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Journal of Aerosol Science May 2017Recently, inexpensive (<$300) consumer aerosol monitors (CAMs) targeted for use in homes have become available. We evaluated the accuracy, bias, and precision of three...
Recently, inexpensive (<$300) consumer aerosol monitors (CAMs) targeted for use in homes have become available. We evaluated the accuracy, bias, and precision of three CAMs (Foobot from Airoxlab, Speck from Carnegie Mellon University, and AirBeam from HabitatMap) for measuring mass concentrations in occupational settings. In a laboratory study, PM measured with the CAMs and a medium-cost aerosol photometer (personal DataRAM 1500, Thermo Scientific) were compared to that from reference instruments for three aerosols (salt, welding fume, and Arizona road dust, ARD) at concentrations up to 8500 μg/m. Three of each type of CAM were included to estimate precision. Compared to reference instruments, mass concentrations measured with the Foobot (r-value = 0.99) and medium-cost photometer (r-value = 0.99) show strong correlation, whereas those from the Speck (r-value range 0.88 - 0.99) and AirBeam (0.7 - 0.96) were less correlated. The Foobot bias was (-12%) for ARD and measurements were similar to the medium-cost instrument. Foobot bias was (< -46%) for salt and welding fume aerosols. Speck bias was at 18% salt for ARD and -86% for welding fume. AirBeam bias was (-36%) for salt and (-83%) for welding fume. All three photometers had a bias (< -82%) for welding fume. Precision was excellent for the Foobot (coefficient of variation range: 5% to 8%) and AirBeam (2% to 9%), but poorer for the Speck (8% to 25%). These findings suggest that the Foobot, with a linear response to different aerosol types and good precision, can provide reasonable estimates of PM in the workplace after site-specific calibration to account for particle size and composition.
PubMed: 28871212
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaerosci.2017.02.013 -
Journal of Sleep Research Oct 2020Actigraphs are the reference standard for measuring light exposure in human non-laboratory experiments due to their portability and long battery lives. However,...
Actigraphs are the reference standard for measuring light exposure in human non-laboratory experiments due to their portability and long battery lives. However, actigraphs typically have a limited illuminance operating range not representative of real-world conditions, and for many actigraphs, the accuracy of their light measurement has not been verified independently. We assessed the illuminances recorded by Activinsights GENEActiv Original and Philips Actiwatch 2 actigraphs in comparison to a calibrated, laboratory-standard photometer, under both artificial light-emitting diode (LED) and natural sunlight illuminations that might be encountered by a person under real-world conditions. We show that in response to ~20,000 lux white LED light, the GENEActiv and Actiwatch 2 underestimate illuminance by recording 50% and 25% of the true value, respectively. Under ~30,000 lux sunlight, the GENEActiv readily saturates whereas the Actiwatch 2 reports ~46% of the true illuminance. These underestimations are highly linear and we provide correction factors to estimate the illuminance levels of the ambient environment measured by the actigraphs. We also evaluate the application of neutral density filters for extending the operating range of both devices in natural sunlight illuminations (as high as 30,000 lux during our measurements) and demonstrate that this may be a viable approach for increasing the operating range of the Actiwatch 2 but not the GENEActiv. We conclude that both actigraphs provide good performance in monitoring the temporal patterning of light, whereas the absolute illuminance values require correction to accurately evaluate the effects of light intensity on human health and behaviours.
Topics: Actigraphy; Humans; Light
PubMed: 31860938
DOI: 10.1111/jsr.12963 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Nov 2023The quality of water resources used for drinking and their health effects is vitally important. The present study investigated the concentrations of F, NO, and metal...
The quality of water resources used for drinking and their health effects is vitally important. The present study investigated the concentrations of F, NO, and metal elements like Hg, Mn, As, and Pb in the groundwater resources and their health risk assessment on the west margin of Urmia Lake, Iran. Sampling points were selected and taken from 121 groundwater resources in the summer of 2014. Heavy metals (Pb, As, Mn, and Hg) were measured by ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer, model: Arcos, Germany), and some ions (Na, NO, F, and Cl) by flame photometer and spectrophotometer according to the standard methods, respectively. The nitrate concentration range in groundwater samples measured from 1.7 to 137 mg/L and fluoride from 0.4 to 4.5 mg/L. The probabilistic method and Monte Carlo simulation were used to estimate carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks. The concentration of study elements in most samples was obtained in the WHO (World Health Organization) recommended range. The order of HM (heavy metal) concentration is based on the overall mean: Mn > As > Hg > Pb. The HI (hazard index ) level was found to be more than 1 for noncarcinogenic risk for As and NO and permissible risks for the other elements and fluoride. ELCR (excess lifetime cancer risk) levels of As were acceptable, except for some sampling points, the central region in the study area, near the seashore of Urmia Lake. Finally, it can be stated that the groundwater resources in the studied area are acceptable for drinking in most places. Still, due to the effects of As and NO contaminated water, the quality is unacceptable for drinking in some places. So, monitoring water quality is recommended by finding contamination sources to decrease the health risks of drinking consumption.
