Radon and Lung Cancer: Current Status and Future Prospects.

Beyond tobacco smoking, radon takes its place as the second most significant contributor to lung cancer, excluding hereditary and other biologically related factors. Radon and its byproducts play a pivotal role in exposing humans to elevated levels of natural radiation. Approximately 10-20% of lung cancer cases worldwide can be attributed to radon exposure, leading to between 3% and 20% of all lung cancer-related deaths. Nevertheless, a knowledge gap persists regarding the association between radon and lung cancer, impeding radon risk reduction initiatives globally. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in epidemiology, cell biology, dosimetry, and risk modeling concerning radon exposure and its relevance to lung cancer. It also delves into methods for measuring radon concentrations, monitoring radon risk zones, and identifying priorities for future research.

Predicting Instability Risk Following Hemiarthroplasty for Femoral Neck Hip Fractures in Geriatric Patients.

BACKGROUND: Although a rare complication, dislocation following hemiarthroplasty (HA) for a femoral neck hip fracture is associated with increased mortality, readmission, and possible revision surgery. To date many of the specific risk factors have been difficult to demonstrate. Patient factors, surgical factors, as well as morphological factors need to be assessed. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to elucidate the risk factors for dislocation of HA following femoral neck hip fractures in the geriatric population. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of 270 patients who had hip fractures. Medical records between the years 2016 and 2022 informed binomial regression predictive models. The discriminative ability of variables in the final model and acetabular anteversion to predict dislocation was assessed with area under the curve (AUC) estimates. RESULTS: Center edge angle (odds ratio 1.23), abduction angle (odds ratio 1.17), and depth width ratio (2.96e-11) were significant predictors of dislocation (P = .003, .028, and <.001, respectively). Center edge angle and depth width ratio (<44.1 ° and .298), respectively, were cut scores for risk. Dementia had a high discriminative of ability, as did men (AUC = 0.617, 0.558, respectively). Acetabular anteversion was not predictive of dislocation (P = .259) and theorized anteversion safe zones had poor discriminative ability with AUCs of 0.510 and 0.503, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Morphological factors related to hip dysplasia and a shallow acetabulum, which can be assessed with a radiograph alone, were found to be predictors of instability following HA in the elderly. Hemiarthroplasty implant design and manufacturer, and also acetabular version did not contribute to instability risk.

HeberFERON en el tratamiento de pacientes con carcinoma basocelular en zona de alto riesgo / HeberFERON in the Treatment of Patients with Basal Cell Carcinoma on a High-Risk Zone

Introducción: El carcinoma basocelular es un tumor de invasión local de crecimiento; se origina en las células epidérmicas de los folículos pilosos o las células basales de la epidermis, cuando se localizan en zona de alto riesgo en la cara tienen un mayor índice de recurrencia tumoral y de invasión a estructuras adyacentes y subyacentes. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados de la aplicación del HeberFERON en pacientes con carcinoma basocelular en zona de alto riesgo. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y prospectivo en pacientes con diagnóstico clínico, dermatoscópico e histopatológico de carcinoma basocelular en zona de alto riesgo, tratados con HeberFERON en la consulta del Policlínico Centro de Sancti Spíritus desde el 12 de enero de 2016 hasta el 25 de marzo de 2022. La muestra quedó conformada por 62 pacientes Las principales variables estudiadas fueron la respuesta al tratamiento y los eventos adversos. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino, el área urbana, fototipocutáneo III y la edad mayor de 40 años. La localización más frecuente fue la nasal; el subtipo clínico el nódulo ulcerativo; el histológico, el sólido; el tumor primitivo y menor de 2 cm; la respuesta al tratamiento fue completa en la mayoría de los pacientes. Los eventos adversos más comunes fueron dolor y ardor en el sitio de inyección, edema y eritema perilesional, fiebre y cefalea. Conclusiones: La mayoría de los pacientes tratados con HeberFERON tuvieron una respuesta completa, los eventos adversos fueron los descritos en la literatura por el uso de interferones, sin cambio en la actitud farmacológica(AU)

Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma is a growing and locally invasive tumor; it originates in the epidermal cells of hair follicles or the basal cells of the epidermis. When located in a high-risk facial zone, they present a higher rate of tumor recurrence and invasion to adjacent and underlying structures. Objective: To evaluate the results of HeberFERON application in patients with basal cell carcinoma on a high-risk zone. Methods: An observational, descriptive and prospective study was conducted in patients with a clinical, dermatoscopic and histopathological diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma on a high-risk zone, treated with HeberFERON in the consultation of Policlínico Centro of Sancti Spíritus, from January 12, 2016 to March 25, 2022. The sample was made up of 62 patients. The main variables studied were response to treatment and adverse events. Results: There was a predominance of the male sex, the urban area, skin phototype III and age over 40 years. The most frequent localization was nasal; the clinical subtype, ulcerative nodule; the histological subtype, solid. The response to treatment was complete in most patients. The most common adverse events were pain and burning at the injection site, perilesional erythema and edema, fever and headache. Conclusions: Most patients treated with HeberFERON had a complete response; the adverse events were those described in the literature due to the use of interferons, with no change in pharmacological behavior(AU)

The quality of beef in the conditions of the former Semipalatinsk Test Site.

The territory of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site represents vast areas of grassy steppes, their use as pastures seems promising. The purpose of work was to compare beef samples obtained from settlements belonging to different categories of radiation risk: Kokpekty village, Chagan urban-type settlement, Krivinka village, Sarzhal village, three samples were examined from each settlement. Organoleptic analysis, radiometric determination of 137 Cs, was used as criteria. Also, an analysis of the amino acid composition by the high-performance liquid chromatograph method was carried out and a calculation of protein indicators was made: meat tenderness, amino acid usefulness, nutrition value. The organoleptic examination showed the compliance of all samples with the standards, with the exception of one sample from the Sarzhal village. The study of the specific activity of 137 Cs showed a direct correlation between the category of radiation risk and the content of this radioisotope in meat from different zones. The availability of some deviations in the samples indicators obtained from the Sarzhal village indicates the need to approach the products control from this zone more carefully, and radioisotope analysis should become a decisive criterion in determining the safety profile of the product.

Spatial variation of covid-19 morbidity status and identification of risk zone in Tamil Nadu (India) during first wave.

COVID-19 is a pandemic disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The study area, Tamilnadu, is a southern state in India. The present study demonstrates the significance of mapping in identifying the risk zones of COVID-19 disease by taking a study of COVID-19 cases in Tamilnadu state. The main objective of the study was to identify the risk zone of COVID-19 disease in the first wave of Tamilnadu through geospatial mapping. Data on COVID-19 cases collected during March 2020 to March 2021 month wise in all 37 districts (unit area) of Tamilnadu in two-month interval wise was analysed. The study is based on secondary sources from respective office in Tamilnadu. Z-score techniques were used for standardizing data. Correlation analysis provided a measure of correlation between COVID-19 and working population. Location Quotient analysis aided the identification of COVID-19 risk zones in Tamilnadu. Present study indicates tertiary workers are more vulnerable to COVID-19 disease.

Mapping the forest fire risk zones using artificial intelligence with risk factors data.

Geographical information system data has been used in forest fire risk zone mapping studies commonly. However, forest fires are caused by many factors, which cannot be explained only by geographical and meteorological reasons. Human-induced factors also play an important role in occurrence of forest fires, and these factors depend on various social and economic conditions. This article aims to prepare a fire risk zone map by using a data set consisting of 11 human-induced factors, a natural factor, and temperature, which is one of the risk factors that determine the conditions for the occurrence of forest fires. Moreover, k-means clustering algorithm, which is an artificial intelligence method, was employed in preparation of the fire risk zone map. Turkey was selected as the study area because there are social and economic variations among its regions. Thus, the regional forest directorates in Turkey were separated into four clusters as extreme-risk zone, high-risk zone, moderate-risk zone, and low-risk zone. Also, a map presenting these risk zones were provided. The map reveals that, in general, the western and southwestern coastal areas of Turkey are at high risk of forest fires. On the other hand, the fire risk is relatively low in the northern, central, and eastern areas.

