Objective:To evaluate the hazardous effects of fried potato chips upon the retina of two developmental stages of the albino rats aged 7 and 14 days from parturition.Methods:Pregnant rats were arranged into two groups:...Objective:To evaluate the hazardous effects of fried potato chips upon the retina of two developmental stages of the albino rats aged 7 and 14 days from parturition.Methods:Pregnant rats were arranged into two groups:control pregnant rats and consequently their delivered newborns until reaching 7 and 14 days old from parturition and fried potato chips group in which pregnant rats at the 6th day of gestation maintained on diet formed of fried potato chips supplied from the market mixed with standard diet at a concentration of 50%per each till 7 and 14 postpartum.Three fold integrated approaches were adopted,namely,histological,ultrastructural and proteomic analysis.Results:Histological examination of the retina of the experimental offsprings revealed many histopathological changes,including massive degeneration,vacuolization and cell loss in the ganglion cell layer,as well as general reduction in retinal size.At the ultrastructural level,the retina of experimental offsprings exhibited number of deformities,including ill differentiated and degenerated nuclear layer,malformed and vacuolated pigment epithelium with vesiculated and fragmented rough endoplasmic reticulum,degenerated outer segment of photoreceptors,as well as swollen choriocapillaris and loss of neuronal cells.Proteomic analysis of retina of the two experimental developmental stages showed variations in the expressed proteins as a result of intoxication which illustrated the adverse toxic effects of fried potato chips upon the retina.Conclusions:It can be concluded that the effect of fried potato chips on the development of retina in rats may be due to the presence of acrylamide or its metabolite.展开更多
Pyrophyllite (H2Al2,Si4 O22, ) dust (P-dust) is a mixture of silica (10-40% ), differentproportions of a luminium oxide (Al2O3 ), and various metal compounds. People with occupa-tions known to be associated with expos...Pyrophyllite (H2Al2,Si4 O22, ) dust (P-dust) is a mixture of silica (10-40% ), differentproportions of a luminium oxide (Al2O3 ), and various metal compounds. People with occupa-tions known to be associated with exposure to P-dust include miners, other industrial workersand persons engaged in artistic carving. Currently, little is known about pyrophyllite pneumo-coniosis from P-dust. This study was designed to investigate the hazardous effects of P-dustand to suggest a maximum allowable concentration (MAC) of the dust.This.study included four parts: (i) Occupational epidemiology surveys in 781 workersfrom 1 pyrophyllite mine (PM) and four pyrophyllite carving mills (PCM), with a registra-tion rate of 98 %. (ii) In vitro studies: Six groups of rats were expeed to different levels ofP-dust; the cytotoxicity of P-dust on rat alveolar macrophages (AM) was investigated by de-termining the potassium'content of AM and the activity levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)in AM culture fluid. (iii) Mineralogical analysis of P-dust: The contents of silica (SiO2 ), alu-minium (Al), ferrum (Fe), niikel (Ni), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in hath PM-dust andPCMdust were determined. (iv ) Determination of P-dust MAC: Using the life-talbemethod, an investigation of the hygiene standard of P-dust was carried out in 625 workers ex-POSed to either PM-dust or PCM-dust, uPon whom routine radiographs were Performed.The results suggest that the risk of developing pneumoconiosis from pyrophyllite dust issignificantly higher for PM workers than for PCM workers. The prevalence rate of PCM-dustpneumoconiosis is significantly higher in men than in women. The content of SiO2 and AlO3in the mixture of P-dust is the most important factor in the etiology of pyrophyllitosis. De-pending on the different P-dust MAC values, we suggest that 2 rng/m3 and 4 mg/m' shouldbe considered as the MAC for PM-dust and PCM-dust, respectively, and 3 mg/m' fOr P-dust. We believe that establishing different hygiene standards is more accurate even thoughworkers are exposured to the 'same' dust展开更多
The Cox proportional hazard model is being used extensively in oncology in studying the relationship between survival times and prognostic factors. The main question that needs to be addressed with respect to the appl...The Cox proportional hazard model is being used extensively in oncology in studying the relationship between survival times and prognostic factors. The main question that needs to be addressed with respect to the applicability of the Cox PH model is whether the proportional hazard assumption is met. Failure to justify the subject assumption will lead to misleading results. In addition, identifying the correct functional form of the continuous covariates is an important aspect in the development of a Cox proportional hazard model. The purpose of this study is to develop an extended Cox regression model for breast cancer survival data which takes non-proportional hazards and non-linear effects that exist in prognostic factors into consideration. Non-proportional hazards and non-linear effects are detected using methods based on residuals. An extended Cox model with non-linear effects and time-varying effects is proposed to adjust the Cox proportional hazard model. Age and tumor size were found to have nonlinear effects. Progesterone receptor assay status and age violated the proportional hazard assumption in the Cox model. Quadratic effect of age and progesterone receptor assay status had hazard ratio that changes with time. We have introduced a statistical model to overcome the presence of the proportional hazard assumption violation for the Cox proportional hazard model for breast cancer data. The proposed extended model considers the time varying nature of the hazard ratio and non-linear effects of the covariates. Our improved Cox model gives a better insight on the hazard rates associated with the breast cancer risk factors.展开更多
