A review of mechanism of action of outdoor exposure in preventing myopia incidence and progression

Various studies have suggested several environmental,pharmacological,medical,and optical interventions and some are in use but their efficacy in myopia control may be transient,and the cellular,molecular,and biochemical mechanisms involved unclear.Daylight exposure is currently regarded as an effective and enduring strategy in the control of myopia development and progression.However,the mechanism behind the effect of outdoor exposure and its association with genetic predisposition and other relatively more significant environmental factors on myopia is still a conundrum.This review focuses on survey-based and intervention-based studies carried out to propose a mechanism that accounts for myopia development and important for its control.

Evaluation and Projection of Population Exposure to Temperature Extremes over the Beijing−Tianjin−Hebei Region Using a High-Resolution Regional Climate Model RegCM4 Ensemble

Temperature extremes over rapidly urbanizing regions with high population densities have been scrutinized due to their severe impacts on human safety and economics.First of all,the performance of the regional climate model RegCM4 with a hydrostatic or non-hydrostatic dynamic core in simulating seasonal temperature and temperature extremes was evaluated over the historical period of 1991–99 at a 12-km spatial resolution over China and a 3-km resolution over the Beijing−Tianjin−Hebei(JJJ)region,a typical urban agglomeration of China.Simulations of spatial distributions of temperature extremes over the JJJ region using RegCM4 with hydrostatic and non-hydrostatic cores showed high spatial correlations of more than 0.8 with the observations.Under a warming climate,temperature extremes of annual maximum daily temperature(TXx)and summer days(SU)in China and the JJJ region showed obvious increases by the end of the 21st century while there was a general reduction in frost days(FD).The ensemble of RegCM4 with different land surface components was used to examine population exposure to temperature extremes over the JJJ region.Population exposure to temperature extremes was found to decrease in 2091−99 relative to 1991−99 over the majority of the JJJ region due to the joint impacts of increases in temperature extremes over the JJJ and population decreases over the JJJ region,except for downtown areas.Furthermore,changes in population exposure to temperature extremes were mainly dominated by future population changes.Finally,we quantified changes in exposure to temperature extremes with temperature increase over the JJJ region.This study helps to provide relevant policies to respond future climate risks over the JJJ region.

Combined proteomic and metabolomic studies on the liver of Amur sturgeon Acipenser schrenckii under titanium dioxide nanoparticle exposure

Nanomaterials,particularly titanium dioxide nanoparticles(TiO_(2)-NPs),are extensively utilized across various industries.However,their environmental release has raised concerns regarding their potential ecological and environmental impacts.The reproductive toxicity of TiO_(2)-NPs in fish species has attracted considerable attention,yet conflicting research outcomes have been reported.We investigated the effects of TiO_(2)-NPs exposure on the liver of juvenile Amur sturgeon Acipenser schrenckii using label-free proteomic and untargeted metabolomic analyses.The experiment included a control group and three groups exposed to different concentrations of TiO_(2)-NPs(low,TL;medium,TM;high,TH).Compared to the control group,9,19,and 25 proteins and 35,73,and 158 metabolites were differentially expressed in the TH,TM,and TL TiO_(2)-NP-exposed groups,respectively.The differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were enriched in the Kyoto Encyclopedia for Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathways related to glycolysis and gluconeogenesis.Moreover,among the 126 correlated proteins,the most enriched pathways were associated with endocytosis and protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum.Notably,syringic acid was significantly downregulated across all three TiO_(2)-NP-exposed groups.To obtain a comprehensive overview of the TiO_(2)-NP-induced expression changes,a co-regulated network of proteins and metabolites associated with TiO_(2)-NPs exposure was constructed.Exposure to TiO_(2)-NPs led to enrichment and alteration of pathways related to immune responses,including endocytosis,protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum,and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR)signaling.In conclusion,our findings indicate that exposure to TiO_(2)-NPs might disrupt glucose metabolism and induce immune responses,thus contributing to our understanding of the environmental impacts of nanomaterials and highlighting the need for further research and development of potential mitigation strategies.

The value of toxicological analysis in acute poisoning patients with uncertain exposure histories:a retrospective and descriptive study from an institute of poisoning

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.

Comprehensive analysis of advanced glycation end-products in commonly consumed foods:presenting a database for dietary AGEs and associated exposure assessment

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.