On Natural History and Management of Colloid Cysts: Time to Rethink?

BACKGROUND: Colloid cysts, although benign, may occasionally cause obstructive hydrocephalus and sudden death. Reliable prognostic factors for symptomatic progression have been sought, with heterogenous results. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of all cases of colloid cysts of the third ventricle managed at our center between 2009 and 2019. Clinical and neuroimaging characteristics were analyzed using logistic regression in relation to symptomatic status and hydrocephalus. The cutoff values for outcome prediction were calculated using the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: There were 82 patients with colloid cysts, of whom 60 were asymptomatic and 22 symptomatic. None of the asymptomatic patients experienced acute neurologic decline or hydrocephalus during follow-up, whereas half (n = 11) of the symptomatic patients presented with hydrocephalus, 8 of whom had acute hydrocephalus. We found 3 putative candidate risk factors for symptomatic colloid cysts: T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging hyperintense/mixed signal appearance (P = 0.004), location in risk zone I (P = 0.007), and a volume >236.49 mm3 (P = 0.007). Cyst diameter and volume/foramen of Monro diameter ratios had a decreasing trend over time among asymptomatic patients, providing new insights into the natural history of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Only a few asymptomatic colloid cysts showed progression requiring surgery, with no acute deterioration or fatal events, whereas the rest remained stable over time, thus supporting a more conservative approach for this group of patients. Higher risk for developing symptomatic colloid cyst was defined by a risk score that included T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging appearance, risk zone, and colloid cyst volume, aiding the detection of patients at risk of clinical deterioration.

ArboAlvo: stratification method for territorial receptivity to urban arboviruses / ArboAlvo: método de estratificação da receptividade territorial às arboviroses urbanas

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To present the urban arboviruses (dengue, zika and chikungunya) stratification methodology by the territorial receptivity Index, an instrument for the surveillance and control of these diseases, which considers the heterogeneity of an intra-municipal territory. METHODS Ecological study that uses as unit of analysis the areas covered by health centers in Belo Horizonte. For the development of a territorial receptivity index, indicators of socio-environmental determination of urban arboviruses were selected in order to integrate the analysis of main components. The resulting components were weighted by the analytic hierarchy process and combined via map algebra. RESULTS The territorial receptivity index showed great heterogeneity of urban infrastructure conditions. The areas classified with high and very high receptivity correspond to approximately 33% of the occupied area and are mainly concentrated in the administrative planning regions of East, Northeast, North, West, and Barreiro, especially in areas surrounding the municipality. When the density of dengue cases and Aedes eggs, from 2016, were superimposed with the stratification by the index of territorial receptivity to urban arboviruses, areas of very high receptivity had a high density of cases and Aedes eggs - higher than that observed in other areas of the city, which corresponds to a very small percentage of the municipal territory (13.5%). CONCLUSION The analyses indicate the need for the development of adequate surveillance and control actions for each context, overcoming the logic of homogeneous allocation throughout the territory.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Apresentar a metodologia de estratificação das arboviroses urbanas (dengue, zika e chikungunya) pelo índice de receptividade territorial, instrumento de vigilância e controle dessas doenças que considera a heterogeneidade territorial intramunicipal. MÉTODOS Estudo ecológico que utiliza como unidade de análise as áreas de abrangência dos centros de saúde de Belo Horizonte (MG). Para a construção do índice de receptividade territorial foram selecionados indicadores de determinação socioambiental das arboviroses urbanas a fim de integrar à análise de componentes principais. As componentes resultantes foram ponderadas por análise de processos hierárquicos e agregadas por meio de álgebra de mapas. RESULTADOS O índice de receptividade territorial evidenciou grande heterogeneidade das condições de infraestrutura urbana. As áreas classificadas como alta e muito alta receptividade correspondem a aproximadamente 33% da área ocupada e se concentram sobretudo nas regiões de planejamento administrativo Leste, Nordeste, Norte, Oeste e Barreiro, principalmente em áreas limítrofes do município. Quando sobrepostas à densidade de casos de dengue e de ovos de Aedes em 2016, a estratificação pelo índice de receptividade territorial às arboviroses urbanas demonstra que áreas de muito alta receptividade apresentam uma densidade de casos, bem como de ovos de Aedes superior àquela observada nas demais áreas da cidade, o que corresponde a um percentual bastante reduzido do território municipal (13,5%). CONCLUSÕES As análises indicam a necessidade do desenvolvimento de ações de vigilância e controle adequadas para cada contexto, superando, assim, a lógica de alocação homogênea em todo o território.

