Highest Median Values Research Articles

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) in the marine environment: Spatial distribution and profiles in French coastal bivalves

Organophosphate esters (OPEs), chemicals widely used in industrial production, electronics and domestic products, have become ubiquitous environmental contaminants. In this study, the levels and spatial distribution of 11 OPEs (aryl, alkyl and halogenated) were investigated in over 100 samples of filter-feeding bivalves collected yearly between 2014 and 2021 at sites of contrasted pressure along the French coasts. OPEs were found in virtually all samples, indicating their widespread spatial and temporal occurrence in coastal bivalves and the relevance of their biomonitoring. The median concentrations were between 0.4 (TMPP) and 4.9 ng g−1 dry weight (TCIPP), with TCIPP, TNBP and EHDPP found at the highest median values. TCEP and TBOEP were not frequently detected overall, but each year, the same sites showed repeatedly high concentrations. Structurally-related OPEs generally correlated, but the geographical distributions were not predictable from known anthropogenic pressures (population in the catchment area, industry), with little comparability with other hydrophobic contaminants. If the relation between sources of OPEs and bioaccumulated levels remains uncertain, local hotspots, rather than riverine/atmospheric transportation, could account for their geographical distribution. A systematic review of the levels of OPEs found in filter-feeding bivalves worldwide revealed comparable levels in our study with those reported elsewhere; however, the levels across and within (when available) studies generally spanned several orders of magnitude, indicating high spatial and temporal heterogeneity. In view of the growing concerns regarding OPEs, this study provides essential reference data for future studies of their occurrence on European coasts and supports the need for a more systematic (bio)monitoring of this class of contaminant.

The convergent validity of the Romanian version of the Behavioral Assessment of Children: A Multitrait-Multimethod Analysis

This study assessed the validity of the Behavior Assessment System for Children 2nd Edition, by providing evidence based on a multitraitmultimethod (MTMM) analysis performed on data obtained with a culturally adapted form of the test. The study included two Romanian samples (161 adolescents aged 12-18 years and 91 children aged 8-12 years) that were each assessed with all the three age corresponding forms (self, parent, and teacher) of the test. We used a confirmatory factor analytic framework in order to test the convergent and discriminant validity of BASC-2, by generating a CFAbased multi-trait, multi-method latent factor correlation matrix. Results showed that, for both the Adolescent and Child forms, the coefficients falling under the validity diagonal (mono-trait, hetero-method) have the highest median values, compared to the coefficients encountered in the monomethod block and those in the heteromethod-heterotrait triangles. The study provides evidence for the construct validity of the multi-trait, multi-rater assessment system that is the basis of the BASC-2.

Diurnal and Seasonal Variability of ERA5 Convective Parameters in Relation to Lightning Flash Rates in Poland

Abstract The relationship between convective parameters derived from ERA5 and cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning flashes from the PERUN network in Poland was evaluated. All flashes detected between 2002 and 2019 were divided into intensity categories based on a peak 1-min CG lightning flash rate and were collocated with proximal profiles from ERA5 to assess their climatological variability. Thunderstorms in Poland are the most frequent in July, between 1400 and 1600 UTC and over the southeastern parts of the country. The highest median of most unstable convective available potential energy (MUCAPE) for CG lightning flash events is from June to August, between 1400 and 1600 UTC (around 900 J kg−1), whereas patterns in 0–6-km wind shear [deep-layer shear (DLS)] are reversed, with the highest median values during winter and night (around 25 m s−1). The best overlap of MUCAPE and DLS (MUWMAXSHEAR parameter) is in July–August, typically between 1400 and 2000 UTC with median values of around 850 m2 s−2. Thunderstorms in Poland are the most frequent in MUCAPE below 1000 J kg−1, and DLS between 8 and 15 m s−1. Along with increasing MUCAPE and DLS, peak CG lightning flash rates increase as well. Compared to DLS, MUCAPE is a more important parameter in forecasting any lightning activity, but when these two are combined together (MUWMAXSHEAR) they are more reliable in distinguishing between thunderstorms producing small and high CG lightning flash rates. Our results also indicate that higher CG lightning flash rates result in thunderstorms more frequently associated with severe weather reports (hail, tornado, wind). Significance Statement Each year severe thunderstorms produce considerable material losses and lead to deaths across central Europe; thus, a better understanding of local storm climatologies and their accompanying environments is important for operational forecasters, emergency managers, and risk estimation. In this research we address this issue by analyzing 18 years of lightning intensity data and collocated atmospheric environments. Thunderstorms in Poland are the most frequent in July between 1400 and 1600 UTC and form typically in environments with low atmospheric instability and moderate vertical shear of the horizontal wind. The probability for storms producing intense lightning increases when both of these environmental parameters reach higher values.

