Elemental analysis of particulate matter by X-ray fluorescence methods: A green approach to air quality monitoring

This review explores X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry for elemental analysis of particulate matter (PM) for air quality monitoring. The introduction presents PM classification based on size and composition, covering various elemental analysis methods while highlighting the increasing interest in XRF due to its non-destructive, rapid, and green features. The fundamental concepts of XRF and the experimental configurations commonly used are discussed, focusing on Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) and Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence (TXRF). PM sampling devices and substrate are described, with a specific emphasis on filtering membranes for EDXRF and reflecting substrates for TXRF. Sample preparation strategies and procedures are presented. Qualitative and quantitative analysis is described, with a particular focus on the calibration approaches implemented for PM. Finally, the challenges faced by XRF in becoming a recognized reliable analytical technique for PM analysis, comparable to other standardized techniques for PM filters analysis, while capitalizing on its green advantages

Uptake and Effects of the e-Vita Personal Health Record with Self-Management Support and Coaching, for Type 2 Diabetes Patients Treated in Primary Care

We studied the use, uptake, and effects of e-Vita, a personal health record, with self-management support and personalized asynchronized coaching, for type 2 diabetes patients treated in primary care. Patients were invited by their practice nurse to join the study aimed at testing use and effects of a personal health record. Patients were followed up for 6 months. Uptake and usage were monitored using log data. Outcomes were self-reported diabetes self-care, diabetes-related distress, and emotional wellbeing. Patients’ health status was collected from their medical chart. 132 patients agreed to participate in the study of which less than half (46.1%) did not return to the personal health record after 1st login. Only 5 patients used the self-management support program within the personal health record, 3 of whom asked a coach for feedback. Low use of the personal health record was registered. No statistical significant differences on any of the outcome measures were found between baseline and 6 month follow-up. This study showed minimal impact of implementing a personal health record including self-management support in primary diabetes care. Successful adoption of web-based platforms, as ongoing patient centered care, is hard to achieve without additional strategies aimed at enhancing patient motivation and engaging professionals

On Generalizations of Network Design Problems with Degree Bounds

Iterative rounding and relaxation have arguably become the method of choice in dealing with unconstrained and constrained network design problems. In this paper we extend the scope of the iterative relaxation method in two directions: (1) by handling more complex degree constraints in the minimum spanning tree problem (namely, laminar crossing spanning tree), and (2) by incorporating `degree bounds' in other combinatorial optimization problems such as matroid intersection and lattice polyhedra. We give new or improved approximation algorithms, hardness results, and integrality gaps for these problems.Comment: v2, 24 pages, 4 figure

Levetiracetam in patients with epilepsy and chronic liver disease: observations in a case series.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate levetiracetam (LEV) tolerability in patients with epilepsy and liver disease. METHODS: Fourteen patients with epilepsy and concomitant liver disease were treated with LEV in an open prospective investigation mimicking the daily clinical practice. All patients were stabilized (ie, for at least 1 year) on traditional antiepileptic drugs with complete or partial control of seizures. In the 6-month pre-LEV baseline period, seizure frequency ranged from 3 to 300. Levetiracetam was added on to the basal treatment at a starting daily dose of 250 mg, and the dose was adjusted according to the tolerability and the therapeutic response. Four patients discontinued the drug within the first 3 months because of intolerable side effects. The remaining 10 continued LEV treatment, and the present follow-up is 12 to 38 months. RESULTS: In the last 6 months of observation, none of the patients showed worsening of liver function on the basis of blood chemistry, and in 4 patients, a complete normalization or a trend toward physiological values of transaminase and/or gamma-glutamyltransferase activity was observed. A greater than 50% reduction in seizure frequency occurred in all uncontrolled patients, 2 of whom achieved seizure freedom during LEV treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these observations, LEV seems to be an attractive therapeutic option in epileptic patients with chronic liver diseases

PERTANGGUNGJAWABAN NEGARA TERHADAP KERUGIAN DAN KERUSAKAN LINGKUNGAN AKIBAT KEGIATAN EKSPOR IMPOR LIMBAH 83 (The State Responsibilities toward Environmental Damages due to Hazardous Wastes Export-Import Activities)

ABSTRAKPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk menginvestigasi dan menganalisis fenomena legal dan praktek hukum yang mengatur pergerakan lintas batas B3 dan limbah 83. Penelitian ini mengkombinasikan pendekatan legal dan normatif. Informasi diinterpretasi dengan menggunakan metode Juridical-analytical dan evaluative-explanatory. Penelitian menyimpulkan bahwa fihak-fihak yang terlibat dalam pengeluaran limbah B3 adalah bertanggung jawab baik secara individual maupun kolektif untuk memberikan kompensasi kerusakan lingkungan yang diderita oleh fihak ketiga. Prinsip ini didasarkan pada hukum publik internasional yang menyatakan bahwa setiap tindakan pelanggaran hukum oleh suatu negara adalah menyangkut pertanggung jawaban international dari negara tersebut.  ABSTRACTThis research aims to investigate and analyze legal phenomena and the practices of law that regulate transboundry movement of hazardous wastes and their disposal. The research combines the normative and empirical legal approach. Information is interpreted by using juridical analytical and evaluative explanatory method. The research concludes that the parties involved in the transmission of hazardous wastes are either individually or collectively responsible for compensating detriments and environmental damaged sufferes by the third parties. This principle is based on the public international law, which insists that every internationally wrongful act of a State entails the international responsibility of that State