A Qualitative Risk Assessment of Rabies Reintroduction Into the Rabies Low-Risk Zone of Bhutan.

In Bhutan, dog-mediated rabies has been successfully eliminated from most regions of the country but remains endemic in the Southern region and sporadic incursions are also reported in the East. Elimination of rabies from the southern part of Bhutan is challenged by the porous border with the neighboring states of India which facilitates free and unregulated movement of animals. Around 17 outbreaks of rabies are reported annually in dogs and other domestic animals, posing continuous public health risks and economic losses. Furthermore, due to anthropogenic factors, such as increasing human settlements along highways, increased animal transportation, and the complex and changing human-pet relationship, there is potential to reintroduce rabies from rabies high-risk zone to rabies low-risk zone. This study was undertaken to estimate the risk of rabies re-introduction to the rabies low-risk zone by performing a qualitative risk assessment. The assessment was conducted for three risk pathways (stray dog-pathway, pet dog-pathway and cattle-pathway) under two scenarios: (1) no risk mitigation measures in place and (2) current risk mitigation measures in place. The current control measures include Government led programs, such as mass dog vaccination and dog population management, regulation of the movment of animals through pre-travel check-up and health certification, regular awareness education and rabies surveillance in the rabies endemic areas. The probability of an event occurring was assigned using the data from the available literature. Where gaps in knowledge existed, expert opinion, elicited through modified Delphi method, was used. Under the scenario in which no risk mitigation measures were in place, the risk of rabies re-introduction was estimated to be medium for the stray-dog pathway with a low level of uncertainty, low for pet-dog pathway with a low level of uncertainty, and very low for the cattle-pathway with a medium level of uncertainty. When current risk-mitigation measures were included, the risk of rabies reintroduction was estimated to be very low for the stray-dog pathway with a medium level of uncertainty, low for the pet dog-pathway with a low level of uncertainty, and extremely low for the cattle-pathway with a medium level of uncertainty. The risk of rabies re-introduction through all the pathways was greater than negligible. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining and enhancing current risk mitigation measures to prevent re-introduction of rabies into rabies low-risk zone.

Snakebite in Tocantins: ecological analysis of determinants and risk areas, 2007- 2015 / Ofidismo en Tocantins: análisis ecológico de determinantes y áreas de riesgo, 2007- 2015 / Ofidismo no Tocantins: análise ecológica de determinantes e áreas de risco, 2007-2015

Objective. To investigate the epidemiological profile affected by snakebite, their determinants and risk areas, in the state of Tocantins. Methods. Ecological study with data from the Notifiable Disease Information System, from 2007 to 2015. Linear regression of tests and Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used. Results. 7,764 snakebite were reported (incidence: 62.1/100,000 inhab.; lethality: 0.5%). The variables associated with snakebite were demographic density (Coeff.=1.36, 95%CI 0.72;1.99), agricultural work (Coeff.=0.02, 95%CI 0.01;0.03), Index of Municipal Human Development (Coeff.=2.99 ­ 95%CI 0.60;5.38), cassava cultivated area (Coeff.=8.49 ­ 95%CI 1.66;15.32), indigenous population (Coeff.=0,02 ­ 95%CI 0.00; 0.04), proportion of the illiterate population (Coeff.=4.70 ­ 95%CI 0.61;8.79) and employed (Coeff.=3.00 ­ 95%CI 0.93;5,06), which explained 64.48% of the variation. The high-risk areas were Amor Perfect, Cantão, Cerrado Tocantins Araguaia and Middle North Araguaia health regions. Conclusion. Municipal socioeconomic and demographic aspects associated with snakebites.

