A novel barium oxide-based Iraqi sand glass to attenuate the low gamma-ray energies: Fabrication, mechanical, and radiation protection capacity evaluation

In the present work, untreated Iraqi sand with grain sizes varied between 100 and 200 μm was used to produce a colored glass sample that has shielding features against the low gamma-ray energy. Therefore, a weight of 70–60 wt % sand was mixed with 9–14 wt% B2O3, 8–10 wt% Na2O, 4–6 wt% of CaO, 3–6 wt% Al2O3, in addition to 0.3% of Co2O3. After melting and annealing the glass sample, the X-ray diffraction spectrometry was applied to affirm the amorphous phase of the fabricated glass samples. Moreover, the X-ray dispersive energy spectrometry was used to measure the chemical composition, and the MH-300A densimeter was applied to measure the fabricated sample's density. The Makishima-Makinzie model was applied to predict the mechanical properties of the fabricated glass. Besides, the Monte Carlo simulation was used to estimate the fabricated glass sample's radiation shielding capacity in the low-energy region between 22.1 and 160.6 keV. Therefore, the simulated linear attenuation coefficient changed between 10.725 and 0.484 cm−1, raising the gamma-ray energy between 22.1 and 160.6 keV. Also, other shielding parameters such as a half-value layer, pure lead equivalent thickness, and buildup factors were calculated. © 2022 Korean Nuclear SocietyPrincess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, PNU: PNURSP2022R28The authors express their gratitude to Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Researchers Supporting Project number (PNURSP2022R28), Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Chapter 2. Trends and status of alien and invasive alien species

Chapter 2: Trends and status of alien and invasive alien species of the Thematic Assessment Report on Invasive Alien Species and their Control of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

Reduced uptake of the proliferation-seeking radiotracer technetium-99m-labelled pentavalent dimercaptosuccinic acid in a 47-year-old woman with severe breast epithelial hyperplasia taking ibuprofen: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Recent studies have reported a risk reduction in the progression of benign breast disease to breast carcinoma through COX-2 pathways.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We present a case of severe epithelial hyperplasia in a 47-year-old woman with increased breast density submitted to scintimammography by the proliferation-imaging tracer Technetium-99m-labelled pentavalent dimercaptosuccinic acid, before and after an oral ibuprofen treatment for 4 weeks. The radiotracer uptake after ibuprofen intake was significantly reduced, both visually and by semi-quantitative analysis, based on a calculation of lesion-to-background ratios.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In proliferating breast lesions, scintigraphically displayed reduction in Technetium-99m-labelled pentavalent dimercaptosuccinic acid uptake may indicate inhibition by ibuprofen in the pathway of malignant epithelial cell transformation.</p

Health in times of uncertainty in the eastern Mediterranean region, 1990–2013: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013

Background: The eastern Mediterranean region is comprised of 22 countries: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Since our Global Burden of Disease Study 2010 (GBD 2010), the region has faced unrest as a result of revolutions, wars, and the so-called Arab uprisings. The objective of this study was to present the burden of diseases, injuries, and risk factors in the eastern Mediterranean region as of 2013. Methods: GBD 2013 includes an annual assessment covering 188 countries from 1990 to 2013. The study covers 306 diseases and injuries, 1233 sequelae, and 79 risk factors. Our GBD 2013 analyses included the addition of new data through updated systematic reviews and through the contribution of unpublished data sources from collaborators, an updated version of modelling software, and several improvements in our methods. In this systematic analysis, we use data from GBD 2013 to analyse the burden of disease and injuries in the eastern Mediterranean region specifically. Findings: The leading cause of death in the region in 2013 was ischaemic heart disease (90·3 deaths per 100 000 people), which increased by 17·2% since 1990. However, diarrhoeal diseases were the leading cause of death in Somalia (186·7 deaths per 100 000 people) in 2013, which decreased by 26·9% since 1990. The leading cause of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) was ischaemic heart disease for males and lower respiratory infection for females. High blood pressure was the leading risk factor for DALYs in 2013, with an increase of 83·3% since 1990. Risk factors for DALYs varied by country. In low-income countries, childhood wasting was the leading cause of DALYs in Afghanistan, Somalia, and Yemen, whereas unsafe sex was the leading cause in Djibouti. Non-communicable risk factors were the leading cause of DALYs in high-income and middle-income countries in the region. DALY risk factors varied by age, with child and maternal malnutrition affecting the younger age groups (aged 28 days to 4 years), whereas high bodyweight and systolic blood pressure affected older people (aged 60–80 years). The proportion of DALYs attributed to high body-mass index increased from 3·7% to 7·5% between 1990 and 2013. Burden of mental health problems and drug use increased. Most increases in DALYs, especially from non-communicable diseases, were due to population growth. The crises in Egypt, Yemen, Libya, and Syria have resulted in a reduction in life expectancy; life expectancy in Syria would have been 5 years higher than that recorded for females and 6 years higher for males had the crisis not occurred. Interpretation: Our study shows that the eastern Mediterranean region is going through a crucial health phase. The Arab uprisings and the wars that followed, coupled with ageing and population growth, will have a major impact on the region's health and resources. The region has historically seen improvements in life expectancy and other health indicators, even under stress. However, the current situation will cause deteriorating health conditions for many countries and for many years and will have an impact on the region and the rest of the world. Based on our findings, we call for increased investment in health in the region in addition to reducing the conflicts

Chemical, Structural, and Morphological Changes of a MoVTeNb Catalyst during Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethane

MoVTeNb mixed oxide, a highly active and selective catalyst for the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane to produce ethylene, exhibits the so-called M1 and M2 crystalline phases. The thermal stability of the MoVTeNb catalytic system was assessed under varying reaction conditions; to this end, the catalyst was exposed to several reaction temperatures spanning from 440 to 550 °C. Both the pristine and spent materials were analyzed by several characterization techniques. The catalyst was stable below 500 °C; a reaction temperature of ≥500 °C brings about the removal of tellurium from the intercalated framework channels of the M1 crystalline phase. Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction patterns and microscopy results showed that the tellurium loss causes the progressive partial destruction of the M1 phase, thus decreasing the number of active sites and forming a MoO2 crystalline phase, which is inactive for this reaction. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the MoO2 phase development as a function of reaction temperature. From highresolution transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses it was noticed that tellurium departure occurs preferentially from the end sides of the needlelike M1 crystals, across the [001] plane. Detailed analysis of a solid deposited at the reactor outlet showrf that it consisted mainly of metallic tellurium, suggesting that the tellurium detachment occurs via reduction of Te4+ to Te0 due to a combination of reaction temperature and feed composition. Thus, in order to sustain the catalytic performance exhibited by MoVTeNb mixed oxide, hot spots along the reactor bed should be avoided or controlled, maintaining the catalytic bed temperature below 500 °C.This work was financially supported by the Instituto Mexicano del Petroleo.Valente, JS.; Armendariz-Herrera, H.; Quintana-Solorzano, R.; Del Angel, P.; Nava, N.; Masso Ramírez, A.; López Nieto, JM. (2014). Chemical, Structural, and Morphological Changes of a MoVTeNb Catalyst during Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethane. ACS Catalysis. 4:1292-1301. doi:10.1021/cs500143jS12921301

Global burden of chronic respiratory diseases and risk factors, 1990–2019: an update from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Updated data on chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) are vital in their prevention, control, and treatment in the path to achieving the third UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a one-third reduction in premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by 2030. We provided global, regional, and national estimates of the burden of CRDs and their attributable risks from 1990 to 2019. Methods Using data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, we estimated mortality, years lived with disability, years of life lost, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), prevalence, and incidence of CRDs, i.e. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pneumoconiosis, interstitial lung disease and pulmonary sarcoidosis, and other CRDs, from 1990 to 2019 by sex, age, region, and Socio-demographic Index (SDI) in 204 countries and territories. Deaths and DALYs from CRDs attributable to each risk factor were estimated according to relative risks, risk exposure, and the theoretical minimum risk exposure level input. Findings In 2019, CRDs were the third leading cause of death responsible for 4.0 million deaths (95% uncertainty interval 3.6–4.3) with a prevalence of 454.6 million cases (417.4–499.1) globally. While the total deaths and prevalence of CRDs have increased by 28.5% and 39.8%, the age-standardised rates have dropped by 41.7% and 16.9% from 1990 to 2019, respectively. COPD, with 212.3 million (200.4–225.1) prevalent cases, was the primary cause of deaths from CRDs, accounting for 3.3 million (2.9–3.6) deaths. With 262.4 million (224.1–309.5) prevalent cases, asthma had the highest prevalence among CRDs. The age-standardised rates of all burden measures of COPD, asthma, and pneumoconiosis have reduced globally from 1990 to 2019. Nevertheless, the age-standardised rates of incidence and prevalence of interstitial lung disease and pulmonary sarcoidosis have increased throughout this period. Low- and low-middle SDI countries had the highest age-standardised death and DALYs rates while the high SDI quintile had the highest prevalence rate of CRDs. The highest deaths and DALYs from CRDs were attributed to smoking globally, followed by air pollution and occupational risks. Non-optimal temperature and high body-mass index were additional risk factors for COPD and asthma, respectively. Interpretation Albeit the age-standardised prevalence, death, and DALYs rates of CRDs have decreased, they still cause a substantial burden and deaths worldwide. The high death and DALYs rates in low and low-middle SDI countries highlights the urgent need for improved preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic measures. Global strategies for tobacco control, enhancing air quality, reducing occupational hazards, and fostering clean cooking fuels are crucial steps in reducing the burden of CRDs, especially in low- and lower-middle income countries. Funding Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Diabetes mellitus and oral lichen planus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To undertake a meta-analysis of the association of Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) with diabetes, two diseases with an important impact on public health and the economy, but the evidence of which about their association is inconsistent. Methods: Relevant studies were localized by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, Conference Proceedings, and other databases from inception to October 2020, without restrictions. The reference lists of included studies and of related reviews were also inspected. Global pooled odds ratios were calculated, and predefined subgroup analyses were performed. The heterogeneity between studies and publication bias was assessed and sensitivity analysis was carried out. Results: Thirty-two studies were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled ORs showed a moderate association between diabetes and OLP [OR: 1.87 (95%CI: 1.57, 2.34)]. The association is limited to studies carried out on adults only [OR: 2.12 (95%CI: 1.75, 2.57)] and is observed in all study designs. Globally, the heterogeneity was low to moderate. Studies carried out in European populations show a stronger association of diabetes and OLP than Asiatic studies [OR: 2.49 (95%CI: 1.87, 3.32) and 1.60 (95%CI: 1.25, 2.03), respectively]. Conclusions: Diabetes and OLP are moderately associated. Systematic diagnosis of diabetes in OLP patients could prove usefulS