Multiple Exposures Research Articles

Single-exposure x-ray dark-field imaging via a dual-energy propagation-based setup

X-ray dark-field imaging visualizes scattering from sample microstructure and has found application in medical and security contexts. While most x-ray dark-field imaging techniques rely on masks, gratings, or crystals, recent work on the Fokker–Planck model of diffusive imaging has enabled dark-field imaging in the propagation-based geometry. Images captured at multiple propagation distances or x-ray energies can be used to reconstruct dark-field from propagation-based images but have previously required multiple exposures. Here, we show single-exposure dark-field imaging by exploiting the harmonic content in a monochromatized synchrotron beam and utilizing an energy-discriminating photon-counting detector to capture dual-energy propagation-based images. The method is validated by filming time-varying samples, showing the advantage of the dark-field contrast in analyzing dynamic evolution. We measure and adjust for the impact of detector charge-sharing on the images. This work opens the way for dynamic dark-field x-ray imaging without the need for a high-stability setup and precision optics.

Assessing health risks and disease burden from waterborne pathogens across multiple urban exposure pathways

ABSTRACT Urbanization is rapidly reshaping global demographics, placing immense pressure on sanitation infrastructure and increasing microbial contamination through multiple exposure pathways. Inadequate sanitation drives fecal–oral infections, significantly contributing to the disease burden; however, comprehensive evaluations of urban sanitation interventions remain scarce. This study addresses this gap by applying a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) to estimate gastrointestinal illness incidence in a low-income area in Dhaka facing severe sanitation challenges. The QMRA, based on measured concentrations of Vibrio cholerae, norovirus Genogroup-II, and Giardia in surface water, open drains, and flood water, revealed higher infection risks for children, who are more vulnerable due to low immunity. The analysis estimated 16,276 disease episodes annually among 4,792 individuals, resulting in a burden of 2,441.4 disability-adjusted life years. Surface water contributed the most (37%), followed by open drains (34%) and flood water (29%). Giardiasis accounted for 53.3% of the burden, cholera for 33%, and norovirus gastroenteritis for 13%. This study integrates the QMRA across multiple pathways – unlike previous studies that focused on single pathways – providing insights for improving public health in urban settings. It emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to mitigate disease burdens from wastewater exposure, with methods and findings applicable to similar urban contexts worldwide.

Asymmetric time sequence for multiple-exposure 3D PTV

Recording onto a single-frame multiple exposures of the tracer particles has the potential to simplify the hardware needed for 3D PTV measurements, especially when dealing with high-speed flows. The analysis of such recordings, however, is challenged by the unknown time tag of each particle exposure, alongside their unknown organization into physical trajectories (trajectory tag). Using a sequence of two or more illumination pulses with a constant time separation leads to the well-known directional ambiguity problem, whereby it is not possible to distinguish the direction of motion of the tracer particles. Instead, an irregular and asymmetric sequence of time separation for the illumination pulses allows recognizing the time tag of the unique sequence of positions in the image, composing the trace. A criterion is formulated here that recognizes unambiguously the trace pattern, based upon the principle of kinematic similarity. A combinatorial algorithm is proposed whereby a signal-to-noise ratio is introduced for every candidate trace. The approach is combined with an additional criterion that favors trace regularity (minimum velocity fluctuations). The algorithm is illustrated making use of particle motion examples. Furthermore, it is assessed using 3D experimental data produced with time-resolved analysis (single-frame, single-exposure) using the Shake-the-Box method. Traces with a three-pulse sequence yield a detection rate of 85%. The latter declines with the number of pulses. Conversely, the error rate rapidly vanishes with the samples number, which confirms the reliability of trace detection criterion when more pulses are comprised in the sequence.Graphical abstract

Continuous spectroscopic monitoring of urinary catheter output: advancements and clinical implications