Objetivo. Investigar o perfil dos casos de acidentes ofídicos, seus determinantes e áreas de risco no estado do Tocantins. Métodos. Estudo ecológico, com dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravo de Notificação do período 2007-2015. Empregou-se regressão linear múltipla e os testes Mann-Whitney e Kruskal-Wallis. Resultados. Foram notificados 7.764 acidentes ofídicos (incidência de 62,1/100 mil habitantes; letalidade de 0,5%). As variáveis associadas ao ofidismo foram densidade demográfica (Coef.=1,36 ­ IC95%0,72;1,99), trabalho agropecuário (Coef.=0,02 ­ IC95%0,01;0,03), índice de desenvolvimento humano municipal (Coef.=2,99 ­ IC95%0,60;5,38), área cultivada de mandioca (Coef.=8,49 ­ IC95%1,66;15,32), população indígena (Coef.=0,02 ­ IC95%0,00;0,04), proporção de população analfabeta (Coef.=4,70 ­ IC95%0,61;8,79) e população empregada (Coef.=3,00 ­ IC95%0,93;5,06), que explicaram 64,48% da variação. As áreas de alto risco foram as regiões de saúde Amor Perfeito, Cantão, Cerrado Tocantins Araguaia e Médio Norte Araguaia. Conclusão. Aspectos socioeconômicos e demográficos municipais associaram-se ao ofidismo.

[Seasonal variation and driving factors of forest fire in Zhejiang Province, China, based on MODIS satellite hot spots]. / 基于MODISå«æ˜Ÿç«ç‚¹çš„æµ™æ±Ÿçœæž—ç«å­£èŠ‚å˜åŒ–åŠé©±åŠ¨å› å­.

Understanding the changes and driving factors of forest fire can provide scientific basis for prevention and management of forest fire. In this study, we analyzed the changes and driving factors of forest fire in Zhejiang Province during 2001-2016 based on trend analysis and Logistic regression model with the MODIS satellite fire point data combined with meteorological (daily ave-rage wind speed, daily average temperature, daily relative humidity, daily temperature difference, daily cumulative precipitation), human activities (distance from road, distance from railway, distance from resident, population, per capita GDP), topographic and vegetation factors (elevation, slope, vegetation coverage). The results showed that the number of forest fires in spring and summer had significantly increased, while the forest fires in the autumn and winter increased first and then decreased. Forest fire in autumn significantly declined. The four seasons' fire occurrence prediction models had good prediction accuracy, reaching 75.8% (spring), 79.1% (summer), 74.7% (autumn) and 79.6% (winter). The meteorological, human activity, topographic and vegetation factors significantly affected fire occurrence in spring and summer, while meteorological factors were the main fire drivers in autumn and winter in Zhejiang. The focus of forest fire management should be on human activities. Fire prevention campaign should be done in spring and summer when high-risk forest fires were scattered in the study area. In autumn and winter, observatory and monitoring equipment could be built to facilitate fire management and detect in the area of high fire risk that was concentrated in the southwest region.

Ofidismo no Tocantins: análise ecológica de determinantes e áreas de risco, 2007-2015 / Ofidismo en Tocantins: análisis ecológico de determinantes y áreas de riesgo, 2007- 2015 / Snakebite in Tocantins: ecological analysis of determinants and risk areas, 2007- 2015