Topics: Fluorides; Nitrates; Environmental Monitoring; Iran; Azerbaijan; Lead; Metals, Heavy; Groundwater; Mercury; Risk Assessment; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Drinking Water
PubMed: 37861846
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30024-7 -
BMC Women's Health Jul 2019The rapid growth and changes that occur in adolescents increase the demand for macro and micronutrients and addressing their needs particularly in females would be an...
BACKGROUND
The rapid growth and changes that occur in adolescents increase the demand for macro and micronutrients and addressing their needs particularly in females would be an important step to break the vicious cycle of intergenerational malnutrition. Thus we evaluated the status of anemia and its anthropometric, dietary and socio demographic determinants in female adolescents, west Ethiopia.
METHODS
A school based cross-sectional study was conducted among school going adolescent girls of Wayu Tuqa district, south west Ethiopia and a 3-stage random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed using STATA version12. Haemoglobin was measured by HemoCue 301+ photometer and WHO Anthro-plus software Version 1.0.4 was used to calculate BMI for age z-score. Both bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to check associations and control confounding. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically.
RESULT
The overall prevalence of anemia was 27% (95% CI: 22.9-31%) of which 23, and 4% had mild and moderate anemia respectively. The proportion of thinness and overweight girls based on the BMI for age z-score was 33 and 3.6%, respectively. The odds of developing anemia were almost four times more likely among late adolescents as compared to early adolescents (AOR = 3.8 95%CI = 2.3 to 8.5).Adolescents from rural areas were 3.4 times more likely to have anemia as compared to their urban counterparts (AOR = 3.4 95%CI = 1.9 to7) and adolescents those who attained menarche were two times more likely to develop anemia compared to those who did not attained menarche (AOR = 2.3 95%CI = 1.34 to 4.2).
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls was a moderate public health problem. To improve the prevailing nutritional problem, there must be inter-sectorial collaboration among health sectors and education sectors in providing nutritional education and counseling based on age and menarche status.
Topics: Adolescent; Anemia; Anthropometry; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet Surveys; Ethiopia; Female; Hemoglobins; Humans; Overweight; Prevalence; Rural Population; Schools; Social Determinants of Health; Students; Thinness
PubMed: 31315626
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-019-0791-5 -
Indian Journal of Medical and... 2017Selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) have antioxidant and anticancer properties.
BACKGROUND
Selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) have antioxidant and anticancer properties.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of Se and Zn and the correlation between the levels of these two elements with risk of incidence of esophageal cancer (EC) and gastric cancer (GC).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In a case-control study, we selected sixty patients with GC or EC as the intervention group and 120 age-matched individuals as the control group. Exclusion criteria were the individuals with kidney and liver failure and the consumer of dietary supplements such as Se and Zn. Measurement of serum Se was done in a graphite furnace system and atomic absorption device of Varian and of serum Zn was done by a flame photometer system (flame) and atomic absorption device of Varian.
RESULTS
In thirty patients of ECs, 90% were squamous cell carcinoma and 10% adenocarcinoma, and out of thirty patients of GCs, 90% were intestinal type and 10% diffuse type. The level of two elements in cancer patients was lower than the control group ( < 0.05). There was no significant different between two cancer groups for level of Se and Zn, but there was a significant difference between the control group with two other groups.
CONCLUSION
Our study confirmed the findings from previous prospective studies and randomized trials that reducing of lower levels of Se and Zn can effect on incidence of cancer.
PubMed: 28900326
DOI: 10.4103/ijmpo.ijmpo_83_16 -
BMC Nutrition Jan 2022The etiology and risk factors of anemia are multifactorial and varies across context. Due to the geospatial clustering of anemia, identifying risk factors for anemia...
BACKGROUND
The etiology and risk factors of anemia are multifactorial and varies across context. Due to the geospatial clustering of anemia, identifying risk factors for anemia should account for the geographic variability. Failure to adjust for spatial dependence whilst identifying risk factors of anemia could give spurious association. We aimed to identify risk factors of anemia using a Bayesian geo-statistical model.
