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A foggy environment may cause digitally captured images to appear blurry, dim, or low in contrast. This will impact computer vision systems that rely on image information. With the need for real-time image information, such as a plate number recognition system, a simple yet effective image enhancement algorithm using a hardware implementation is very much needed to fulfil the need. To improve images that suffer from low exposure and hazy, the hardware implementations are usually based on complex algorithms. Hence, the aim of this paper is to propose a less complex enhancement algorithm for hardware implementation that is able to improve the quality of such images. The proposed method simply combines brightness and contrast manipulation to enhance the image. In order to see the performance of the proposed method, a total of 100 vehicle registration number images were collected, enhanced, and evaluated. The evaluation results were compared to two other enhancement methods quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitative evaluation is done by evaluating the output image using peak signal-to-noise ratio and mean-square error evaluation metrics, while a survey is done to evaluate the output image qualitatively. Based on the quantitative evaluation results, our proposed method outperforms the other two enhancement methods.

The presence of cadmium (Cd) in food produced in Latin America has been highlighted in recent years. Cadmium can be toxic to humans at low levels, and therefore monitoring its presence in food is relevant for public health. Cadmium concentrations from different sources, such as water, soil, sediment, food, and beverages were examined and discussed to address the non-occupational exposure of the Latin American population to Cd. A literature review was conducted examining publications from 2015 to 2020 and data available in the ScienceDirect and PubMed databases. Twenty-eight papers reported on Cd in water, 49 reported Cd in soil and sediments, and 86 reported on Cd in food. We have identified and discussed the factors affecting the environmental behavior and bioaccumulation of Cd, the main species used in monitoring studies, and the necessity for future research. Brazil and Mexico are the countries that provided the most available information, whereas for some countries in Central America, no information was found. The Cd levels in food examined in these studies (mostly fish and cacao) were generally below the established maximum levels, indicating a low risk. When considering the presence of Cd in food, water, and soil, Cd fractionation and chemical speciation studies are fundamental to understanding which forms of Cd are the most toxic. In turn, studies on bioaccessibility and bioavailability of Cd in food are also needed for more adequate risk assessment, but they are currently scarce within Latin America.

Music education majors report low exposure to creative musical activities (CMAs) despite increased discourse surrounding the inclusion of CMAs in standards, curricula, publications, and practice. The purpose of this study was to compare preservice music teachers’ (PMT) and music teacher educators’ (MTE) experiences with CMAs. We used an anonymous survey instrument to explore definitions, perceived importance and preparedness, and the incorporation of CMAs within undergraduate music education curricula. MTEs and PMTs valued the inclusion of CMAs in preK–12 curricula, PMTs felt most prepared to teach arranging and least prepared to teach composing with their future preK–12 students, and PMTs valued and desired more opportunities to practice CMAs in undergraduate curricula. MTEs should consider integrating these activities as regular components in undergraduate music curricula.

The research aimed to study the current situation of farmers adopting the techniques of secondary products recycling for the important main crops in three villages of the Beheira Governorate. The simple random sample amounted to 180 respondents, representing 5% of the total. The results: 51.1% have low exposure to agricultural knowledge sources, 68.9% have a negative and neutral attitude towards environmental protection, 41.7% have high knowledge of secondary products recycling techniques, their most important knowledge sources are parents and neighbors 93.3%, their own experience 87.8 65.56% of them adopted low crop by-product recycling techniques, hay ranked first in adoption with average 20.55, secondly silage work 17.13. There are correlations between number of family members, exposure to agricultural knowledge sources, social participation and the rate of adoption of crop techniques of secondary products recycling. The last four variables explain 42% of the variance for adoption of techniques of secondary products recycling.

The National Dose Registry (NDR) is owned and operated independently by Health Canada. This paper provides an overview of how the registry operates within the Canadian regulatory structure, followed by an analysis of annual effective dose trends in nine job classes with relatively higher mean annual effective doses, i.e. greater than 1 mSv as reported in 2017. The analysis showed that, with a few exceptions, mean annual effective doses have generally decreased or remained practically unchanged in the past two decades at relatively low exposure levels. This review of occupational dose trends is evidence of the effectiveness of radiation protection programmes in Canada. The NDR has played an important role in the identification of relatively higher dose records and allowed the regulatory bodies to act immediately to ensure appropriate actions were taken.

Some industrial crane control panels were historically equipped with chrysotile-containing arc chutes. Because of the paucity of data regarding potential exposure from such equipment, we used a simulation approach to quantify the release of chrysotile from arc chutes in two functional 1970s-era industrial crane control panels during operation and maintenance. Two experienced operators separately simulated operation of crane controls under load; one of these operators then simulated two arc chute maintenance protocols: sanding (protocol 1) and scraping, sanding, and blowing (protocol 2). The original arc chutes contained approximately 36% chrysotile. Personal breathing zone (PBZ) ( n = 8) and area samples ( n = 8) were collected and analyzed using phase contrast microscopy (PCM) and transmission electron microscopy. PCM-equivalent (PCME) concentrations were derived, from which 8-h time-weighted averages (TWA) were calculated. During operation, chrysotile was identified in one of the four PBZ samples, equivalent to a PCME concentration of 0.012 f/cm3 (8-h TWA: 0.011 f/cm3). During protocols 1 and 2, chrysotile was identified in all PBZ samples ( n = 4); PCME concentrations (and corresponding 8-h TWA) were 3 (0.001 and 0.004 f/cm3) and 0.013 and 0.017 f/cm3 (0.003 f/cm3), respectively. Many of the airborne chrysotile fibers had matrix attached, supporting the low exposure potential during this work. These data indicate very low, if any, exposures to chrysotile asbestos during the simulated scenarios. In addition, these data could assist with refining assumptions in exposure reconstruction and inform the state-of-the science on low-level chrysotile exposure.