Urine diagnostics are crucial for identifying urological disorders and systemic diseases. Monitoring bladder catheters for urine output and early signs of urinary tract infections (UTIs) is essential but labor-intensive and prone to documentation errors. Recent advances in electronic monitoring and spectroscopy offer potential improvement in this process. This study introduces a novel smart sensor system for urinary catheters, enabling digital, continuous, automated real-time spectroscopic urine monitoring. A prototype consisting of a mini-spectrometer integrated with a custom lens array and hyperspectral illumination source was developed for urine analysis. It measures light intensity across 288 channels (340–850 nm) from multiple angles and exposure times, capturing detailed spectral data. Analyzing 401 urine samples from 168 patients, statistical models in R software were used to assess the dependency between spectral data and clinical laboratory values. The prototype accurately detected response variables like bilirubin, erythrocytes, pH, protein, specific gravity, and urobilinogen, with AUC values indicating good to very good discrimination. Response variables like glucose and nitrite, which do not absorb within the measured spectrum, showed minimal correlation. Our smart catheter system presents the potential for a significant advancement in urine monitoring, providing continuous, accurate analysis of parameters absorbing within the visible light spectrum.

Assessing toxicological risk of nanoplastics contaminants in food and feed from ingestion pathway to human diseases

The extensive use of plastic without an effective management system is linked to significant environmental pollution issues. The fragmentation of various types of plastic waste leads to the formation of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs). NPs, measuring less than 0.1 μm pose a latent danger to the human food chain caused by the ability to traverse biological membranes than MPs, potentially leading to various chronic diseases. The widespread distribution of NPs across diverse environmental matrices and their subsequent infiltration into food and feed chains precipitates various emerging health concerns. NPs contaminate food production systems and leach from plastic packaging, infiltrating organisms at various trophic levels. Seafood, processed foods, and drinking water serve as vectors for absorption and accumulation in human tissues. The pervasive contamination pathway poses substantial risks to human health through multiple exposure routes, primarily ingestion. It can lead to cytotoxicity, inflammation, genotoxicity, and apoptosis. This review summarizes the implications of NPs exposure that triggers various diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), kidney dysfunction, liver disease, heart problems, brain disorders, reproductive issues, and cancer. Currently, no established method exists to treat NPs that humans may have already ingested. Hence, it is urgent to mitigate the harmful effects of NPs through the development and implementation of innovative, efficient, and sustainable environmental decontamination strategies. This discussion highlights several advanced remediation techniques that can effectively reduce the toxicity of NPs in environmental systems, thus mitigating their associated risks.

Association between heavy metal exposure and asthma in adults: Data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008-2013.

Risk factors for asthma include genetic, host, and environmental factors such as allergens, smoking, and exposure to chemicals. Heavy metals from air pollution or contaminated water and food can also trigger asthma. This study aimed to identify the biological exposure levels of blood lead, mercury, and cadmium, and determine the association of asthma with single and multiple exposures to these heavy metals using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) conducted between 2008 and 2013. A weighted analysis of 40,328 adults aged ≥ 20years was conducted. Variables included blood heavy metal levels, health behaviors, demographic characteristics, and asthma status. Logistic regression was used to identify the association between the blood heavy metal levels and the odds ratio (OR) of asthma in adults. The overall asthma prevalence was 3.0%. The geometric mean values for blood lead, mercury, and cadmium were 2.14 μg/dL, 3.72 μg/L, and 0.96 μg/L, respectively. An association between asthma and high blood lead levels was observed, with the highest level group showing a statistically significant association. Blood mercury and cadmium were significantly associated with asthma in the highest quartile of blood levels. After adjusting for the demographic and health behavior variables, significant associations with asthma persisted for the highest quartiles of all heavy metals. Multiple exposures in the highest quartile also showed a significant association with asthma. This study demonstrated a significant association between blood heavy metal levels and asthma in adults, emphasizing the need to reduce exposure to lead, cadmium, and mercury as a preventive measure against asthma in adults.

Impact of Low-Level Blast Exposure From Military Training and Career Cumulation on Hearing Outcomes.

