ABSTRACT
As people get richer, and ecosystem services scarcer, policy-relevant estimates of ecosystem value must rise.
Subject(s)
Ecosystem , Environmental Policy , Humans , Conservation of Natural Resources , Environmental Policy/economics , Cost-Benefit AnalysisABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Little is known about the impact of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) on skin sensitization caused by chemicals. OBJECTIVES: We determined the ability of different ENPs (TiO2 , Ag and SiO2 ) and aged paint particles containing ENPs to modulate dermal sensitization by a known potent dermal sensitizer. METHODS: The fur of BALB/c mice in the area around the ears was cut with scissors 1 day prior to topical exposure to ENPs (0·4, 4 or 40 mg mL(-1) ), paint particles containing ENPs (4 mg mL(-1) ) or vehicle (day 0). On days 1, 2 and 3, the mice received dermal applications on the back of both ears of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) or vehicle. The stimulation index (SI) was calculated on day 6. RESULTS: Topical exposure to TiO2 , Ag or SiO2 ENPs, or aged paint particles followed by vehicle treatment as a control, did not influence the SI. When 4 mg mL(-1) TiO2 ENPs were applied prior to DNCB sensitization, we found an increased SI compared with vehicle-exposed mice prior to DNCB sensitization. Furthermore, an increased titanium concentration was found in the draining lymph node cells of this group. Topical exposure to Ag or SiO2 ENPs or aged paint particles prior to DNCB sensitization did not influence the SI. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated that topical exposure to TiO2 ENPs increases chemical-induced dermal sensitization.
Subject(s)
Dinitrochlorobenzene/toxicity , Irritants/toxicity , Nanoparticles/administration & dosage , Titanium/pharmacology , Administration, Cutaneous , Allergens/pharmacology , Animals , Dermatitis, Allergic Contact/etiology , Male , Metal Nanoparticles/administration & dosage , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Paint , Silicon Dioxide/pharmacology , Skin/drug effectsSubject(s)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Pneumonectomy , Postoperative Complications/pathology , Pulmonary Veins/pathology , Aged , Cardiac Surgical Procedures , Decompression, Surgical , Dyspnea/etiology , Humans , Male , Mediastinum/surgery , Physical Exertion , Postoperative Complications/surgery , Pressure , Prosthesis Implantation , Pulmonary Veins/surgery , Stroke Volume , ThoracotomyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: With the rising mean age, more patients will be diagnosed with one or more other serious diseases at the time of lung cancer diagnosis. Little is known about the best way to treat elderly patients with comorbidity or the outcome of treatment. This study was undertaken to evaluate the independent effects of age and comorbidity on treatment and prognosis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: All patients with NSCLC diagnosed between 1995 and 1999 in the southern part of the Netherlands (n = 4072) were included. RESULTS: The proportion of patients with localised NSCLC who underwent surgery was 92% in patients younger than 60 years and 9% in those aged 80 years or older. In patients aged 60-79 years this proportion also decreased with comorbidity. In patients with non-localised NSCLC the proportion receiving chemotherapy was considerably higher for those aged less than 60 years (24%) than in those aged 80 or older (2%). The number of comorbid conditions had no significant influence on the treatment chosen for patients with non-localised disease. Multivariable survival analyses showed that age, tumour size, and treatment were independent prognostic factors for patients with localised disease, and stage of disease and treatment for those with non-localised disease. Comorbidity had no independent prognostic effect. CONCLUSIONS: It is questionable whether the less aggressive treatment of elderly patients with NSCLC is justified.
