Pharmacokinetics of Oxiracetam in Healthy Volunteers

Aim To study the pharmacokinetics of oxiracetam after single and multipleintravenous administrations in healthy volunteers. Method A HPLC method was used to determine theserum concentration of oxiracetam after intravenous single dose and daily dose of 2 000 mg for 7 din ten Chinese healthy volunteers. Pharmacokinetic analysis was carried out using Drug And Statisticsoftware. Results The AUC_(0-12), AUC_(0-∞), K_e, t_(1/2), MRT after a single dose of 2 000 mgoxiracetam were 256.26 ± 16.84 μg·mL^(-1)·h, 276.74 ±18.11 μg·mL^(-1)·h, 0.18 ±0.03 h^(-1),3.84±0.64 h, and 4.39 10.39 h, and after multiple doses of oxiracetam were 259.36 ±25.43μg·mL^(-1)·h, 285.59 ±27.38 μg·mL^(-1)·h, 0.17 ±0.04 h^(-1), 4.14 ± 0.82 h, and 4.87 ±0.69 h, respectively. Conclusion The pharmacokinetic parameters of oxiracetam do not differremarkably after single and multiple intravenous administration and there is accumulation in serumafter 2 000 mg multiple intravenous administration once a day fof 7 d.

Pedogeochemical Environments and Peoples Health in China

It has long been recognized that pedogeochemistry is closely related with human health. Based on analytical data, the weathering or soil forming processes fall into four stages and China is divided into four geochemical regions: saline soil region, carbonate soil region, siallitic soil region and ferrallitic soil region. Moreover, some endemic diseases in relation to the deficit or excess of some elements are discussed in the viewpoint of pedogeochemistry.

Yoga: A tool for improving the quality of life in chronic pancreatitis

AIM： To determine the effectiveness of yoga on improving the quality of life in patients of chronic pancreatitis. METHODS： The patients were randomized to two groups. The control group continued their usual care as directed by their physicians. Patients in the yoga group, in addition, received biweekly yoga sessions for 12 wk. The patients＇ demographic and health behaviour variables were assessed before and alter the yoga programme using Medical Outcomes Short Form （SF-36） for quality of life, Profile of Mood States for assessing mood and Symptoms of Stress Inventory for measuring stress. RESULTS： A total of 60 patients were enrolled, with 8 drop-outs.Thirty patients were randomized to the yoga group and 30 to the control group. Significant improvements were seen in overall quality of life, symptoms of stress, mood changes, alcohol dependence and appetite alter the 12 wk period apart from the general feeling of well-being and desire to continue with the programme in future in the yoga group, while there was no difference in the control group. CONCLUSION： Yoga is effective on improving the quality of life in patients of chronic pancreatitis.

Quantifying the emission＇s impact of coal mining activities on the environment and human health in process

Discharges and emissions in the coal mining process have a strong effect both on the environment and on human health. This problem is usually be a negative one and has only been recognized qualitatively, due to the lack of effective quantitative methods. Based on emergy theory and accounting methodology, a set of quantitative methods for accounting the environmental support due to pollutants emissions was first introduced. Then impacts on environment and effects on human health were quantified using the unified units. The results indicated that water pollutants caused more impacts on the environment than air pollutants did, i.e., more environmental contributions are needed to dilute and absorb water pollutants. The occupation of land caused by coal mining gangue waste stacking has led to a huge loss of environmental services over the years. Moreover, the potential damage on the human condition health caused by CO2 through climate change cannot be ignored. Finally, the impacts of mining activities on environmental and human health in unified units are shown to provide a quantitative insight into the disadvantage of coal mining. The comparable results of the method indicate the different influence of various pollutants and the contribution of ＇natural capital＇ directly. This work is a part of ongoing thermodynamic input-output analysis and life cycle analysis of coal mining systems （which are in process.）

Electromagnetic Pollution and Human Health

The electromagnetic fields surrounding the electric and communication installations are blamed not only for cancerigenic effects, but also for negative influences on the natural electrophysiological phenomena and ＂accused＂ of causing some degenerative diseases of the nervous system, genetic modifications with hereditary effects, mental and behavioural disturbances. This research aimed to highlight that Directive 2008 / 46 / EC had a series of positive aspects as well as drawbacks. Directive 2008 / 46 / EC of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2004 / 40 / EC on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents （electromagnetic fields） is criticized because these norms should regard not only the category of those working in different domains, but also the large category of consumers （of cell phones, microwave ovens, computers, etc.）.

