Unintended Exposure Research Articles

A quantitative analysis of biosafety and biosecurity using attack trees in low‐to‐moderate risk scenarios: Evidence from iGEM

AbstractAs synthetic biology is extensively applied in numerous frontier disciplines, the biosafety and biosecurity concerns with designing and constructing novel biological parts, devices, and systems have inevitably come to the forefront due to potential misuse, abuse, and environmental risks from unintended exposure or potential ecological impacts. The International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition often serves as the inception of many synthetic biologists’ research careers and plays a pivotal role in the secure progression of the entire synthetic biology field. Even with iGEM's emphasis on biosafety and biosecurity, continuous risk assessment is crucial due to the potential for unforeseen consequences and the relative inexperience of many participants. In this study, possible risk points for the iGEM projects in 2022 were extracted. An attack tree that captures potential risks and threats from experimental procedures, ethical issues, and hardware safety for each iGEM‐based attack scenario is constructed. It is found that most of the attack scenarios are related to experimental procedures. The relative likelihood of each scenario is then determined by using an established assessment framework. This research expands the traditionally qualitative analysis of risk society theory, reveals the risk formation in the synthetic biology team, and provides practical implications.

Privacy and Regulatory Compliance in Retrieval-Augmented Generation Models for AGI Systems

The integration of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) models in Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) systems presents unprecedented challenges in privacy protection and regulatory compliance. This article examines the complex intersection of advanced AI capabilities and data protection requirements, highlighting critical concerns in handling sensitive information. Through extensive analysis of implementation cases across healthcare, finance, and legal sectors, we identify key privacy vulnerabilities, including a 3% risk of sensitive data exposure in unprotected RAG systems and a 2.7% chance of inadvertent personal information disclosure in healthcare applications. We present novel solutions, including differential privacy techniques achieving 97% reduction in unintended information exposure while maintaining 92% performance, and federated learning approaches demonstrating 95% accuracy compared to centralized models while ensuring GDPR compliance. The article also addresses ethical considerations, revealing that 15% of RAG responses exhibit potential biases, leading to the development of ethical subroutines that reduced discriminatory outputs by 40%. The findings contribute to the ongoing development of privacy-preserving RAG architectures that balance powerful AI capabilities with robust data protection mechanisms and regulatory requirements

Structure-Dependent uptake and metabolism of Tire additives Benzothiazoles in carrot plant

Tire additives, such as benzothiazole and its derivatives (collectively called BTs), are large-volume chemicals that are constantly emitted into agricultural environment via tire-road wearing and other actions. The potential accumulation of BTs in food crops depends largely on their metabolism in plants, which is poorly understood. Herein, we evaluated uptake and metabolism of six BTs in carrot callus and intact carrot plants to understand their structure-specific metabolism. All BTs were readily taken up by carrot roots, with their root concentration factors (RCF) ranging from 1.66 ± 0.01 to 2.95 ± 0.05. Although the tested BTs exhibited poor upward translocation from root to leaves (translocation factors < 1), the translocation factors of 2-methylbenzothiazole (0.79) and 2-aminobenzothiazole (0.65) were significantly higher than that of 2-methylbenzothiazole (0.18) and 2-(methylthio)benzothiazole (0.22). These results indicated the structure-dependent uptake and translocation of BTs in carrot. Correlation analysis between log Kow and log RCF or TF revealed that the hydrophobicity of BTs predominantly affected their root uptake and acropetal translocation in carrots. With the aid of high-resolution mass spectrometry, a total of 18 novel metabolites of BTs were tentatively identified, suggesting that BT compounds can be metabolized by carrot callus. The proposed metabolites of BTs include four hydroxylated products, one demethylated product, five glycosylated products and eight amino acid conjugated products, revealing that glycosylation and amino acid conjugation were the dominant transformation pathways for BT metabolism in carrot. However, the detected species of metabolites for six BTs varied distinctly, indicating structure-specific metabolism of BTs in plants. The findings of this study improve our understanding of structure-dependent fate and transformation of BTs in plants. Since BTs metabolites in food crops could present an unintended exposure route to consumers, the structure-specific differences of BTs uptake, metabolism and accumulation in plants must be considered when addressing human dietary exposure risks.

