Concentration Levels Research Articles

Atmospheric Estrogenic Semi-Volatile Compounds and PAH in PM2.5 in Mexico City

The quantification of semi-volatile organic compounds with potential endocrine-disrupting activity contained in fine atmospheric particles (PM2.5) is essential to understand their temporal behavior, identify their sources, and evaluate the health risks resulting from population exposure to said compounds. Since information and research outcomes regarding their presence in the atmosphere in developing countries are scarce, the main objective of this work was the development of a methodology devoted to extracting, characterizing, and quantifying, for the first time in Mexico, the concentration levels of three important groups of endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) bonded to PM2.5 and collected during a year, namely: alkylphenols (4-n-nonylphenol (4NP) and 4-tert-octylphenol (4tOP)); bisphenols (bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol F (BPF)); natural and synthetic hormones (17β-estradiol (E2), estriol (E3) and 17α-ethinyl estradiol (EE2)). Further, priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) that also disrupt endocrine activity were analyzed. All compounds were determined by gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, and the concentration levels were analyzed for different climatic seasons. Cold-dry (CD) season displayed higher levels of 4NP, bisphenols, and hormones (between 0.71 (4NP) and 1860 pg m−3 (BPA)), as well as PAH concentrations (9.12 ng m−3). Regarding health effects, concentrations of alkylphenols, bisphenols, and hormones quantified had a value of estradiol equivalent concentration (EEQE2) between 0.07 and 0.17 ng m−3. PAH concentrations did not have carcinogenic and mutagenic risk with BaP(PEQ) < 1 ng m−3. These results can be used by policymakers in the design of strategies for air pollution control.

Analysis of indoor radon concentration levels and trends in China

A systematic review of publicly available papers on indoor radon data from 1980 to 2023 was conducted to provide a preliminary understanding of indoor radon concentration levels and trends in China. Keywords were used to collect literature on indoor radon surveys in China during the periods of before 2000, 2000–2010 and after 2010 in the CNKI, WANFANG, VIP and PubMed databases. This paper also collected indoor radon concentration data from WHO, UNSCEAR publications and PubMed databases for other countries. A total of 37,886 indoor radon concentration data points were collected in China, covering 31 provinces. The results showed that the weighted and arithmetic mean radon concentrations in China were 29.4 Bq/m3 and 33.2 Bq/m3 (n = 17,940) before 2000, 44.7 Bq/m3 and 43.3 Bq/m3 (n = 10,692) in 2000–2010, 57.6 Bq/m3 and 60.8 Bq/m3(n = 9,254) after 2010, respectively. It indicated an increasing trend in indoor radon concentrations in China. The differences in mean indoor radon concentrations across time periods were significant (p < 0.001). In the regional analysis, the differences in indoor radon concentrations between different administrative geographic regions for each time period were significant (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the differences in indoor radon concentrations among climatic areas were significant for the periods 2000–2010 and after 2010 (p < 0.05). Additionally, this paper collected indoor radon data from 63 countries worldwide. The mean radon concentrations across the three periods—before 2000, 2000–2010 and after 2010—were 56.5 Bq/m3, 67.9 Bq/m3 and 81 Bq/m3, respectively. Meanwhile, a comparison of indoor radon concentration was made before and after 2000 among 26 countries, of which 16 countries showed an increasing trend. So, it can be seen the increase in indoor radon concentration in China is not an isolated phenomenon, and the issue of indoor radon pollution still requires further attention.

Characteristics of the level of athletes' sports preparedness in freestyle wrestling

Introduction: This article deals with the issue of a comprehensive approach to researching the level of athletic fitness of freestyle wrestlers based on the results of competitive activity, in the laboratory and training process. Objective: Using a comprehensive research approach to assess the technical and tactical skills, as well as the level of functional capabilities of athletes in freestyle wrestling. Methodology: Competitive activity was analyzed to evaluate technical and tactical skill. The heart rate and lactate concentration level were recorded during the preparation for competitive wrestling and the recovery period. An in-depth complex examination was performed, which included assessment of anthropometric indices, registration of the main parameters of external respiration and gas exchange, cardiovascular system. Results: The indicators of recovery processes during the training process and competitive activity were obtained to assess the level of preparation of freestyle wrestlers, where a number of shortcomings of their training were revealed. Discussion: Criteria for evaluating competitive loads on the basis of determining the concentration of lactate in the blood were developed. The obtained information allowed to determine the level of preparedness of athletes in freestyle wrestling, as well as the readiness to conduct the next competitive bout Conclusions: Comparative analysis of competitive activity has shown that it is necessary to correct the algorithm of modes of training processes. When conducting training of low aerobic power to perform the necessary volume while observing the individual mode as for the level of lactate and heart rate.