Occupational trades expose military service members to unique sound exposure profiles, distinct in frequency and amplitude to those commonly studied in industrial settings. Characteristics of the energy exposure incurred through blast exposure exercises a distinct mechanism of injury in the auditory system that yield acute and cumulative health impacts. The following paper considers physiological and self-reported data attributed to repeated low-level blast exposure. We focused our analysis to examine objective audiological metrics of blast overpressure damage to quantify the impact of discrete and accumulated blast exposure for military service members. This study was reviewed and approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of Defense Research and Development Canada. Data were collected in a cross-sectional, repeated measures observational design. Participants comprised service members who took part in a training course using controlled explosives (n = 46) and an age- and sex-matched control group (n = 42) with noise exposure but no history of blast exposure. Extensive demographic and subjective health data were captured additional to a battery of quantitative health data. Nonlinear mixed effect models with bivariate generalized additive architecture, Friedman's test, and repeated measures ANOVA models were applied. Subjective tinnitus and hearing scores were sensitive to life-time blast overpressure exposure (P = .034) and a delta of low- (2-4 kHz) and high-frequency (4-8 kHz) audiometric threshold averages significantly differentiated by both cumulative (P = .0016) and training course exposure (P = .0142). Furthermore, audiometric values showed progressive increasing variance in high frequencies (>4 kHz) in blast-exposed participants with worsening audiometric outcomes. Variation in high-frequency hearing thresholds may be attributed to differences in energy exposure because of structural differences between individuals or differences in exposure profiles (produced either by diversity in PPE compliance or exposure sources). Military members exposed to blasts in a training environment and accumulated through a career experience adverse hearing and audiometric impacts. However, better measures of hearing injury should be pursued to improve understanding of injury mechanism and injury progression which may inform risk and medical interventions. Blast-induced hearing injuries are dynamic and change over time between acute and chronic phases which are further exacerbated with multiple blast exposures presented consecutively.

Feasibility exploration of myocardial blood flow synthesis from a simulated static myocardial computed tomography perfusion via a deep neural network.

Myocardial blood flow (MBF) provides important diagnostic information for myocardial ischemia. However, dynamic computed tomography perfusion (CTP) needed for MBF involves multiple exposures, leading to high radiation doses. This study investigated synthesizing MBF from simulated static myocardial CTP to explore dose reduction potential, bypassing the traditional dynamic input function. The study included 253 subjects with intermediate-to-high pretest probabilities of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). MBF was reconstructed from dynamic myocardial CTP. A deep neural network (DNN) converted simulated static CTP into synthetic MBF. Beyond the usual image quality evaluation, the synthetic MBF was segmented and a clinical functional assessment was conducted, with quantitative analysis for consistency and correlation. Synthetic MBF closely matched the referenced MBF, with an average structure similarity (SSIM) of 0.87. ROC analysis of ischemic segments showed an area under curve (AUC) of 0.915 for synthetic MBF. This method can theoretically reduce the radiation dose for MBF significantly, provided satisfactory static CTP is obtained, reducing reliance on high time resolution of dynamic CTP. The proposed method is feasible, with satisfactory clinical functionality of synthetic MBF. Further investigation and validation are needed to confirm actual dose reduction in clinical settings.

Co-exposure to a honeybee pathogen and an insecticide: synergistic effects in a new solitary bee host but not in Apis mellifera.

Pesticides and pathogens are major drivers of bee declines. However, their potential interactions are poorly understood, especially for non-Apis bees. This study assessed the combined effects of infestation by the honeybee pathogen Vairimorpha ceranae and chronic exposure to the insecticide flupyradifurone on Osmia bicornis and Apis mellifera. We investigated whether V. ceranae could reproduce in a new solitary bee host (O. bicornis) and assessed sublethal and lethal effects of the pathogen and the pesticide, alone and in combination. We also analysed the interactive effects of the combined exposure on V. ceranae proliferation and bee survival in the two bee species. Newly emerged bees were orally infected with 100 000 spores of V. ceranae and then exposed ad libitum to flupyradifurone at field-realistic concentrations. We showed, for the first time to our knowledge, that V. ceranae can replicate in the midgut of O. bicornis, causing histological damage, impaired phototactic response, reduced food consumption and decreased longevity. The pathogen-pesticide combination caused a synergistic effect in O. bicornis, leading to an abrupt survival decline. In A. mellifera, V. ceranae and flupyradifurone showed antagonistic survival effects, but the pesticide promoted pathogen proliferation. Our results warn against the potential effects of pathogen spillover and multiple stressor exposure on non-Apis bees.