Characteristics of egg surfaces serve as recognition cues that allow avian hosts to detect and reject foreign eggs in brood parasitism. The blunt egg pole hypothesis suggests that the blunt egg pole is an essential signal in parasitic egg recognition. In the present study, eggs of Yellow-bellied Prinia (Prinia flaviventris) were painted with black spots at either the blunt or sharp egg pole to determine and compare the responses of different populations exposed to brood parasitism (parasitized population) or not (non-parasitized population). These results supported the above hypothesis and showed that the parasitized population displayed a higher rate of rejection of eggs with blunt pole-painted spots than with sharp pole-painted spots. In contrast, the non-parasitized population accepted all experimental eggs, which may be related to decreased egg recognition resulting from low exposure to brood parasitism.

Gangliosides are biologically important glycolipids widely distributed in vertebrate cells. An important member of the ganglioside family is the monosialylganglioside GM1, which has been suggested ...

Background We have followed a birth cohort from 2008 to 2009 near a dioxin-contaminated area of Da Nang, Vietnam, and investigated the effects of perinatal dioxin exposure on neurodevelopment from infancy to pre-school age. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of perinatal dioxin exposure on the learning abilities of the elementary-school children from the Da Nang birth cohort. Methods From 241 mother–infant pairs recruited at baseline (134 boys and 107 girls), 185 (76.8%) participated in a follow-up when the children were 8 years of age (108 boys and 77 girls). The children's perinatal dioxin exposure was estimated using the dioxin levels in their mothers' breast milk. The Colorado Learning Difficulties Questionnaire (CLDQ) was used to evaluate the children's learning difficulties. Math- and language-achievement scores were obtained using paper-based tests. Reading fluency was examined by having the children read passages in Vietnamese. Results In boys exposed to high levels of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (2,3,7,8-TetraCDD), CLDQ reading scores were significantly higher (worse), and language achievement scores were significantly lower. Boys exposed to high levels of 2,3,7,8-TetraCDD as well as high levels of the toxic equivalent (TEQ) of polychlorodibenzodioxins and polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDDs/Fs) had higher numbers of reading errors. Reading errors were higher and math achievement scores were lower with increasing concentrations of 1,2,3,4,7,8-HexaCDD and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HeptaCDD. In girls, no significant differences of any learning ability markers were found between high and low exposure groups to TEQ-PCDDs/Fs and these 3 congeners. Conclusions Perinatal dioxin exposure may have adverse effects on the learning abilities of school children, especially boys.

This paper examines whether corporate bankruptcies influence the bank loan characteristics of geographically proximate firms. We find that, controlling for industry contagion and local economic conditions, firms headquartered near a bankruptcy event experience a 7 basis point increase in loan spreads over the subsequent year, even when the credit default risks of local firms do not increase. There is also an increase in the proportion of secured loans among non-filing local firms. Local bankruptcy has a stronger impact among lenders with geographically concentrated loan portfolios, but even lenders with low exposure to the local economy increase their spreads. The adverse effects of bankruptcy weaken as borrowers' distance to bankrupt firms increases. Collectively, these results suggest that lenders are sensitive to local bankruptcies and induce geographic contagion in the bank loan market.

Eastern herbal medicines (HMs) are plant-derived naturally occurring substances with minimum or no industrial processing that have long been used in traditional medicine. Aflatoxins are frequent contaminants of plants. Therefore, these mycotoxins are likely to contaminate HMs and pose a health risk to individuals using them on a regular basis as preventive or curative treatments of various diseases. The present study aimed to determine aflatoxin levels in the most popular Pakistani HM formulations and to assess the health risk associated with the intake of aflatoxins. A total of 400 samples of HM formulations collected from four districts of Punjab were analyzed for the quantification of aflatoxins, out of which 52.5% were found to be contaminated. The average daily dose (ADD) of AFB1 and AFs through the intake of HM formulations ranged between 0.00483 and 0.118 ng/kg bw/day and between 0.00579 and 1.714 ng/kg bw/day, respectively. The margin of exposure (MOE) and population cancer risk ranged from 99.49 to 29378.8 and from 0.00011 to 0.0325 liver cancer cases/105 individuals/year (0.0075–2.455 liver cancer cases/105 individuals/75 years), respectively. Despite the low exposure to aflatoxins from HM formulations in the four studied Punjab (Pakistan) districts, the frequent contamination of the analyzed samples suggests that official measures should be considered to manage the associated risk.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Air pollution is a health risk in pregnant women and young children. Despite the importance of refined exposure assessments particularly at low exposure levels, characterization...

The aim of this study was to conduct a first evaluation on the co-occurrence of aflatoxins (AF) M1, B1, B2, G1 and G2; fumonisins (F) B1 and B2; deoxynivalenol (DON); de-epoxydeoxinivalenol (DOM-1); ochratoxin A (OTA); zearalenone (ZEN); α-zearalenol (α-ZEL); and β-zearalenol (β-ZEL) in 68 samples of fluid milk consumed in Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil. The probable daily intake (PDI) was also calculated for each mycotoxin evaluated. Mycotoxins were determined by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Sixty-two (91.2%) samples contained at least one type of mycotoxin. AFM1 was found in 6 samples (8.8%), and none of them presented concentrations above the Brazilian maximum permitted level in milk (500 ng/L). Low levels of non-regulated mycotoxins DOM-1, OTA, FB1, FB2, α-ZEL and β-ZEL were found in 6 (8.8%), 17 (25%), 10 (14.7%), 3 (4.4%), 39 (57.4%) and 28 (41.2%) samples of milk, respectively. None of the PDIs calculated for the quantified mycotoxins were above recommended values, indicating low exposure through milk consumption in the area studied. However, 21 samples (30.9%) contained 2–4 types of mycotoxins, which warrants concern about the potential adverse effects of mycotoxin mixtures in milks.

