Exposure Values Research Articles

The Development of the Vulnerability Index (VI) using Principal Component Analysis (PCA)

Climate change elevates the rate of emergence of urban heat islands (UHIs), especially in the tropics. UHIs severely affect human comfort and health. Many studies have suggested that urban areas should be properly mitigated or planned. To cope with this, it is best to present the issue using easy-to-understand approaches to allow for better decision-making, especially during urban planning. Based on the information, adaptations and mitigation strategies can be suggested in order to reduce the impact. Hence, this research was aimed at determining the heat vulnerability index (HVI) of urban areas. This study was conducted in Malaysia in the Klang Valley, a tropicalcity with a complex urban morphology. Remote sensing techniques were employed to extract and derive the spatial index values for exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. A principal component analysis (PCA) was used to estimate the vulnerability as well as to generate the HVI. The most vulnerable districts were found to be Petaling (1.00), Kuala Lumpur (0.99), and Putrajaya (0.95). Kuala Lumpur had a level of exposure that was high (0.56), a level of sensitivity that was high (0.84), and capacity to adapt that was low (0.54), while Petaling had a high exposure value (0.56), very high sensitivity (1), and high adaptive capacity (0.72). A Pearson’s correlation (r) test also revealed that the variables used were highly correlated. From the preliminary findings, the vulnerability of the population to high temperatures in the Klang Valley can be identified to help develop adaptative plans that are targeted as a response to rapid warming in the future in Malaysia.

ANALISIS PAPARAN RADIASI SKYSHINE DINDING RUANGAN ANGIOGRAFI/CATHLAB RUMAH SAKIT MITRA KELUARGA KEMAYORAN BERSUDUT GANTRY 0 DERAJAT

Based on NCRP (2005), skyshine radiation generally occurs in radiotherapy facilities, the cause of which is that some radiation facilities are designed with minimal shielding on the linear accelerator (Linac) ceiling. As time goes by, Skyshine radiation monitoring is not only focused on radiotherapy facilities, but radiodiagnostic facilities also need to be monitored, especially interventional radiology, which uses real-time X-ray radiation at certain times. Regarding this matter, it is necessary to check whether the walls of the existing angiography room or cath lab are protected from skyshine radiation. This study aims to determine whether the Angiography/Cathlab room at Mitra Keluarga Kemayoran Hospital does not produce skyshine radiation. The method for measuring skyshine radiation exposure uses a survey meter at a distance of 30 cm and 2 meters 3 times from the outer wall of the Angiography/Cathlab room on the north, south, and west sides of the gantry; then the gantry is positioned at 0 degree. The research results show that radiation exposure is 0.14 µSv/hour at a distance of 30 cm. Skyshine radiation was detected at a distance of 2 meters with an exposure value of 0.32 µSv/hour on the west side of the gantry and 0.39 µSv/hour on the north side of the gantry, this occurred due to the radiation barrier wall (Pb ) not complete until the ceiling is only 2 meters high from the floor. The conclusion is that the walls of the Angiography/Cathlab room at Mitra Keluarga Kemayoran Hospital have exposure to skyshine radiation at a distance of 2 meters measured from the outer walls of the Angiography/Cathlab room on the west and north sides of the gantry of 0.32 µSv/hour and 0.39 µSv/hour. Keywords: angiography/cath lab, radiation, X-ray, skyshine, interventional radiology.