Association between academic degrees and research productivity: an assessment of Canadian academic general surgeons.

Background:For academic hiring committees and surgical trainees, the benefits of a graduate degree are unclear. We sought to identify if graduate degrees or professorship status were associated with increased research productivity among Canadian academic surgeons.Methods:We included general surgeons from the largest hospitals associated with accredited residency programs. We classified staff surgeons active between 2013 and 2018 by degree (MD only, master’s degree, PhD) and professorship (assistant, associate, professor) status. We identified their publications from January 2013 to December 2018. Variables of interest included publications per year, citations per article, journal of publication, CiteScore, author’s Hirsch (h) index and the revised h-index (r-index). We used Kruskal–Wallis tests and the Dunn multiple comparison test to assess statistical significance.Results:We identified 3262 publications from 187 surgeons, including 78 (41.7%) with no graduate degree, 84 (44.9%) with master’s degrees and 25 (13.4%) with PhDs. Surgeons with graduate degrees had more publications per year, higher CiteScores, more citations per article, and higher h- and r-indices than those without graduate degrees. Surgeons with doctorates had the highest median values in all domains, but differences were not significant compared with surgeons with master’s degrees. Seventy-seven (41.8%) surgeons were assistant professors, 63 (34.2%) were associate professors and 44 (23.9%) were full professors. Statistically, full professors had a greater number of publications per year and higher h- and r-indices than their counterparts.Conclusion:Surgeons with graduate degrees or more advanced professorships had the greatest research productivity. Surgeons with doctorates trended toward greater research productivity than those holding master’s degrees.

Assessment of Arsenic in Hair of the Inhabitants of East Croatia—Relationship to Arsenic Concentrations in Drinking Water

The problem of elevated arsenic concentrations in water and environment is an increasing public health concern. The aim of the study was to assess the arsenic content in human hair in selected areas of eastern Croatia and to compare them with measured values after installation of a new water supply system. The hair samples were taken in the areas of wider Osijek and Vinkovci area and analyzed using the ICP–MS method. These data were also compared with data for Vinkovci previously published in 2004. Depending on the investigated area, the median concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 0.9 µg g−1, whereby this last value exceeded the upper range of the reference value (0.319 µg g−1). The arsenic concentrations from the Našice, Osijek and Vinkovci areas were within or slightly above the maximum allowed reference range. The highest median values in hair samples were detected in Čepin, with arsenic-contaminated potable water, while in areas where the water source was changed, the values were significantly lower. The results add to the conclusion that there has been significant reduction in hair arsenic concentrations in the population that was given access to clean, uncontaminated water from other regional sources.

Comparative Effectiveness of Dialysis Modality on Laboratory Parameters of Mineral Metabolism

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorders (CKD-MBD) are prevalent in patients undergoing maintenance dialysis. Yet, there are limited and mixed evidence on the effects of different dialysis modalities involving longer treatment times or higher frequencies on CKD-MBD markers. Methods: This cohort study used data from 132,523 incident dialysis patients treated with any of the following modalities: conventional thrice-weekly in-center hemodialysis, nocturnal in-center hemodialysis (NICHD), home hemodialysis (HHD), or peritoneal dialysis (PD) from 2007 to 2011. We used marginal structural models fitted with inverse probability weights to adjust for fixed and time-varying confounding and informative censoring. We estimated the average effects of treatments with different dialysis modalities on time-varying serum concentrations of CKD-MBD markers: albumin-corrected calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) using pooled linear regression. Results: Most of the cohort were exclusively treated with conventional in-center hemodialysis, while few were ever treated with NICHD or HHD. At the baseline, PD patients had the lowest mean and median values of PTH, while NICHD patients had the highest median values. During follow-up, compared to hemodialysis patients, patients treated with NICHD had lower mean serum PTH (19.8 pg/mL [95% confidence interval: 2.8, 36.8] lower), whereas PD and HHD patients had higher mean PTH (39.7 pg/mL [31.6, 47.8] and 51.2 pg/mL [33.0, 69.3] higher, respectively). Compared to hemodialysis patients, phosphate levels were lower for patients treated with NICHD (0.44 mg/dL [0.37, 0.52] lower), PD (0.15 mg/dL [0.12, 0.19] lower), or HHD (0.33 mg/dL [0.27, 0.40] lower). There were no clinically meaningful associations between dialysis modalities and concentrations of calcium or ALP. Conclusion: In incident dialysis patients, compared to treatment with conventional in-center hemodialysis, treatments with other dialysis modalities with longer treatment times or higher frequency were associated with different patterns of serum phosphate and PTH. Given the recent growth in the use of dialysis modalities other than hemodialysis, the associations between the treatment and the CKD-MBD markers warrant additional study.

