scholarly journals RADON IN THE WATER

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jelena Vulinović ◽  
Srđan Vuković ◽  
Svetlana Pelemiš ◽  
Danijela Rajić
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Natural Radionuclides ◽  
Measurement Techniques ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Convincing Evidence ◽  
World Health ◽  
Decomposition Products ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Liquid Scintillation Detector

Man and his environment are constantly exposed to the effects of ionizing radiation. Most of this radiation comes from natural and artificial radionuclides and the biggest radioecological problem is the 222Rn radioactive gas. Natural radioactivity comes from unstable radioisotopes that were present during the formation of the Earth, and are present today. According to the research by UNSCEAR(United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation) it is estimated that the radiation dose, which comes from natural radionuclides and to which man is exposed, is 2.4 mSv per year. Natural sources of radioactivity are cosmic radiation and Earth’s crust that contains primordial radioactive elements including those that are sources of radon (uranium). Radon is a natural inert radioactive gas without smell and taste. It is soluble in water and can easily diffuse with the gaseous and aqueous phase and in this way forms significant concentrations. The techniques and methods most commonly used to detect and determine the activities of radon in water are alpha spectrometry, gamma spectrometry and measurement techniques on a liquid scintillation detector. Throughout epidemiological studies, the World Health Organization has provided convincing evidence of the correlation of exposure to indoor radon and the development of lung cancer. Radon and its decomposition products are considered to be the second cause of lung cancer after consuming tobacco.

scholarly journals Melatonin and Cancer: A Polyhedral Network Where the Source Matters

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 210
Author(s):  
Maria-Angeles Bonmati-Carrion ◽  
Antonia Tomas-Loba
Keyword(s):  
Night Shift ◽  
Intrinsic Factor ◽  
Antitumor Agent ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Global Perspective ◽  
World Health ◽  
Light At Night ◽  
Cancer Hallmarks ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Multicellular Organisms

Melatonin is one of the most phylogenetically conserved signals in biology. Although its original function was probably related to its antioxidant capacity, this indoleamine has been “adopted” by multicellular organisms as the “darkness signal” when secreted in a circadian manner and is acutely suppressed by light at night by the pineal gland. However, melatonin is also produced by other tissues, which constitute its extrapineal sources. Apart from its undisputed chronobiotic function, melatonin exerts antioxidant, immunomodulatory, pro-apoptotic, antiproliferative, and anti-angiogenic effects, with all these properties making it a powerful antitumor agent. Indeed, this activity has been demonstrated to be mediated by interfering with various cancer hallmarks, and different epidemiological studies have also linked light at night (melatonin suppression) with a higher incidence of different types of cancer. In 2007, the World Health Organization classified night shift work as a probable carcinogen due to circadian disruption, where melatonin plays a central role. Our aim is to review, from a global perspective, the role of melatonin both from pineal and extrapineal origin, as well as their possible interplay, as an intrinsic factor in the incidence, development, and progression of cancer. Particular emphasis will be placed not only on those mechanisms related to melatonin’s antioxidant nature but also on the recently described novel roles of melatonin in microbiota and epigenetic regulation.

Lung Cancer in Brazil

2012 ◽  
pp. 426-431
Author(s):  
Gilberto Schwartsmann
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Cause Of Death ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Lung Cancer Mortality ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cancer Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Incident Cancer ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Tremendous Challenge

Overview: Cancer is now the second leading cause of death in Brazil (after cardiovascular diseases) and a public health problem, with around 500,000 new cases in 2012. Excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer, lung cancer is the second most incident cancer type in men, with 17,210 expected new cases. In women, it is the fifth most incident cancer, with 10,110 expected new cases. The estimated age-adjusted lung cancer mortality rate is about 13/100,000 for men and 5.4/100,000 for women. Lung cancer rates in men increased until the early 1990s and decreased thereafter, especially in the younger population. In contrast, a steady upward trend was observed for women. The positive effects in men were probably due to the successful anti-tobacco campaign conducted in Brazil over the last decades, which led to a decrease in the adult smoking population, from 32% in the early 1980s to 17% in the 2000s. Although the Brazilian National Cancer Institute is strongly committed to providing excellence in multimodality care to cancer patients, limitations in availability and adequate geographic distribution of specialists and well-equipped cancer centers are evident. Major disparities in patient access to proper staging and state-of-the-art treatment still exist. Considering that World Health Organization (WHO) officials estimate that cancer will become the number one cause of death in most developing countries, including Brazil, in the next decades, it is highly recommended for government authorities to implement firm actions to face this tremendous challenge.