APLIKASI PENGELOLAAN LIMBAH RADIOAKTIF BERBASIS ANDROID DI KEDOKTERAN NUKLIR RSUP DR. KARIADI

The utilization of ionizing radiation sources for diagnostics and therapy, such as radioactive substances, including radionuclides and radiopharmaceuticals, generates radioactive waste. This radioactive waste poses potential radiation hazards for workers, members of the public, and the environment. Therefore, it is crucial to manage it correctly by established regulations. Radioactive waste resulting from the utilization of Nuclear Medicine varies in terms of activity value and mass, necessitating different storage times and appropriate management. Considering these factors, this study aims to develop an Android-based application called 'Si Mbah KeCE Kariadi' (Kalkulasi Limbah Kedokteran-Nuklir Cepat dan Efektif di RSUP Dr. Kariadi) for the management of low and medium-level open radioactive waste in Nuclear Medicine. This application aims to estimate when radioactive waste can be released before being discharged to the hospital's sanitation department. The research method employed in this study involves applying the principles of radioactive waste management, specifically the decay of activity. The radioactive waste release calculator application is generated by utilizing the radioactive decay equation derived from measuring the initial radioactive waste radiation exposure rate using a survey meter radiation measuring instrument and referencing the clearance level value to estimate the release time of the radioactive waste. The evaluation of this application indicates that the radiation exposure value of the radioactive waste is equivalent to the background radiation level at its release, suggesting that it can be disposed of in the hospital sanitation department for further management as infectious waste from patients. Keywords: radioactive waste management, activity decay, application of android, nuclear medicine, clearance level.

Risk exposures in early life and incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer across countries

Abstract Introduction Globally, the incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (EoCRC) is increasing, indicating substantial changes in risk exposures. However, little is known about the environmental risk factors for EoCRC in young populations. Methods CRC incidence and risk factors data (1990-2019) were extracted from the GBD 2019. Age-standardised incidence of EoCRC and summary exposure value (SEV) of risk factors were estimated with the GBD world population standard using direct method. Early-life exposures were estimated as the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, the socio-demographic Index (SDI) and the SEV of risk factors in previous decades and at age of 0-4, 5-9, 10-14 and 15-19 years. Average annual percent changes (AAPC) and their 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by Joinpoint regression. Associations between risk exposures and incidence were examined at national level by weighted linear or non-linearity regression. Results The global age-standardized incidence of EoCRC increased from 3.05 (95%CI, 3.03-3.07) per 100 000 in 1990 to 3.85 (95%CI, 3.83-3.86) per 100 000 in 2019. The incidence was higher in countries with high socioeconomic level, but increased drastically in countries in East Asia and Caribbean, particularly in Jamaica [AAPC: 5.1% (95%CI: 3.2, 7.0)]. The GDP per capita, SDI, and SEV of iron deficiency, alcohol use, high body mass index and child growth failure in earlier years were more likely to be associated with the incidence in 2019. Exposures in four age windows in early-life were significantly associated with the incidence, particularly for the exposures at age of 15-19 years. Similar association patterns were found in both gender. Conclusions The global, rapidly rising incidence of EoCRC highlights the importance to screen and control the cancer in young populations. The associated risk factors at country level in early life suggest the contribution of the early-life exposures. Key messages • Incidence of EoCRC is increasing globally, which was most notable in countries or regions that are undergoing rapid demographic and epidemiological transitions. • This study demonstrates significant associations of economical and life-style factors in early-life with the incidence of EoCRC at country level.

Risk assessment of a Brazilian urban population due to the exposure to pyrethroid insecticides during the COVID-19 pandemic using wastewater-based epidemiology

Pyrethroids are synthetic insecticides commonly used in agriculture and homes due to their low toxicity to mammals and effectiveness at low doses. However, exposure to pyrethroids can cause various symptoms, depending on the route of exposure. To measure human exposure to pyrethroids, researchers used wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) with polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) sampling. This approach is a cost-effective and efficient way to assess exposure to pyrethroids. The study aimed to evaluate the exposure of an urban population in Brazil to pyrethroids during the COVID-19 pandemic using WBE with POCIS sampling. Researchers analyzed 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA) in wastewater using passive sampling with POCIS, which was extracted with methanol and analyzed using UPLC-MS/MS. The range of CTWA concentrations of 3-PBA in wastewater was 24.3–298.2 ng L−1, with a mean value of 134 ± 76.5 ng L−1. The values were used to estimate the exposure of the population to pyrethroid insecticides. Three different conversion factors were applied to determine the range of exposure to at least 20 different pyrethroid insecticides. The exposure values ranged from 18.08 to 1441.49 mg day−1 per 1000 inhabitants. The toxicological risk posed to the exposed population was evaluated by calculating the WBE toxicological level (WBE-TL). Lambda-cyhalothrin was used as a reference for risk assessment, and the WBE-TL values for lambda-cyhalothrin ranged from 0.5 to 8.29 (considering the high CF). We compared mobility trends to 3-PBA exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study highlighted the effectiveness of POCIS sampling in WBE and provided useful information for policymakers and regulatory agencies. POCIS sampling has practical advantages, including analyte pre-concentration, low operational cost, and ease of use. Overall, the study shows the importance of monitoring and understanding the exposure of the population to pyrethroid insecticides, especially during the pandemic when people may be spending more time at home.