Systems biomarker characteristics of circulating alkaline phosphatase activities for 48 types of human diseases

Background Most human diseases are accompanied by systems changes. Systems biomarkers should reflect such changes. The phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of biomolecules maintain human homeostasis. However, the systems biomarker characteristics of circulating alkaline phosphatase, a routine blood test conducted for many human diseases, have never been investigated. Method This study retrieved the circulating alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities from patients with 48 clinically confirmed diseases and healthy individuals from the database of our hospital during the past five years. A detailed analysis of the statistical characteristics of ALP was conducted, including quantiles, receiving operator curve (ROC), and principal component analysis. Results Among the 48 diseases, 45 had increased, and three had decreased median levels of ALP activities compared to the healthy control. Preeclampsia, hepatic encephalopathy, pancreatic cancer, and liver cancer had the highest median values, whereas nephrotic syndrome, lupus erythematosus, and nephritis had decreased median values compared to the healthy control. Further, area under curve (AUC) values were ranged between 0.61 and 0.87 for 19 diseases, and the ALP activities were the best systems biomarker for preeclampsia (AUC 0.87), hepatic encephalopathy (AUC 0.87), liver cancer (AUC 0.81), and pancreatic cancer (AUC 0.81). Conclusions Alkaline phosphatase was a decent systems biomarker for 19 different types of human diseases. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of over-up-and-down-regulation of ALP activities might be the key to understanding the whole-body systems' reactions during specific disease progression.

Strategies for achieving customer order flexibility – supplier perspective

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop a framework of strategies to achieving customer order flexibility in and related to the order-to-delivery (OTD) process. The purpose is also to investigate how companies prioritize various strategies to achieve customer order flexibility.Design/methodology/approachBased on a literature review, pre-tests and conceptual reasoning, a conceptual framework of strategies related to the order-to-delivery process was developed. The strategies were linked to the order quantity and delivery lead-time flexibility dimensions. This structure resulted in six groups covering enabling as well as remedial strategies. An empirical interview study of ten customer–supplier relationships was conducted.FindingsThe interviews identified additional strategies, thereby expanding the framework. The enabling strategies with the highest median values were “have continuous contact with the customer's purchaser” and “use safety stock of raw materials/semi-finished products”. The remedial strategy with the highest median was “re-plan/re-prioritize the order backlog”. In the delivery sub-process, it was more common to apply remedial strategies for delivery lead-time than for order quantities.Research limitations/implicationsThe developed framework is a contribution to the literature on operational flexibility in and related to the OTD process. It complements existing knowledge by taking a supplier perspective.Practical implicationsSuppliers can use the framework as a tool to understand and systematically achieve better customer order flexibility in and related to the OTD process. Customers can use the framework as a checklist for supplier evaluation and supplier development.Originality/valueFew identified studies include empirical data on customer order flexibility.

Moderate and high dental fear by sex and age using the Children’s Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale

Objective: To assess the relationship between the Children’s Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS) questionnaire’s items and sex and age in children with moderate and high dental fear levels. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out in a municipality in the Northeastern region of Brazil with 185 children aged 8-10 years of both sexes, who had a minimum score of 32 on the CFSS-DS questionnaire, corresponding to dental fear. Descriptive statistical analysis and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed. The significance level adopted was 5%. Results: Most children were female (59.5%) and 9 years old (37.3%). The average of the total CFSS-DS score was 40.44 ± 6.81 (with a minimum of 32 and a maximum of 75). According to the CFSS-DS, 53.5% of children had high dental fear. Items “Injections,” “Having a stranger touch you,” “The dentist drilling,” “Having somebody put instruments in your mouth,” “Choking,” and “Having to go to the hospital” had the highest median values. A significant difference was observed between ages for the item “Having a stranger touch you” (p=0.001). Conclusion: The item “Having a stranger touch you” in the CFSS-DS questionnaire showed a statistically significant difference with age, while no differences were found regarding sex.

