Support for the "Vancouver call for action to strengthen expertise in radiological protection worldwide": the position of organisations in formal relations with the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP).

The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), recently expressed concern that "a shortage of investment in training, education, research, and infrastructure seen in many sectors and countries may compromise society's ability to properly manage radiation risks" and in 2022 announced the "Vancouver call for action to strengthen expertise in radiological protection worldwide". As representatives of organisations in formal relations with ICRP, we decided to promote this position paper to declare and emphasise that strengthening the expertise in radiological protection is a collective priority for all of us.

The future of our radiation protection profession.

There is widespread recognition of the challenge of an ageing profession and the need to recruit, train and retain the next generation of radiation protection professionals. This challenge was the topic of a special session at the International Radiation Protection Association IRPA15 International Congress. It is necessary to address three key aspects: capturing the future professional: gaining RP knowledge and skills: addressing retention, development and career progression. We must support the flow of students into science-based topics and attractively promote our profession. The availability of university and other training courses, together with research opportunities, must be supported. Mentoring of young professionals is key, supported by empathetic seniors in the profession. The overall challenge necessitates cooperation across a wide range of organisations at both international and national level.

Promoting safer sex in the context of heterosexual anal intercourse: A scoping review.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To locate and summarise existing literature regarding safer sex practices specific to heterosexual anal intercourse and identify promising health promotion strategies. BACKGROUND: Much of the literature regarding anal intercourse and safer sex is related to men who have sex with men. However, some studies suggest there are more women than men engaging in unprotected receptive anal intercourse. The risks associated with this sexual practice have been well documented, although many healthcare providers fail to ask about anal intercourse while addressing safer sex in the heterosexual population. DESIGN: The study was based on Arksey and O'Malley's 2005 five-step methodology. METHODS: A search was conducted of MEDLINE; CINAHL; PsycInfo; Cochrane; and PubMed. Databases were searched from 1990-2020. The 72 studies selected were classified according to their main area of focus. A grey literature search was also included. This scientific submission has been assessed for accuracy and completeness using the PRISMA-ScR guideline criteria (File S1). RESULTS: The literature in this area is heterogeneous in terms of method and topic. Prevalence and incidence (n = 26) in addition to sexually transmitted infection risks (n = 26) related to heterosexual anal intercourse are well understood. However, there is limited information on condom use (n = 6), factors that influence heterosexual anal intercourse (n = 10) and health promotion strategies for this population and practice (n = 4). Two websites that mentioned heterosexual anal intercourse risk reduction activities were included. CONCLUSIONS: Although heterosexual anal intercourse appears to be an increasingly common sexual practice, very little is known about health promotion strategies nurses might use for encouraging safer sex in this population. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Increased awareness of the prevalence and risks of heterosexual anal intercourse could enhance nurses' harm reduction strategies. Screening for sexually transmitted infections may be based on incorrect assumptions about sexual practices or due to stigma linked with anal intercourse. Reducing unprotected heterosexual anal intercourse will reduce sexually transmitted infections and their long-term sequelae.

Teaching from the primary inorganic literature: lessons from Richard Andersen.

For many who passed through his classroom, Richard Andersen demonstrated how inorganic chemistry can be taught by incorporating the research literature. The Interactive Online Network of Inorganic Chemists (IONiC) through its website and summer workshops for faculty has supported the development and sharing of more than a hundred exercises or "learning objects" derived from articles highlighting research across the inorganic field. Faculty can adapt and implement these learning objects in their own classrooms to achieve goals such as demonstrating historical context, teaching course material via current research, and elaborating on the scientific process. Literature discussion learning objects highlight current and past research in inorganic chemistry and teach students both chemistry content and how the body of inorganic knowledge is constructed.

Multicenter, randomized controlled, observer-blinded study of a nitric oxide generating treatment in foot ulcers of patients with diabetes-ProNOx1 study.