METHODS
We analyzed the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) 2016 data. The sample was selected using a stratified, two- stage cluster sampling design. In this survey, 9268 children had undergone anemia testing. Hemoglobin level was measured using a HemoCue photometer and the results were recorded onsite. Based on the World Health Organization's cut-off points, a child was considered anaemic if their altitude adjusted haemoglobin (Hb) level was less than 11 g/dL. Risk factors for anemia were identified using a Bayesian geo-statistical model, which accounted for spatial dependency structure in the data. Posterior means and 95% credible interval (BCI) were used to report our findings. We used a statistically significant level at 0.05.
RESULT
The 9267 children in our study were between 6 and 59 months old. Fifty two percent (52%) of children were males. Thirteen percent (13%) of children were from the highest wealth quintile whereas 23% from the lowest wealth quintile. Most of them lived in rural areas (90%). The overall prevalence of anemia among preschool children was 57% (95% CI: 54.4-59.4). We found that child stunting (OR = 1.26, 95% BCI (1.14-1.39), wasting (OR = 1.35, 95% BCI (1.15-1.57), maternal anemia (OR = 1.61, 95% BCI (1.44-1.79), mothers having two under five children (OR = 1.2, 95% BCI (1.08-1.33) were risk factors associated with anemia among preschool children. Children from wealthy households had lower risk of anemia (AOR = 0.73, 95% BCI (0.62-0.85).
CONCLUSION
Using the Bayesian geospatial statistical modeling, we were able to account for spatial dependent structure in the data, which minimize spurious association. Childhood Malnutrition, maternal anemia, increased fertility, and poor wealth status were risk factors of anemia among preschool children in Ethiopia. The existing anaemia control programs such as IFA supplementation during pregnancy should be strengthened to halt intergenerational effect of anaemia. Furthermore, routine childhood anaemia screening and intervention program should be part of the Primary health care in Ethiopia.
PubMed: 34996515
DOI: 10.1186/s40795-021-00495-3 -
European Journal of Ophthalmology Jul 2022To evaluate effect of maximal anterior cortical lens density, iris scatter and anterior chamber depth on laser flare photometry.
BACKGROUND
To evaluate effect of maximal anterior cortical lens density, iris scatter and anterior chamber depth on laser flare photometry.
METHODS
Patients diagnosed with clinical uveitis were enrolled in the study. Clinical flare gradings were recorded upon the Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature. Aqueous flare was measured with an automated device (Kowa FM-700). Back-scattering from anterior cortical lens and anterior iris surface was calculated from Scheimpflug images. A curvilinear regression model was used to calculate estimated values for each clinical grade. These values were used to split cases in Group I (laser flare photometry lower than estimated) and Group II (laser flare photometry higher than estimated). Mean anterior chamber depth, pupil aperture, maximal anterior cortical lens density and iris scatter values were compared between two groups. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the effect of clinical flare gradings and ocular parameters on aqueous flare measurements.
RESULTS
The study included 228 eyes of 114 cases. Scheimpflug images were obtained from 105 eyes. Estimated aqueous flare measurements (in photons/milliseconds) were 4.87, 8.50, 14.81, 25.83, 45.04 and 136.93 for 0, 0.5+, 1+, 1.5+, 2+ and 3+ clinical flare respectively. Group II had higher maximal anterior cortical lens density than Group I (96.6 ± 37.1 vs 77.9 ± 17.1 pixel unit, = 0.001). The measured aqueous flare was significantly related to clinical flare, maximal anterior cortical lens density and pupil aperture (adjusted : 0.480, < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
The back-scattered light from anterior cortical lens could affect laser flare photometry measurements. This effect might be quantified by Scheimpflug imaging.
Topics: Anterior Chamber; Aqueous Humor; Humans; Lasers; Photometry; Uveitis; Uveitis, Anterior
PubMed: 34382443
DOI: 10.1177/11206721211039350 -
Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy :... Nov 2022Non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL) and radiofrequency (RF) are popular for treating periorbital wrinkles owing to short downtime and low risk of side effects. To...