Exposure to both cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) can promote systemic inflammation. However, the effects of combined exposure to environmental levels of Cd and Pb on systemic immune inflammation have not been fully clarified. A total of 486 subjects (313 women and 173 men) living in either a control area or heavy metal-polluted area were included. Blood Cd and Pb and immune inflammation biomarkers were determined, including the eosinophil-lymphocyte ratio (ELR), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII); moreover, the associations between exposure markers and systemic inflammation markers were analysed. The exposure levels in the polluted area were significantly higher than those in the control area. The NLR, PLR, and SII of subjects in the polluted area were higher and the LMR was lower than in the control area. Blood Pb and Cd levels are associated with elevated or decreased immune inflammation biomarkers in subjects from the exposed and control areas. Furthermore, co-exposure to both Cd and Pb was divided into high, middle, and low exposure groups. The subjects in the high co-exposure group displayed higher levels of ELR, NLR, and SII compared with the middle and low co-exposure group, and LMR levels displayed the opposite trend. Our data demonstrate that Cd and Pb co-exposure is associated with systemic immune inflammation, and the immune inflammatory response is aggravated with an increased co-exposure to Cd and Pb.

Investigations on environmental behaviors of SVOCs have recently received great attention. However, the SVOC occurrence and influence of pipe materials on SVOC levels in the tap water have received little attention. Herein, we collected tap water samples from 25 households constructed at different ages in Hangzhou, China. Concentrations of 61 SVOCs, including phthalate esters (PAEs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), were simultaneously determined in these collected samples. The potential human exposure risks were evaluated via the hazard index calculation. Our results showed that the total concentration of detected SVOCs (∑SVOCs) ranged from 110 to 289 μg/L (mean, 179 μg/L), and the SVOCs were dominated by PAHs (mean, 116 ng/L) and PAEs (mean, 55 ng/L) in Hangzhou tap water. 12 PCB congeners were detected in Hangzhou tap water samples, with hepta-CBs (68% of samples) as the most frequently detected PCBs. Nearly all tap water samples contained measurable o, p'-DDE, p, p'-DDT, and p, p'-DDD, and ∑DDTs had significantly (p 0.05) higher concentrations than ∑HCHs. All target PAHs had high detection frequencies (72%) in tap water samples, with their mean concentrations in the range of 2.1-41 ng/L. Tap water from steel pipes had relatively lower SVOC concentrations than that from either reinforced concrete, gray cast iron, or ductile iron pipes. Although no carcinogenic risks originating from exposure to SVOCs through ingestion and bathing were observed, the tap water from steel pipes showed relatively low exposure risks than that from other materials. Data provided here, for the first, are helpful in understanding the influence of pipe materials on human SVOC exposure risks through tap water intake.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Fine particle (PM(2.5)) levels have been decreasing in the USA over the past decades. Our goal was to assess the current literature to characterize the association between PM(2.5) and adverse health at low exposure levels. RECENT FINDINGS: We reviewed 26 papers that examined the association between short- and long-term exposure to PM(2.5) and cardio-respiratory morbidity and mortality. There is evidence suggesting that these associations are stronger at lower levels. However, there are certain methodological and interpretational limitations specific to studies of low PM(2.5) levels, and further methodological development is warranted. SUMMARY: There is strong agreement across studies that air pollution effects on adverse health are still observable at low concentrations, even well below current US standards. These findings suggest that US standards need to be reevaluated, given that further improving air quality has the potential of benefiting public health.

OBJECTIVES Here, we report our 1-year follow-up data of stable ABO-incompatible kidney transplant recipients who converted from mycophenolate mofetil plus a standard dose of a calcineurin inhibitor to everolimus plus low exposure to calcineurin inhibitors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Our study included 17 recipients of ABO-incompatible kidney transplant procedures performed at our institution. At baseline and at 3 and 12 months after conversion, graft biopsies were performed to check for acute rejection and C4d deposition. RESULTS Treatment with everolimus was stopped due to adverse events in 8 patients (47.1%). Conversion to everolimus with calcineurin inhibitor minimization did not induce acute rejection or C4d deposition at 3 and 12 months after conversion in ABO-incompatible kidney transplant recipients in whom everolimus was maintained or stopped within 1 year after conversion. CONCLUSIONS Everolimus elicited no acute rejection and no C4d deposition, whether everolimus was maintained or stopped within 1 year after conversion, in ABO-incompatible kidney transplant recipients.

Children and adolescents are increasingly exposed to violence amidst structural change across the world, raising the question whether development and violence are profoundly connected. Using data from a sample of 520 adolescents from rural and urban Bangladesh, this study explores the nature, structure, prevalence, correlates, and context of exposure to violence in terms of individual, household, and community characteristics. Further, it examines the association between adolescents' exposure to violence and their attitudes toward violence. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to validate scales of exposure and attitudes toward violence. EFA revealed that the items that indicate exposure to violence can be divided into high exposure items (>10%) and low exposure items (