Spatial Optimization Strategies for High Temperature Heat Exposure Based on Thermally Vulnerable Populations and Case Studies

The objective of this study is to investigate the factors that contribute to brittleness and to identify strategies for mitigating these factors in populations with varying degrees of thermal vulnerability,based on the potential impact of extreme heat exposure on human survival and habitability.The physiological condition of lower adaptability to high temperature environments and the assessment of individuals who may have higher tolerance time in high temperature environments based on spatial perspectives suggest the need for targeted spatial optimization strategies for commuters and disadvantaged populations.This is demonstrated through a case study.These optimization measures encompass a variety of aspects,including the integration of transportation systems,the expansion of grey space corridors,the improvement of green space layout,and the implantation of green infrastructure.The study aims to reduce the exposure time of thermally vulnerable individuals to high temperature environments through spatial optimization strategies,to enhance the resilience of urban green spaces to heat stress,and to reduce the probability of heat-wave occurrence.

The Influence of Aerial Exposure on Sea Anemones Aulactinia veratra Mucin Genes Expression Using the RNA Sequencing

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.

Expression levels of K_(ATP)channel subunits and morphological changes in the mouse liver after exposure to radiation

BACKGROUND ATP sensitive K+(K_(ATP))channels are ubiquitously distributed in various of cells and tissues,including the liver.They play a role in the pathogenesis of myocardial and liver ischemia.AIM To evaluate the radiation-induced changes in the expression of K_(ATP)channel subunits in the mouse liver to understand the potential role of K_(ATP)channels in radiation injury.METHODS Adult C57BL/6 mice were randomly exposed toγ-rays at 0 Gy(control,n=2),0.2 Gy(n=6),1 Gy(n=6),or 5 Gy(n=6).The livers were removed 3 and 24 h after radiation exposure.Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used for morphological observation;immunohistochemical staining was applied to determine the expression of K_(ATP)channel subunits in the liver tissue.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the livers exposed to 0.2 Gyγ-ray showed an initial increase in the expression of Kir6.1 at 3 h,followed by recovery at 24 h after exposure.Exposure to a high dose of 5.0 Gy resulted in decreased expression of Kir6.1 and increased expression of SUR2B at 24 h.However,the expression of Kir6.2,SUR1,or SUR2A had no remarkable changes at 3 and 24 h after exposure to any of these doses.CONCLUSION The expression levels of Kir6.1 and SUR2B in mouse liver changed differently in response to different radiation doses,suggesting a potential role for them in radiation-induced liver injury.

Asbestos Exposure during Gasket Removal from Aircraft Engine

We have previously evaluated asbestos exposure associated with various maintenance procedures on light aircraft. The purpose of this study was to evaluate asbestos exposure during engine maintenance on light aircraft. This test was designed to evaluate the potential for asbestos exposure to mechanics and others who remove asbestos-containing engine gaskets from reciprocating style aircraft engines. Utilized in this test was an air cooled, horizontally opposed, aviation gasoline burning engine, assembled during 1986 and operated intermittently up into 2015, having accumulated 1680 hours run time. Nearly 75% of the asbestos-containing gaskets installed during 1986 were still in place at the time of testing. Chrysotile asbestos contents of such gaskets ranged from 55% to 60% by area, for those of sheet style and 5% by area, for the spiral wound metal/asbestos style. Despite the levels of effort required to effect gasket removals, the professional aircraft mechanic was not exposed to airborne asbestos fibers at the lower limits of sampling and analytical detection achieved;all of which were substantially less than the current Occupational Safety and Health Administration Permissible Exposure Limits for asbestos. The results of this testing indicate an absence of gasket related asbestos exposure risk to mechanics who work with light aircraft engines, including those having asbestos-containing gaskets. These results are consistent with the findings of Mlyarek and Van Orden who studied the asbestos exposure risk occasioned during overhaul of larger radial style reciprocating aircraft engines [1].