Clustered survival data are widely observed in a variety of setting. Most survival models incorporate clustering and grouping of data accounting for between-cluster variability that creates correlation in order to pre...Clustered survival data are widely observed in a variety of setting. Most survival models incorporate clustering and grouping of data accounting for between-cluster variability that creates correlation in order to prevent underestimate of the standard errors of the parameter estimators but do not include random effects. In this study, we developed a mixed-effect parametric proportional hazard (MEPPH) model with a generalized log-logistic distribution baseline. The parameters of the model were estimated by the application of the maximum likelihood estimation technique with an iterative optimization procedure (quasi-Newton Raphson). The developed MEPPH model’s performance was evaluated using Monte Carlo simulation. The Leukemia dataset with right-censored data was used to demonstrate the model’s applicability. The results revealed that all covariates, except age in PH models, were significant in all considered distributions. Age and Townsend score were significant when the GLL distribution was used in MEPPH, while sex, age and Townsend score were significant in MEPPH model when other distributions were used. Based on information criteria values, the Generalized Log-Logistic Mixed-Effects Parametric Proportional Hazard model (GLL-MEPPH) outperformed other models.展开更多
Many destructive earthquakes happened in Tehran, Iran in the last centuries. The existence of active faults like the North Tehran is the main cause of seismicity in this city. According to past investigations, it is e...Many destructive earthquakes happened in Tehran, Iran in the last centuries. The existence of active faults like the North Tehran is the main cause of seismicity in this city. According to past investigations, it is estimated that in the scenario of activation of the North Tehran fault, many structures in Tehran will collapse. Therefore, it is necessary to incorporate the near field rupture directivity effects of this fault into the seismic hazard assessment of important sites in Tehran. In this study, using calculations coded in MATLAB, Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis （PSHA） is conducted for an important site in Tehran. Following that, deaggregation technique is performed on PSHA and the contribution of seis- mic scenarios to hazard is obtained in the range of distance and magnitude. After identifying the North Tehran fault as the most hazardous source affecting the site in 10000-year return period, rupture directivity effects of this fault is incorporated into the seismic hazard assessment using Somerville et al. （1997） model with broadband approach and Shahi and Baker （2011） model with narrowband approach. The results show that the narrowband approach caused a 27% increase in the peak of response spectrum in 10000-year return period compared with the conventional PSHA. Therefore, it is necessary to incorporate the near fault rupture directivity effects into the higher levels of seismic hazard assessment attributed to important sites.展开更多
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection may have harmful effects on expectant moms,labor,and newborns born to infected mothers.There is a risk of the initiation of pregnancy with infection...Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection may have harmful effects on expectant moms,labor,and newborns born to infected mothers.There is a risk of the initiation of pregnancy with infection.Even if the gametes are non-infected,pregnancies could be exposed later for infection by coronavirus.Investigations of COVID-19 during pregnancy highlighted the non-transmission or surprising transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to the offspring.However,other studies have exhibited the potential mother-to-fetus transmission.In this way,unanswered concerns about SARS-CoV-2 fetal transmission and the particular interface(s)controlling its pathogenesis throughout pregnancy persist.This review focuses on the potential effects of SARS-CoV-2 on vertical transmission,as well as the influence of the virus on pregnancy and placenta.展开更多
Plants are vital to the survival of life on e arth and have enormous implications for both the environment and human well-being.Plants carr y both medicinal and toxic properties.The plants were used by people traditio...Plants are vital to the survival of life on e arth and have enormous implications for both the environment and human well-being.Plants carr y both medicinal and toxic properties.The plants were used by people traditionally for medicinal purposes.But people were not aware of the concentration of the dose s.So,excessive quantity of dose s may lead to severe toxic effects on the human body.This topic discusses the potential hazards of toxic plants on human health.There are many plants around the world that can cause adverse effects,ranging from mild irritation to severe organ damage or death.This review focuses on the plants which are available locally used as medicines carrying toxic properties too.It is essential to learn to recognize them and avoid touching or ingesting them.If exposure does occur,prompt medical attention is necessary.Understanding the risks associated with toxic plants can help individuals take the necessary precautions to protect their health.展开更多