Ambient air pollution exposure in relation to cerebral small vessel disease in Chinese population: A cranial magnetic resonance imaging-based study.

Ambient air pollution exposure in relation to cerebral small vessel disease in Chinese population: A cranial magnetic resonance imaging-based study.

Impacts of Birds vs. Invertebrate Predators on Rocky Intertidal Community Structure.

Most studies of species interactions in rocky intertidal communities focus on invertebrate predators and herbivores interacting with sessile invertebrates and macrophytes. However, shorebirds are usually a conspicuous presence on rocky shores and eat sessile and mobile invertebrate prey, often including invertebrate predators and herbivores. Inspired by classic studies of strong bird predation effects in rocky intertidal habitats in Washington state (USA) and South Africa, I tested the effects of bird and invertebrate (sea stars, whelks) predation at multiple sites, wave exposures, and zones on the central Oregon coast from spring 1996 to fall 1997. To gain insight into the effects of birds relative to the effects of invertebrate predators, I used a crossed design, with bird exclusions (present and absent) and invertebrate predator removal (present and reduced). Compared to Washington state and South Africa, birds had little effect on the abundance of sessile or mobile prey in wave-exposed mid, wave-exposed low, and wave-protected mid zones at 2-4 sites. I suggest that differences between Oregon results and those in Washington and South Africa were driven by differences in bird abundance associated with whether the study site had resident colonies of shorebirds (primarily gulls, crows, and oystercatchers). That is, offshore islands often have resident breeding colonies such as in the Washington and South African studies, while sites in this study were all on the mainland where gulls were mostly transient visitors, while resident oystercatchers were usually limited to one or two pairs per site. Comparison with other marine and terrestrial experimental tests suggests that top-down effects of birds often vary in strength, and thus, future investigations should seek to understand the factors that underlie this variation.

Multi-target analyses of persistent organic pollutants, halogenated natural products, and organophosphate esters in bivalves from Seto Inland Sea, Japan: Residue levels, profiles, and spatial trends.

Multi-target analyses of persistent organic pollutants, halogenated natural products, and organophosphate esters in bivalves from Seto Inland Sea, Japan: Residue levels, profiles, and spatial trends.

Shape reconstruction from focus and image fusion

Shape reconstruction from focus and image fusion

Co-exposure to multiple endocrine-disrupting chemicals and oxidative stress: Epidemiological evidence of nonmonotonic dose response curves.

Co-exposure to multiple endocrine-disrupting chemicals and oxidative stress: Epidemiological evidence of nonmonotonic dose response curves.

Medication prescribing and pregnancy-related risk factors for women with type 2 diabetes of reproductive age within primary care: a cross-sectional investigation for the PREPARED study

IntroductionWomen with type 2 diabetes are at risk of commencing pregnancy while using medications that are either not recommended for pregnancy or with known teratogenicity, which may contribute to adverse...

Two-photon absorption under few-photon irradiation for optical nanoprinting

Two-photon absorption (TPA) has been widely applied for three-dimensional imaging and nanoprinting; however, the efficiency of TPA imaging and nanoprinting using laser scanning techniques is limited by its trade-off to reach high resolution. Here, we unveil a concept, few-photon irradiated TPA, supported by a spatiotemporal model based on the principle of wave-particle duality of light. This model describes the precise time-dependent mechanism of TPA under ultralow photon irradiance with a single tightly focused femtosecond laser pulse. We demonstrate that a feature size of 26 nm (1/20 λ) and a pattern period of 0.41 λ with a laser wavelength of 517 nm can be achieved by performing digital optical projection nanolithography under few-photon irradiation using the in-situ multiple exposure technique, improving printing efficiency by 5 orders of magnitude. We show deeper insights into the TPA mechanism and encourage the exploration of potential applications for TPA in nanoprinting and nanoimaging.