Mapping Evidence on Early Childhood Caries Prevalence: Complexity of Worldwide Data Reporting.

ObjectiveThis review aims to identify variances and research gaps in the early childhood caries (ECC) prevalence within countries and the global community by mapping current evidence.Materials and methodsWe performed a literature search in PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science to identify English-language, peer-reviewed epidemiologic studies published from January 1999 to January 2019. s and full-text articles were dual-screened based on predefined eligibility criteria. We classified outcomes by children's age and countries based on economic status. Ranges of reported caries prevalence and median values by country and age were calculated and evidence-mapped.ResultsOut of 915 studies, 59 studies met the inclusion criteria. The most significant number of reports were from the USA, Brazil, and India. The ranges of prevalence (1–96%) among the studies were large. The calculated median caries prevalence values may better estimate countries’ prevalence than the reported ranges. Early childhood caries prevalence's highest median values were found for South Korea studies (54%) for children <3-year-old and from Bosnia (81%) for children 3–6 years old. No apparent difference was found in the prevalence of ECC from developed and developing countries.ConclusionThis mapping review reflects the ranges and median values of ECC worldwide. Overall, the reported prevalence of ECC in most countries is very high. No apparent difference was found in the prevalence of ECC from developed and developing countries. Reported ranges of ECC, as well as heterogeneity and methodological issues, hamper comparisons across studies globally.Clinical significanceThe global ECC prevalence ranges are extreme. Median data may provide a structure for future epidemiological studies to optimizing healthcare resources for caries interventions globally.How to cite this articleAbdelrahaman M, Hsu K-L, Melo MA, et al. Mapping Evidence on Early Childhood Caries Prevalence: Complexity of Worldwide Data Reporting. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(1):1–7.

Determination of age and sex specific TSH and FT4 reference limits in overweight and obese individuals in an iodine-replete region: Tehran Thyroid Study (TTS)

ABSTRACT Introduction: To determine age and sex-specific thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) reference ranges according to body mass index (BMI) categories. Methods: With regards to the National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry (NACB) criteria, a total of 2818 individuals from the Tehran Thyroid Study population was selected and categorized in three BMI groups. Results: TSH levels did not differ significantly between BMI groups (p = .054). Females had statistically higher TSH levels than males in all BMI categories (p < .001). According to age-specific analyses, the youngest category (20–29 years) had the highest median values of serum TSH in all BMI groups. With increasing BMI, the 2.5th percentile of TSH remained approximately unchanged and the 97.5th percentile showed an increasing pattern. FT4 level was significantly higher in the normal weight group compared to obese individuals (p < .001); females had significantly lower FT4 levels than males in normal weight and obese groups (p < .001). According to age categories, the youngest group (20–29 years) had higher levels of FT4 than the elderly group in all BMI categories. A decreasing pattern in both 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles of FT4 was observed along with increasing BMI. Conclusions: Compared to the normal weight population, obese individuals have slightly lower FT4 concentrations accompanied by similar TSH levels. With increasing BMI, upper limits of TSH and FT4 show increasing and decreasing patterns, respectively.