Incidence and Management of Occupational Blood Exposure (OBE) among Medical Students at the University of Bangui

Introduction: Like healthcare workers, medical students are also exposed to a risk of accidental contamination during their hospital internships. However, they do not benefit from prevention services in the same way as workers in this sector, although they actively participate in the routine care provided to patients in the various hospital departments. The objective of our study is to determine the incidence of these accidents and their medical and administrative management among these victims (medical students) not classified in the category of workers. Materials and Method: This was a cross-sectional study carried out over three months from January 15 to March 14, 2023. The study population consisted of all medical students at the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Bangui. Regularly enrolled students from 2nd to 7th year, on placement in hospitals in the Central African Republic and who gave their informed consent were included. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Results: A cross-sectional study was carried out among medical students concerning the incidence and management of accidents involving exposure to blood in the Central African Republic. Of the 254 students included, three (9%) had already been correctly vaccinated against the viral hepatitis B virus, 198 (77.9%) reported still having access to personal protective equipment, 133 students (52.4%) reported being victims of OBE in the past 12 months. The main types of OBE were stings (62%), followed by liquid splashes (32%) and cuts (6%). Among the 133 victims, 92.9% carried out immediate hand disinfection or abundant eye washing, 41.9% obtained the serology of the source patient and 37% reported the accident to their supervisor. Conclusion: It is important that students benefit from better prevention and management of these accidents.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Exposure in Soils of Ihwrekreka Communities, Delta State, Nigeria

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.

Autonomous VR Exposure Therapy for Anxiety Disorders Using Conversational AI—Ethical and Technical Implications and Preliminary Results

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.

A systematic review of occupational exposure to respirable coal mine dust(RCMD)in the U.S.mining industry

Cumulative inhalation of respirable coal mine dust(RCMD)can lead to severe lung diseases,including coal worker's pneu-moconiosis(CWP),silicosis,mixed dust pneumoconiosis,dust-related diffuse fibrosis(DDF),and progressive massive fibrosis(PMF).Statistics from the number of reported cases showed a significant decrease in the progression of respiratory diseases in the 1990s.However,an unexpected increase in the number of CWP cases was reported in the late 1990s.To date,there has been no comprehensive systematic review to assess all contributing factors to the resurgence of CWP cases.This study aims to investigate the effects of various mining parameters on the prevalence of CWP in coal mines.A systematic review using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis(PRISMA)method was conducted to investigate the health effects of RCMD exposure and identify the factors that may contribute to the recent resurgence of CWP cases.The systematic review yielded a total of 401 papers,which were added to the database.The total number of 148 and 208 papers were excluded from the database in the process of screening and eligibility,respectively.Then,18 papers were considered for data selection and full-text assessment.The review revealed that factors including geographic location,mine size,mining operation type,coal-seam thickness,coal rank,changes in mining practices,technology advancement,and engi-neering dust control practices are contributing to the recent resurgence of CWP among coal workers.However,the evidence for root causes is limited owing to the methodological constraints of the studies;therefore,further detailed studies are needed.

RF-Net: Unsupervised Low-Light Image Enhancement Based on Retinex and Exposure Fusion

Low-light image enhancement methods have limitations in addressing issues such as color distortion,lack of vibrancy,and uneven light distribution and often require paired training data.To address these issues,we propose a two-stage unsupervised low-light image enhancement algorithm called Retinex and Exposure Fusion Network(RFNet),which can overcome the problems of over-enhancement of the high dynamic range and under-enhancement of the low dynamic range in existing enhancement algorithms.This algorithm can better manage the challenges brought about by complex environments in real-world scenarios by training with unpaired low-light images and regular-light images.In the first stage,we design a multi-scale feature extraction module based on Retinex theory,capable of extracting details and structural information at different scales to generate high-quality illumination and reflection images.In the second stage,an exposure image generator is designed through the camera response mechanism function to acquire exposure images containing more dark features,and the generated images are fused with the original input images to complete the low-light image enhancement.Experiments show the effectiveness and rationality of each module designed in this paper.And the method reconstructs the details of contrast and color distribution,outperforms the current state-of-the-art methods in both qualitative and quantitative metrics,and shows excellent performance in the real world.