Expanding the dynamic range of a measuring system that implements the phase triangulation method

The article is devoted to the development of phase triangulation and structured illumination methods for measuring the geometry of objects with arbitrary light-scattering surface properties. A method for expanding the dynamic range of a measuring system that implements the phase triangulation method is proposed. The method is based on automatic adjustment of the exposure time of the photodetector, excessive collection of experimental data, and complex regression analysis. The results of experimental studies of the effectiveness of the proposed method for expanding the dynamic range of the measuring system are presented. It is shown that the classical approach to image interpretation using a photodetector with a fi xed exposure duration almost always leads to a high level of error over the entire range of light-scattering properties of the surface. For low exposure values, there is an increase in the measurement error in the region of the dark surface, since the signal level there turns out to be signifi cantly weaker than for the bright regions of the measured surface. For large exposure values, an increase in the error is observed when measuring the bright area of the measured surface, since the signal is outside the dynamic range of the photodetector. The proposed method of image interpretation with an extended range of the measuring system demonstrates an error level less than or comparable to the results of image interpretation with a fi xed exposure for all measured light-scattering properties of the surface. The proposed method makes it possible to perform automated measurements without additional optimization of the photodetector parameters for the light-scattering properties of the surface of the measured object.

Climate-Induced Risk Assessment of Rural and Urban Agroforestry Managers of Aizawl District, Northeast India

Climate change exerts a substantial influence on global livelihood security. This research aims to elucidate the risk faced by agroforestry managers of urban and rural areas. Adhering to the IPCC risk framework, we structured the experimental design and adopted an indicator-based methodology to delineate the risk dimensions. Altogether, 105 households from 7 villages in Aizawl district, Mizoram, India, were considered for the study. For indicator identification, we conducted a comprehensive literature review and subsequently employed principal component analysis to select relevant indicators. Finally, risk was determined using the index value of hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. Additionally, we also developed a regression model and integrated it into ArcGIS to generate a spatial risk map. Out of 69 indicators identified, 52 were selected for final assessment after PCA analysis. Our findings underscore the higher susceptibility of urban agroforestry managers to climate change which was in agreement to our hypothesis that the risk index of agroforestry households increases with altitude while it decreases with the distance from Aizawl headquarter. Furthermore, we observed that households residing at higher altitudes exhibit greater vulnerability. Key determinants contributing to elevated risk in the region encompass land ownership constraints, diminished yields, traditional farming practices with no institutional help, and a dearth of available labour resources. The study advocates the implementation of climate smart agroforestry practices integrated with agricultural credit schemes and an educational policy designed to enrol dropout youths.

Risiko Paparan Formaldehida dari Beberapa Jenis Ikan pada Masyarakat di Kecamatan Dramaga, Bogor, Jawa Barat