The natural radioactivity of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K and the fallout of 137Cs in soils and granite rocks of two regions in Yemen (Shabwah and Hadramout) were measured by using gamma-ray spectrometry (HPGe) detector. The ...The natural radioactivity of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K and the fallout of 137Cs in soils and granite rocks of two regions in Yemen (Shabwah and Hadramout) were measured by using gamma-ray spectrometry (HPGe) detector. The average values of the radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the soil samples are 14.34, 25.78 and 566.05 Bq/kg respectively. For rock samples, the average activity concentration for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K are 45, 106 and 1235 Bq/kg respectively. Low concentration values of 137Cs in soil and rock samples under investigation, are not radiologically important. The radium equivalent activity (Raeq) and external hazard index (Hex) of all samples are less than the limits of 370 Bq·kg-1 and unity, respectively. The average values of total absorbed dose rate due to three primordial radionuclides in soil and rock samples are 46.5 nGy/h and 138.36 nGy/h, respectively, where the absorbed average value of the granite is higher than the permitted limit. So, the local people must avoid using these granite samples as the interior decorative materials of dwelling without radioactivity control.展开更多
Through analyzing environment geological effect of groundwater in detail, the authors hold that the groundwater exploitation is excessive in Linfen City. A regional depression cone has been formed in the civic center;...Through analyzing environment geological effect of groundwater in detail, the authors hold that the groundwater exploitation is excessive in Linfen City. A regional depression cone has been formed in the civic center; The subsidence scale keeps increasing, and five developed earth fissure hazards zones have been formed. This hinders the sustainable economic development of Linfen severely. Large scale observation net of groundwater should be established to dynamically monitor the ground water, ensuring a rational exploitation.展开更多
The specific radioactivity of several building materials used in France, which is considered a direct exposure to radiation, has been assessed by γ-ray spectrometry. Corrected for coincidence summing and self-absorpt...The specific radioactivity of several building materials used in France, which is considered a direct exposure to radiation, has been assessed by γ-ray spectrometry. Corrected for coincidence summing and self-absorption effects, the values for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were in the ranges 4 - 56, 3 - 72 and 9 - 1136 Bq·kg-1, respectively. The samples were found to have radium-equivalent activities between 5 and 245 Bq·kg-1. Values of 0.02 - 0.67 for the external and 0.03 - 0.82 for the internal hazard indexes were estimated. The calculated absorbed dose in air agrees closely with MCNPX simulations. The conversion of absorbed dose to annual effective dose gave values between 0.03 - 1.09 mSv·y-1. All these values are below action limits recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. The materials examined would not contribute a significant radiation exposure for an occupant and thus are acceptable for construction.展开更多
文摘Objective:To evaluate the hazardous effects of fried potato chips upon the retina of two developmental stages of the albino rats aged 7 and 14 days from parturition.Methods:Pregnant rats were arranged into two groups:control pregnant rats and consequently their delivered newborns until reaching 7 and 14 days old from parturition and fried potato chips group in which pregnant rats at the 6th day of gestation maintained on diet formed of fried potato chips supplied from the market mixed with standard diet at a concentration of 50%per each till 7 and 14 postpartum.Three fold integrated approaches were adopted,namely,histological,ultrastructural and proteomic analysis.Results:Histological examination of the retina of the experimental offsprings revealed many histopathological changes,including massive degeneration,vacuolization and cell loss in the ganglion cell layer,as well as general reduction in retinal size.At the ultrastructural level,the retina of experimental offsprings exhibited number of deformities,including ill differentiated and degenerated nuclear layer,malformed and vacuolated pigment epithelium with vesiculated and fragmented rough endoplasmic reticulum,degenerated outer segment of photoreceptors,as well as swollen choriocapillaris and loss of neuronal cells.Proteomic analysis of retina of the two experimental developmental stages showed variations in the expressed proteins as a result of intoxication which illustrated the adverse toxic effects of fried potato chips upon the retina.Conclusions:It can be concluded that the effect of fried potato chips on the development of retina in rats may be due to the presence of acrylamide or its metabolite.