The aim of this multicenter, prospective, observer-blinded, parallel group, randomized controlled trial was to assess the safety and efficacy of EDX110, a nitric oxide generating medical device, in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers in a patient group reflecting "real world" clinical practice compared against optimal standard care. Participants were recruited from ten hospital sites in multidisciplinary foot ulcer clinics. The ulcers were full thickness, with an area of 25-2,500 mm2 and either a palpable pedal pulse or ankle brachial pressure index > 0.5. Infected ulcers were included. Treatment lasted 12 weeks, or until healed, with a 12-week follow-up period. Both arms were given optimal debridement, offloading and antimicrobial treatment, the only difference being the fixed used of EDX110 as the wound dressing in the EDX110 group. 135 participants were recruited with 148 ulcers (EDX110-75; Control-73), 30% of which were clinically infected at baseline. EDX110 achieved its primary endpoint by attaining a median Percentage Area Reduction of 88.6% compared to 46.9% for the control group (p = 0.016) at 12 weeks in the intention-to-treat population. There was no significant difference between wound size reduction achieved by EDX110 after 4 weeks and the wound size reduction achieved in the control group after 12 weeks. EDX110 was well tolerated. Thirty serious adverse events were reported (12 in the EDX110 group, of which 4 were related to the ulcer; 18 in the control group, of which 10 were related and 1 possibly related to the ulcer), with significant reduction in serious adverse events related to the ulcer in EDX group. There was no significant difference in adverse events. This study, in a real world clinical foot ulcer population, demonstrates the ability of EDX110 to improve healing, as measured by significantly reducing the ulcer area, compared to current best clinical practice.

Activity of a nitric oxide-generating wound treatment system against wound pathogen biofilms.

Wound bioburden plays an important role in impaired healing and development of infection-related complications. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of an innovative two-layer nitric oxide-generating system (NOx) to prevent and treat biofilms formed by bacterial and fungal pathogens commonly associated with wound infection, and activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence factors. Single- and mixed-species biofilms were grown for 24 h on nitrocellulose filters placed on agar. Filters were covered with either NOx or placebo, before and after biofilm formation. Populations of bacteria and yeasts were determined using viable counts. Pyocyanin and elastase production from P. aeruginosa were determined in supernatants derived from suspended biofilms. Efficacy of NOx was demonstrated against Staphylococcus aureus, P. aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli and Candida spp. Population reductions between 2- and 10-log fold were observed. Pyocyanin and elastase activities from P. aeruginosa were reduced 1.9- and 3.2-fold, respectively. This study demonstrated activity of NOx against formation and treatment of single- and mixed-species biofilms, including multidrug-resistant strains. NOx represents a new generation of antimicrobial agent with potent, broad-spectrum activity, and with no evidence of resistance development.

Impact of the introduction of an endotracheal tube attachment device on the incidence and severity of oral pressure injuries in the intensive care unit: a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Endotracheal tube (ETT) fasteners such as the AnchorFast™ claim to assist with the prevention of oral pressure injuries in intubated patients, however evidence to support their clinical efficacy is limited. This retrospective observational study aimed to investigate the impact of the introduction of the AnchorFast™ device on the incidence of oral pressure injuries in mechanically ventilated patients. METHODS: Data was collected from patient case notes and clinical incident reports for October 2010 to June 2013 (pre-AnchorFast) and July 2013 to March 2016 (post-AnchorFast). Incidence and location of oral pressure injuries associated with securing device, and compliance with institutional policies related to reducing oral pressure injuries were recorded. RESULTS: Incidence of oral pressure injuries increased from 1.53/100 intubated patients in the pre-AnchorFast period to 3.73/100 intubated patients in the post-AnchorFast period (IRR = 2.43, 95%CI = 1.35-4.38; p = 0.003). Across both study periods, patients with an ETT secured using AnchorFast™ had significantly increased risk of oral pressure injuries (IRR = 2.03, 95%CI = 1.17-3.51; p = 0.02). There was also a significant difference in location of pressure injuries sustained with ETTs secured using cloth tapes (53.6% in corner of the mouth) vs. AnchorFast™ (75% on the lips) (p = 0.008). Among patients with oral pressure injuries, compliance with institutional policies relating to the prevention of pressure injuries was significantly greater after the introduction of the AnchorFast™ (9.1% vs 64.5%, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of oral pressure injuries increased significantly following the introduction of the AnchorFast™ device. Further research is required to establish the reasons for this observed increase to and identify ways to reduce the risk of pressure injuries with ETT securement devices.