Structured abstract Background Oil and natural gas (O&G) extraction emits pollutants that are associated with cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of mortality in the United States. Objective: We evaluated associations between intensity of O&G activity and cardiovascular disease indicators. Methods Between October 2015 and May 2016, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 97 adults living in Northeastern Colorado. For each participant, we collected 1–3 measurements of augmentation index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), and plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)− 1β, IL-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). We modelled the intensity of O&G activity by weighting O&G well counts within 16 km of a participant's home by intensity and distance. We used linear models accounting for repeated measures within person to evaluate associations. Results Adjusted mean augmentation index differed by 6.0% (95% CI: 0.6, 11.4%) and 5.1% (95%CI: −0.1, 10.4%) between high and medium, respectively, and low exposure tertiles. The greatest mean IL-1β, and α-TNF plasma concentrations were observed for participants in the highest exposure tertile. IL-6 and IL-8 results were consistent with a null result. For participants not taking prescription medications, the adjusted mean SBP differed by 6 and 1 mm Hg (95% CIs: 0.1, 13 mm Hg and −6, 8 mm Hg) between the high and medium, respectively, and low exposure tertiles. DBP results were similar. For participants taking prescription medications, SBP and DBP results were consistent with a null result. Conclusions Despite limitations, our results support associations between O&G activity and augmentation index, SBP, DBP, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Our study was not able to elucidate possible mechanisms or environmental stressors, such as air pollution and noise.

Coastal areas are used by both marine turtles and humans which may result in marine turtle nesting grounds being exposed to human activities like coastal modifications. Several studies have investigated the effects of specific types of coastal modifications on marine turtles and their habitat. However, limited information exists on cumulative exposure of nesting grounds to coastal modifications. This study examines the spatial and temporal exposure of 203 marine turtle nesting grounds in Florida to coastal modifications. For this, we used coastal permits issued from 1985 through 2016 as a proxy for coastal modifications. To test the suitability of the permit database as a proxy for coastal modification, 34 marine turtle nesting beaches in the Florida Panhandle were ground-truthed to determine the presence of coastal modifications and their correlation with issued permits. The modification types analyzed were 1) construction landward of dune, 2) construction in dune, 3) construction on beach, 4) construction in water, 5) beach armoring, 6) other shoreline stabilization, 7) beach sand placement, 8) beach cleaning 9) dune vegetation planting, 10) sand fencing, 11) special events, and 12) stormwater outfall. The most common permit type was construction landward of the dune (65.72%), followed by construction within the dune (16.43%). The cumulative number of permits for the state of Florida increased over time (between 1985 and 2016) from less than one thousand permits issued per year to over four thousand permits issued per year. 93.5% of the nesting beaches examined throughout the state were exposed to cumulative coastal modifications. Of the high-density nesting beaches, twenty-six had high exposure to coastal modifications, whereas fifteen had low exposure to coastal modifications. Our study highlights the need for conservation strategies to consider the cumulative impacts of coastal modifications to marine turtle nesting grounds.

The current study investigated to what extent language and culture shape emotional experience. Specifically, we randomly assigned 178 Chinese English bilinguals to report on emotional situations, cultural exposure, engagement, and language proficiency in either English as a foreign language (LX) or Chinese (L1). We established their fit with both the typical patterns of emotions among British and Chinese monolinguals and predicted these fit indices from the survey language, cultural exposure, and engagement. Whereas monolinguals fitted their own culture’s emotional patterns best, bilinguals fitted both the typical LX and L1 patterns equally well. The survey language affected bilinguals’ emotional fit, but there was no evidence for true 'cultural frame switching’. Rather, bilinguals with low exposure to English-speaking contexts encountered a drop in emotional fit when using English. Yet, this negative effect of survey language was buffered when bilinguals had better quality interactions that are likely to foster conceptual restructuring in the LX. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42761-021-00037-x.

The study aimed to quantify the excess risk of interaction between high free sugars (sugars) intake and lack of exposure to water fluoridation on child dental caries. Data from the Australian National Child Oral Health Study, a population-based survey of 24,664 children aged 5 to 14 y, were collected using parental questionnaires and oral epidemiological examinations by trained examiners. Information on socioeconomic status, dental health behaviors, and dental service use was used as covariates. The number of servings of sugars-containing foods and drinks consumed in a usual day was assessed as the main exposure, categorized into 5 groups. Residential history was used to calculate lifetime exposure to fluoridated water (LEFW), categorized as low (0) and experience (dmfs/DMFS) in the primary (ages 5–10 y) and permanent (ages 8–14 y) dentitions were the main dependent variables. The association of sugars intake and LEFW with each outcome was estimated in multivariable log-Poisson regression models with robust standard error estimation, adjusted for covariates. The relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) between sugars intake and LEFW was estimated. Strong positive gradients in all outcomes were observed across sugars intake groups. Relative to the lowest intake group, the 3 highest intake groups had significantly higher adjusted prevalence ratios for having caries and higher adjusted mean ratios of caries experience in both dentitions, after controlling for all covariates. LEFW strongly and consistently attenuated the effects of all levels of sugars intake on the outcomes. RERI estimates indicated that a combination of lack of exposure to fluoridated water and high sugars intake resulted in greater excess risk of primary and permanent caries than if there was no interaction. Evidently, children with high sugars intakes and low exposure to water fluoridation are at disproportionately higher risk of dental caries.