文摘Pyrophyllite (H2Al2,Si4 O22, ) dust (P-dust) is a mixture of silica (10-40% ), differentproportions of a luminium oxide (Al2O3 ), and various metal compounds. People with occupa-tions known to be associated with exposure to P-dust include miners, other industrial workersand persons engaged in artistic carving. Currently, little is known about pyrophyllite pneumo-coniosis from P-dust. This study was designed to investigate the hazardous effects of P-dustand to suggest a maximum allowable concentration (MAC) of the dust.This.study included four parts: (i) Occupational epidemiology surveys in 781 workersfrom 1 pyrophyllite mine (PM) and four pyrophyllite carving mills (PCM), with a registra-tion rate of 98 %. (ii) In vitro studies: Six groups of rats were expeed to different levels ofP-dust; the cytotoxicity of P-dust on rat alveolar macrophages (AM) was investigated by de-termining the potassium'content of AM and the activity levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)in AM culture fluid. (iii) Mineralogical analysis of P-dust: The contents of silica (SiO2 ), alu-minium (Al), ferrum (Fe), niikel (Ni), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in hath PM-dust andPCMdust were determined. (iv ) Determination of P-dust MAC: Using the life-talbemethod, an investigation of the hygiene standard of P-dust was carried out in 625 workers ex-POSed to either PM-dust or PCM-dust, uPon whom routine radiographs were Performed.The results suggest that the risk of developing pneumoconiosis from pyrophyllite dust issignificantly higher for PM workers than for PCM workers. The prevalence rate of PCM-dustpneumoconiosis is significantly higher in men than in women. The content of SiO2 and AlO3in the mixture of P-dust is the most important factor in the etiology of pyrophyllitosis. De-pending on the different P-dust MAC values, we suggest that 2 rng/m3 and 4 mg/m' shouldbe considered as the MAC for PM-dust and PCM-dust, respectively, and 3 mg/m' fOr P-dust. We believe that establishing different hygiene standards is more accurate even thoughworkers are exposured to the 'same' dust
文摘The Cox proportional hazard model is being used extensively in oncology in studying the relationship between survival times and prognostic factors. The main question that needs to be addressed with respect to the applicability of the Cox PH model is whether the proportional hazard assumption is met. Failure to justify the subject assumption will lead to misleading results. In addition, identifying the correct functional form of the continuous covariates is an important aspect in the development of a Cox proportional hazard model. The purpose of this study is to develop an extended Cox regression model for breast cancer survival data which takes non-proportional hazards and non-linear effects that exist in prognostic factors into consideration. Non-proportional hazards and non-linear effects are detected using methods based on residuals. An extended Cox model with non-linear effects and time-varying effects is proposed to adjust the Cox proportional hazard model. Age and tumor size were found to have nonlinear effects. Progesterone receptor assay status and age violated the proportional hazard assumption in the Cox model. Quadratic effect of age and progesterone receptor assay status had hazard ratio that changes with time. We have introduced a statistical model to overcome the presence of the proportional hazard assumption violation for the Cox proportional hazard model for breast cancer data. The proposed extended model considers the time varying nature of the hazard ratio and non-linear effects of the covariates. Our improved Cox model gives a better insight on the hazard rates associated with the breast cancer risk factors.
文摘Clustered survival data are widely observed in a variety of setting. Most survival models incorporate clustering and grouping of data accounting for between-cluster variability that creates correlation in order to prevent underestimate of the standard errors of the parameter estimators but do not include random effects. In this study, we developed a mixed-effect parametric proportional hazard (MEPPH) model with a generalized log-logistic distribution baseline. The parameters of the model were estimated by the application of the maximum likelihood estimation technique with an iterative optimization procedure (quasi-Newton Raphson). The developed MEPPH model’s performance was evaluated using Monte Carlo simulation. The Leukemia dataset with right-censored data was used to demonstrate the model’s applicability. The results revealed that all covariates, except age in PH models, were significant in all considered distributions. Age and Townsend score were significant when the GLL distribution was used in MEPPH, while sex, age and Townsend score were significant in MEPPH model when other distributions were used. Based on information criteria values, the Generalized Log-Logistic Mixed-Effects Parametric Proportional Hazard model (GLL-MEPPH) outperformed other models.