Prevalence and correlates of fentanyl test strip use among people who use drugs in Rhode Island

BackgroundIllicitly manufactured fentanyl accounts for a majority of overdose fatalities in the US. Research has demonstrated that fentanyl test strips (FTS) help people who use drugs (PWUD) avoid unintended exposure to fentanyl and overdose. This study assesses characteristics associated with FTS use among PWUD in Rhode Island. Such findings may shed light on whether there are subgroups of PWUD who are less likely to be using FTS and therefore may benefit from their use. MethodsFrom September 2020 - February 2023, participants were recruited to participate in RAPIDS, a clinical trial assessing whether FTS provision can reduce overdose rates. Baseline data were used to assess correlates of lifetime FTS use through bivariable and multivariable analyses. We also examined drug testing patterns relating to FTS use in the past month. ResultsOf 509 people enrolled, 376 (73.9 %) had heard of FTS before enrollment. Among this group, 189 (50.3 %) reported lifetime FTS use and 98 (26.1 %) reported use in the last month. In bivariable analyses, lifetime injection drug use, responding to an overdose, and drug selling were associated with FTS use. Solitary drug use was not associated with FTS uptake. In the multivariable analysis, gender and lifetime naloxone administration were associated with FTS use. Of those who used FTS in the past month, 76.5 % had at least one test that was positive for fentanyl. ConclusionsWe found high uptake of FTS use among PWUD in Rhode Island. Our results also suggest a need for targeted outreach to increase FTS uptake among sub-groups of PWUD. Clinical trial registrationThe Rhode Island Prescription and Illicit Drug Study is a registered clinical trial, NCT043722838

Characterization of Nanoparticles in Drinking Water Using Field-Flow Fractionation Coupled with Multi-Angle Light Scattering and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

The current absence of well-established and standardized methods for characterizing submicrometer- and nano-sized particles in water samples presents a significant analytical challenge. With the increasing utilization of nanomaterials, the potential for unintended exposure escalates. The widespread and persistent pollution of water by micro- and nanoplastics globally is a concern that demands attention, not only to reduce pollution but also to develop methods for analyzing these pollutants. Additionally, the analysis of naturally occurring nano entities such as bubbles and colloidal matter poses challenges due to the lack of systematic and consistent methodologies. This study presents Asymmetric Flow Field-Flow Fractionation (AF4) separation coupled with a UV-VIS spectrometer followed by Multi-Angle Light Scattering (MALS) for detection and size characterization of nanometric entities. It is coupled with an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) for elemental analysis. Water samples from different sources, such as untreated mountain spring water, groundwater, and bottled drinking water, were analyzed. The system was calibrated using pure particle standards of different metallic compositions. Our study demonstrates the capability of AF4-UV-MALS-ICP-MS to detect metals such as Al, Ba, Cu, and Zn in particles of around 200 nm diameter and Mg associated with very small particles between 1.5 and 10 nm in different drinking water samples.

Unintended exposure to e-liquids and subsequent health outcomes among US youth and adults.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of oral, ocular, or dermal e-liquid exposure and subsequent outcomes (becoming sick, going to the hospital) in the US. We examined survey data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study Wave 5 (2018-2019). The analytic sample included US youth (aged 12-17 years), young adults (aged 18-24 years), and older adults (aged ≥ 25 years) who reported e-cigarette use in the past 12 months. We first determined the prevalence of self-reported e-liquid exposure (in the mouth, skin, or eyes), subsequently "becoming sick" from the exposure, and "going to the hospital" after the exposure. We also examined associations between these outcomes and the device type used (refillable tank /mod system, replaceable prefilled cartridges, disposable/ other device type). E-liquid exposure was reported by 25% of youth (aged 12-17 years), 25% of young adults (aged 18-24 years), and 19% of older adults (aged≥ 25 years). Among individuals reporting e-liquid exposure, subsequent sickness was reported by 10% of youth11% of young adults, and 14% of older adults, and "going to the hospital" was reported by 3.5% of youth, 2.7% of young adults, and 6.8% of older adults. Among young adults, the use of a refillable tank /mod system was associated with higher odds of e-liquid exposure (aOR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.2, 4.1) than the use of other device types, including disposables. The findings suggest that, at a minimum, e-cigarettes/e-liquids may need warning labels that state the risks of e-liquid exposure and packaging regulations that promote device and bottle designs that minimize e-liquid spills.