We investigated the ability of triticale uptake of Mercury (Hg), clarified whether triticale root uptake of Hg2+ via Zinc (Zn2+) transports, using hydroponic experiments. At 25℃, when Hg exposure in solution was lower than 20 μM, Hg concentration in the roots can be better described by a hyperbolic function, which shows a saturable characteristic. Under ice-cold (

Objective Children in low-income, urban neighborhoods are at high risk of exposure to violence (ETV) across settings and subsequent posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Little research has examined how multiple forms of ETV co-occur and relate to variations in children's posttraumatic responses. Furthermore, previous research primarily uses variable-centered methods, which can obscure person-level differences. The current study used person-centered methods to derive commonly occurring patterns of ETV by examining frequency of witnessing and victimization across family, school, and community contexts. The current study related profiles of ETV to demographic variables and PTSS, with the goal of obtaining nuanced representations of urban children's experiences of, risk factors for, and responses to violence. Method Patterns of ETV were examined in a sample of 239 African American 7th grade youth using latent profile analysis. Profiles were related to demographic variables and PTSS using logistic regression. Results Results showed three profiles: Low (N = 130, 54.4%), Moderate (N = 87; 36.4%), and High (N = 22; 9.2%) Exposure groups. The High Exposure group showed the highest levels of PTSS. The Moderate group showed the lowest levels of all PTSS, except dissociation. In contrast, the Low Exposure group showed significantly higher numbing and hypervigilance than the Moderate Exposure group. Conclusions Results support a dose-response model of ETV and PTSS, but implicate situational factors (e.g., setting) as important in understanding posttraumatic responses. The systematic variation in ETV and subsequent differences in PTSS expression illustrate the need for individualized trauma-informed intervention and thorough screenings in low-income, urban neighborhoods.

The aim of this study consists of monitoring the effect of thermal aging on the physico-chemical and optical properties of poly(ester urethane) elastomers designed as damping materials for railways. The materials were obtained by polyaddition in two stages in melt, resulting in regular structures. The structural modifications during the thermal aging of the samples were monitored using FTIR, color changes, TGA in non-isothermal and isothermal conditions, DSC and physico-mechanical measurements. The structural regularity of the rigid and flexible segments maintained the good mechanical properties of the structures up to 200 h of thermal aging at the elevated temperatures of 40 &deg, C, 70 &deg, C, 100 &deg, C and 130 &deg, C. It was observed that at 40 &deg, C and low exposure times, changes occur mainly to the carbonyl groups of the soft segments. At higher temperatures and longer exposure times urethane groups were affected. Extended thermal aging led to significant changes in thermo-mechanical and optical properties.

Background Puerto Ricans and Mexican immigrants are often exposed to multiple types of adversity across their lifetime (e.g., maltreatment, household dysfunction, discrimination) and this exposure can increase the risk for adult mental health problems. Purpose The objective of this study was to (a) identify subgroups of individuals exposed to unique combinations of childhood adversity and lifetime discrimination among Puerto Ricans and Mexican immigrants, and (b) compare the prevalence of mental health problems across different risk profiles. Method We used existing data from the HCHS/SOL Sociocultural Ancillary Study. Participants included Puerto Rican (N = 402) and Mexican adults (N = 1351) born outside but living in the continental U.S. Findings Through latent profile analysis, we selected a three-profile solution for Puerto Ricans: (a) Low Exposure (low on all adversity items; 58% of sample), (b) Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Only (high on ACEs items, average or lower than average on discrimination items; 32%), and (c) Dual Exposure (high on all adversity items; 10%). For Mexicans, we selected a four-profile solution: (a) Low Exposure (52%), (b) ACEs Only (24%), (c) Maltreatment and Discrimination (15%), and (d) Dual Exposure (9%). For Mexicans, we found that the Dual Exposure and the Maltreatment and Discrimination profiles had the highest levels of mental health problems. For Puerto Ricans, the Dual Exposure and ACEs Only profiles had the highest levels of mental health problems, suggesting that Puerto Ricans may be more vulnerable to the effects of childhood adversities as compared to Mexican immigrants. Results from our study indicate that different patterns of adversity exposure are linked to different levels of mental health outcomes, and therefore, may require different intervention dosage. Understanding which groups of individuals are at highest and lowest risk for mental health problems is critical for developing effective, tailored interventions to prevent the negative effects of childhood adversity and discrimination for Latinxs.

Concentrations of selected elements were measured in raw cow milk collected from four geographical regions in Croatia. The highest mean concentrations of Al, Ba, Fe and Zn were measured in milk from Central Croatia. Milk from the Croatian Littoral and Mountain region showed the highest mean content of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb. The highest mean concentrations of As and Se were found in milk from Southern Croatia, while Mn had the highest values in Eastern Croatia. Mercury was not determined above the detection limit in any samples. Significant differences in the concentrations of Al, Ba, Se and Zn were found among the regions. A decrease in the Pb content was recorded compared to previous research in milk in Croatia. Estimation of the potential harmful effects of toxic and trace elements through milk consumption by comparing the established highest mean with toxicological limits showed low exposure with regard to Al, As, Ba, Cr, Cu, Hg, Fe, Ni, Se, Pb and Zn in adult populations in Croatia. The only exception was Cd concentrations in milk, which gave a higher contribution to toxicological limits, especially for consumers consuming greater quantities of milk per week.

Owing to landslide susceptibility of pyroclastic deposits, coupled with high vulnerability and exposure, the Sierra Norte de Puebla region, in Mexico, is characterised by significant levels of landslide disaster risk. This study aimed at evaluating landslide exposure of households in La Gloria neighbourhood, Teziutlan, Puebla, an area that was severely affected by the disaster of October 1999. The methodological approach comprised three stages: (1) definition of the parameters used for developing the landslide exposure index; (2) aerial survey using a drone; and, (3) elaboration of the landslide exposure map. According to the produced landslide exposure map, 57% of the households are in areas of high level of exposure, whereas 32 and 11% are in moderate and low exposure zones, correspondingly.