Inhibited cavitation in lanthanum-doped tungsten under multiple melt exposures in GLADIS and ASDEX Upgrade

Abstract Melt ejection and melt motion of tungsten (W) as a plasma-facing material due to accidental thermal overload events are primary concerns for ITER and DEMO. Previous experiments have revealed that W-1wt.% La₂O₃ is an effective material for suppressing cavitation under a single pulsed heat load [1]. To further investigate this effect, both W and W-1wt.% La₂O₃ (WL10) were subjected to multiple melt exposures in the high heat flux facility GLADIS and the tokamak ASDEX Upgrade (AUG). In GLADIS, H/He high-power neutral particle beams were used, with a total energy density of 41-50 MJ/m² per pulse, adjusted by the pulse duration. In AUG, eight ELMing H-mode deuterium (D) plasma discharges (#37680-87) were employed with samples exposed by the divertor manipulator DIM-II. The results revealed that the surface and cross-sectional morphologies of the resolidified melt layers are similar in both GLADIS and AUG. The pure W samples exhibited pronounced cavitation, with numerous spherical voids in the resolidified layer. In contrast, the WL10 samples developed an undulating surface morphology with a dense resolidified layer at the top, free of spherical voids and lanthanum particles, indicating sustained cavitation suppression even after La₂O₃ had vaporized from the top surface during previous melting. This suppression effect is likely primarily due to the formation of the undulating surface, which exposes the still La₂O₃-rich deeper material regions. The La₂O₃ particles participated in subsequent melting cycles, continuously preventing cavitation. Additionally, we compared D retention in W and WL10 samples subjected to the eight D plasma discharges in AUG. D retention was significantly reduced from 2.5×10²¹ to 4.4×10¹⁹ D/m² for W and slightly decreased from 1.5×10²¹ to 1.2×10²¹ D/m² for WL10 when comparing unmolten and molten samples. Overall, multiple melting experiments in both GLADIS and AUG confirm that W-La₂O₃ is a good cavitation-resistant material, effectively suppressing cavitation in W melt.

Psychometric Properties of the ITQ for Measuring ICD-11 Complex PTSD in a Spanish Sample of Women Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence.

Complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) is related to prolonged, multiple, and interpersonal exposure to traumas. Several studies in different populations have focused on implementing the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) to assess PTSD and CPTSD, though not in women survivors of intimate partner violence. The aim was to assess the psychometric properties of this measure in this population. The results obtained for this sample (N = 340) indicated excellent internal ITQ reliability. Moreover, a six-factor CPTSD first-order correlated model was considered, and concurrent validity supported ITQ administration to this population.

Association between urinary metal concentrations and hyperuricemia in Chinese community-dwelling elderly: Exploring the mediating role of estimating glomerular filtration rate.

Association between urinary metal concentrations and hyperuricemia in Chinese community-dwelling elderly: Exploring the mediating role of estimating glomerular filtration rate.

Trauma Erodes Financial Returns of Educational Attainment.

Educational attainment is often regarded as a pathway to economic stability and social mobility. However, the Minorities' Diminished Returns (MDRs) framework has demonstrated that the effects of educational attainment on various economic, behavioral, and health outcomes are weaker for marginalized populations, including racial/ethnic minorities, immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those living in disadvantaged areas. While MDRs have been documented for various marginalized demographic groups, the role of trauma in moderating socioeconomic outcomes remains underexplored. This study examines whether lifetime trauma exposure diminishes the positive association between educational attainment and poverty-to-income ratio (PIR), a key indicator of economic well-being. Using data from the National Survey of American Life (NSAL), we analyzed a nationally representative sample of 6,008 adults, including Black, White, Latino, and Other racial/ethnic groups. We employed linear regression models to evaluate the association between the independent variable educational attainment and the outcome PIR. We then tested lifetime trauma as a moderator of this association. Models controlled for age, gender, employment, and race/ethnicity. Educational attainment was positively associated with PIR across all groups, but the strength of this association was significantly attenuated for individuals with a history of lifetime trauma. These effects were independent of covariates. These findings extend the MDRs framework by highlighting trauma as a potential contributor to diminished returns of education on socioeconomic well-being. Structural inequities that increase trauma exposure in minoritized populations may also limit the economic benefits of education, particularly for groups with multiple trauma exposures. Policies aimed at addressing economic inequality must integrate social policies that reduce trauma and stress.