P0582MAGNESIUM TREATMENT IN PREECLAMPSIA SHOULD BE TARGETED TO SERIC LEVELS TO AVOID TOXICITY

Abstract Background and Aims Preeclampsia is potentially serious complication of pregnacy and frequently requires admission in ICU. Management of this condition involves treatment with magnesium sulfate to prevent progression to eclampsia or even more adverse outcomes such as maternal or fetal death. However the exact dose of magnesium needed is still to be determined and few studies have analyzed the impact of this therapheutic intervention in women admitted in intensive care units, in terms of outcomes and adverse effects. Herein, we present a series of patients diagnosed with preeclampsia, including its most severe presentations with eclampsia or HELLP syndrome, admitted in an intensive care unit. Method Demographic, clinical and laboratorial data of women admitted between January-2016 and December-2018 to the Polyvalent Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Hospital Fernando Fonseca, a tertiary Hospital in Portugal, with the diagnosis of preeclampsia, were retrospectively collected. Diagnosis of preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome and eclampsia were performed according to the ISSHP criteria (2004). Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) was defined according to the KDIGO criteria. The study was approved by the Ethical Committee of the institution. Results 42 patients were included, 52.3% (n=22) diagnosed as non-severe preeclampsia; 31% (n=13) as HELLP syndrome and 16.7% (n=7) as eclampsia. Mean age at presentation was 29.6±6.6 years old, with 52,4% (n=22) caucasian and 47.6% (n=20) black. Most patients were admitted in ICU in post-partum period, after cesarian delivery in 95.2% (n=40). Seven patients (16.7%) had a previous diagnosis of hypertension; 11.9% (n=5) were obese; none has previous chronic kidney disease. At presentation, most patients diagnosed with preeclampsia had three diagnostic criteria (28.6%, n=12), including hypertension. Renal dysfunction was found in 80.9% (n=34) of patients, with proteinuria &amp;gt;200mg/dL in 69% (n=29) and AKI in 19% (n=8). Mean Hb of 11.1±2.1g/dL, with median platelet count of 126000/uL (IQR 72000-201500) and median LDH of 388mg/dL (IQR 240-773). Pre-partum magnesium sulfate treatment was initiated in 78.6% (n=33) of patients, but only 2.4% (n=1) had previous magnesemia levels determination. During the stay in ICU, daily levels of seric magnesium levels were obtained, with the highest median values found at day one after admission. Adverse events related to hypermagnesemia (bradipnea) occurred in 50% (n=21) of patients. In six patients (14.3%), treatment was stopped because of high levels of magnesemia or adverse events. 14.3% (n=6) progressed to eclampsia and fetal death occured also in 14.3% (n=6). Maternal deaths did not occur. By logistic binary regression we found out that weight was an independent risk factor for the development of the composite outcome of eclampsia or fetal death, when adjusted to age, race, AKI, hemoglobin, platelet count, ALT, LDH, serum albumin and proteinuria. (p=0.04). However, when Magnesium was included in the analysis, all variables lost significance. An association between SOFA and SAPS scores and the occurrence of the composite outcome has been found (p= 0.03 and p=0.019, respectively). Conclusion Most patients with preeclampsia received treatment with magnesium sulfate without previous measurement of serum levels. Bradipnea occurred in 50% of cases and treatment had to be stooped in almost 15%. Nevertheless, magnesium levels were not independently associated with the composite outcome of fetal death or eclampsia. Future studies should evaluate if a dose adjusted to a specific target of magnesium seric level could be associated with less adverse effects while still reducing the risk associated with preeclampsia.

Lipoprotein(a) and Cardiovascular Disease Prevention across Diverse Populations.

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a highly proatherogenic lipid fraction that is genetically determined and minimally responsive to lifestyle or behavior changes. Mendelian randomization studies have suggested a causal link between elevated Lp(a) and heart disease, stroke, and aortic stenosis. There is substantial inter-ethnic variation in Lp(a) levels, with persons of African descent having the highest median values. Monitoring of Lp(a) has historically been limited by lack of standardization of assays. With the advent of novel therapeutic modalities to lower Lp(a) levels including proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors and targeted antisense oligonucleotides, it is increasingly important to screen patients who have family or personal history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease for elevations in Lp(a). Further study is needed to establish a causal relationship between elevated Lp(a) and cardiovascular disease across diverse ethnic populations.

Evaluation of a bovine cathelicidin ELISA for detecting mastitis in the dairy buffalo: Comparison with milk somatic cell count and bacteriological culture

A recently developed bovine cathelicidin (CATH) ELISA was evaluated in the dairy buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) by testing 618 quarter milk samples from a herd with subclinical mastitis cases. Somatic cell count (SCC) and bacteriological culture (BC) were carried out on the same samples for comparison. Out of 618 quarters, 258 (41.75%) were positive to CATH, 289 (46.76%) had SCC > 200,000 cells/mL, and 457 (73.95%) were positive to BC. The most prevalent microorganism was Staphylococcus aureus (SAU, 35.76% of all quarters), followed by non-aureus staphylococci (NAS, 22.17% of all quarters). Clinical mastitis quarters were only 7 (1.13%). CATH levels were significantly higher in clinical quarters and in high SCC, BC-positive quarters than in healthy, low SCC, BC-negative quarters. The highest median values were observed for SAU and the lowest for NAS. Differences among microorganism classes were generally more significant for SCC than for CATH. Test characteristics of the CATH ELISA, evaluated by considering as true positives all BC-positive quarters with SCC > 200,000 cells/mL (N = 242), and as true negatives all sterile quarters with SCC < 200,000 cells/mL (N = 44), were as follows: sensitivity 57.85%, specificity 84.09%, positive predictive value 95.24%, negative predictive value 26.62%, accuracy 61.89%. Therefore, the bovine CATH ELISA showed a fair sensitivity and a good specificity in detecting water buffalo mastitis.