The existing information supports the use of these materials as described in this safety assessment. The 167 materials identified in this assessment were evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, and environmental safety. Target data, read-across analogs and TTC show that these materials are not expected to be genotoxic. The repeated dose, reproductive, and local respiratory toxicity endpoints were evaluated using the TTC for their respective Cramer Classes (see Fig. 1 below) and the exposure to these materials is below the TTC. The skin sensitization endpoint was completed using the DST for non-reactive and reactive materials (900 μg/cm2 and 64 μg/cm2, respectively); exposures are below the DST. The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoints were evaluated based on UV spectra; these materials are not expected to be phototoxic/photoallergenic. The environmental endpoints were evaluated; the materials were found not to be PBT as per the IFRA Environmental Standards, and their risk quotients, based on their current volume of use in Europe and North America (i.e., PEC/PNEC), are

N-Nitrosamines have recently been the subject of intense regulatory scrutiny, including the setting of low exposure limits (18 ng/day) (European Medicines Agency (EMA), 2020). This paper evaluates different methodologies to determine statistically robust bounds on the carcinogenic potency of chemical classes, using historic TD50 data (Peto et al., 1984; Thresher et al., 2019) and exemplified for N-nitrosamines. Initially, the distribution of TD50 values (TD50s) for N-nitrosamines of known potency was characterised. From this, it is possible to compare parametric and non-parametric methods to obtain percentiles of interest from the distribution of TD50s, which are shown to be robust to uncertainty in the initial TD50 estimates. These methods may then be applied to different chemical subclasses. The values obtained may be of use in refining acceptable intakes for N-nitrosamines and their subclasses.

Vapor-deposited polymer tattoos enable on-site monitoring of ozone-induced oxidative damage in fruiting plants., Climate change is leading to increased concentrations of ground-level ozone in farms and orchards. Persistent ozone exposure causes irreversible oxidative damage to plants and reduces crop yield, threatening food supply chains. Here, we show that vapor-deposited conducting polymer tattoos on plant leaves can be used to perform on-site impedance analysis, which accurately reveals ozone damage, even at low exposure levels. Oxidative damage produces a unique change in the high-frequency (>104 Hz) impedance and phase signals of leaves, which is not replicated by other abiotic stressors, such as drought. The polymer tattoos are resilient against ozone-induced chemical degradation and persist on the leaves of fruiting plants, thus allowing for frequent and long-term monitoring of cellular ozone damage in economically important crops, such as grapes and apples.

Background Blue light is emitted visible light between the wavelengths of 400 to 500 nm. The main source of blue light is sunlight, but digital screens, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and fluorescent lighting serve as additional sources. Concerns about the negative effects of blue light on the skin have rapidly increased over the past 15 years, and consequently, the urge to learn more about this topic is increasing as well. Aims Part I of this article provides up-to-date information on the definition of blue light and the negative and positive effects of blue light on the skin. Methods An Internet search was completed using the Google scholar database for relevant literature. Results Blue light can be both harmful and beneficial to the skin, depending on intensity and wavelength. Short-term safety information is more readily available from clinical studies; however, the biological effects of repeated and/or longer-term exposure are not fully understood yet. Conclusions Low-energy and low exposure times to high-energy blue light can help prevent skin diseases, while studies have revealed that longer exposure to high-energy blue light can increase the amount of DNA damage, cell and tissue death, and injury, eye damage, skin barrier damage, and photoaging.

The purpose of this study was to compare sensory reweighting for upright stance between soccer players who report higher soccer heading exposure to those who report lower soccer heading exposure. Thirty participants completed a self-reported questionnaire to estimate the number of soccer headers experienced over the previous year and were divided into “low exposure” and “high exposure” groups based on their responses. Sensory reweighting for upright stance was assessed by simultaneously perturbing visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems. The visual stimulus was a sinusoidal translation of the visual scene at 0.2 Hz, the vestibular stimulus was ±1mA binaural monopolar galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) at 0.36 Hz, and the proprioceptive stimulus was Achilles tendon vibration at 0.28 Hz. The visual stimulus was presented at two amplitudes (0.2 m, 0.8 m). Center of mass (COM) gain/phase to each modality, total power, 95% area and velocity were compared between low exposure (N = 15, six males, 21.5 ± 1.9 years, 27.7 ± 31.6 headers) and high exposure groups (N = 15, 10 males, 22.1 ± 3.5years, 734.9 ± 877.7 headers). Without vibration, COM 95% area (F = 5.861, p = 0.022*, partial η(2) = 0.173), velocity (F = 14.198, p = 0.001, partial η(2) = 0.336), and total power (F = 13.491, p = 0.001, partial η(2) = 0.325) for the “high exposure” group were higher than for the “low exposure” group, and postural sway lagged the vestibular stimulus in the “high exposure” group rather than leading it as in the “low exposure” group (F = 4.765, p = 0.038, partial η(2) = 0.145). There were no differences in sensory reweighting and no differences in COM gain/phase between groups. These findings lend empirical evidence to a detrimental effect of soccer heading exposure on balance control during upright stance.

Preterm infants are born with immature organs, thus affecting the immune system. Electromagnetic fields influence melatonin production with low exposure levels. These infants require medical equipment 24/7 to recover, so they are constantly exposed to magnetic fields during their stay in the Intensive Care Unit. Our objective was to measure magnetic field levels generated around each incubator using a gauss meter and compare our results to the 2010 recommendations by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and the IEC 60601-1-2:2004 standard by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Among 11 hospitalized newborn infants, radiation was found within the recommended limits, but there was electromagnetic interference resulting from medical equipment layout problems in the unit.Los neonatos pretérminos nacen con inmadurez en los órganos, lo que lleva al compromiso del sistema inmunológico. Los campos electromagnéticos afectan la producción de melatonina a niveles bajos de exposición. Estos niños necesitan equipamiento médico las 24 horas del día para su recuperación, por lo que están expuestos a los campos magnéticos durante todo el tiempo que se encuentren en la Unidad de Terapia Intensiva. El objetivo fue medir los niveles de campo magnético que se generan alrededor de cada una de las incubadoras utilizando un gaussímetro y comparar los resultados con las recomendaciones de la Comisión Internacional para la Protección contra las Radiaciones No Ionizantes de 2010 y la norma de la International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) IEC 60601-1-2:2004. En 11 neonatos internados, los valores de radiación se encontraban dentro de los recomendados, pero existía interferencia electromagnética por problemas de disposición de los equipos en el área.

Extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) have raised some concerns due to their possible effects on workers’ health. In this study ELF-MFs were measured in different units of the thermal power plant based on gridding the indoor space. The exposure level was measured by spot measurement based on the IEEE Std C95.3.1 and then simulated in units with the highest magnetic field intensity by using ArcGIS software. The operators and balance of plant (BOP) technicians (12.64 ± 9.74 μT) and office workers (2.41 ± 1.22 μT) had the highest and lowest levels of both measured and estimated ELF-MFs exposure. The highest measured ELF-MFs were in the vicinity of the power transmission lines in the transformers’ building (48.2 μT). Our simulation showed the high and low exposure areas and ranked exposure well; but, the actual measurements of ELF-MFs exposure were in all cases higher than the estimated values, which means we still need to improve our estimations.

Industrial use of nanomaterials is rapidly increasing, making the effects of these materials on the environment and human health of critical concern. Standard nanotoxicity evaluation methods rely on detecting cell death or major dysfunction and will miss early signs of toxicity. In this work, the use of rapid and sensitive nanosensors that can efficiently detect subtle phenotypic changes on the cell surface following nanomaterial exposure is reported. Importantly, the method reveals significant phenotypic changes at dosages where other conventional methods show normal cellular activity. This approach holds promise in toxicological and pharmacological evaluations to ensure safer and better use of nanomaterials.

The movement strategy an individual uses to complete a lift can influence the resultant biomechanical exposure on their low back. We hypothesize that some lifters may choose a motor control strategy to minimize exposure to the low back, where others may not. Lower magnitudes of exposure to the low back coupled with less variability in lift-to-lift exposure and in features of movement strategy related to biomechanical exposure would support that such lifters consider minimizing exposure in their motor control strategy. We tested this hypothesis by investigating if differences in variability of low back exposure measures, as well as features of movement strategy related to resultant low back exposures differed across lifters. Twenty-eight healthy adults participated in the study where ten repetitions of a lifting task with the load scaled to 75% of participant's one-repetition maximum were completed. In all trials, whole-body kinematics and ground reaction forces were collected. Lifters were grouped as low, moderate or high relative exposure based on low back flexion angles and normalized L4/L5 extensor moments when lifting. Principal component analysis was used to identify independent movement strategy features, and statistical testing determined which features differed between high and low exposure lifts. Variability in low back exposures and movement features associated with relative biomechanical exposure were compared across lifter classifications. Significantly less variability was observed in low back exposures among the low exposure lifter group. Additionally, a trend towards lower variability in movement features associated with relative biomechanical exposure was also observed in low exposure lifters. These findings provide initial support for the hypothesis that some lifters likely define a motor control strategy that considers minimizing biomechanical exposure in addition to completing the lift demands. Future work should explore how state and trait-based factors influence an individual to consider biomechanical exposure within their motor control strategy in lifting.

Background: Malaria continues to be a major public health concern despite the concerted efforts to eliminate it. Antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) antigens are involved in prevention of infection and disease with some of the antigens being targeted as lead candidates in vaccine development. However, most of the studies have been done in malaria endemic areas with little information available on exposure and acquisition of protective antibodies in areas of low and unstable malaria transmission. This study sought to determine whether the extent of exposure to P. falciparum affect acquisition of protective antibodies by measuring antibody levels and determine the prevalence of circumsporozoite protein (CSP) and crude schizont extract (SE) in individuals living in an area with low unstable malaria transmission in Western Highlands of Kenya.Methods: Sixty plasma samples from individuals living in an area of low unstable malaria transmission in Western Highlands of Kenya were randomly selected and categorized into three age groups: 18years (n=14). Antibodies levels in plasma were measured by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and compared to known positive and negative control plasma samples. Prevalence and levels of antibodies produced against circumsporozoite protein and schizont extract antigens were compared between age groups.Results. The prevalence of antibodies ranged from 0% to 14.29% at arbitrary units (AU)>2 for the two antigens. The antibody prevalence did not significantly increase with age (P>0.05) but correlated with CSP and SE antigens (r=0.5977; P

Minimally invasive gender-affirming procedures (MIGAPs), which aim to align gender identity and expression for transgender and gender-nonbinary patients in a way that is safe, effective, and semipermanent or reversible, are gaining in popularity. This article assesses the current amount of trainee exposure in clinic and didactic sessions in core procedural specialties nationwide via survey study of program directors. Low exposure of residents and fellows to MIGAPs was observed overall and a lack of procedure-specific education. In an effort to provide excellent patient care, promote cultural humility, and improve patients' quality of life, further education regarding these procedures is necessary.