Residual formaldehyde compounds may be found in fish either naturally or intentionally added. Exposure of formaldehyde from food can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidney, and is carcinogenic in humans. This study aims to estimate the risk value of formaldehyde exposure level due to fish consumption in the community population in Dramaga Subdistrict with deterministic approach. Fish consumption data was obtained from a consumption survey using a semi food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The fish consumption survey was conducted on 505 respondents with an age range of 5-60 years and over. Formaldehyde analysis was conducted on four types of fish that are popular and often consumed by the community, namely salted peda fish, salted anchovy rice fish, salted japuh fish, and fresh anchovy fish. The results showed that formaldehyde levels in four types of fish range from 8.30 – 105.09 mg/kg. The average daily consumption of salted peda, salted anchovy rice, salted japuh, and fresh anchovy was 11.58±8.32; 8.85±4.93; 7.72±4.51; and 9.85±6.45 (g/day). The average daily exposure values of formaldehyde in salted peda, salted anchovy rice, salted japuh, and fresh anchovy were 0.0025; 0.0088; 0.0146; and 0.0014 (mg/kg bw/day). The overall of daily exposure value is still below the maximum oral exposure limit of 0.2 (mg/kg bb/day). The value of exposure risk with hazard quotient (HQ) in four types of fish is 0.007–0.073. The HQ was found to be below 1, indicating risk level of exposure to formaldehyde in the community in Dramaga Subdistrict is still within safe limits.

Assessing heavy metal levels in pediatric enteral nutrition formulas available in the Turkish market: Implications for consumer health.

In this study, we assessed the levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and inorganic arsenic (iAs) in 27 pediatric enteral nutrition (EN) formulas from five international brands available in the Turkish market. Analysis was conducted using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk assessment was performed using hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), carcinogenic risk (CR), Toxicological contribution % of Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) models. Our objective was to evaluate heavy metal exposure in EN formulas, specifically focusing on Cd, Pb, iAs, and Hg levels according to recommended amounts for different age groups based on their energy requirements. Average concentrations of iAs in polymeric (PC), oligomeric (OC), and monomeric (MC) EN formulas were as follows: PC: 2.13±0.16 (<LOD-13.86) μg/kg, OC: 4.29±0.10 (0.38-11.98) μg/kg, MC: 8.62±0.19 (1.60-27.20) μg/kg. For Cd levels, average concentrations in PC, OC, and MC formulas were: PC: 0.57±0.03 (<LOD-3.09) μg/kg, OC: 1.31±0.07 (0.40-3.12) μg/kg, MC: 0.93±0.07 (0.07-2.33) μg/kg. Similarly, average concentrations of Hg in PC, OC, and MC formulas were: PC: 0.13±0.01 (<LOD-0.14) μg/kg, OC: 0.18±0.01 (<LOD-0.18) μg/kg, MC: 0.20±0.02 (<LOD-0.34) μg/kg. Lastly, average concentrations of Pb in PC, OC, and MC formulas were: PC: 2.32±0.06 (1.52-2.96) μg/kg, OC: 0.97±0.06 (0.37-2.26) μg/kg, MC: 2.58±0.08 (1.95-3.28) μg/kg. The exposure levels of Cd, Pb, iAs, and Hg calculated in this study did not exceed the PTWI threshold values established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Average HQ values for each heavy metal exposure in males and females were below 1. However, P95 values for iAs exceeded 1.00 in all age groups. The HI value was greater than 1.00 in all age groups and genders. The presence of heavy metals in EN formulas may pose health risks, particularly for sensitive individuals.

Assessment of the in vivo genotoxic potential of three smoke flavoring primary product mixtures.

Smoke flavorings are mixtures generated from wood pyrolysis that are filtered to remove tar and are often considered healthier alternatives to conventional smoking processes. While the latter is mostly unregulated, smoke-flavoring primary products (SFPPs) are undergoing the 10-year required re-evaluation in the European Union (EU). To comply with recent smoke flavor guidance, in vivo micronucleus studies in rats and transgenic rodent (TGR) mutation assays in Muta™Mice were conducted on three SFPPs. For most studies, typical limit doses were exceeded to comply with regulatory requests. Exposure to SFPPs by oral gavage did not result in significant increases in bone marrow micronucleus formation. Except for one group, exposure to SFPPs via feed for 28 days did not result in significant increases in mutant frequency (MF) in the glandular stomach or liver. One group exposed to a maximal feasible dietary dose of 50,000 ppm (>10,000 mg/kg bodyweight per day) exhibited a statistically significant increase in liver MF; however, the MF in all mice in this group were within the historical vehicle control 95% quantile confidence intervals and therefore not considered biologically relevant. Based on estimates of human dietary exposure to each SFPP, the margin of exposure (MOE) values in the TGR assays exceed 10,000. The MOE for one unintentionally present constituent, 2,5(H)-furanone, also exceeds 10,000. Collectively, these data indicate that these SFPPs pose no genotoxic risk and are safe alternatives to conventional smoking.