STUDY ON THE CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF POLLUTING FOG IN GUANGZHOU AREA IN SPRING

Samples of fog water collected in the area of Guangzhou during February, March and April of 2005 are used in this work to study the chemical composition of fog water in polluting fog there. Three typical episodes of polluting fog are analyzed in terms of ionic concentration and their possible sources. It is found that the concentration of various ions in fog water is much higher than those in rainwater. Fog not only blocks visual range but contains liquid particles that result in high degree of pollution and are very harmful to human health. SO4= is the anion with the highest concentration in fog water, followed by NO3-. For the cation, Ca++ and NH4+ are the highest in concentration. It is then known that rainwater is more acidic than fog water, indicating that ionic concentration of fog water is much higher than that of rainwater, but there are much more buffering materials in fog water, like NH4+ and Ca++. There is significant enrichment of Ca++, SO4=, and Mg++ in fog water. In the Guangzhou area, fog water from polluting fog is mainly influenced continental environment and human activity. The episodes of serious fog pollution during the time have immediate relationships with the presence of abundant water vapor and large amount of polluting aerosol particles.

A Transition from Wood Fuel to LPG and Its Impact on Energy Conservation and Health in the Central Himalayas, India

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impacts of the transition from wood fuel to Liquefied Petroleum Gas （LPG） from energy use and health perspectives along an altitudinal gradient （viz., lower altitude; middle altitude; and higher altitude） of the Central Himalayas. Empirical field study and questionnaire based survey was conducted for obtaining the data. A total of 2o households from each altitude were selected for obtaining reliable information on the actual quantity of fuelwood consumed. Of the 2o households, five households each based on the family size i.e., small families （〈4 members）, medium （5-8 members） and large （〉9 members） from all the altitudinal regions were selected. This was followed by an administration of a questionnaire on the quantity of fuelwood consumed. After the completion of the questionnaire survey, the data was validated using a weighted survey for the randomly selected households for obtaining precise information on the actual quantity of fuelwood consumed. Energy analysis is done with respect to the time spent on fuelwood collection and energy value of burning of per kg of fuelwood. Study indicates that declining biomass requirement from forests contributes significantly towards energy conservation, also has positive impact on human health. Per capita annual energy expenditure on collection of fuelwood is 752 MJ which is higher than any other activity in villages of Central Himalaya. The LPG substitution has contributed to energy saving which is equivalent to 2976-3,742 MJ per capita per year in middle and lower altitudes respectively. In the higher altitude the energy saving is calculated to be about 257 MJ per capita per year. Replacing fuelwood with LPG has made positive impact on society in terms of improving the health while reducing diseases that are caused due to indoor air pollution.

Lighting Products' Health and Comfort Evaluation System

With the global promotion of LED lighting products, the health and safety of LED products has drawn wider attention. This paper systematically introduces the ergonomic evaluation （methods and indicators） svstem for heahh and comfort which differs from the traditional manpowered physical detection, and sketches out the evaluation indicators and its industrialization prospect.

Practical Paths towards Lowering Black Carbon Emissions

Black carbon （BC） aerosol, accounting for a minor fraction of atmospheric aerosols, is attracting increased attentio1 due to its impact on air quality, human health, and climate change. Focusing on BC emission reduction, this paper give1 a brief introduction to the sources and global distribution of BC. Along with the decrease of BC emissions from sue1 actions as the reduction of global greenhouse gases （GHGs） and regulating local air quality, it also highlights othet BC reduction approaches such as control and improvement of combustion conditions, the elimination of open biomas burning, and the sequestration of BC by biomass pyrolysis. Finally, it is stressed that at this moment there is no enougt reason to push BC reduction into any climate change related negotiations, although BC has been included in some o so-called win-win reduction targets for the quick response to both climate and non-climate appeals.