Transcriptional and biochemical changes in mouse liver following exposure to a metal/drug cocktail. Attenuating effect of a selenium-enriched diet

Real-life pollution usually involves simultaneous co-exposure to different chemicals. Metals and drugs are frequently and abundantly released into the environment, where they interact and bioaccumulate. Few studies analyze potential interactions between metals and pharmaceuticals in these mixtures, although their joint effects cannot be inferred from their individual properties. We have previously demonstrated that the mixture (PC) of the metals Cd and Hg, the metalloid As and the pharmaceuticals diclofenac (DCF) and flumequine (FLQ) impairs hepatic proteostasis. To gain a deeper vision of how PC affects mouse liver homeostasis, we evaluated here the effects of PC exposure upon some biochemical and morphometric parameters, and on the transcriptional profiles of selected group of genes. We found that exposure to PC caused oxidative damage that exceeded the antioxidant capacity of cells. The excessive oxidative stress response resulted in an overabundance of reducing equivalents, which hindered the metabolism and transport of metabolites, including cholesterol and bile acids, between organs. These processes have been linked to metabolic and inflammatory disorders, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, our findings suggest that unintended exposure to mixtures of environmental pollutants may underlie the etiology of many human diseases. Fortunately, we also found that a diet enriched with selenium mitigated the harmful effects of this combination of toxicants.

Duty of candour and clinically significant accidental or unintended exposures: revisiting the definition of moderate harm for patient safety incidents involving ionizing radiation.

To explore a quantitative interpretation of the term 'moderate harm' as applied to the triggering of the duty of candour associated with clinically significant accidental and unintended exposures to ionizing radiation. Current definitions of 'moderate harm' were matched to the lay descriptions of disease and injury states used in the calculation of detriment as disability-adjusted life years (DALY) by the World Health Organization, to obtain a value of detriment associated with 'moderate harm'. Published conversion factors between effective dose and DALY were used to calculate the effective dose associated with the same detriment. The DALY loss associated with a moderate harm incident is estimated as 0.0216 years. This corresponds to the detriment resulting from exposure to ionizing radiation of 21 mSv. An effective dose of 21 mSv relates to a probability of induced cancer of 0.0012. The results obtained closely match existing guidance although the method used is completely different. It is concluded that there is no evidence to change the existing guidance on the triggering of DoC in radiation incidents. An alternative approach to linking 'moderate harm' and radiation detriment has reinforced existing guidance.

Do lead (Pb) content of lipsticks expose a health risk to children? A risk assessment study.

Lead (Pb) content in lipsticks and potential life-long exposure of which might cause severe effects in consumers are an important concern for public. Thus, studies emphasize that lead exposure has no safe levels. From 10 different brands, in total, 25 solid, gloss and creamy lipsticks are deployed from Turkish markets that are also categorized in two different price ranges. In order to evaluate the blood Pb levels in children, the United States Environmental Protection Agency's 'Exposure Uptake Biokinetic Model' is utilized. To assess the health risk of chronic usage both for children and adults, oral daily systemic exposure levels are calculated with the worst-case scenario and are compared with Maximum Allowable Dose Level for lipsticks. For lifetime risk assessment, exposure is assumed to start by age 7, and four different exposure scenarios have been deployed. The mean lead content of lipsticks shows significant statistical differences between the high- and low-priced lipstick groups. Daily level and total risk for lifetime Pb exposure from deployed lipsticks are below the acceptable risk levels but long-worn usage of products with routine monitoring of metal content is crucial for sensitive and unintended exposure groups.