Objetivo: Investigar o perfil dos casos de acidentes ofídicos, seus determinantes e áreas de risco no estado do Tocantins. Métodos: Estudo ecológico, com dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação do período 2007-2015. Empregou-se regressão linear múltipla e os testes Mann-Whitney e Kruskal-Wallis. Resultados: Foram notificados 7.764 acidentes ofídicos (incidência de 62,1/100 mil habitantes; letalidade de 0,5%). As variáveis associadas ao ofidismo foram densidade demográfica (Coef.=1,36 - IC95% 0,72;1,99), trabalho agropecuário (Coef.=0,02 - IC95% 0,01;0,03), índice de desenvolvimento humano municipal (Coef.=2,99 - IC95% 0,60;5,38), área cultivada de mandioca (Coef.=8,49 - IC95% 1,66;15,32), população indígena (Coef.=0,02 - IC95% 0,00;0,04), proporção de população analfabeta (Coef.=4,70 - IC95% 0,61;8,79) e população empregada (Coef.=3,00 - IC95% 0,93;5,06), que explicaram 64,48% da variação. As áreas de alto risco foram as regiões de saúde Amor Perfeito, Cantão, Cerrado Tocantins Araguaia e Médio Norte Araguaia. Conclusão: Aspectos socioeconômicos e demográficos municipais associaram-se ao ofidismo.

Objetivo: Investigar el perfil de accidentes ofídicos, sus determinantes y áreas de riesgo, en el estado de Tocantins. Métodos: Estudio ecológico con datos del Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Agravamiento de Notificación, 2007-2015. Se utilizaron pruebas de regresión lineal y pruebas de Mann-Whitney y Kruskal-Wallis. Resultados: Se reportaron 7.764 accidentes ofídicos (incidencia: 62,1/100.000 hab.; letalidad: 0,5%). Las variables relacionadas al ofidismo fueron densidad demográfica (Coef.=1,36 - IC95% 0,72;1,99), trabajo agrícola (Coef.=0,02 - IC95% 0,01;0,03), índice de desarrollo humano municipal (Coef.=2,99 - IC95% 0,60;5,38), área cultivada de yuca (Coef.=8,49 - IC95% 1,66;15,32), población indígena (Coef.=0,02 - IC95% 0,00;0,04), proporción de la población analfabeta (Coef.=4,70 - IC95% 0,61;8,79) y empleados (Coef.=3,00 - IC95% 0,93;5,06), explicando 64,48% de la variación. Las áreas de alto riesgo fueron las regiones de salud Amor Perfecto, Cantão, Cerrado Tocantins Araguaia y Medio Norte Araguaia. Conclusión: Aspectos socioeconómicos y demográficos municipales se asociaron con el ofidismo.

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological profile of snakebite accident cases, their determinants and risk areas in the state of Tocantins. Methods: This was an ecological study using data from the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System, from 2007 to 2015. Multiple linear regression and the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used. Results: A total of 7,764 snakebite accidents were reported (incidence: 62.1/100,000 inhab.; lethality: 0.5%). The variables associated with snakebite were population density (Coeff.=1.36, 95%CI 0.72;1.99), farming work (Coeff.=0.02, 95%CI 0.01;0.03), municipal human development index (Coeff.=2.99 - 95%CI 0.60;5.38), area planted with cassava (Coeff.=8.49 - 95%CI 1.66;15.32), indigenous population (Coeff.=0,02 - 95%CI 0.00; 0.04), proportion of illiterate people (Coeff.=4.70 - 95%CI 0.61;8.79) and employed people (Coeff.=3.00 - 95%CI 0.93;5,06), which together accounted for 64.48% of the variation. The high-risk areas were Amor Perfect, Cantão, Cerrado Tocantins Araguaia and Mid-North Araguaia health regions. Conclusion: Municipal socioeconomic and demographic aspects were associated with snakebites.

Quantitative analysis of the factors influencing spatial distribution of soil heavy metals based on geographical detector.