Ambient greenness, access to local green spaces, and subsequent mental health: a 10-year longitudinal dynamic panel study of 2·3 million adults in Wales

Living in greener areas, or close to green and blue spaces (GBS; eg, parks, lakes, or beaches), is associated with better mental health, but longitudinal evidence when GBS exposures precede outcomes is less available. We aimed to analyse the effect of living in or moving to areas with more green space or better access to GBS on subsequent adult mental health over time, while explicitly considering health inequalities. A cohort of the people in Wales, UK (≥16 years; n=2 341 591) was constructed from electronic health record data sources from Jan 1, 2008 to Oct 31, 2019, comprising 19 141 896 person-years of follow-up. Household ambient greenness (Enhanced Vegetation Index [EVI]), access to GBS (counts, distance to nearest), and common mental health disorders (CMD, based on a validated algorithm combining current diagnoses or symptoms of anxiety or depression [treated or untreated in the preceding 1-year period], or treatment of historical diagnoses from before the current cohort [up to 8 years previously, to 2000], where diagnosis preceded treatment) were record-linked. Cumulative exposure values were created for each adult, censoring for CMD, migration out of Wales, death, or end of cohort. Exposure and CMD associations were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression, stratified by area-level deprivation. After adjustment, exposure to greater ambient greenness over time (+0·1 increased EVI on a 0-1 scale) was associated with lower odds of subsequent CMD (adjusted odds ratio 0·80, 95% CI 0·80-0·81), where CMD was based on a combination of current diagnoses or symptoms (treated or untreated in the preceding 1-year period), or treatments. Ten percentile points more access to GBS was associated with lower odds of a later CMD (0·93, 0·93-0·93). Every additional 360 m to the nearest GBS was associated with higher odds of CMD (1·05, 1·04-1·05). We found that positive effects of GBS on mental health appeared to be greater in more deprived quintiles. Ambient exposure is associated with the greatest reduced risk of CMD, particularly for those who live in deprived communities. These findings support authorities responsible for GBS, who are attempting to engage planners and policy makers, to ensure GBS meets residents' needs. National Institute for Health and Care Research Public Health Research programme.

The Effects of Drug Exposure and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms on Aaptinib-Induced Severe Toxicities in Solid Tumors.

In this prospective study, plasma APA concentrations were quantified using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, and 57 germline mutations were genotyped in 126 advanced solid tumor patients receiving 250 mg daily APA, a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor II inhibitor. The correlation between drug exposure, genetic factors, and the toxicity profile was analyzed. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was more prone to APA-related toxicities and plasma concentrations of APA, and its main metabolite M1-1 could be associated with high-grade adverse events (AEs) (P < 0.01; M1-1, P < 0.01) and high-grade antiangiogenetic toxicities (APA, P = 0.034; P < 0.05), including hypertension, proteinuria, and hand-foot syndrome, in the subgroup of NSCLC. Besides, CYP2C9 rs34532201 TT carriers tended to have higher levels of APA (P < 0.001) and M1-1 (P < 0.01), whereas CYP2C9 rs1936968 GG carriers were predisposed to higher levels of M1-1 (P < 0.01). Plasma APA and M1-1 exposures were able to predict severe AEs in NSCLC patients. Dose optimization and drug exposure monitoring might need consideration in NSCLC patients with CYP2C9 rs34532201 TT and rs1936968 GG. Apatinib is an anti-VEGFR2 inhibitor for the treatment of multiple cancers. Though substantial in response, apatinib-induced toxicity has been a critical issue that is worth clinical surveillance. Few data on the role of drug exposure and genetic factors in apatinib-induced toxicity are available. Our study demonstrated a distinct drug-exposure relationship in NSCLC but not other tumors and provided invaluable evidence of drug exposure levels and single nucleotide polymorphisms as predictive biomarkers in apatinib-induced severe toxicities.