Factors influencing quality of sleep among non-mechanically ventilated patients in the Intensive Care Unit.

AIM: To investigate the self-reported quality of sleep of non-mechanically ventilated patients admitted to an ICU, and to identify barriers to sleep in this setting. METHOD: Patients admitted to the ICU of Frankston Hospital over a two month period who had spent at least one night in the ICU, and had not received mechanical ventilation were surveyed as they were discharged from the ICU. This survey required patients to rate the quality of their sleep in the ICU and at home immediately prior to hospitalisation on a 10cm visual analogue scale; and to identify perceived barriers to sleep in the ICU and at home prior to hospitalisation. RESULTS: 56 respondents were surveyed during the study period. Median age was 74 years (range=18-92 years); median ICU length of stay was 1 day (range=1-7 days). Overall, respondents rated their quality of sleep in ICU (median=4.9/10) as significantly worse than at home immediately prior to ICU admission (median=7.15/10; Z=-3.02, p<0.002); however 44% of respondents rated their quality of sleep in ICU as better, or no worse, than at home immediately prior to hospitalisation. Sub-group analysis revealed that among patients with reduced quality of sleep (<5/10) prior to hospitalisation, 71.4% rated their quality of sleep in ICU as better, or no worse, than at home prior to hospitalisation, with no significant difference between sleep quality ratings in ICU and at home (p=0.341). Respondents identified the following as barriers to sleep in the ICU: noise levels overnight (53.6%); discomfort (33.9%); pain (32.1%); being awoken for procedures (32%); being attached to medical devices (28.6%); stress/anxiety (26.8%); and light levels (23.2%). CONCLUSION: Pre-hospitalisation sleep quality appears to be an important influence on sleep in ICU. Many barriers to sleep in the ICU identified by respondents are potentially modifiable.

Great expectations: using an analysis of current practices to propose a framework for the undergraduate inorganic curriculum.

The undergraduate inorganic chemistry curriculum in the United States mirrors the broad diversity of the inorganic research community and poses a challenge for the development of a coherent curriculum that is thorough, rigorous, and engaging. A recent large survey of the inorganic community has provided information about the current organization and content of the inorganic curriculum from an institutional level. The data reveal shared "core" concepts that are broadly taught, with tremendous variation in content coverage beyond these central ideas. The data provide an opportunity for a community-driven discussion about how the American Chemical Society's Committee on Professional Training's vision of a foundation and in-depth course for each of the five subdisciplines maps onto an inorganic chemistry curriculum that is consistent in its coverage of the core inorganic concepts, yet reflects the diversity and creativity of the inorganic community. The goal of this Viewpoint is to present the current state of the diverse undergraduate curriculum and lay a framework for an effective and engaging curriculum that illustrates the essential role inorganic chemistry plays within the chemistry community.

Familial resemblance of body composition, physical activity, and resting metabolic rate in pre-school children.