PREMISE Insect Model： Integrated Population Dynamics Model for the Ex-ante Evaluation of IPM against Insect Pest

Codling moth Cydiapomonella L. is the most serious pest of apple and pear worldwide and causes damage and decreased yields. To minimize this risk, IPM tools can be applied to reduce the use of chemicals. A cost-effective application of IPM depends on the number of insects at the time of application. Several conditions and factors influence the lifecycle and numbers of generations within a year. In order to perform ex-ante evaluations of the cost-effectiveness of IPM measures against pest insects, the generic PREMISE insect model has been developed, which integrates insect＇s population dynamics, the climate and other conditions, applied measures, economics, environment and human health （residues）. This paper describes these components of the PREMISE insect model, and how these components interact to assess the cost-effectiveness of IPM measures and the effects on the environment and human health. Codling moth is used as a case study for this generic model.

Outdoor Air Pollutants and the Impact on Public Health

The demands of increasing population coupled with the desire of most people for a higher material standard of living are resulting in worldwide increasing pollution on a massive scale. In some cases, pollution is a clear-cut phenomenon （e.g., emissions from an old industrial plant）. Sometimes it is difficult to be identified （e.g., microbial pollution） and in others lies largely in the eyes of the beholder （e.g., noise pollution）. Outdoor air pollutants are contaminants which are present in the ambient air and have detrimental effects on human health or upon its environment. The aim of this literature review study is the comprehensive presentation of the major pollutants, which are commonly determined in studies in urban environment, as well as emerging pollutants with important impact in human health. The sources, the sampling and monitoring methods of these pollutants are discussed. In addition, this study contains critical up to date legislation issues concerning environmental pollution coming from these contaminants and, finally, their impact on public health.

Identification of Pathogenic Germs and Antibiotics Residues in the Raw Milk and Their Effects on Human Health

Milk is a food of great value, it provides more essential nutrient than any other natural food. The presence of pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic residues in milk can cause a real danger to consumers. Effectively, the milk consumption contaminated by bacteria can have an immediate impact which means a toxi-infection. Therefore, the presence of antibiotics residues in milk can constitute an important risk at the allergic and antibiotic resistance cases on the consumer. The present study concerning the pathogens germs identification and Antibiotic residues seeking in milk and their impact on the human health, has been realized on a total number of 80 samples of raw milk resulted from direct sale channel （dairies） throughout Blida different regions localities. The Microbiological analysis has shown only three conform samples to JORA Standards. Really, milk non-conformity results to the microbiological standards consisting on total aerobic mesophilic flora total count, total coliforms, Thermotolerant coliforms E. coli, Faecal streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus have shown the following contamination rate： 61.25%, 93.75%, 86.25%, 55%, 93.75% and 50%. Salmonella is characterized by a total absence in all analyzed milk samples. Moreover, the antibiotics residues research by Delvotest SP make plainly visible 33 positive samples. Further, two samples of the three which were judged conform to the bacteriology standards has been found contaminated by the antibiotic residues. The analyzed milk quality can be considered as a real danger to the consumption.

EFFECT OF ELECTRO-SCALP ACUPUNCTURE ON GLUCOSE METABOLISM OF THE CEREBRAL REGIONS INVOLVING MENTAL ACTIVITY IN HEALTHY PEOPLE

Objective: To observe the effect of electro-scalp acupuncture on glucose metabolism of cerebral regions involving mental activity in healthy people. Methods: A total of 6 cases of volunteer healthy subjects (3 males and 3 females) ranging in age from 22 to 36 years were subjected to this study. Changes of cerebral glucose metabolism before and after electro-scalp acupuncture were observed by using positron emission tomography (PET) and semi-quantifying analysis method. Electro-scalp acupuncture stimulation (50 Hz, 2 mA) of Middle Line of Vertex (Ding zhongxian,顶中线,MS5), Middle Line of Forehead (Ezhongxian, 额中线,MS1) and bilateral Lateral Line 1 of Forehead (Epangyixian,额旁一线,MS2) was administered for 30 minutes. Then cerebral regions of interest (ROIs) were chosen and their average glucose metabolism levels (radioactivity of 18 fluorine deoxyglucose) were analyzed. Results: After administration of electro-scalp acupuncture, the glucose metabolism levels in bilateral frontal lobes and bilateral caudate nuclei, left cingulate gyrus and right cerebellum increased significantly in comparison with those of pre stimulation (P<0.05). Conclusion: Electro-scalp acupuncture of MSI, MS2 and MS5 can increase the glucose metabolism of certain cerebral regions involving mental activity in healthy subjects.