Elucidation of the Role of TRPV1, VEGF-A, TXA2, Redox Homeostasis, and Inflammatory Cascades in Protection against Cold Injuries by Herbosomal-Loaded PEG-Poloxamer Topical Formulation.

High-altitude regions, cold deserts, permafrost regions, and the polar region have some of the severest cold conditions on earth and pose immense perils of cold injuries to exposed individuals. Accidental and unintended exposures to severe cold, either unintentionally or due to occupational risks, can greatly increase the risk of serious conditions including hypothermia, trench foot, and cold injuries like frostbite. Cold-induced vasoconstriction and intracellular/intravascular ice crystal formation lead to hypoxic conditions at the cellular level. The condition is exacerbated in individuals having inadequate and proper covering and layering, particularly when large area of the body are exposed to extremely cold environments. There is a paucity of preventive and therapeutic pharmacological modalities that have been explored for managing and treating cold injuries. Given this, an efficient modality that can potentiate the healing of frostbite was investigated by studying various complex pathophysiological changes that occur during severe cold injuries. In the current research, we report the effectiveness and healing properties of a standardized formulation, i.e., a herbosomal-loaded PEG-poloxamer topical formulation (n-HPTF), on frostbite. The intricate mechanistic pathways modulated by the novel formulation have been elucidated by studying the pathophysiological sequelae that occur following severe cold exposures leading to frostbite. The results indicate that n-HPTF ameliorates the outcome of frostbite, as it activates positive sensory nerves widely distributed in the epidermis transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), significantly (p < 0.05) upregulates cytokeratin-14, promotes angiogenesis (VEGF-A), prominently represses the expression of thromboxane formation (TXA2), and significantly (p < 0.05) restores levels of enzymatic (glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) and nonenzymatic antioxidants (glutathione). Additionally, n-HPTF attenuates oxidative stress and the expression of inflammatory proteins PGF-2α, NFκB-p65, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidative protein products (AOPP), and protein carbonylation (PCO). Masson's Trichrome staining showed that n-HPTF stimulates cellular proliferation, and increases collagen fiber deposition, which significantly (p < 0.05) promotes the healing of frostbitten tissue, as compared to control. We conclude that protection against severe cold injuries by n-HPTF is mediated via modulation of pathways involving TRPV1, VEGF-A, TXA2, redox homeostasis, and inflammatory cascades. The study is likely to have widespread implications for the prophylaxis and management of moderate-to-severe frostbite conditions.

Retinal injury from a laser skin resurfacing device during medical tourism: a public health concern

BackgroundLaser skin resurfacing is a popular cosmetic procedure for noninvasive skin rejuvenation. Since health insurance plans often do not cover these types of procedures, patients often pay out of pocket. Consequently, there is an incentive to go abroad, where prices are more affordable. However, practitioners in destination countries may lack rigorous training on laser safety, regulatory oversight, or licensing, especially on devices used for “cosmetic” procedures. In certain cases, this can lead to tragic outcomes, especially when underqualified practitioners operate medical-grade laser devices.Case presentationA 29-year-old woman suffered a retinal burn from a handheld Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser pulse device used to perform skin resurfacing treatment at a medical spa in Vietnam. The patient was not adequately informed about the potential risk to her vision and was not provided with any eye protection. A momentary, unintended laser exposure to the patient’s right eye led to irreversible vision loss due to a macular burn. This incident caused immediate pain, followed by the sudden appearance of floaters, along with a retinal and vitreous hemorrhage. Despite treatment with off-label bevacizumab for the development of a choroidal neovascular membrane, vision remained at the level of counting fingers because of the presence of the macular scar.ConclusionWhen utilizing laser-based devices, it is crucial to employ safety measures, such as the wearing of safety goggles or the use of eye shields to protect ocular tissues from potential damage. The growing availability of cosmetic laser devices presents a substantial public health risk, because numerous operators lack adequate training in essential safety standards, or they neglect to follow them. Furthermore, patients seeking services abroad are subject to the regulatory practices of the destination country, which may not always enforce the requisite safety standards. Further research is needed to determine regional and global incidence of laser-related injuries to help direct educational and regulatory efforts.