BACKGROUND: Although parental obesity is a well-established predisposing factor for the development of obesity, associations between regional body compositions, resting metabolic rates (RMR), and physical activity (PA) of parents and their pre-school children remain unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate parent-child correlations for total and regional body compositions, resting energy expenditures, and physical activity. METHODS: Participants were 89 children aged 2-6 years and their parents, consisting of 61 families. Resting metabolic rate was assessed using indirect calorimetry. Total and regional body compositions were measured by both dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and deuterium dilution. Physical activity was assessed by an accelerometer. RESULTS: There was a significant parent-offspring regression for total fat free mass (FFM) between children and their mothers (P=0.02), fathers (P=0.02), and mid-parent (average of father and mother value) (P=0.002) when measured by DXA. The same was true for fat mass (FM) between children and mothers (P<0.01), fathers (P=0.02), and mid-parent (P=0.001). There was no significant association between children and parents for physical activity during the entire week, weekend, weekdays, and different parts of days, except for morning activity, which was positively related to the mothers' morning activities (P<0.01) and mid-parent (P=0.009). No association was found between RMR of children and parents before and after correction for FFM and FM. CONCLUSION: These data suggest a familial resemblance for total body composition between children and their parents. Our data showed no familial resemblance for PA and RMR between children and their parents.

Age, gender and disease-related platelet and neutrophil activation ex vivo in whole blood samples from patients with Behçet's disease.

OBJECTIVES: Behçet's disease (BD) is more severe among young males and disease severity decreases with age. Therefore, the effect of disease activity, gender and age on platelet and neutrophil activation in whole blood taken from patients with BD was investigated. METHODS: Using an anti-coagulant Tripotassium ethylenediaminetetra acetic acid (K3EDTA) plus citrate-theophylline-adenosine-dipyridamole (CTAD) (K3EDTA/CTAD) that preserves the degree of platelet activation that exists in vivo, we assessed neutrophil and platelet activation, microparticles, and monocyte and neutrophil-platelet aggregate formation in 43 BD patients using flow cytometry. This is the first description of platelet activation and microparticles in BD patients using this methodology. RESULTS: Inactive [2.78 (0.56)%, P = 0.0009; 3.11 (0.78)%, P < 0.0001] and active [2.28 (0.84)%, P < 0.0001; 3.071 (0.67)%, P = 0.0031] BD patients had significantly higher percentages of CD62P-expressing platelets and CD62P+ platelet microparticles as compared with healthy controls (HCs) [0.84 (0.1)% and 1.23 (0.14)%], respectively. The percentages of CD62P+ platelets and CD62P+ platelet microparticles in female and male BD patients were also significantly higher than those expressed by female and male HCs. The percentages of CD62P+ microparticles were significantly increased in the 20-30-(P = 0.0301) and 31-50-(P < 0.0162) year age ranges, but not in the >50-year age group of BD patients. CONCLUSION: BD is a rare, chronic multi-systemic vasculitis and interaction of activated platelets with leucocytes has been linked to pathological disorders associated with vascular inflammation. Importantly, this study demonstrates that platelet microparticle activation is increased in BD. Also, this is the first report in which changes in platelet activation in BD are concordant with the observations that BD disease activity diminishes with age.

Inorganic chemistry and IONiC: an online community bringing cutting-edge research into the classroom.

This Viewpoint highlights creative ways that members of the Interactive Online Network of Inorganic Chemists (IONiC) are using journal articles from Inorganic Chemistry to engage undergraduate students in the classroom. We provide information about specific educational materials and networking features available free of charge to the inorganic community on IONiC's web home, the Virtual Inorganic Pedagogical Electronic Resource (VIPEr, www.ionicviper.org ) and describe the benefits of joining this community.

Evaluating energy intake measurement in free-living subjects: when to record and for how long?

OBJECTIVE: To nutritionally analyse mean energy intake (EI) from different 3 d intervals within a 7 d recording period and to evaluate the seasonal effect on energy and nutrient intake. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of dietary intake collected with 7 d food diaries. SETTING: Aberdeen, north-east Scotland, UK, between 2002 and 2004. SUBJECTS: Participants from two long-term trials were pooled. These trials, investigating genetic and environmental influences on body weight, were the Genotyping And Phenotyping (GAP) study and a cohort observational study, Rowett Assessment of Childhood Appetite and metaboLism (RASCAL). There were 260 Caucasian adults, BMI range 16.7-49.3 kg/m2, age range 21-64 years. RESULTS: Mean EI for Wednesday, Friday and Saturday had the closest approximation to the 7 d mean (0.1 % overestimate). A gender x season interaction (P = 0.019) with a different intake pattern for females and males was observed. For females, lower mean (se) EI was recorded in summer (8117 (610) kJ) and autumn (7941 (699) kJ) compared with spring (8929 (979) kJ) and winter (8132 (1041) kJ). For males, higher mean (se) EI was recorded in summer (10 420 (736) kJ) and autumn (10 490 (1041) kJ) compared with spring (9319 (1441) kJ) and winter (9103 (1505) kJ). CONCLUSIONS: The study results indicate that 3 d weighed intakes recorded from Wednesday, Friday and Saturday are most representative of 7 d habitual intake in free-living subjects. They also indicate that seasonality has a limited effect on EI and no effect on macronutrient intake.

