025-7)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(Grant No.NJ2022025).
文摘With the development of China’s crewed space mission,the space radiation risk for astronauts is increasingly prominent.This paper describes a simulation of the radiation doses experienced by a Chinese female voxel phantom on board the Chinese Space Station(CSS)performed using the Monte Carlo N-Particle(MCNP)software.The absorbed dose,equivalent dose,and effective dose experienced by the voxel phantom and its critical organs are discussed for different levels of shielding of the Tianhe core module.The risk of space-radiation exposure is then assessed by comparing these doses with the current risk limits in China(the skin dose limit for short-term low-earth-orbit missions)and the NASA figures(National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements Report No.98)for female astronauts.The results obtained can be used to guide and optimize the radiation protection provided for manned space missions.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 52000184)the Guangzhou Basic and Applied Basic Research Project (No. 202102020457)the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation (No. 2019B1515120052)。
文摘Swimming pools adopt chlorination to ensure microbial safety. Giardia has attracted attention in swimming pool water because of its occurrence, pathogenicity, and chlorine resistance. To control Giardia concentrations in pool water and reduce the microbial risk, higher chlorine doses are required during disinfection. Unfortunately, this process produces carcinogenic disinfection byproducts that increase the risk of chemical exposure. Therefore, quantitatively evaluating the comparative microbial vs. chemical exposure risks that stem from chlorination inactivation of Giardia in swimming pool water is an issue that demands attention. We simulated an indoor swimming pool disinfection scenario that followed common real-world disinfection practices. A quantitative microbial risk assessment coupled with a chemical exposure risk assessment was employed to compare the Giardia microbial exposure risk(MER) and the trihalomethane chemical exposure risk(CER) to humans. The results demonstrated a 22% decrease in MER-and CER-induced health exposure risk, from 8.45E-5 at 8:00 to 6.60E-5 at 19:00. Both the MER and CER decreased gradually, dropping to 3.26E-5 and 3.35E-5 at 19:00, respectively. However, the CER exceeded the MER after 18:30 and became the dominant factor affecting the total exposure risk. Past the 18 hr mark, the contribution of trihalomethane CER far exceeded the risk aversion from microbial inactivation, leading to a net increase in total exposure risk despite the declining MER. Swimmers may consider swimming after 19:00, when the total exposure risk is the lowest. Lowering water temperature and/or p H were identified as the most sensitive factors to minimize the overall health exposure risk.