Combined effects of polyethylene microplastics and carbendazim on Eisenia fetida: A comprehensive ecotoxicological study

Microplastic (MP) pollution is becoming an emerging environmental concern across aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Plastic mulching and the use of pesticides in agriculture can lead to microplastics and agrochemicals in soil, which can result in unintended exposure to non-target organisms. The combined toxicity of multiple stressors represents a significant paradigm shift within the field of ecotoxicology, and its exploration within terrestrial ecosystems involving microplastics is still relatively limited. The present study investigated the combined effects of polyethylene MP (PE-MP) and the agrochemical carbendazim (CBZ) on the earthworm Eisenia fetida at different biological levels of organization. While E. fetida survival and reproduction did not exhibit significant effects following PE-MP treatment, there was a reduction in cocoon and hatchling numbers. Notably, prolonged exposure revealed delayed toxicity, leading to substantial growth impairment. Exposure to CBZ led to significant alterations in the endpoints mentioned above. While there was a decrease in cocoon and hatchling numbers, the combined treatment did not yield significant effects on earthworm reproduction except at higher concentrations. However, lower concentrations of PE-MP alongside CBZ induced a noteworthy decline in biomass content, signifying a form of potentiation interaction. In addition, concurrent exposure led to synergistic effects, from oxidative stress to modifications in vital organs such as the body wall, intestines, and reproductive structures (spermathecae, seminal vesicles, and ovarian follicles). The comparison of multiple endpoints revealed that seminal vesicles and ovarian follicles were the primary targets during the combined exposure. The research findings suggest that there are variable and complex responses to microplastic toxicity in terrestrial ecosystems, especially when combined with other chemical stressors like agrochemicals. Despite these difficulties, the study implies that microplastics can alter earthworms' responses to agrochemical exposure, posing potential ecotoxicological risks to soil fauna.

Abstract 5980: Cancer therapeutic and prevention strategy targeting mutated mitochondria DNA

Abstract As the energy factory for the cell, the mitochondrion, through its role of ATP production by oxidative phosphorylation, can be regarded as the guardian of well regulated cellular metabolism; the integrity of mitochondrial functions, however, is particularly vulnerable in cancer due to the lack of superstructures such as histone and lamina folds to protect the mitochondrial genome from unintended exposure, which consequently elevates risks of mutation. In cancer, mechanisms responsible for enforcing quality control surveillance for identifying and eliminating defective mitochondria are often poorly regulated, and certain uneliminated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations and polymorphisms can be advantageous for the proliferation, progression, and metastasis of tumor cells and disseminated into microenvironment cells through extracellular vesicle and tunnel nano tube. Such pathogenic mtDNA aberrations are likely to increase and frequently be homoplasmic in metastatic cancer cells and, intriguingly, in normal cells in the tumor microenvironments as well. Distinct characteristics of these abnormalities in mtDNA may provide a new path for cancer therapy. We recently tested this hypothesis with a few PIP-TPP conjugates targeting mtDNA mutations to induce mutants reduction in heteoplasmic cells or apoptosis in homoplasmic or near homoplasmic cells in vivo model without major adverse effects. This finding reaffirms the feasibility of such a PIP-TPP-based mtDNA-targeting approach for anticancer therapy as well as perhaps cancer risk prevention. However, the absence of known mtDNA mutation hotspots limits the clinical application of somatic mutation-targeted PIP-TPPs. Thus, we designed CCCh-1005-TPP to selectively target a frequent ATP6 gene variant and often oncogenically homoplasmic in the associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, colon, breast and ovarian cancer risk and found its anticancer effect in mouse xenograft models. Here we study preclinical trial of CCCh-1005-TPP, a promising novel anti-cancer agent for clearing abnormal mtDNA by reactivating mitochondrial quality control surveillance of mitophagy. Given those mechanistic insights may provide a promising therapeutic or maybe preventive approach of the pathogenic mtDNA removal in homoplasmic or heteroplasmic cells. Additional caveat is that this strategy may also use not only for cancer but also many other mitochondria related diseases, such as neurodegenerative, diabetic, renal, muscle and hearing loss diseases as well as aging. Citation Format: Hiroki Nagase. Cancer therapeutic and prevention strategy targeting mutated mitochondria DNA [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 5980.