espanolLos ecosistemas con flujos de servicios ambientales optimos ofrecen una adecuada calidad en sus habitats que coadyuvan a mantener su biodiversidad. Esta calidad puede reducirse por los factores de mayor intensidad y cercania al habitat, lo que puede estudiarse con herramientas geoespaciales. Este trabajo evaluo los niveles de degradacion relativa de habitat en la cuenca Guayalejo-Tamesi (Tamaulipas, Mexico), respecto a los factores adyacentes que amenazan su calidad, usando el modelador Habitat Quality del Toolbox InVest 1.005beta para ArcGis-9.2. Los ecosistemas con menor amenaza a su habitat (degradacion nula o menor a 20 %) y con mejores oportunidades de conservacion, representan el 77,3 % de la superficie de la cuenca. Particularmente, los habitats montanosos (bosques templados y mesofilo) son los mejor conservados, pues mas del 80 % de su superficie se encuentra libre de degradacion; destaca el bosque mesofilo de montana, con un 94 % de su superficie no degradada, debido a su escasa exposicion a factores amenazantes. Se concluye que, a pesar del uso intensivo del territorio de la cuenca, existen ecosistemas bien conservados, especialmente en zonas aisladas; la mayoria de ellas carecen de proteccion legal, por lo que se encuentran expuestas a la ampliacion y agravamiento de las amenazas antropogenicas estudiadas. EnglishEcosystems with optimal environmental service flows offer adequate quality in their habitats to maintain their biodiversity. Anthropogenic factors of higher intensity and proximity to the habitat can reduce this quality, and we can study this degradation with geospatial tools. This work evaluated the levels of relative degradation of habitat in the Guayalejo-Tamesi basin (Tamaulipas, Mexico), concerning the adjacent factors that threaten its quality. We used the geospatial tool Habitat Quality of the Toolbox InVest 1.005beta for ArcGis-9.2. The ecosystems with less threat to their habitat (zero degradation or less than 20%) and with better conservation opportunities, represent 77,3% of the surface of the basin. Mountainous habitats (temperate and cloud forests) are the best-preserved since more than 80% of their surface is free of degradation. The mountain cloud forest, with 94% of its surface not degraded, due to its low exposure to threatening factors. In conclusion, in spite of the intensive use of the territory of the basin, there are well-conserved ecosystems, especially in isolated areas. The lack of legal protection at the majority of these sites exposes it to enlargement and aggravation of the anthropogenic threats.

Cardiac arrest is relatively an uncommon event during cesarean sections. That’s why obstetric teams have low exposure to these critical situations and need frequent training in early identification, differential diagnosis and treatment. We present a case report of a 36-year-old woman, who underwent cesarean section under spinal anesthesia due to delayed labor progress. Once the skin incision was performed the patient underwent asystole. There is a wide range of etiologies for maternal cardiac arrest. We describe and analyze the possible etiologies that could have led to cardiac arrest in this particular case. Citation: Germanova L, Czajkowska K, Gomes J, Infante C, Castro M, Martins I. Cardiac arrest during cesarean section - A case report. Anaesth pain & intensive care 2019;23(4)__ Received: 10 September 2019, Reviewed: 28 September, 23 October 2019, Revised: 24 October 2019, Accepted: 28 October 2019

International audience; Stressors experience early in life by animals may have carry over impacts on life-traits over the life cycle. Accelerated telomere attrition induced by stress during development and growth could play a role in such delayed effects. Among stressors, exposure to chemicals may modify telomere dynamic but, to date, the trends evidenced between exposure and telomere shortening remains inconsistent. Moreover, the role of corticosterone as a possible mediator of chemical impact on telomere is not yet clearly established. Here, we investigated in wild populations of Red kite whether nestling exposure to metals and pesticides was related to corticosterone concentrations in feathers and telomere length measured in 47 individuals. Lead and mercury concentrations in blood ranged from 2.3 to 59.0 mu g L-1 and to 1.4 to 115.7 mu g L-1 respectively, and were below the toxicity thresholds proposed for wildlife. Rodenticides were detected in 30% of the chicks. Corticosterone increased with mercury and lead in interaction, showing a synergistic effect of these 2 non-essential metals on this stress hormone. Telomere length was not linked to metals and/or rodenticide exposure while it was related negatively to corticosterone. The relationship between telomere and corticosterone was modulated by nestling's age, which suggests that the rate of telomere shortening is higher when corticosterone increases. Our findings propose an effect of low exposure of Red Kite nestlings to mercury and lead mixture to raise baseline corticosterone in feathers. The relationships established suggest the hypothesis that telomere attrition could be an indirect consequence of metal exposure mediated by corticosterone.

Policies to extend working lives often do not take into account potentially important health inequalities arising from differences in occupational exposures. Little is known about which occupational exposures are associated with these inequalities. This study aims to examine differences in life expectancy without and with disability by occupational exposures. Longitudinal data (1992&ndash, 2016) on disability and physical and psychosocial work demands and resources of 2513 (former) workers aged &ge, 55 years participating in the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam were used. Gender specific life expectancies without and with disability by occupational exposures were calculated using multistate survival models. Women aged 55 years with high physical work demands had a lower life expectancy without disability than those with low exposure (1.02&ndash, 1.57 years), whereas there was no difference for men. Men and women with high psychosocial work demands and resources had a longer life expectancy without disability than those with low exposure (1.19&ndash, 2.14 years). Life expectancy with disability did not significantly differ across occupational exposures. Workers with higher psychosocial demands and resources and lower physical demands can expect to live more disability-free years. Information on occupational exposure helps to identify workers at risk for lower life expectancy, especially without disability, who may need specific support regarding their work environment.

Product advertising captures the attention not only of consumers but also of investors. Constructing a measure of local investment interest in stocks from Google searches and using the Super Bowl as an experiment, we study the effects of advertising expenses on investor attention. We find that the post-game Monday attention of investors in areas with high viewership increases significantly for both local and non-local companies that air commercials. Non-local firms with high advertising exposure in a region attract more interest than local firms with low exposure, suggesting that advertising has a stronger impact on investor attention than the local bias.