Inter-comparison of dynamic models for radionuclide transfer to marine biota in a Fukushima accident scenario.

We report an inter-comparison of eight models designed to predict the radiological exposure of radionuclides in marine biota. The models were required to simulate dynamically the uptake and turnover of radionuclides by marine organisms. Model predictions of radionuclide uptake and turnover using kinetic calculations based on biological half-life (TB1/2) and/or more complex metabolic modelling approaches were used to predict activity concentrations and, consequently, dose rates of (90)Sr, (131)I and (137)Cs to fish, crustaceans, macroalgae and molluscs under circumstances where the water concentrations are changing with time. For comparison, the ERICA Tool, a model commonly used in environmental assessment, and which uses equilibrium concentration ratios, was also used. As input to the models we used hydrodynamic forecasts of water and sediment activity concentrations using a simulated scenario reflecting the Fukushima accident releases. Although model variability is important, the intercomparison gives logical results, in that the dynamic models predict consistently a pattern of delayed rise of activity concentration in biota and slow decline instead of the instantaneous equilibrium with the activity concentration in seawater predicted by the ERICA Tool. The differences between ERICA and the dynamic models increase the shorter the TB1/2 becomes; however, there is significant variability between models, underpinned by parameter and methodological differences between them. The need to validate the dynamic models used in this intercomparison has been highlighted, particularly in regards to optimisation of the model biokinetic parameters.

Radionuclide biological half-life values for terrestrial and aquatic wildlife.

The equilibrium concentration ratio is typically the parameter used to estimate organism activity concentrations within wildlife dose assessment tools. Whilst this is assumed to be fit for purpose, there are scenarios such as accidental or irregular, fluctuating, releases from licensed facilities when this might not be the case. In such circumstances, the concentration ratio approach may under- or over-estimate radiation exposure depending upon the time since the release. To carrying out assessments for such releases, a dynamic approach is needed. The simplest and most practical option is representing the uptake and turnover processes by first-order kinetics, for which organism- and element-specific biological half-life data are required. In this paper we describe the development of a freely available international database of radionuclide biological half-life values. The database includes 1907 entries for terrestrial, freshwater, riparian and marine organisms. Biological half-life values are reported for 52 elements across a range of wildlife groups (marine = 9, freshwater = 10, terrestrial = 7 and riparian = 3 groups). Potential applications and limitations of the database are discussed.

[Rehabilitation of war injuries associated with peripheral nerve lesions]. / Rehabilitacija povredenih s lezijama perifernih nerava nastalih u ratnim uslovima.

The objective of this study was to examine frequency, characteristics and results of hospital medical rehabilitation of war injured patients with peripheral nerve lesions. War injured patients with peripheral nerve lesions make 10.83% of all war injured hospitalized patients. The major etiologic factor in these injuries were firearms. Most injured aged 26 to 36 years of age, whereas men were injured more often than women. The injuries were primarily localized in the regions of axilla, upper leg and upper arm. In regard to upper extremities injuries most often occurred on the right side or bilaterally. Injuries of n. ischiadicus, combination of n. ulnaris and n. medianus occurred more frequently than injuries of other peripheral nerves. Electromyoneurographic and neurosurgical findings point to frequent partial-severe and complete nerve lesions. After hospital treatment lasting 4.6 months on the average, unsatisfactory functional reparation was found in most injured patients. This demands further control, continuous medical as well as social and professional rehabilitation.

[Identification and rehabilitation of high-risk patients in the prevention of atherosclerotic ulceration]. / Identifikacija i rehabilitacija visokorizicnog pacijenta u prevenciji ateroskleroznih ulceracija.

From the medicosocial point of view, arteriosclerosis obliterans is important not only because of the increased number of the diseased, but also because of being more and more prominent in the mortality of cardiovascular diseases. This paper presents a case report which points to the importance of synchronized diagnostic and therapeutic process--on time identification of the II clinical stage of arteriosclerosis obliterans (electromyoneurography, US-Doppler, perfusion pressure), and application of physiotherapeutic measures which can contribute to effective therapy and rehabilitation. Using vasotrain apparatus (hyper-hypo-baric-effect) and other therapeutic measures in the patient with arteriosclerosis obliterans, diabetic polyneuropathy and compression traumatic radiculopathy, regression from the IIB to IIA clinical stage was achieved as well as of features of diabetic polyneuropathy. In this way the III clinical stage of arteriosclerosis obliterans can be delayed.

[Discitis after lumbar diskectomy]. / Discitis nakon lumbalne diskektomije.

The aim of this study was to examine the frequency and clinical course for early diagnosis (earlier signs-index of suspicion, later signs) and different clinical presentation of disctitis at deep infection wound (DIW) and superficially infection wound (SIW). The medical histories of adult patients, which were all hospitalized after lumbar discectomy at the Department of Rehabilitation during a 5-year period (1986-1990) was retrospectively analysed. The incidence of discitis by 231 patients was 0.43%. DIW 0.43%, and SIW 0.86% is incidence by 231 patients. Infection group with seven patients (three discitis, two DIW, two SIW) and control seria of 52 patients (to be clinically satisfactory) was studied in detail, to the clinical presentation. The most consistent clinical signs at previous diagnosis all patients with discitis, beside 1) delayed strong back pain and 2) erythrocite sedimentation rate (ESR) highly elevated (near 50) in week 2, is 3) increasing course of ESR from week 2 to 4, postoperatively. On the contrary, all patients with DIW and SIW had an decreasing course of ESR from week 2 to 4, postoperatively. ESR of all patients with DIW > 50 < SIW on week 2 postoperatively, which is important for their differentiation along with local signs of the wound. The later signs for diagnosis and differentiation of all patients with discitis from DIW and SIW are typical radiographic findings on discitis, and duration of ESR normalization, beside other signs here analyzed.

[Prevention of decubitus, edema, contractures]. / Prevencija dekubitusa, edema, kontraktura.

This paper presents a historical reminder of the development of medical care, a contemporary consideration of the division of care, as well as the definition of the term-quality medical care, and a review of the preventive measures for bed-sore, edema and contracture. In regard to the fact that care and therapy are a tightly bound process, they must also be applied as such. The definition of the term-quality medical care is an open question. The prevention of bed-sore, edema and contracture is the element of quality care.