Comparing classic regression with credit scorecard model for predicting sick building syndrome risk: A machine learning perspective in environmental assessment

Quarantine policy for COVID-19 control brings outdoor risks to indoor, leading to unintended exposure to sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms. The aim of this study was to establish a comparative framework for the application of multiple logistic regression (classic regression) and credit scorecard models based on Logistic Regression (logit) and Decision Tree (DT) models in predicting the risk of developing SBS among citizens of Alborz province in Iran. The results of the classic regression indicated that the number of residents in the home (OR = 1.127, 95% CI: 1.017–1.760), were shown to have a significant association with total SBS symptoms. In the credit scorecard model utilizing the logit model, the variable with the greatest predictive significance for total SBS as well as general, and mucosal symptoms was work status. Furthermore, in the credit scorecard model based on DT model, the levels of PM2.5 and PM10, were the most significant predictors for the total SBS and dermal symptoms, respectively. As such, ozone (O3) emerged as the most influential factor in predicting both general and mucosal symptoms. As credit scoring, the greatest base score (109.86) was associated with mucosal symptoms, while the lowest base score (82.10) was associated with general symptoms. In conclusion, the DT model exhibited superior performance as a scoring model compared to the logit model and classic regression, as evidenced by its higher performance indexes. As such, only dermal symptoms exhibited mean scores higher than the base scores, suggesting that the overall quality of the indoor environments was generally poor.

Isothiazolinone Disrupts Reproductive Endocrinology by Targeting the G-Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling.

The unintended exposure of humans and animals to isothiazolinones has led to an increasing concern regarding their health hazards. Isothiazolinones were previously found to disrupt reproductive endocrine homeostasis. However, the long-term reproductive toxicity and underlying mechanism remain unclear. In this study, life-cycle exposure of medaka to dichlorocthylisothiazolinone (DCOIT), a representative isothiazolinone, significantly stimulated the gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR)-mediated synthesis of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone in the brain. Chem-Seq and proteome analyses revealed disturbances in the G-protein-coupled receptor, MAPK, and Ca2+ signaling cascades by DCOIT. The G protein αi subunit was identified as the binding target of DCOIT. Gαi bound by DCOIT had an enhanced affinity for the mitochondrial calcium uniporter, consequently changing Ca2+ subcellular compartmentalization. Stimulation of Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum and blockage of Ca2+ uptake into the mitochondria resulted in a considerably higher cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration, which then activated the phosphorylation of MEK and ERK to dysregulate hormone synthesis. Overall, by comprehensively integrating in vivo, ex vivo, in silico, and in vitro evidence, this study proposes a new mode of endocrine disrupting toxicity based on isothiazolinones, which is expected to aid the risk assessment of the chemical library and favor the mechanism-driven design of safer alternatives.

Nanomaterial journey in the gut: from intestinal mucosal interaction to systemic transport.

Engineered nanomaterials (NMs) are commonly utilized in food additives, cosmetics, and therapeutic applications due to their advantageous properties. Consequently, humans are frequently exposed to exogenous nanomaterials through oral ingestion, thus making the intestinal mucosal system a primary site for these particles. Understanding the interactions between nanomaterials and the intestinal mucosal system is crucial for harnessing their therapeutic potential and mitigating potential health risks from unintended exposure. This review aims to elucidate recent advancements in the dual effects of nanomaterials on the intestinal mucosal system. Upon entering the gut lumen, nanomaterials will interact with diverse intestinal components, including trillions of gut microbiota, mucus layer, intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), and the intestinal immune system. Additionally, the systemic fate and transportation of nanomaterials to distal organs, such as central nervous system, are also highlighted. These interactions result in a distinct biological effect of nanomaterials on the multilayer structure of intestine, thus displaying complex journeys and outcomes of nanomaterials in the living body. This in-depth exploration of the in vivo destiny and immunological implications of nanomaterials encountering the intestine has the potential to propel advancements in oral drug delivery techniques and motivate future investigations in novel toxicology research.