Comparing physical work exposures between men and women: findings from 65 281 workers in France

ObjectivesMusculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a leading cause of disability and sick leave among workers. Although MSDs are associated with physical exposures, there are gender differences in the prevalence and related...

Analysis of Radiation Barrier Design in Peat Soil Using NCRP Method No.147 at Murjani Regional Hospital

The use of X-ray aircraft can hurt workers and the community, so they must pay attention to radiation protection aspects such as the design of radiation retaining walls which function to absorb and attenuate the resulting radiation exposure. This research was conducted to analyze the value of radiation exposure from radiology buildings on peat soil using the NCRP method No. 147. In this analysis, the rate of radiation exposure was measured using a Gamma Surveymeter, and the Pb thickness was calculated using the fitting and algebraic methods recommended by NCRP No. 147. Measurement and calculation of Pb are divided into 2 areas, namely controlled areas (Point B, Point C, and Point F) and uncontrolled areas (Point A, Point D, Point E, Point G, and Point H). The results of measurements and calculations from these eight protection points obtained radiation exposure rates in controlled areas at Point B (0.09 ?Sv/hour), Point C (0.04 ?Sv/hour), and Point F (0.03 (?Sv/hour ), and the results of calculating Pb thickness at Point B (0.07 mm), Point C (0.03 mm), and Point F (0.18 mm). Meanwhile, the rate of radiation exposure in uncontrolled areas at Point A (0.480 ?Sv /hour), Point D (0.068 ?Sv/hour), Point E (0.075 ?Sv/hour), Point G (0.41 ?Sv/hour), and Point H (0.45 ?Sv/hour), and the results of Pb thickness calculations at Point A (0.46 mm), Point D (0.08 mm), Point E (0.071 mm), Point G (0.038 mm), and Point H (0.005 mm). Based on these results, the radiation exposure rate value in controlled areas is still within safe limits, and in uncontrolled areas, the rate of radiation exposure that occurs is above the threshold of the dose-limiting value set by NCRP No. 147.

A comparative study between the top 10 origin countries involved in the EU RASFF notifications on aflatoxins from 1997 to 2022

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), is among the most carcinogenic and genotoxic food and feed contaminants and there is no acceptable level of their intake. An analysis of the top 10 countries of origin notifications on aflatoxins (AFs) involved in the EU RASFF database over the last 26 years was undertaken. A risk assessment was estimated for simulating the worst-case scenario for the serious notifications of the mostly notified products as well. Out of 12,400 notifications on AFs over the period between 1997 and 2022, of which 10,340 (83.39 %) concerned Iran which was the most frequently notified country (21.56 %), followed by Turkey (20.48), China (9.99 %), India (7.88 %), the USA (7.74 %), Argentina (5.82 %), Egypt (3.94 %), Brazil (3.05 %), Pakistan (1.52 %), and Nigeria (1.41 %). Germany was the most notifying country, followed by the Netherlands. Among all notifications, 53.3 % have been border rejected. Nuts, nuts products, and seeds were the highest notified product category followed by fruits and vegetables. The highest serious risk decision in terms of notification number was taken for contaminated dried fig from Turkey, followed by pistachio from Iran. The estimated margin of exposure (MOE) values for the mostly notified products i.e., pistachio, dried fig, and peanut were <10,000 which is not safe and represents a health concern.