Economic Valuation of Lead Impact to Human Health in Yogyakarta Urban Area, Indonesia

The urban economic development needs transportation facilities. People moves form one location to the other rapidly. The amount of vehicle increases, it also increases lead content in the air. As a research topic is the human health cost increases as lead content in the air increases. Lead impacts increase public health cost. This research identifies the determinant of public health cost and estimates the respondent＇s willingness to pay （WTP）. The respondents are 146 people in three areas of study, Yogyakarta City, Sleman Regency, and Bantul Regency. Dose response method determinates the valuation of lead impact caused by emission to human health. Contingent valuation method estimates the respondents＇ WTP to take care human health by keeping the environmental condition. It is analyzed by ordered probit model. By increasing lead pollutant, the health impacts are 123,647 cases of incremental child IQ, 15,783 cases of hypertension, 17 cases of coroner core, and 127 cases of premature mortality. Total health compensation cost because of lead impact is 1,469,594,723,409 （US $122,466,226.95）. The increasing of the probability of respondent＇s WTP is only 0.00000233 percent, if the dependent variables increase one percent. It indicates that people＇s awareness to keep their environment and to decrease lead content is not good enough, despite the fact that there is some increase of awareness for example

Discussion on green building materials

With the continuous development of science and technology and constantly improve of the quality of life, most people are increasingly aware of the importance of the environment. According to the serious problem that resource consumption and environmental pollution caused by the traditional building materials, green building materials has been the support of the people. Because of its low consumption, less pollution, beneficial to human health, harmony with the environment and other excellent performance, the green building materials has a rapid development in recent years. This paper is based on the thinking of innovation, starting from the environment, energy saving point of view, analysis the advantages and shortcomings of green building materials, explore the developing trend and future of this new type of material.

Climate Change and Human Health in Nigeria

This paper investigates the impact of climate change on human health in Nigeria. The paper relies on secondary data, sourced from journals, government documents and private individuals. From these sources the paper discovered that climate change poses a wide range of health risks to human health which include direct effects on human health resulting from increase in temperature and amplified air pollution that increase in temperature needs high incidence of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dysentery and cholera among others. Climate change also leads to rising sea levels which contaminates coastal fresh water and makes low-lying areas vulnerable to flooding. Flooding results in frequent incidences of malaria, cholera, typhoid to mention but few. It also leads to the displacement of people and resource conflicts, e.g., land and water, and post-disaster mental health problem. Finally the paper suggests that after flooding, affected settlements should be fumigated before people pack tack in order to reduce the incidences of cholera, malaria and dysentery among others, and that to reduce the discharge of carbon into the atmosphere alternative source of energy to fuel wood, must be put in place by the government.

Determination of MBL Gene by Using PCR-RFLP and the Study on the Association of Plasma Concentrations of Mannose Binding Protein in Healthy Individuals of Han and Mongolian Population

The aim of this study was to analyze the point mutation of the exon 1 at codon 54 of the mannose (or mannan)-binding lectin (MBL) gene in healthy individuals of Chinese Hans and Mongolian population, and to find out any association between the plasma levels of MBL and the gene mutation frequency in both groups of individuals. Blood samples were collected randomly from 56 healthy individuals of Chinese Hans and 37 Mongolian. The detection of the point mutations of the MBL gene was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and detections for plasma levels of MBL were determined by using MBL ELISA kits. A MBL PCR method of assay was established with high specificity, and good reproducibility. By optimizing the PCR condition, the optimal annealing temperature was 55℃, and the lowest detection limit was 160 pg. No bands were found in non-specificity samples (HAV, HBV, HCV and TB), and the sequences of PCR products were the same as the expected ones. Also a MBL PCR-RFLP was established. Upon electrophoresis of the digested products in 3% agarose gel, there were 3 patterns: in which 2 bands correspond to molecule weight 232 bp and 93 bp; 1 band, corresponds to molecule weight 325 bp and 3 bands correspond to molecule weight 325 bp, 232 bp and 93 bp, respectively. Three bands of 325 bp, 232 bp and 93 bp of point mutations were found at codon 54 of MBL coding gene. Frequencies in healthy Han and Mongolian population were 0.2321 and 0.1757 respectively. The average plasma MBL concentration was 1998.750 μg/L, with SD of 1505.152 in 56 healthy Han population and 2525.676 μg/L, with SD of 1955.188 in 37 Mongolian. A negative correlation between MBL concentration and gene mutation frequency was found in healthy Han population. Frequency of point mutation was 1.00 when the MBL concentrations were below 100 μg/L; frequency of point mutation was 0.4524 when the concentration was 100 μg/L to 1000 μg/L; and the frequency of point mutation was 0.0156 when the concentration was over 1000 μg/L. Analysis of association between MBL concentration and gene frequency in healthy Mongolian population showed that frequency of point mutation was 1.00 when the MBL concentrations were below 100 μg/L and the frequency of point mutation was 0.4583 when the MBL concentrations were 100 μg/L to 1000 μg/L; no point mutation was found when the concentration was over 1000 μg/L. It is concluded that the frequencies of mutation at codon 54 of MBL coding gene had been determined in both healthy Hans and Mongolian population, and the frequency was higher in healthy Hans than that of Mongolian, but no statistical significance (χ 2=0.8574, P >0.05). The MBL level was lower in healthy Hans than in Mongolian population, but there was no statistical significance( t =1.448, 0.1< P <0.2). There was a negative correlation between frequency of point mutation and MBL concentrations in both Hans and Mongolian population( r =-0.62, r =-0.641).