From Innocent Sharing to Harmful and Unintended Exposure: Balancing Parental Rights and Children’s Digital Privacy Rights

From Innocent Sharing to Harmful and Unintended Exposure: Balancing Parental Rights and Children’s Digital Privacy Rights

Enhancing First Responder Safety in Nuclear Radiological Emergencies: A Systematic Literature Review of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Training to Promote Self-Efficacy Among First Responders

Abstract Objective Nuclear radiological emergencies are classified as low frequency, but high impact events. Radiophobia and fear of deleterious outcomes often evokes hesitancy among responders. This review explored PPE use as a protective mechanism for responders’ safety and identified tools that promote PPE efficacy among first responders during nuclear radiological events. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted using five scientific databases. More than 5,500 articles were screened to identify literature relating to “PPE use” by first responders during “nuclear radiological events”. Results Regulatory agencies such as the IAEA and the NRC assert that PPE, (when worn correctly and consistently) minimizes radiation exposure. Adequate training of first responders emerged as a critical determinant to support appropriate PPE selection and usage during radiological emergencies. This included new employee trainings and refresher courses for existing employees. Pedagogical tools highlighted in the literature included tabletop exercises, safety huddles, trial runs for donning and doffing of new gear (with emphasis on air-fed suits), just-in-time training and virtual reality simulations. Conclusions Education on the effective use of PPE is essential to promote self-efficacy among medical staff and other first responders during nuclear radiological events. Comprehensive training will reduce unintended exposures, decrease hesitancy, and maximize employee safety.

Lifetime considerations of geotextile UV exposure before installation

Geotextile are in most case intended for buried application, without exposure to sunlight. However, a short exposure to sunlight may occur before installation. Because of potential delay of installation and soil burying, the material is required to meet UV resistance. Artificial UV weathering will assess the potential risk of unintended exposure to sunlight. Photodegradation reactions consider the interactions with exposure conditions as well as polymer sensitivity to sunlight. Based on both laboratory measurements and field data, this paper evaluates the effect of light intensity, temperature and humidity with climates. Using polymer relation of its UV light sensitivity with the effective irradiance, a cumulative index is calculated for the reduction of geotextile service life from exposure to sunlight. Artificial weathering cycles for geotextiles are compared and related to the specific degradation mechanisms of polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate. The reaction rate is correlated with temperature, respectively for each polymer. A model using radiant energy and temperature is proposed for guidance to service life prediction of partly UV-exposed geotextiles.

A premature stop codon in the CYP2C19 gene may explain the unexpected sensitivity of vultures to diclofenac toxicity

The unintended environmental exposure of vultures to diclofenac has resulted in the deaths of millions of old-world vultures on the Asian subcontinent. While toxicity has been since associated with a long half-life of elimination and zero order metabolism, the actual constraint in biotransformation is yet to be clarified. For this study we evaluated if the evident zero order metabolism could be due to defects in the CYP2C9/2C19 enzyme system. For this, using whole genome sequencing and de-novo transcriptome alignment, the vulture CYP2C19 open reading frame was identified through Splign analysis. The result sequence analysis revealed the presence of a premature stop codon on intron 7 of the identified open reading frame. Even if the stop codon was not present, amino acid residue analysis tended to suggest that the enzyme would be lower in activity than the equivalent human enzyme, with differences present at sites 105, 286 and 289. The defect was also conserved across the eight non-related vultures tested. From these results, we conclude that the sensitivity of the old-world vultures to diclofenac is due to the non-expression of a viable CYP2C19 enzyme system. This is not too dissimilar to the effects seen in certain people with a similar defective enzyme.