scholarly journals Training physicians in India to interpret pediatric chest radiographs according to World Health Organization research methodology

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric D. McCollum ◽  
Melissa M. Higdon ◽  
Nicholas S. S. Fancourt ◽  
Jack Sternal ◽  
William Checkley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
World Health Organization ◽  
Primary Endpoint ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Chest Radiography ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Chest Radiographs ◽  
World Health ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Pediatric Chest ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Background Chest radiography is the standard for diagnosing pediatric lower respiratory infections in low-income and middle-income countries. A method for interpreting pediatric chest radiographs for research endpoints was recently updated by the World Health Organization (WHO) Chest Radiography in Epidemiological Studies project. Research in India required training local physicians to interpret chest radiographs following the WHO method. Objective To describe the methodology for training Indian physicians and evaluate the training’s effectiveness. Materials and methods Twenty-nine physicians (15 radiologists and 14 pediatricians) from India were trained by two WHO Chest Radiography in Epidemiological Studies members over 3 days in May 2019. Training materials were adapted from WHO Chest Radiography in Epidemiological Studies resources. Participants followed WHO methodology to interpret 60 unique chest radiographs before and after the training. Participants needed to correctly classify ≥80% of radiographs for primary endpoint pneumonia on the post-training test to be certified to interpret research images. We analyzed participant performance on both examinations. Results Twenty-six of 29 participants (89.7%) completed both examinations. The average score increased by 9.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.0–14.1%) between examinations (P<0.001). Participants correctly classifying ≥80% of images for primary endpoint pneumonia increased from 69.2% (18/26) on the pretraining to 92.3% (24/26) on the post-training examination (P=0.003). The mean scores of radiologists and pediatricians on the post-training examination were not statistically different (P=0.43). Conclusion Our results demonstrate this training approach using revised WHO definitions and tools was successful, and that non-radiologists can learn to apply these methods as effectively as radiologists. Such capacity strengthening is important for enabling research to support national policy decision-making in these settings. We recommend future research incorporating WHO chest radiograph methodology to consider modelling trainings after this approach.

Mixed Adenocarcinomas of the Lung: Place in New Proposals in Classification, Mandatory for Target Therapy

2010 ◽  
Vol 134 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Chilosi ◽  
Bruno Murer
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Lung Adenocarcinoma ◽  
World Health Organization ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Small Cell ◽  
World Health ◽  
Malignant Neoplasms ◽  
New Classification ◽  
Therapeutic Decisions ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Context.—Lung cancer is one of the most frequent and lethal malignant neoplasms, but knowledge regarding the molecular basis of its pathogenesis is far from complete due to the striking diversity of different forms. The current lung cancer classification (World Health Organization 2004) can efficiently distinguish clinically relevant major subtypes (small cell and non–small cell carcinomas), but its results are partly inadequate when facing prognostic and therapeutic decisions for non–small cell carcinomas, especially for the group of tumors classified as adenocarcinoma. Lung adenocarcinoma comprises a heterogeneous group of tumors characterized by diverse morphologic features and molecular pathogenesis. The category of mixed adenocarcinomas includes most adenocarcinomas (approximately 80%) and, according to World Health Organization criteria, is defined by the occurrence of a mixed array of different patterns (acinar, papillary, bronchioloalveolar, solid with mucin). The histologic recognition of mixed adenocarcinoma is subjective and cannot consistently discriminate between responders and nonresponders to new targeted therapies (eg, tyrosine kinase inhibitors). Diagnostic problems are mainly related to the poor reproducibility of histologic criteria, especially when applied in small biopsies and cytology, and to the difficulty in assigning each form to a precisely defined entity, as needed by updated therapeutic approaches. In this evolving scenario, pathologists face new challenging diagnostic roles that include not only the precise morphologic definition of carcinoma subtypes but also their molecular characterization. Objective.—To use a comprehensive critical analysis reconciling the overwhelming variety of biologic, morphologic, molecular, and clinical data to define new classification schemes for lung adenocarcinoma. Data Sources.—Scientific literature and personal data were used. Conclusions.—A new classification approach should redefine lung adenocarcinoma heterogeneity reconciling classic morphology, immunophenotypic and molecular features of neoplastic cells, and also relevant information provided by stem cell biology. This approach, which has been already successfully applied in World Health Organization classification of other tumors, could improve the recognition of new reproducible profiles for adenocarcinomas, more closely and reproducibly related to clinical features and response to specific therapies, limiting the use of “wastebasket” categories such as mixed adenocarcinoma.