The 31P Spectral Modulus (PSM) as an Assay of Metabolic Status

The phosphorus-31 (31P) spectral modulus (PSM) is a measure of the metabolic status of cells, tissues, and organs. The PSM can be calculated from 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (31P NMR) spectra obtained from cell, tissue, or organ preparations. These 31P NMR spectra can be a measure of intact living cells, tissues, or organs, or appropriate biochemical extracts of such preparations. The 31P NMR spectrum is comprised of signals derived from organophosphate metabolites that resonate from 10 δ to −25 δ on the phosphorus chemical shift δ scale. The PSM is the ratio of the high-energy phosphate to that of the low-energy phosphate spectral integrals. These integrals may be conveniently grouped into high-energy and low-energy spectral regions, respectively, into 31P chemical shifts located between −0.13 δ to −25 δ and between 10 δ to −0.13 δ. High-energy phosphates are typically described as providing the energy necessary for the activity of cellular metabolism; chemically, they contain one or more phosphate anhydride bonds. This study demonstrates that, (1) in general, the higher the metabolic activity, the higher the PSM, and (2) the modulus calculation does not require a highly resolved 31P spectrum and can be calculated solely from the integral. The PSM was calculated among cells, tissues, and organs considered normal, diseased, and stressed. In diseased (mean 1.29 ± 0.73) and stressed (mean 1.23 ± 0.75) cells, tissues, and organs, PSM values are typically low or low relative to normal cells, tissues, or organs (mean 1.65 ± 0.90), following time-course measurements, in dynamic decline. The PSM is useful in determining the metabolic status of cells, tissues, or organs and can be employed as a calculable numeric assay for determining health status statically or over time. Calculation of the PSM can be carried out with spectra of low signal-to-noise; it relies on the minimal resolution required to detect an integral curve having a clear spectral integral inflection point at ca. −0.13 δ. Detection of an integral curve alone enables the calculation of a PSM even at levels of phosphorus concentration so low as to prevent detection of the individual or groups of metabolites, such as with in vivo or ex vivo cell, tissue, or organ determinations. This study (1) presents the foundations and fundamentals of the PSM, a living index of tissue metabolic health, and (2) demonstrates the use of spectral scan analysis in opening new vistas of biology and medicine for measuring the metabolic status of stressed and diseased tissues at a range of detectable levels for monitoring therapeutic interventions.

Comparative analysis of allowable total error specifications for coagulation factor assays utilizing China National External quality assessment scheme data and biological variation data.

It is necessary and challenging to establish reasonable and feasible total error specifications for coagulation factor assays for quality control and assessment. The aim of this study is to establish new total error specifications for coagulation factor assays by combining External Quality Assessment data with reliable biological variation data. Data from China National External Quality Assessment Scheme (28,408 results from 1,381 laboratories) were analyzed, stratifying External Quality Assessment data by reference intervals to establish concentration-dependent total error specifications. A "state-of-the-art" total error was defined at 80% best results of the participants. Then these specifications were compared with biological variation-derived total error to determine recommended total error specifications for different concentration levels. None of the measurands could meet biological variation-derived optimum total error. Eight parameters (FII, FVIII, FX at both high and low levels; FVII and FIX at high level) reached the desirable criteria. Only FXI at low level can't met the minimum criteria. The establishment of total error specifications for coagulation factor assays should be set separately according to different concentration levels and attainability of current testing technologies. Setting total error specifications should also consider clinical requirements and regulatory standards across different regions. Analyte concentration significantly influences laboratory performance, particularly for low-concentration coagulation factors. Total error specifications need updated periodically in the further. Tea, allowable total error; BV, biological variation; SOTA, state of the art; EQAS, External quality assessment schemes; ME, measurement error; RIs, reference intervals; BIVAC, Biological Variation Data Critical Appraisal Checklist; QIs, quality items; EFLM, European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine; APS, analytical quality specifications; ISO, International Organization for Standardization; EQA, External quality assessment; PT, proficiency testing; RCPA, Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia; RfB, Reference Institute for Bioanalytics; ECAT, External Quality Control for Assays and Tests.