Precision and Normative Values of a New Computerized Chart for Contrast Sensitivity Testing

The purpose was to define a normative database for a grating test for contrast sensitivity, based on a chart monitor with high-definition liquid crystal display, and validate its measurements by assessing their repeatability and determining responsiveness to cataract surgery. Three samples were analyzed: (1) healthy volunteers to assess the repeatability of measurements, (2) healthy subjects to develop the normative database, (3) patients undergoing cataract surgery. All subjects were tested with the grating contrast sensitivity test (Vision Chart, CSO) at 1.5, 3, 6, 12 and 18 cycles per degree. The instrument software progressively reduces the contrast of the gratings according to the Quick Estimate by Sequential Testing (QUEST) procedure. In the subjects of the first sample, three consecutive measurements were taken and repeatability was assessed on the basis of the intra-session test-retest variability and the coefficient of variation. The test offered high repeatability, with test-retest variability ranging between 0.05 and 0.23 Log CS and the coefficient of variation between 0.61 and 4.21%. Normative data did not show a normal distribution. The highest median values were observed at 1.5, 3 and 6 cycles per degree frequencies. At these frequencies a ceiling effect was evident. In cataract patients, postoperative values showed an improvement at all spatial frequencies. In conclusion, the new contrast sensitivity test provides repeatable measurements that can be used for clinical purposes. In patients with healthy eyes and good vision, attention has to be paid to the ceiling effect.

Organ and effective doses detriment to paediatric patients undergoing multiple interventional cardiology procedures

The aims of the present study were to present the frequency of multiple interventional cardiac procedures for a certain group of patients obtained at one of the largest paediatric hospitals in Chile. In addition it has been analysed cumulative kerma area product (KAP) and cumulative air kerma (CAK), and calculated organ doses for the patient groups undergoing 2, 3 and ≥ 4 procedures, using Monte Carlo software. Effective doses were also estimated for epidemiological purposes and to permit comparison with other imaging procedures.The sample used corresponds to the last 9 years and refers to a total of 1521 paediatric patients and 1824 interventional cardiac procedures. The results for frequency were: 13.7% of patients underwent 2 procedures, 4.1% underwent 3 procedures and 1.4% underwent 4 or more procedures. The median KAP and CAK values measured for the cumulative procedures in these three groups of patients were 3.7, 5.4 and 10.8 Gy·cm2 and 59.9, 83.2 and 147.6 mGy, respectively.In terms of the most irradiated organs during interventional cardiac procedures, the highest median values (for the group of ≥4 procedures) were: active bone marrow 5.0 mGy, lungs 23.5 mGy, oesophagus 15.2 mGy, thyroid 7.8 mGy and breast 11.0 mGy. Median dose value to the heart (for the group of ≥4 procedures) was 12.7 mGy. Median values in terms of calculated effective dose for the three patient groups (with 2, 3 and ≥4 procedures) were 3.4, 5.9 and 8.7 mSv, respectively.

Examining Motivations of Volunteer Drivers in a Senior Ride Program

Objective: This paper explores the motivations of volunteer drivers for a senior ride program. The results were used to identify suggestions for the recruitment and retention of volunteers. Method: An online survey, consisting of a de-mographics form and the Volunteer Functions Inventory (VFI), was completed by 33 participants recruited from Senior Ride Nashville. The survey results were analyzed and used to develop questions for a focus group. Two focus groups, for a total of 9 participants, were conducted to further explore volunteer motivations, verify VFI findings and identify themes relating to volunteer motivations. Results: Statistically significant differences were identified among the VFI scores with the highest median values being Values followed by Understanding and Enhancement. Scores on the VFI Values scale were statistically and significantly different by marital status and likelihood to volunteer in the future. Scores on the VFI Understanding, Enhancement and Protective scores expressed significance among those likely to volunteer in the future. There was a statistically significant inverse correlation of age with the VFI Career motivation score. Focus group revealed three themes of motivations to volunteer including the following: altruism, personal values, and connectedness. Conclusion: This research study found that volunteers for Senior Ride Nashville are most often motivated by an altruistic desire to serve others. Volunteer ride programs promote access to transportation and community participation for older adults, enhancing their occupational engagement. Recruitment and retention efforts should focus on the relational aspect of the volunteer experience.