scholarly journals Leading causes of blindness and visual impairment in the region of Eastern Herzegovina

2006 ◽  
Vol 59 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 15-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lala Ceklic ◽  
Slobodanka Latinovic ◽  
Petar Aleksic
Keyword(s):  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Age Distribution ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Population Based ◽  
World Health ◽  
Visual Disability ◽  
Common Causes ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Blind Persons

Introduction. Visual impairment and blindness are serious social and health problems in the world. 1992 classification of visual disorders by World Health Organization has recently been implemented. The goal of this study was to determine common causes of visual impairment and blindness in the region of Eastern Herzegovina. Material and methods. In this population based study we have analyzed medical records stored in the regional Association of Visually Impaired and Blind Persons of the Republic of Srpska (Trebinje, Bileca, Foca, Eastern Sarajevo). The analysis included sex and age distribution of registered population, classification and leading causes of visual disability and blindness. Results. There are 298 registered persons with visual disability and blindness in the region of Eastern Herzegovina and Eastern Sarajevo. The prevalence of visual impairment and blindness in the aforementioned region is 0.1%. Among the studied population, there are more males than females with visual disability or blindness (56% versus 44%). Most (78%) of registered persons are blind, and only 22% are visually impaired. 43% of registered population are in the IV category and only 8.38% are registered in the II category. Only 2% of registered population are children. Common causes of visual disability and blindness in the region of Eastern Herzegovina are: glaucoma (22%), cataract (17%), myopia alta (13%), diabetic retinopathy (12%) and ocular trauma (11%). Common causes of children's visual impairment include: optic nerve anomalies, congenital cataract and premature retinopathy. Discussion and conclusion Compared with literature data, common causes of blindness and visual impairment in the region of Eastern Herzegovina do not differ significantly from those in other regions. Registration is based on the WHO model, but it is possible only by performing active epidemiological studies. .

A review of the analytical methodology to determine Radium-226 and Radium-228 in drinking waters

2018 ◽  
Vol 106 (10) ◽  
pp. 819-829 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akbar Abbasi
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Liquid Scintillation ◽  
Concentration Level ◽  
Measurement Techniques ◽  
World Health ◽  
Analytical Methodology ◽  
Drinking Waters ◽  
Spectrometry Technique ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
World Health Organization Guideline

Abstract Radium-228 (228Ra) and Radium-226 (226Ra) isotopes in drinking water are significant from the aspect of radiation protection and human health. In this paper, the three most common preconcentration methods, i.e.coprecipitation, absorption and evaporation, were reviewed with emphasis on routinely measurement techniques. The reviewed measurement techniques include low background γ-spectrometry, α-spectrometry and liquid scintillation counting. The γ-spectrometry technique is the good selection, when the maximum sensitivity is considered. The Environmental Protection Agency guideline has provided the maximum concentration level 0.74 Bq/L for 226Ra and 228Ra. Also, the World Health Organization guideline limit is 1 Bq/L and 0.1 Bq/L for 226Ra and 228Ra, respectively.

scholarly journals Validation of the Turkish Version of the Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth M. J. Huis In ‘T Veld ◽  
Ceylan Makine ◽  
Arie Nouwen ◽  
Çağatay Karşıdağ ◽  
Pinar Kadıoğlu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Factor Structure ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Self Report ◽  
World Health ◽  
Diabetes Distress ◽  
Turkish Version ◽  
Health Organization

The Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) scale is a widely used self-report measure that can facilitate detection of diabetes-specific emotional distress in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to assess the factor structure and validity of the Turkish version of the PAID. A validation study was conducted among 154 patients with insulin-naïve type 2 diabetes. Participants completed the PAID, Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), Insulin Treatment Appraisal Scale (ITAS), and World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5) questionnaires. Exploratory factor analyses yielded a 2-factor structure, identifying a 15-item “diabetes distress” factor and a 5-item “support-related issues” factor. The total PAID-score and the two dimensions were associated with higher levels of depression and poor emotional well-being. In the present study, the Turkish version of the PAID had satisfactory psychometric properties, however, the factorial structure was found to differ from factor solutions from other countries.