A comprehensive quantitative LC-MS/MS method for rapid gelatin source identification in food products: Comparison with PCR.

Authentication of gelatin sources are required for cultural beliefs and food integrity. This paper describes a sensitive and rapid detection of gelatin sources using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. The specific peptide markers were adopted to accurately identify bovine and porcine gelatin in pharmaceutical capsules and jellies. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was employed to identify and quantify over five specific peptide markers, each characterized by its unique precursor and product ion transitions. The developed method was validated at three concentration levels in gelatin-containing products to assess its accuracy and precision. The recovery (accuracy) of the proposed method was between 80% and 107%, and relative standard deviation (precision) was in the range of 5.16-9.97%. Linearity was obtained≥0.99 (R2). To ensure the accuracy of ingredient labeling, the LC-MS/MS results were compared with those obtained from PCR assays. The LC-MS/MS method demonstrated exceptional sensitivity, reliably detecting gelatin adulteration at concentrations as low as 0.01%. The developed LC-MS/MS method provides a rapid and accurate results for authenticating gelatin sources in various food products within 4hours.

Anti-inflammatory, immunostimulant and antimicrobial properties of tannic acid in the diet of Oreochromis niloticus infected with Aeromonas hydrophila.

The study aimed to assess the impact of dietary supplementation with tannic acid on the growth, health, and survival of Oreochromis niloticus following exposure to Aeromonas hydrophila. A total of 320 fish were divided into 16 tanks and assigned to four treatment groups: feed with 0.2% tannic acid (TA0.2%), 0.4% tannic acid (TA0.4%), 0.8% tannic acid (TA0.8%), or no tannic acid (Control0%), with each treatment replicated four times, over a 50-day period. At the end of the 50-day period, biological samples were collected from the fish, which were then intraperitoneally injected with A. hydrophila. No significant differences in growth performance were detected between treatments. As expected, levels of total leukocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were notably higher in the blood of the fish after infection, regardless of the treatment received. During both the pre- and post-infection periods, monocytes were more abundant in the TA0.2% and TA0.8% treatments compared to the TA0.4% treatment. Additionally, there was a significant interaction between the factors affecting thrombocytes, neutrophils, basophils, hemoglobin, and MCHC. Thrombocytosis and neutrophilia were significantly greater in the TA0.8% treatment pre-infection than in the post-infection and control group. Conversely, a higher number of basophils were observed in the post-infection period in the TA0.8% treatment group compared to the pre-infection period. Total plasma protein levels decreased significantly in the post-infection period, regardless of tannic acid supplementation levels, while immunoglobulin levels increased after exposure to A. hydrophila. Histological analyses revealed a significant increase in the perimeter and number of intestinal villi in the TA0.4% treatment group before infection. The number of goblet cells also increased in the control group (0%), TA0.4%, and TA0.8% before infection. In splenic tissue, the TA0.4% treatment resulted in a reduction in eosinophilic and mononuclear infiltrates, as well as decreased congestion and vacuolation. Hemosiderin levels were lower in the TA0.4% and TA0.2% treatment groups. In the liver, lymphocytic infiltrates were reduced in the TA0.2% and TA0.4% treatment groups, and portal vein congestion was decreased in the TA0.2% post-infection and TA0.4% pre-infection groups. Post-infection survival rates were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the TA0.4% treatment group (91%) compared to the TA0.8% treatment group (85%) and the control group (71%). The results of the present study show that tannic acid has a positive effect on the immune system of Nile tilapia. This is supported by improvements in innate immunity in the blood, as well as the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects seen in histological analyses. Therefore, it is suggested to use a 0.4% tannic acid dose for dietary supplementation of Nile tilapia, along with further studies on the potential benefits of this food additive for tilapia.