文摘Many destructive earthquakes happened in Tehran, Iran in the last centuries. The existence of active faults like the North Tehran is the main cause of seismicity in this city. According to past investigations, it is estimated that in the scenario of activation of the North Tehran fault, many structures in Tehran will collapse. Therefore, it is necessary to incorporate the near field rupture directivity effects of this fault into the seismic hazard assessment of important sites in Tehran. In this study, using calculations coded in MATLAB, Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis （PSHA） is conducted for an important site in Tehran. Following that, deaggregation technique is performed on PSHA and the contribution of seis- mic scenarios to hazard is obtained in the range of distance and magnitude. After identifying the North Tehran fault as the most hazardous source affecting the site in 10000-year return period, rupture directivity effects of this fault is incorporated into the seismic hazard assessment using Somerville et al. （1997） model with broadband approach and Shahi and Baker （2011） model with narrowband approach. The results show that the narrowband approach caused a 27% increase in the peak of response spectrum in 10000-year return period compared with the conventional PSHA. Therefore, it is necessary to incorporate the near fault rupture directivity effects into the higher levels of seismic hazard assessment attributed to important sites.
文摘Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection may have harmful effects on expectant moms,labor,and newborns born to infected mothers.There is a risk of the initiation of pregnancy with infection.Even if the gametes are non-infected,pregnancies could be exposed later for infection by coronavirus.Investigations of COVID-19 during pregnancy highlighted the non-transmission or surprising transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to the offspring.However,other studies have exhibited the potential mother-to-fetus transmission.In this way,unanswered concerns about SARS-CoV-2 fetal transmission and the particular interface(s)controlling its pathogenesis throughout pregnancy persist.This review focuses on the potential effects of SARS-CoV-2 on vertical transmission,as well as the influence of the virus on pregnancy and placenta.
文摘Plants are vital to the survival of life on e arth and have enormous implications for both the environment and human well-being.Plants carr y both medicinal and toxic properties.The plants were used by people traditionally for medicinal purposes.But people were not aware of the concentration of the dose s.So,excessive quantity of dose s may lead to severe toxic effects on the human body.This topic discusses the potential hazards of toxic plants on human health.There are many plants around the world that can cause adverse effects,ranging from mild irritation to severe organ damage or death.This review focuses on the plants which are available locally used as medicines carrying toxic properties too.It is essential to learn to recognize them and avoid touching or ingesting them.If exposure does occur,prompt medical attention is necessary.Understanding the risks associated with toxic plants can help individuals take the necessary precautions to protect their health.
文摘The natural radioactivity of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K and the fallout of 137Cs in soils and granite rocks of two regions in Yemen (Shabwah and Hadramout) were measured by using gamma-ray spectrometry (HPGe) detector. The average values of the radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the soil samples are 14.34, 25.78 and 566.05 Bq/kg respectively. For rock samples, the average activity concentration for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K are 45, 106 and 1235 Bq/kg respectively. Low concentration values of 137Cs in soil and rock samples under investigation, are not radiologically important. The radium equivalent activity (Raeq) and external hazard index (Hex) of all samples are less than the limits of 370 Bq·kg-1 and unity, respectively. The average values of total absorbed dose rate due to three primordial radionuclides in soil and rock samples are 46.5 nGy/h and 138.36 nGy/h, respectively, where the absorbed average value of the granite is higher than the permitted limit. So, the local people must avoid using these granite samples as the interior decorative materials of dwelling without radioactivity control.
文摘Through analyzing environment geological effect of groundwater in detail, the authors hold that the groundwater exploitation is excessive in Linfen City. A regional depression cone has been formed in the civic center; The subsidence scale keeps increasing, and five developed earth fissure hazards zones have been formed. This hinders the sustainable economic development of Linfen severely. Large scale observation net of groundwater should be established to dynamically monitor the ground water, ensuring a rational exploitation.
文摘The specific radioactivity of several building materials used in France, which is considered a direct exposure to radiation, has been assessed by γ-ray spectrometry. Corrected for coincidence summing and self-absorption effects, the values for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were in the ranges 4 - 56, 3 - 72 and 9 - 1136 Bq·kg-1, respectively. The samples were found to have radium-equivalent activities between 5 and 245 Bq·kg-1. Values of 0.02 - 0.67 for the external and 0.03 - 0.82 for the internal hazard indexes were estimated. The calculated absorbed dose in air agrees closely with MCNPX simulations. The conversion of absorbed dose to annual effective dose gave values between 0.03 - 1.09 mSv·y-1. All these values are below action limits recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. The materials examined would not contribute a significant radiation exposure for an occupant and thus are acceptable for construction.