STEREOLOGIC BASELINE DATA OF NORMAL HUMAN EPIDERMIS

Stereologic techniques for electron microscopic morphometry have been applied to normal human interfollicular epidermis of the submammary and iliac crest regions. The aim was to obtain objective baseline data for the study of epidermal morphometric pathology. The results, expressed mainly in surface, volume, and numerical densities of epidermal components and keratinocyte organelles, revealed ascending or descending gradients throughout the epithelial strata. The cytoplasmic ground substance remained almost constant in the four studied layers. No important regional differences were found between the epidermal morphometric parameters at either site. The epidermis showed striking volumetric composition similarities with other keratinizing epithelia

Hypomagnesemia in persons with type 1 diabetes:associations with clinical parameters and oxidative stress

Background: Among persons with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) low concentrations of magnesium have been reported. Previous (small) studies also suggested a relation of hypomagnesemia with (poor) glycaemic control and complications. We aimed to investigate the magnitude of hypomagnesemia and the associations between magnesium with parameters of routine T1DM care in a population of unselected outpatients. Methods: As part of a prospective cohort study, initially designed to measure quality of life and oxidative stress, data from 207 patients with a mean age of 45 [standard deviation (SD) 12] years, 58% male, diabetes duration 22 [interquartile range (IQR) 16, 31] years and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) of 60 (SD 11) mmol/mol [7.6 (SD 1.0)%] were examined. Hypomagnesemia was defined as a concentration below Results: Mean magnesium concentration was 0.78 (SD 0.05) mmol/l. A deficiency was present in 4.3% of participants. Among these persons, mean concentration was 0.66 (SD 0.03) mmol/l. There was no correlation between magnesium and HbA1c at baseline (r = -0.014, p = 0.843). In multivariable analysis, free thiols (reflecting the degree of oxidative stress) were significantly and negatively associated with magnesium concentrations. Conclusion: In this cohort of T1DM outpatients, the presence of hypomagnesemia was infrequent and, if present, relative mild. Magnesium was not associated with glycaemic control nor with presence of micro- and macrovascular complications. Although these results need confirmation, in particular the negative association of magnesium with free thiols, this suggests that hypomagnesemia is not a relevant topic in routine care for people with T1DM

Hypomagnesaemia and its determinants in a contemporary primary care cohort of persons with type 2 diabetes

AIMS: Among persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) hypomagnesaemia has been reported in 14-48% of patients. This may be of significance given the emerging associations of hypomagnesaemia with glucometabolic disturbances and possibly even complications. We assessed the prevalence of hypomagnesaemia and its determinants, in a well-defined cohort of persons with T2DM treated in primary care. METHODS: Observational cohort study among persons with T2DM treated in primary care in the Northeast of the Netherlands. Magnesium was measured using a colorimetric endpoint assay (Roche). Hypomagnesaemia was defined as a serum magnesium level <0.70 mmol/L. Pearson correlations were performed to correlate variables with serum magnesium. Next, a stepwise backward regression model was made. RESULTS: Data of 929 persons (55% male) with a mean age of 65 (± 10) years, diabetes duration 6.5 [3.0-10.1] years, and HbA1c concentration 6.7 (± 0.7)% (50 (± 9) mmol/mol) were analysed. Serum magnesium was 0.79 (± 0.08) mmol/L. The percentage of persons with magnesium deficiency was 9.6%. Age, diabetes duration, BMI, HbA1c, use of metformin, sulfonylurea derivatives, and DPP4 inhibitors were negatively associated with magnesium concentrations. In contrast, LDL cholesterol and serum creatinine were positively associated serum magnesium. CONCLUSIONS: Hypomagnesaemia was present in 9.6% of T2DM patients treated in primary care. This percentage is remarkably lower than reported previously, possibly due to the unselected nature of our population. Concerning T2DM-related factors, only BMI, HbA1c and the use of metformin, sulfonylurea derivatives and DPP4 inhibitors correlated negatively with magnesium concentrations

World allergy organization guidelines for the assessment and management of anaphylaxis

The illustrated World Allergy Organization (WAO) Anaphylaxis Guidelines were created in response to absence of global guidelines for anaphylaxis. Uniquely, before they were developed, lack of worldwide availability of essentials for the diagnosis and treatment of anaphylaxis was documented. They incorporate contributions from more than 100 allergy/immunology specialists on 6 continents. Recommendations are based on the best evidence available, supported by references published to the end of December 2010. The Guidelines review patient risk factors for severe or fatal anaphylaxis, co-factors that amplify anaphylaxis, and anaphylaxis in vulnerable patients, including pregnant women, infants, the elderly, and those with cardiovascular disease. They focus on the supreme importance of making a prompt clinical diagnosis and on the basic initial treatment that is urgently needed and should be possible even in a low resource environment. This involves having a written emergency protocol and rehearsing it regularly; then, as soon as anaphylaxis is diagnosed, promptly and simultaneously calling for help, injecting epinephrine (adrenaline) intramuscularly, and placing the patient on the back or in a position of comfort with the lower extremities elevated. When indicated, additional critically important steps include administering supplemental oxygen and maintaining the airway, establishing intravenous access and giving fluid resuscitation, and initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation with continuous chest compressions. Vital signs and cardiorespiratory status should be monitored frequently and regularly (preferably, continuously). The Guidelines briefly review management of anaphylaxis refractory to basic initial treatment. They also emphasize preparation of the patient for self-treatment of anaphylaxis recurrences in the community, confirmation of anaphylaxis triggers, and prevention of recurrences through trigger avoidance and immunomodulation. Novel strategies for dissemination and implementation are summarized. A global agenda for anaphylaxis research is proposed