Creative industries in global trade: An international competitiveness analysis

Creative industries are increasingly recognized as key drivers of sustainable economic development. This study examines the international trade competitiveness of 226 economies in the creative industries, utilizing seven widely utilised indices of trade competitiveness for the most recent year data available, 2023. The analysis explores export, import, and trade balance patterns across various economic groups, regions, and major economies in creative industries. It also identifies the export value of the most traded ten creative industries products worldwide. Findings reveal that approximately 78% of the 226 countries exhibit comparative disadvantages or lack international competitiveness in creative industries. Notably, there is a high concentration of competitiveness in the creative industries around certain major countries, particularly in Asia-Pacific and European regions, including countries such as Türkiye, Italy, India, China, Indonesia, France, Vietnam, Poland, Portugal, Thailand, and Spain. Furthermore, 10 out of 262 creative industry products account for 52.4% of creative industries exports in the world, indicating a high level of product concentration in creative industries. This study also reveals that inter-industry trade, driven by comparative advantage, is the dominant pattern in international creative industries trade, with only around 3% of countries exhibiting intra-industry trade patterns.

Mendelian randomization assessing causal relationship between fibrinogen levels and ischemic stroke.

High fibrinogen levels are associated with an increased risk of ischaemic stroke (IS). We used mendelian randomisation (MR) to explore a potential causal relationship. Data for assessing the relationship between gene variant, disease and biological levels needed for a MR approach was collected using a meta-analytical approach. Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) approach was used for the main analyses and alternative approach for sensitivity analyses. The relationship between fibrinogen levels and IS was assessed using Odds Ratio (OR), while mean difference (g/L) was used for the relationship between SNP (rs1800790) and fibrinogen levels. The variant FGB rs1800790 SNP was interrogated as an instrumental variable of fibrinogen levels. A meta-analysis with 24 studies (12 case-control and 12 cohort studies, totalling 20,902 cases and 76,510 controls was conducted. Homozygotes (AG) of rs1800790 have 0.14g/L (95%CI: 0.08-0.19, P<0.001) and minor allele (AA) have 0.18g/L (95%CI: 0.01-0.35, P=0.037) higher levels of plasma fibrinogen concentration compared with homozygous for the major allele (GG). The risk of IS was significantly increased in 1-g/L (OR=1.83, 95%CI: 0.92-3.62, P=0.084), or 1-SD of fibrinogen levels (OR=1.39, 95%CI: 1.03-1.87, P=0.030), or above median levels (OR=1.22, 95%CI: 1.02-1.46, P=0.029) or categorical levels tertiles (OR=1.50, 95%CI: 1.26-1.79, P<0.001). Each 1-g/L increase in fibrinogen levels was causally associated with a higher risk of ischemic stroke (OR=2.28, 95%CI: 1.53-3.03, P<0.001) in the Mendelian randomisation analysis. Elevated fibrinogen levels are a causative risk factor for ischaemic stroke with each 1g/L increase doubling its risk.

Lung proteomic and metabolomic changes induced by carbon black nanoparticles and high humidity in a mouse asthma model.

Allergic asthma is a significant international concern in respiratory health, which can be exacerbated by the increasing levels of non-allergenic pollutants. This rise in airborne pollutants is a primary driver behind the growing prevalence of asthma, posing a health emergency. Additionally, climatic risk factors can contribute to the onset and progression of asthma. Understanding the complex interplay between pollution, climate, and asthma induction is crucial to elucidate how environmental changes intensify asthma. In this study, we investigated the proteomic and metabolomic changes in the lungs of a mouse asthma model following co-exposure to carbon black nanoparticles and high humidity, which represent airborne and climatic factors, respectively. An asthma model was established using ovalbumin, and mice were intratracheally instilled with 15 or 30μg/kg of carbon black and simultaneously exposed to either 70% or 90% relative humidity. Protein and metabolite profiles from the lung were used to analyze the most significantly changed clusters, and potential biomarkers and enriched pathways were identified to dissect the adverse effects of the two risk factors. The lung proteome and metabolome are significantly altered by the co-exposure, with the effects modulated by carbon black concentration and humidity level. This study proposes 10 proteins and 18 metabolites as candidate biomarkers. The significantly enriched KEGG pathways include one protein pathway (primary immunodeficiency) and six metabolic pathways (ABC transporters, nucleotide metabolism, Parkinson's disease, purine metabolism, choline metabolism in cancer, and biosynthesis of cofactors). A joint proteomic and metabolomic analysis identifies five common pathways across both omics, namely, ABC transporters, central carbon metabolism in cancer, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, glioma, and NF-kappa B signaling pathway, disturbed by the co-exposure. We provide a multi-omic basis for the health risk assessment and management of co-exposures to environmental risk factors.