Evaluation of the Ecotoxicological State of Selected Soils from Urban Environments of Russian Arctic with the Aim to Substantiate Reclamation and Restoration Strategies

In recent decades rates of anthropogenic forcing on natural and urban ecosystems in the Arctic are increasingly growing. This tendency requires the development of more detailed environmental monitoring methods. In this context, study of background trace elements contents should be an urgent task. The purpose of authors study was an assessment of trace elements content in soils of urban environments in Yamal region and Murmansk. Twelve sites in Yamal region and four sites in Murmansk in different functional zones were studied during the investigation. Samples were taken from a depth of 0-5 cm and 5-20 cm. The highest contents for Cu, Zn, Ni were found in soil samples from Kharp, which was caused by existing chrome-processing factory. Soil samples from Aksarka and Labytnangi were characterized by the highest median values for Pb. Soil samples from Kharsaim and Kharp key plots were characterized by the highest median values for Zn. This could be explained by geological origin and high regional background concentration element for this trace element. Soil samples collected in Murmansk were characterized by highest medians in Pb, Ni and Mn in topsoil horizons, Mn and Zn in lower horizons. Evaluation of Saet´s index showed the predominance of non-hazardous Zc in most of the soil samples. Predicted climate change and consequent degradation of permafrost in soils could have the behavior of trace elements. Rates of accumulation, transformation, translocation, leaching and transportation of trace elements and other pollutants within the permafrost-affected landscapes could be affected and changed significantly.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons content and fatty acids profile in coconut, safflower, evening primrose and linseed oils

This study aimed at evaluating the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contamination of commercial vegetable oils and examined the identity through the fatty acids profiles. Coconut, safflower, evening primrose, and linseed oils marketed in São Paulo (Brazil) were investigated totaling 69 samples. Four PAHs, benzo[a]anthracene (BaA), chrysene (Chr), benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbF), and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), were detected in 96% of the samples at individual levels ranging from not detected to 14.99 μg kg−1. Chrysene was the abundant hydrocarbon found among all types of oils, with the highest median values. The results of the fatty acid profiles revealed that 43% showed different profiles according to the ones on their labels, with a higher incidence of adulteration of evening primrose oils. The maximum tolerable limits by European Regulation No. 835/2011 were exceeded for BaP in 12%, and for total 4 PAHs in 28%, with a greater contribution of adulterated samples.

How climatic variability is linked to the spatial distribution of range sizes: seasonality versus climate change velocity in sphingid moths

AbstractAimTo map the spatial variation of range sizes within sphingid moths, and to test hypotheses on its environmental control. In particular, we investigate effects of climate change velocity since the Pleistocene and the mid‐Holocene, temperature and precipitation seasonality, topography, Pleistocene ice cover, and available land area.LocationOld World and Australasia, excluding smaller islands.MethodsWe used fine‐grained range maps (based on expert‐edited distribution modelling) for all 972 sphingid moth species in the research region and calculated, at a grain size of 100 km, the median of range sizes of all species that co‐occur in a pixel. Climate, topography and Pleistocene ice cover data were taken from publicly available sources. We calculated climate change velocities (CCV) for the last 21 kyr as well as 6 kyr. We compared the effects of seasonality andCCVon median range sizes with spatially explicit models while accounting for effects of elevation range, glaciation history and available land area.ResultsRange sizes show a clear spatial pattern, with highest median values in deserts and arctic regions and lowest values in isolated tropical regions. Range sizes were only weakly related to absolute latitude (predicted by Rapoport's effect), but there was a strong north‐south pattern of range size decline. Temperature seasonality emerged as the strongest environmental correlate of median range size, in univariate as well as multivariate models, whereas effects ofCCVwere weak and unstable for both time periods. These results were robust to variations in the parameters in alternative analyses, among them multivariateCCV.Main conclusionsTemperature seasonality is a strong correlate of spatial range size variation, while effects of longer‐term temperature change, as captured byCCV, received much weaker support.