Front-Line Treatment of Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer With Docetaxel and Gemcitabine: A Multicenter Phase II Trial

1999 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 914-914 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vassilis Georgoulias ◽  
Charalambos Kouroussis ◽  
Nikos Androulakis ◽  
Stelios Kakolyris ◽  
Meletios-Athanasios Dimopoulos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Small Cell Lung Cancer ◽  
Cell Lung Cancer ◽  
Performance Status ◽  
Stage Iv ◽  
Small Cell ◽  
World Health ◽  
Small Cell Lung ◽  
Grade 3 ◽  
Health Organization

PURPOSE: To evaluate the tolerance and efficacy of the combination of docetaxel and gemcitabine in patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-one chemotherapy-naive patients with NSCLC were treated with gemcitabine 900 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1 and 8 and docetaxel 100 mg/m2 intravenously on day 8 with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (150 μg/m2, subcutaneously) support from day 9 to day 15. Treatment was repeated every 3 weeks. RESULTS: The patients' median age was 64 years. The World Health Organization performance status was 0 to 1 in 39 patients and 2 in 12 patients. Fifteen patients (29%) had stage IIIB disease, and 36 (71%) had stage IV; histology was mainly squamous cell carcinoma (59%). A partial response was achieved in 19 patients (37.5%; 95% confidence interval, 24% to 50%); stable disease and progressive disease were each observed in 16 patients (31.4%). The median duration of response and the time to tumor progression were 5 and 6 months, respectively. The median survival was 13 months, and the actuarial 1-year survival was 50.7%. Grade 4 anemia and thrombocytopenia were rare (2%). Four patients (8%) developed grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, and all were complicated with fever; there was no treatment-related death. Grade 3 or 4 diarrhea occurred in three patients (6%), grade 2 or 3 neurotoxicity in four patients (8%), grade 2 or 3 asthenia in 10 patients (20%), and grade 2 or 3 edema in 10 patients (20%). CONCLUSION: The combination of docetaxel/gemcitabine is well tolerated, can be used for outpatients, and is active for the treatment of advanced NSCLC. This treatment merits further comparison with other cisplatin- or carboplatin-based combinations.

scholarly journals A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Hospitalised Current Smokers and COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (20) ◽  
pp. 7394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesus González-Rubio ◽  
Carmen Navarro-López ◽  
Elena López-Nájera ◽  
Ana López-Nájera ◽  
Lydia Jiménez-Díaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Prevalence ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
World Health ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Patient Status ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Health Organization

SARS-CoV-2 is a new coronavirus that has caused a worldwide pandemic. It produces severe acute respiratory disease (COVID-19), which is fatal in many cases, characterised by the cytokine release syndrome (CRS). According to the World Health Organization, those who smoke are likely to be more vulnerable to infection. Here, in order to clarify the epidemiologic relationship between smoking and COVID-19, we present a systematic literature review until 28th April 2020 and a meta-analysis. We included 18 recent COVID-19 clinical and epidemiological studies based on smoking patient status from 720 initial studies in China, the USA, and Italy. The percentage of hospitalised current smokers was 7.7% (95% CI: 6.9–8.4) in China, 2.3% (95% CI: 1.7–2.9) in the USA and 7.6% (95% CI: 4.2–11.0) in Italy. These percentages were compared to the smoking prevalence of each country and statistically significant differences were found in them all (p < 0.0001). By means of the meta-analysis, we offer epidemiological evidence showing that smokers were statistically less likely to be hospitalised (OR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.14–0.23, p < 0.01). In conclusion, the analysis of data from 18 studies shows a much lower percentage of hospitalised current smokers than expected. As more studies become available, this trend should be checked to obtain conclusive results and to explore, where appropriate, the underlying mechanism of the severe progression and adverse outcomes of COVID-19.

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