Artificial dermis combined with skin grafting for the treatment of hand skin and soft tissue defects and exposure of bone and tendon

BACKGROUND The recovery time of hand wounds is long,which can easily result in chronic and refractory wounds,making the wounds unable to be properly repaired.The treatment cycle is long,the cost is high,and it is prone to recurrence and disability.Double layer artificial dermis combined with autologous skin transplantation has been used to repair hypertrophic scars,deep burn wounds,exposed bone and tendon wounds,and post tumor wounds.AIM To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of autologous skin graft transplantation in conjunction with double-layer artificial dermis in treating finger skin wounds that are chronically refractory and soft tissue defects that expose bone and tendon.METHODS Sixty-eight chronic refractory patients with finger skin and soft tissue defects accompanied by bone and tendon exposure who were admitted from July 2021 to June 2022 were included in this study.The observation group was treated with double layer artificial dermis combined with autologous skin graft transplantation(n=49),while the control group was treated with pedicle skin flap transplantation(n=17).The treatment status of the two groups of patients was compared,including the time between surgeries and hospital stay.The survival rate of skin grafts/flaps and postoperative wound infections were evaluated using the Vancouver Scar Scale(VSS)for scar scoring at 6 mo after surgery,as well as the sensory injury grading method and two-point resolution test to assess the recovery of skin sensation at 6 mo.The satisfaction of the two groups of patients was also compared.RESULTS Wound healing time in the observation group was significantly longer than that in the control group(P<0.05,27.92±3.25 d vs 19.68±6.91 d);there was no significant difference in the survival rate of skin grafts/flaps between the two patient groups(P>0.05,95.1±5.0 vs 96.3±5.6).The interval between two surgeries(20.0±4.3 d)and hospital stay(21.0±10.1 d)in the observation group were both significantly shorter than those in the control group(27.5±9.3 d)and(28.4±17.7 d),respectively(P<0.05).In comparison to postoperative infection(23.5%)and subcutaneous hematoma(11.8%)in the control group,these were considerably lower at(10.2%)and(6.1%)in the observation group.When comparing the two patient groups at six months post-surgery,the excellent and good rate of sensory recovery(91.8%)was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group(76.5%)(P<0.05).There was also no statistically significant difference in two point resolution(P>0.05).The VSS score in the observation group(2.91±1.36)was significantly lower than that in the control group(5.96±1.51),and group satisfaction was significantly higher(P<0.05,90.1±6.3 vs 76.3±5.2).CONCLUSION The combination of artificial dermis and autologous skin grafting for the treatment of hand tendon exposure wounds has a satisfactory therapeutic effect.It is a safe,effective,and easy to operate treatment method,which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Impact of Non-Compliance of Exposure Classes in Reinforced Concrete Structures

From the National Agency for the Organization and Construction of Infrastructures (ANOCI) program to the Emerging Senegal Plan (PSE), construction in Senegal has improved considerably. However, deficiencies remain in the specification of materials used mainly in hydraulic concrete. They are generally related to the specification of aggregates for alkali reactivity and the choice of exposure classes specified in NF EN 206-1. The purpose of this article is to study the incidence of non-compliance with exposure classes in reinforced concrete structures. To carry out this study, surveys were carried out at several sites (districts) in Dakar (Cité Avion, Touba Ouakam, Cité Asecna, Cité Batrain, Cité Comico, Cité Assemblée and Terme Sud) in order to collect information on the formulation and implementation methods used. The comparison of the various readings carried out made it possible to deduce conclusions and to give recommendations when using standard NF EN 206-1.

Characteristics of glucose and lipid metabolism and the interaction between gut microbiota and colonic mucosal immunity in pigs during cold exposure

Background Cold regions have long autumn and winter seasons and low ambient temperatures.When pigs are unable to adjust to the cold,oxidative damage and inflammation may develop.However,the differences between cold and non-cold adaptation regarding glucose and lipid metabolism,gut microbiota and colonic mucosal immunological features in pigs are unknown.This study revealed the glucose and lipid metabolic responses and the dual role of gut microbiota in pigs during cold and non-cold adaptation.Moreover,the regulatory effects of dietary glucose supplements on glucose and lipid metabolism and the colonic mucosal barrier were evaluated in cold-exposed pigs.Results Cold and non-cold-adapted models were established by Min and Yorkshire pigs.Our results exhibited that cold exposure induced glucose overconsumption in non-cold-adapted pig models(Yorkshire pigs),decreasing plasma glucose concentrations.In this case,cold exposure enhanced the ATGL and CPT-1αexpression to promote liver lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation.Meanwhile,the two probiotics(Collinsella and Bifidobacterium)depletion and the enrichment of two pathogens(Sutterella and Escherichia-Shigella)in colonic microbiota are not conducive to colonic mucosal immunity.However,glucagon-mediated hepatic glycogenolysis in cold-adapted pig models(Min pigs)maintained the stability of glucose homeostasis during cold exposure.It contributed to the gut microbiota(including the enrichment of the Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group,[Eubacterium]coprostanoligenes group and WCHB1-41)that favored cold-adapted metabolism.Conclusions The results of both models indicate that the gut microbiota during cold adaptation contributes to the protection of the colonic mucosa.During non-cold adaptation,cold-induced glucose overconsumption promotes thermogenesis through lipolysis,but interferes with the gut microbiome and colonic mucosal immunity.Furthermore,glucagon-mediated hepatic glycogenolysis contributes to glucose homeostasis during cold exposure.