Assessing the environmental determinants of micropollutant contamination in streams using explainable machine learning and network analysis.

Even at trace concentrations, micropollutants, including pesticides and pharmaceuticals, pose considerable ecological risks, and the increasing presence of synthetic chemical substances in aquatic systems has emerged as a growing concern. Moreover, limited machine-learning (ML) approaches exist for analyzing environmental data, and the increasing complexity of ML models has made it challenging to understand predictor-outcome relationships. In particular, understanding complex interactions among multiple variables remains challenging. This study applies and integrates explainable ML techniques and network analysis to identify the sources of micropollutants in a large watershed and determine the factors affecting micropollutant levels. We assessed the performance of four ML algorithms-support vector machine, random forest, extreme gradient boosting (XGB), and autoencoder-XGB-in predicting micropollutant levels based on the spatial characteristics of the watershed. We applied the synthetic minority oversampling technique to address the data imbalance. The XGB model demonstrated superior predictive performance, particularly for high concentration levels, achieving an accuracy of 87%-99%. Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) analysis identified temperature and rainfall as significant factors. Moreover, agricultural activities contributed to pesticide pollution, whereas urban activities contributed to pharmaceutical contamination. The network analysis corroborated the SHAP findings and revealed event-specific contamination characteristics. This included distinct discharge pathways during a dry summer event and shared pathways during a wet winter event. This approach enhances an understanding of contamination sources and pathways and subsequently aids in developing control measures and making informed policy decisions to preserve water quality in mixed land-use areas.

Nuclear accident-derived 129I in several river water, eastern Fukushima, Japan, 2016-2020.

Radionuclides, including 129I, were released into the atmosphere by the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident. We measured the dissolved 129I concentration in 11 rivers in eastern Fukushima from 2016 to 2020 to clarify the 129I concentration level in river water under base-flow conditions. During the study period, the maximum 129I concentration in the river water was 1.6×10-6 Bq L-1 in the Ukedo River in 2016, and the minimum was 1.2×10-7 Bq L-1 in the Uda River in 2017, with a difference of over an order of magnitude between the two. Water samples from the Ukedo, Niida-U, and Nagadoro Rivers in eastern Fukushima were strongly affected 129I from the Fukushima accident. In addition, we found a significant correlation between concentration of 129I in river water and mean 129I contamination density in the catchment. The time-series variation of 129I in river water from 2016 to 2020 was small and showed no year-to-year decrease. The 129I concentration in each river hardly decreased compared to the 137Cs decay-corrected concentration during the observation period, and it was expected that a certain concentration of dissolved 129I would continue to flow out over a long period of time.

Evaluation of Radioactivity Concentration and Radiological Impact for a Closed Open Pit Gold Mine