PETRIFYING SPRINGS OF EASTERN VICINITY OF LVIV CITY AS VALUED OBJECTS OF LIVING AND INANIMATE NATURE

An assessment of the condition of the petrifying springs in the eastern vicinity of Lviv City as objects of living and non-living nature and their nature conservation value was carried out. The investigated travertine springs are confined to the sources of small rivers associated with water-erosive landscape complexes. Travertine deposits in the studied areas are mostly related to groundwater outputs in the sides of deep, branched V- or U-shaped, usually wooded ravines, which have the local name "debra". Springs are wedging out in sites of contact between Neogene limestones and waterproof Сretaceous marls and often produce powerful deposits of travertines (calcareous tufa). These sources are forming the headwaters of small rivers in the region. Considering the long period of management of the region and the high rate of urbanization, at the modern stage, the complex of natural factors is often joined by anthropogenic influence, which in one way or another affects the natural processes of tufa accumulation. As our research has shown, all the surveyed streams have been anthropogenically altered in one way or another. Obviously, the main reason for this is the location of the streams in the forest park zone of Lviv with intensive visits by vacationers and the close proximity to human habitation. Only 15 springs (27.8%) retain their natural character and the rest are significantly transformed. Among the last 20 sources (37.0%) suffer minor changes due to the expansion of sources and straightening or deepening of their channels; such ones can be defined as semi-natural. Today, more than a third of springs (19 / 35.2%) are intensively managed and have completely lost their natural features, mainly due to capping and the construction of reservoirs. Despite the significant transformation, many of such sources can have health (bathing), economic (alternative sources of water supply), sacred ("holy water"), historical (named after famous personalities), aesthetic (originally designed) and scientific and educational (limestone exposure and travertine) values. The most interesting and outstanding of them need to be given the conservation status of the Nature Reserve Fund. Key words: petrifying springs; travertine (calcareous tufa); rare habitats; natural monuments.

Secular Trends in Gastric and Esophageal Cancer Attributable to Dietary Carcinogens From 1990 to 2019 and Projections Until 2044 in China: Population-Based Study.

Little is known about trends in or projections of the disease burden of dietary gastric and esophageal cancer (GEC) in China. We aim to report GEC deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2019, predict them through 2044, and decompose changes in terms of population growth, population aging, and epidemiological changes. We retrieved dietary GEC data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) online database and used joinpoint regression and age-period-cohort models to analyze trends in dietary GEC deaths and DALYs from 1990 to 2019 in China. We used a Bayesian age period cohort model of integrated nested Laplace approximations to predict the disease burden of GEC through 2044 and obtained the estimated population of China from 2020 to 2050 from the Global Health Data Exchange website. Finally, we applied a recently developed decomposition method to attribute changes between 2019 and 2044 to population growth, population aging, and epidemiological changes. The summary exposure values and age-standardized rates decreased significantly from 1990 to 1999, with percentage changes of -0.06% (95% CI -0.11% to -0.02%) and -0.05% (95% CI -0.1% to -0.02%), respectively. From 1990 to 2019, for dietary esophageal cancer, the percentage change in age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) was -0.79% (95% CI -0.93% to -0.58%) and the percentage change in age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) was -0.81% (95% CI -0.94% to -0.61%); these were significant decreases. For dietary stomach cancer, significant decreases were also observed for the percentage change in ASMR (-0.43%, 95% CI -0.55% to -0.31%) and the percentage change in ASDR (-0.47%, 95% CI -0.58% to -0.35%). In addition, data from both the joinpoint regression and annual percentage change analyses demonstrated significantly decreasing trends for the annual percentage change in ASMR and ASDR for GEC attributable to dietary carcinogens. The overall annual percentage change (net drift) was -5.95% (95% CI -6.25% to -5.65%) for dietary esophageal cancer mortality and -1.97% (95% CI -2.11% to -1.83%) for dietary stomach cancer mortality. Lastly, in 2044, dietary esophageal cancer deaths and DALYs were predicted to increase by 192.62% and 170.28%, respectively, due to age structure (121.58% and 83.29%), mortality change (76.81% and 92.43%), and population size (-5.77% and -5.44%). In addition, dietary stomach cancer deaths and DALYs were predicted to increase by 118.1% and 54.08%, with age structure, mortality rate change, and population size accounting for 96.71% and 53.99%, 26.17% and 3.97%, and -4.78% and -3.88% of the change, respectively. Although the predicted age-standardized rates of mortality and DALYs due to dietary GEC show downward trends, the absolute numbers are still predicted to increase in the next 25 years due to rapid population aging in China.