Non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL) and radiofrequency (RF) are popular for treating periorbital wrinkles owing to short downtime and low risk of side effects. To compare the effectiveness and safety of infrared bipolar radiofrequency (IR-RF) and NAFL, including 1540 nm Er: glass and 1927 nm thulium-doped laser, to determine the better option for clinical treatment of periorbital wrinkles. Twenty-seven patients assigned to 3 groups underwent split-face treatment. Two of the three treatments were randomly selected for patients in each group: IR-RF, 1540 nm Er: glass NAFL, and 1927 nm thulium-doped NAFL. Therapeutic outcomes were subjectively and objectively evaluated six months after the last treatment. Side effects and pain evaluations were conducted. Fitzpatrick wrinkle scores revealed no statistical difference for IR-RF, whereas the NAFL-treated sides exhibited significant improvements (p < .05). VISIA analysis of skin texture showed similar results. In IR-RF-treated sides, patients over 50 years old exhibited significant improvements compared with those below 50 (p < .05). The sample size was small. More objective evaluations like photometer measurements are required. NAFL is effective and safe for improving periorbital wrinkles, but IR-RF might be more suitable for elderly patients, particularly those with low pain tolerance.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Middle Aged; Lasers, Solid-State; Thulium; Skin Aging; Radio Waves; Pain
PubMed: 36112733
DOI: 10.1080/14764172.2022.2120618 -
Evaluation of a New Workplace Protection Factor-Measuring Method for Filtering Facepiece Respirator.Safety and Health At Work Mar 2020This study aims to assess whether the TSI PortaCount (Model 8020) is a measuring instrument comparable with the flame photometer. This would provide an indication for...
BACKGROUND
This study aims to assess whether the TSI PortaCount (Model 8020) is a measuring instrument comparable with the flame photometer. This would provide an indication for the suitability of the PortaCount for determining the workplace protection factor for particulate filtering facepiece respirators.
METHODS
The PortaCount (with and without the N95-Companion™) was compared with a stationary flame photometer from Moores (Wallisdown) Ltd (Type 1100), which is a measuring instrument used in the procedure for determining the total inward leakage of the particulate filtering facepiece respirator in the European Standard. Penetration levels of sodium chloride aerosol through sample respirators of two brands (A and B) were determined by the two measuring systems under laboratory conditions. For each brand, thirty-six measurements were conducted. The samples were split into groups according to their protection level, conditioning before testing, and aerosol concentration. The relationship between the gauged data from two measuring systems was determined. In addition, the particle size distribution inside the respirator and outside the respirator was documented. Linear regression analysis was used to calculate the association between the PortaCount (with and without the N95-Companion™) and the flame photometer.
RESULTS
A linear relationship was found between the raw data scaled with the PortaCount (without N95-Companion™) and the data detected by the flame photometer (R = 0.9704) under all test conditions. The distribution of particle size was found to be the same inside and outside the respirator in almost all cases.
CONCLUSION
Based on the obtained data, the PortaCount may be applicable for the determination of workplace protection factor.
PubMed: 32206375
DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2019.11.001 -
Heliyon Sep 2022In sub-Saharan Africa, co-morbidity with malaria, schistosomiasis, and soil transmitted helminths (STH) is common among young children. The current study investigated...
BACKGROUND
In sub-Saharan Africa, co-morbidity with malaria, schistosomiasis, and soil transmitted helminths (STH) is common among young children. The current study investigated malaria, urinary schistosomiasis and their co-infection and anemia among school-age children in an endemic community, Nakolo in the Kassena-Nankana East District of northern Ghana.
METHODS
A cross-sectional survey of 336 school-age children, 5-16 years was undertaken. Urine samples were examined for ova using microscopy. Finger prick blood samples were examined for parasites using microscopy and haemoglobin concentration measured with HemoCue Hb301 photometer.
RESULTS
The mean age was 10.52 (Standard deviation: ±2.27; range: 5-16 years), of which 50.6% (170/336) were males. The overall prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis and was 12.8% (43/336) and 37.8% (127/336), respectively with 6.0% (20/336) coinfection. Participants with only infection had 17.8% (19/107) of moderate anemia whilst 21.7% (5/23) of children infected with only had moderate anemia and 4.3% (1/23) had severe anemia. 5.0 % (1/20) of moderate anemia was observed in concurrent infections of and . Use of open water bodies was associated with increased risk of infection (OR = 1.21; 95% CI = [1.06-1.39]; p = 0.001), with females being at reduced risk (OR = 0.93; 95%CI = [0.87-0.99]; p = 0.005). Absence of self-reported haematuria had 0.81 times reduced odds of infection (OR = 0.81; 95%CI = [0.74-0.87]; p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
This study has revealed that urinary schistosomiasis remains prevalent in Kassena-Nankana East district and suggests that urinary schistosomiasis may contribute to moderate anemia among school-age children as compared to asymptomatic malaria infection. These findings call for an evaluation of the annual mass drug administration of Praziquantel among in-school children to ascertain its impact on urinary schistosomiasis prevalence across the district.
PubMed: 36119865
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10440