Evaluating radioactivity concentration and radiological impacts in soil, water and air is essential for both operating and closed gold mines, as geological settings, mining, industrial and agricultural activities can increase the natural occurring radioactivity level. The assessment is critical since the presence of radioactive elements can pose significant health risks and social problems. While most studies focus on active mining operations, this study targets the radioactivity concentration and radiological impact due to exposure of radionuclides of 232Th, 226Ra, and 40K for the closed open pit gold mine located in Nzega, Tanzania. In this study, gamma spectrometry was used for radioactivity evaluation and radiological impact assessment. The results indicated that, the activity concentration levels of 232Th radionuclides range from 17.4±2.4 to 133±13 Bq/kg, with an average value of 42.1±4.4 Bq/kg. The activity levels of 226Ra radionuclides range from 13.1±1.6 to 308±28 Bq/kg, with an average value of 82.8±7.9 Bq/kg, and the activity levels of and 40K radionuclides range from 101±15 to 1,119±103, with an average value of 461±45 Bq/kg. These activity concentrations were found to be above those mean values reported by UNSCEAR 2000 of 30, 35, and 400 Bq/kg for 232Th, 226Ra, and 40K, respectively, for natural radionuclides in soils. The radiological parameters calculated from the activity concentration were below the acceptable limit. The mean annual effective dose of 0.5 mSv/Year was below the ICRP recommended limit of 1.0 mSv/Year for members of general public. The average value of radium equivalent activity was 178.4 Bq/kg. The estimated average values of Hex (0.4) and Hin (0.7) in the study area were both below the desirable limit of 1. However, the radiological parameters at Re-handle were above the public limit and this requires mitigation measures. It can be concluded that no risk may threat the residents around study area except for Re-handle area which we recommends continued monitoring of radiation levels to ensure they remain within safe limits, and restricted access to this area is necessary to safeguard public health and environmental integrity.

Investigating heavy metals and other elements in Procambarus clarkii and environmental matrices from three wetlands of Sicily (Italy).

A qualitative and quantitative analysis of 18 elements was conducted on Procambarus clarkii and its environmental samples to evaluate its potential as a bioindicator species. Analysis of biological samples was carried out to both assess the safety of the use of raw materials and, together with environmental samples, to assess the contamination status of the sampled sites. Significant differences highlighted by the PERMANOVA, HCA and PCA analyses confirmed the valid use of P. clarkii as a bioindicator of the health status of the studied ecosystem. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and the biotic sediment accumulation factor (BSAF), except in a few cases, reported values below the bioaccumulative criterion and showed the highest BAF values for manganese, iron and barium in the exoskeleton while the highest BSAF values concerned mercury, copper and zinc in the muscle and barium in the exoskeleton. These findings indicate that, for most of the trace elements (TEs), the extent of pollution at these sites is such that it does not result in significant bioaccumulation in the muscle and exoskeleton of P. clarkii. The TE concentration levels signalled mild contamination of the sampling sites, proving a good health status of the studied aquatic ecosystem. Finally, the results obtained in P. clarkii muscle were below the threshold limits of EU Regulation 2023/915 suggesting that these edible parts are safe for human consumption.

Levels of naturally occurring radionuclides in foods from the first German total diet study.

Although natural radionuclides are always present in foods, information about the levels is scarce. The diet-related exposure to radiation is, however, dependent on the radionuclide content of respective food items. In this study, the levels of the naturally occurring radionuclides lead-210 (Pb-210), uranium-234 (U-234), uranium-238 (U-238), radium-226 (Ra-226) and radium-228 (Ra-228) were investigated in over 200 foods as part of the first German total diet study. Radioanalytical techniques and measurements were applied for determination. The natural radionuclide activity concentrations obtained were generally low compared to international data compilations. Together, Ra-228 and Ra-226 mostly dominated the levels of activity concentrations. Of all Ra-226, Ra-228 and Pb-210 results, between 1% and 19% exceeded the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidance level for food products of 0.1Bq/kg or 1Bq/kg. The received activity levels for both U-234 and U-238 were found to be below the suggested IAEA guidance level of 10Bq/kg. The radionuclide activity ratios of Ra-226/Ra-228, U-234/U-238 and Pb-210/Ra-226 of the foods were examined as well. In particular, it was found that the average Ra-226/Ra-228 ratio in all main food groups was substantially lower than the average Ra-226/Ra-228 ratio in soils. An isotope dependent transfer of Ra-226 and Ra-228 from soil to plants and foods is suggested to explain the difference. The obtained data set will be a valuable contribution to international data collections and thus help to a better understanding of the public exposure to natural radionuclides from the food consumption in the future.