Spatiotemporal variations of ozone exposure and its risks to vegetation and human health in Cyprus:an analysis across a gradient of altitudes

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.

Knowledge of radiation exposure associated with common trauma imaging modalities among orthopaedic surgeons,emergency medicine physicians,and general surgeons in the United States

BACKGROUND:Few contemporary studies have assessed physicians’knowledge of radiation exposure associated with common imaging studies,especially in trauma care.The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of physicians involved in caring for trauma patients regarding the effective radiation doses of musculoskeletal(MSK)imaging studies routinely utilized in the trauma setting.METHODS:An electronic survey was distributed to United States orthopaedic surgery,general surgery,and emergency medicine(EM)residency programs.Participants were asked to estimate the radiation dose for common imaging modalities of the pelvis,lumbar spine,and lower extremity,in terms of chest X-ray(CXR)equivalents.Physician estimates were compared to the true effective radiation doses.Additionally,participants were asked to report the frequency of discussing radiation risk with patients.RESULTS:A total of 218 physicians completed the survey;102(46.8%)were EM physicians,88(40.4%)wereorthopaedicsurgeons,and28(12.8%)weregeneralsurgeons.Physicians underestimated the effective radiation doses of nearly all imaging modalities,most notably for pelvic computed tomaography(CT)(median 50 CXR estimation vs.162 CXR actual)and lumbar CT(median 50 CXR estimation vs.638 CXR actual).There was no difference between physician specialties regarding estimation accuracy(P=0.133).Physicians who regularly discussed radiation risks with patients more accurately estimated radiation exposure(P=0.007).CONCLUSION:The knowledge among orthopaedic and general surgeons and EM physicians regarding the radiation exposure associated with common MSK trauma imaging is lacking.Further investigation with larger scale studies is warranted,and additional education in this area may improve care.

Long-term radiofrequency electromagnetic fields exposure attenuates cognitive dysfunction in 5×FAD mice by regulating microglial function

We have previously found that long-term effects of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields in 5xFAD mice with severe late-stage Alzheimer’s disease reduced both amyloid-βdeposition and glial activation,including microglia.To examine whether this therapeutic effect is due to the regulation of activated microglia,we analyzed mic roglial gene expression profiles and the existence of microglia in the brain in this study.5xFAD mice at the age of 1.5 months were assigned to sham-and radiofrequency electromagnetic fields-exposed groups and then animals were exposed to 1950 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields at a specific absorption rate of 5 W/kg for 2 hours/day and 5 days/week for 6 months.We conducted behavioral tests including the object recognition and Y-maze tests and molecular and histopathological analysis of amyloid precursor protein/a myloid-beta metabolism in brain tissue.We confirmed that radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure for 6 months ameliorated cognitive impairment and amyloid-βdeposition.The expression levels of Iba1(pan-microglial marker)and colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor(CSF1R;regulates microglial prolife ration)in the hippocampus in 5xFAD mice treated with radiofrequency electromagnetic fields were significantly reduced compared with those of the sham-exposed group.Subsequently,we analyzed the expression levels of genes related to mic rogliosis and microglial function in the radiofrequency electromagnetic fields-exposed group compared to those of a CSF1R inhibitor(PLX3397)-treated group.Both radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and PLX3397 suppressed the levels of genes related to microgliosis(Csf1r,CD68,and Ccl6)and pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β.N otably,the expression levels of genes related to mic roglial function,including Trem2,Fcgr1α,Ctss,and Spi1,were decreased after long-term radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure,which was also observed in response to microglial suppression by PLX3397.These results showed that radiofrequency electromagnetic fields ameliorated amyloid-βpathology and cognitive impairment by suppressing amyloid-βdeposition-induced microgliosis and their key regulator,CSF1R.