A MRI quantitative study of corpus callosum in normal adults

Objective： To investigate the possible age- and sex-related differences in the various dimensions of corpus callosum among Chinese normal adults. Methods： Magnetic resonance images of 286 healthy adults, including 127 males and 159 females, and ranging in age from 20 to 81 years, were investigated. They were classified into 5 age groups （ 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60-81 years old）. Corresponding to the age group sequence above, the male/female ratio of each group respectively was： 25/26, 26/33, 33/50, 32/36, and 11/14. The following dimensions of corpus callosum were systematically measured on the midsagittal Tl-weighted images： frontal to occipital pole （represented as line segment AB）, total longitudinal dimension of the corpus callosum （CD）, the maximum height （EF）, the widths of the genu （CX）, anterior one third （GH）, central region （EZ）, posterior one third （MN） and splenium （YD）. After that, the obtained data was analyzed statistically. Results： （1） The total longitudinal dimension, maximum height, widths of the genu, central region and splenium were proved to be larger in females. But the widths of the anterior one third and posterior one third were similar in-between. In spite of that, a conspicuous sex-related difference was not found. （2） The total longitudinal dimension and the maximum height of the corpus callosum remained stable in all age subgroups. Yet the widths of the genu, anterior one third, central region, posterior one third and splenium had a tendency of decreasing gradually with aging. Statistical difference was seen in the anterior one third, central region, posterior one third （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： There is no sex-related difference in all dimensions of corpus callosum. But, with aging, a significant difference is found in the widths of the anterior one third, central region and posterior one third.

Construction of normal human IgE phage antibody library and the screening of the anti-trichosanthin IgE

Allergen specific IgE response is the major cause of immediate hypersensitivity. However the number of IgEproducing B cells and the amount of IgE, especially the specific IgE, are so low, it greatly impedes the study of the allergic-specifc antibody responses. Here we report the construction of a normal human IgE combinatorial library The repertoire of IgE VH genes and of K genes were separately amplified from normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes through RT-PCR, and were then constructed to form the phage surface display human Fab(IgEVH) library. A plant protein allergen, trichosanthin(TCS), was used to affinity-enrich and to screen the anti-TCS phage HuFab clones from the library. Human IgE(Fab) to TCS were detected.

Bread and Health

Introduction： Bread is a food full of flavors and nutrients and continues to be the basis of our daily diet. Aim： The aim of this review was the investigation of bread＇s usefulness in our daily dietary chain and health in general. Material-Method： Extensive review of the recent literature was conducted in electronic databases （Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar） through the Association of Hellenic Academic Libraries （HEAL-Link） using the appropriate key words： bread, health, disease as well as a combination of them. Results： Bread is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates that provide the body with the energy needed. Although bread is a basic food of everyday human nutrition, it is implicated in a variety of situations that burden the human body, such as obesity. However, this happens only when it is consumed in very large quantities and when it is part of an unbalanced diet. Conclusions： Bread, when is consumed in balanced quantities can give the body plenty of nutrients essential for its good function.