Implementasi Pendidikan Inklusi dalam Membentuk Keterampilan Sosial Anak Berkebutuhan Khusus di SD Negeri Karanganyar Gunung 02

Inclusive education is a fundamental framework that provides equal opportunities for children with special needs (CSN) to develop social skills. This study aims to analyze the implementation of inclusive education at SDN Karanganyar Gunung 02 in fostering CSN's social skills, covering the teaching process, the influence of inclusive education on social skills, and the challenges encountered. A qualitative approach with descriptive methods was utilized to collect data from teachers and the school principal and documentation, validated through source and technique triangulation. The findings show that inclusive education at this school successfully enhances CSN's confidence, empathy, and communication skills through empathy-based learning, peer tutoring, and positive reinforcement. An inclusive environment and personalized teaching strategies also support CSN's active participation in group activities. However, significant challenges such as communication barriers, low concentration levels, and insufficient teacher training remain obstacles. This study highlights the importance of collaboration among teachers, parents, and relevant stakeholders in creating an inclusive environment that holistically supports CSN development.

Verification of the analytical performance of the urinary creatinine assay on Abbott Architect ci8200

The urinary creatinine assay is a pivotal diagnostic tool for assessing kidney function, hydration status, and muscle metabolism. This study evaluated the analytical performance of the urinary creatinine assay method using an Abbott kit on the Architect ci8200® automated system in the biochemistry laboratory of CHU Mohammed VI, Oujda. Method verification was conducted in two phases: intermediate fidelity testing using internal quality controls and repeatability testing on patient urine samples across low and high creatinine concentration levels. The results demonstrated excellent analytical performance, with coefficients of variation (CV) for intermediate fidelity (CV1 = 1,95% and CV2 = 1.46%) and repeatability (CV1 = 0.78% and CV2 = 0.87%) well within the limits established by the French Society of Clinical Biology (SFBC). Levey-Jennings charts illustrated consistent and robust performance. This method also underwent a comparative analysis using the Bland-Altman diagram, which confirmed its accuracy and precision relative to established standards. These findings underscore the reliability of the urinary creatinine assay method, ensuring high-quality diagnostic outcomes.

Association between fluoride exposure and the risk of serum CK and CK-MB elevation in adults: a cross-sectional study in China

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between urinary fluoride concentration and myocardial disease.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study that was conducted in three villages in Wenshui County, Shanxi Province. A total of 737 villagers were included in this analysis. Urinary fluoride was detected using a fluoride-ion selective electrode. Myocardial enzymes were detected using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Myocardial ischemia and arrhythmia were diagnosed using 12-lead electrocardiogram.ResultsThe median level of urinary fluoride concentration was 1.32 mg/L. Urinary fluoride was associated with serum creatine kinase (CK) elevation (odds ratio [OR] = 1.39 [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 1.09–1.78) and CK isoenzyme (CK-MB) elevation (OR = 1.49 [95% CI: 1.12–1.97]). Stratified analysis revealed that urinary fluoride concentration was associated with CK elevation in villagers under the age of 60 years (OR = 1.80 [95% CI: 1.26–2.59]). This study found that there was a positive association between urinary fluoride concentration and the risk of CK-MB elevation in participants under the age of 60 years(OR = 2.18 [95% CI: 1.39–3.42]), those who were of female gender (OR = 1.53 [95% CI: 1.07–2.19]), those who were overweight/obese (OR = 1.96 [95% CI: 1.28–2.99]), those who had central obesity (OR = 1.59 [95% CI: 1.12–2.25]), consumed alcohol (OR = 1.49 [95% CI: 1.09–2.05]), and smoked (OR = 1.50 [95% CI: 1.10–2.04]).ConclusionOur study suggests that fluoride exposure is associated with the risk of serum CK and CK-MB elevation; however, it is not associated with myocardial ischemia, arrhythmia, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (α-HBD), or serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Further investigations are needed to substantiate our findings and explore the potential underlying mechanisms.