Chemical Corrosion-Water-Confining Pressure Coupling Damage Constitutive Model of Rock Based on the SMP Strength Criterion.

Aiming at the problem of chemical-mechanics-hydro (C-M-H) action encountered by rocks in underground engineering, chemical damage variables, water damage variables, and force damage variables are introduced to define the degree of degradation of rock materials. Stone is selected as the sample for acid corrosion treatment at pH 3, 4, and 7, and a chemical damage factor is defined that coupled the pH value and duration of exposure. Then based on the spatial mobilized plane (SMP) criterion and the Lemaitre strain equivalence hypothesis, this research develops a constitutive model considering rock chemical corrosion-water-confining pressure damage. The proposed damage constitutive model employs the extremum method to ascertain the two Weibull distribution parameters (m and F0) by theoretical derivation and exhibits satisfactory conformity between the theoretical and experimental curves. The damage constitutive model can be consistent in the stress-strain characteristics of the rock triaxial compression process, which verifies the rationality and reliability of the model parameters. The model effectively represents the mechanical properties and damage characteristics of rocks when subjected to the combined influence of water chemistry and confinement. The presented model contributes to a better understanding of tangible rock-engineered structures subjected to chemical corrosion in underwater environments.

Long-Term Exposure of Nitrogen Oxides Air Pollution (NO2) Impact for Coronary Artery Lesion Progression-Pilot Study.

The potentially harmful effects of air pollution on the human health have been already presented in epidemiological studies, suggesting a strong association with increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of the study was to evaluate a possible relationship between coronary artery lesion progression related to habitation place (cities vs. villages) and air pollution. There were 148 (101 men and 47 women) patients with a median age of 70 (63-74) years enrolled into retrospective analysis based on the coronary angiography results and their habitation place. Patients with stable coronary syndrome, who underwent repeated percutaneous coronary interventions were enrolled into the analysis based on demographical and clinical characteristics combined with annual exposure to air pollution (PM2.5, PM10, and NO2). The results of multivariable regression analysis showed a significant relationship between coronary artery lesion progression requiring percutaneous intervention and NO2 chronic exposure in patients living in cities of Poland (OR 2.00, 95% CI: 0.41-9.62, p < 0.001). The predictive value of air pollution exposure at habitation place for coronary artery lesion progression requiring percutaneous intervention was evaluated by receiver-operator curve analysis, which revealed an area under the curve of 0.939, yielding a sensitivity of 87.1% and specificity of 90.7%. Coronary artery lesion progression can be related to chronic exposure to NO2 air pollution in patients living in cities in Poland.

Influence of Patient Anatomy on Intraoperative Radiation Exposure and Operation Time during Standard EVAR.

Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) is the primary treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). To optimise patient safety during the standard EVAR procedure, we aimed to investigate the influence of patient anatomy on intraoperative radiation exposure and surgical time. This retrospective study comprised 90 patients (mean age 73.4 ± 8.2 years; 92.2% male) with an infrarenal aortic aneurysm who underwent a standard EVAR procedure. The relationships between dose area product, operating time, and anatomical conditions were investigated in preoperative computed tomography angiography using open-source software. Logistic regression analysis indicated that only body mass index (BMI) had predictive value for radiation exposure. The accuracy of the model was 98.67%, with an area under the curve of 0.72. The duration of surgery was significantly correlated with an increased BMI (odds ratio (OR) = 1.183; p < 0.05), the tortuosity of AAAs (OR = 1.124; p < 0.05), and the left common iliac artery (OR = 1.028; p < 0.05). Thus, BMI impacts the prediction of intraoperative radiation exposure more significantly than the anatomical characteristics of the infrarenal aorta and iliac arteries, and the duration of surgery significantly correlates with both BMI and the tortuosity of the infrarenal aorta and iliac arteries.