Increased television viewing is associated with elevated body fatness but not with lower total energy expenditure in children.

BACKGROUND: Television (TV) viewing in children is associated with a higher body mass index, but it is unknown whether this reflects body fatness, and, if it does, why. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to investigate whether TV viewing is associated with body fatness, physical activity, and total energy expenditure in preschool children. DESIGN: Eighty-nine children were recruited into a cross-sectional study. Total daily energy expenditure (TEE) was measured by doubly labeled water, body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and physical activity by accelerometry. RESULTS: There was a significant positive association between fat mass (corrected for fat-free body mass) and TV viewing (F = 9.05, P = 0.004). Each extra hour of watching TV was associated with an extra 1 kg of body fat. Children who watched more TV were also significantly less physically active (F = 5.16, P = 0.026). Independent of body composition and sex, children with greater physical activity levels had higher TEE (F = 5.15, P = 0.029); however, physical activity did not mediate the relation between TV viewing and adiposity (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Preschool children who watch more TV are fatter and are less active, and activity influences TEE. However, despite TV viewing being linked to lower physical activity, the relation between TV viewing and fatness is not mediated by physical activity. The results suggest that a relation between TV viewing and fatness is more likely to be due to an effect on food intake.

Assortative mating for obesity.

BACKGROUND: Assortative mating is the nonrandom mating of individuals with respect to phenotype and cultural factors. Previous studies of assortative mating for obesity have indicated that it may have contributed to the obesity epidemic. However, those studies all used body mass index or skinfold thicknesses to measure obesity and did not always account for potential confounding factors. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the level of assortative mating for obesity by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to characterize body composition. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study of 42 couples. RESULTS: Raw spousal correlations showed assortative mating for age, weight, body mass index, lean mass, and fat mass. Removing the effect of age on fat mass strengthened the spousal correlation (r = 0.405). Social homogamy did not appear to be important, because in this sample there was no significant effect of area of origin on age-corrected fat and lean tissue masses for either sex. Regional body-composition analysis showed that subjects with disproportionately large arms (both fat and lean) assortatively mated with partners with the same trait. However, both men and women with high lean tissue in their arms assortatively mated with partners that had a disproportionately low fat content in their legs. CONCLUSIONS: These data confirm that assortative mating for obesity exists when dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry is used to evaluate adiposity. We hypothesize that assortative mating may have contributed to the obesity epidemic because the time course of obesity development has shifted progressively earlier, allowing singles in their late teens and early twenties to more easily distinguish partners with obese and lean phenotypes.

Cultivation of an interdisciplinary, research-based neuroscience minor at hope college.

Hope College is an undergraduate liberal arts college with an enrollment of approximately 3,000 students. In the spring of 2005, we began to offer an interdisciplinary neuroscience minor program that is open to all students. The objective of this program is to introduce students to the field of neuroscience, and to do so in such a way as to broaden students' disciplinary perspectives, enhance communication and quantitative skills, and increase higher-level reasoning skills by encouraging collaboration among students who have different disciplinary backgrounds. This is a research-based program that culminates in a one-year capstone research course. Here we present the story of the program development at Hope College, including a description of our newly developed curriculum, our initial assessment data, and the lessons we have learned in developing this program.