Radiological safety assessment of sugar consumption in South Africa—a study of 226Ra, 228Ra, and 40K levels

Human exposure to natural radionuclides in the environment primarily occurs through ingestion of foodstuffs, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring of radionuclide levels in foodstuffs by ensuring consumer safety and compliance with regulatory standards. Using gamma spectrometry, this study investigates activity concentration levels of 226Ra, 228Ra, and 40K, and associated radiological health risks, in 14 commonly available sugar brands in South Africa. The activity concentration levels of these natural radionuclides ranged from 2.01 ± 0.13 to 7.93 ± 0.34 Bq/kg for 226Ra, 2.90 ± 0.10 to 7.09 ± 0.32 Bq/kg for 228Ra, and 209.40 ± 4.79 to 453.20 ± 10.49 Bq/kg for 40K. The respective mean values were 3.83 ± 0.21, 2.90 ± 0.21, and 320.26 ± 7.41 Bq/kg, with brown sugar having lower values than with white sugar. Annual effective ingestion dose from intake of 226Ra, 228Ra, and 40K, for infants (1–2 years), children (7–12 years), and adults (&amp;gt;17 years) ranged from 0.28 to 0.69, 0.32 to 0.82, and 0.12 to 0.30 mSv/year, respectively, and the respective mean values are 0.40 ± 0.11, 0.45 ± 0.14, and 0.17 ± 0.05 mSv/year. 228Ra contributed the largest proportion to ingestion dose (46–67%), indicating potential radiation risk to bones. Lifetime cancer risk ranged from 1.25 × 10−8 to 4.95 × 10−8 for 226Ra, 1.95 × 10−8 to 4.77 × 10−8 for 228Ra, and 5.53 × 10−7 to 1.19 × 10−6 for 40K, with a total mean of 8.96 × 10−7 ± 2.31 × 10−7. Total chronic daily intake due to 226Ra, 228Ra, and 40K ranged from 0.26 to 0.56 with a mean of 0.39 ± 0.10 (mg/kg-day). The activity concentration levels of the natural radionuclides are within the reference value while annual effective ingestion dose and lifetime cancer risks were below international permissible limits. This indicates that sugar in South Africa is radiologically safe and does not pose significant radiological health risks. In this study, the measured activity levels are comparable to those reported in other similar studies. This baseline study highlights the importance of continuous monitoring of radionuclide levels in foodstuffs, ensuring consumer safety, compliance with regulatory standards, and contributing to ongoing discussions on radiological health risks associated with dietary habits. Public health initiatives could consider offering guidelines for safe levels of consumables such as sugar, especially among vulnerable populations such as children.

Numerical investigation on the differential injection angle effects of intrathecal anesthetic drug delivery

In lumbar anesthesia surgery, the accurate determination of key parameters such as injection angle and dosage is facilitated by the real-time observation of intrathecal drug distribution. In this study, a non-invasive and visual computational fluid dynamics method was used to simulate drug injections in the “cloverleaf” lumbar thoracic segment with a multiphase mixture model, clarifying the intrathecal unsteady flow behaviors and the drug transport mechanisms. The transport properties of three clinically significant injection angles — [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]— were compared, determining the fastest and slowest block onset angles based on drug concentration levels in the thoracic vertebral plane. The calculation results are aligned with clinical practice trends, and it is found that significantly different drug amounts are required for different injection angles, with higher doses necessitated for ultrasound-assisted anesthesia. During anesthesia, a trend of increasing and then decreasing local anesthetic concentrations in each vertebral plane was observed, with the presence of a minimum effective dose of local anesthetic at the target block site. Injecting at the “concave” part of the cloverleaf ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) results in greater drug pulsation, faster diffusion and more efficient mixing than injecting at the positive “convex” part of the cloverleaf cross-section ([Formula: see text]). At the L2 vertebral plane, the flow rate and mixing ratios during injection for angles of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] were approximately 1:4:2. Compared with orthostatic [Formula: see text] injections, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] oblique injections resulted in higher drug concentrations in the T12-10 vertebral plane during the pre-transport period, with [Formula: see text] injections being the fastest. However, over a longer period of time, [Formula: see text] injections resulted in the lowest drug concentrations in the target block plane (T10), necessitating a higher dose. A faster anesthetic response was produced by [Formula: see text] injections at the same dose. Valuable insights for the application of appropriate drug dosages in clinical anesthesia practice are offered by the calculations.