With the rapid development of modern industry, heavy metals in the soil introduce the risk of serious pollution. To reduce this pollution risk, the following four research questions needed to be addressed: What are the main influencing factors of soil pollution? What is the degree of influence? Do factors operate independently or are they interconnected? Which regions have high pollution risk and should be paid more attention? The study area was in Huanjiang County, with 273 km2, and geographical detector proved to be a useful tool to solve these four problems. We found that mine activity and pH value were the primary influencing factors for total and water-soluble heavy metals. The interaction effects of mine activity and soil type, pH values, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) for total heavy metals, as well as pH value and mine activity for water-soluble heavy metals, were greater than the sum effect of two factors. Zones with a high concentration of heavy metals were closer to the road and farther from the mine area, which had low NDVI, large slope, high terrain, and large pH values. Concentrations of total heavy metals were higher in calcareous soils and in dryland and forests. Zones with a higher concentration of water-soluble heavy metals were closer to the mine and river, which had lower DEM and pH values. The uncertainty of geographical detector was also analyzed on the basis of their interpolation accuracy and the stratification number of influencing factors, and we found that the existing sample numbers and the stratification number of influencing factors met the needs of geographical detector calculation. This study's conclusions are useful for soil pollution control and restoration.

Anesthetic considerations and successful management of a patient with permanent pacemaker for cervical spine instrumentation.

Patients with permanent pacemaker posted for cervical spine instrumentation pose special challenges for modern-day anesthesiologist since the field of surgery is in proximity to the pacing apparatus. The important considerations in this regard are pacemaker dependency, prior reprogramming to asynchronous mode, perioperative interference with pacemaker function due to electrolyte, acid-base disturbances, and electromagnetic interference leading to pacemaker failure and hemodynamic compromise. We report successful anesthetic management of a patient of postlaminectomy kyphosis with compressive myelopathy with permanent pacemaker in situ who underwent C5-C6 corpectomy and instrumentation under general anesthesia.

Relationship between environmental factors and the spatial distribution of Spermophilus dauricus during 2000-2015 in China.

The Spermophilus dauricus is a rodent species that feeds on the tender parts of plants and seeds. It is also a natural carrier of the hepatitis B virus and the main host of the plague bacillus Yersinia pestis threatening human health and the cultivated ecosystems. Based on ecological niche modeling (ENM) for the MaxEnt model and ArcGIS for the Spatial Analyst model, we quantified the potential risk zone and spatial pattern of the S. dauricus outbreak during 2000-2015. We analyze the temporal and spatial variation for different levels of risk zones. The results showed that the S. dauricus was primarily distributed in the North China with arid and semi-arid regions. The suitable habitat of S. dauricus includes an annual precipitation of 250-700 mm year-1, a temperature of - 3 to 14 °C, the normalized differential vegetation index (NDVI) of 0.05-0.65, and an elevation of < 3800 m. Although the NDVI and precipitation were significantly increasing, the potential risk zone did not expand. But, this result can not mean the S. dauricus outbreak had been controlled, and the substantial additional efforts in the form of observational and/or experimental investigations are needed to explore the relationships between environmental factors and the habitat of the S. dauricus, ideally by including the influences from land cover, vegetation characteristics, and artificial disturbances.

Tendencia y causas de la mortalidad infantil en municipios de frontera en Colombia, 2005-2011 / Trend and causes of infant mortality in border areas in Colombia from 2005 to 2011

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar la tendencia y principales causas registradas de Mortalidad Infantil (MI) en municipios fronterizos de Colombia durante los años 2005 a 2011. Metodología Estudio ecológico en los municipios frontera del país desarrollado a partir del análisis de información institucional de la MI y sus causas utilizando la lista de clasificación de grandes causas para la mortalidad infantil y del niño de la OMS. Para el análisis se incluyeron medidas de estadística descriptiva y la técnica de análisis de conglomerados Se utilizó el programa Excel y el software R-Project para el procesamiento. Resultados La MI disminuyó de forma sostenida en el país y en los municipios de frontera entre 2005 y 2011. Se evidenció la existencia de cifras significativamente más altas en algunos de los municipios estudiados. Municipios con menor MI presentaron promedios significativamente más altos de causas relacionadas con malformaciones congénitas, deformidades y anomalías cromosómicas, afecciones originadas en el periodo perinatal, enfermedades del sistema circulatorio, enfermedades del sistema digestivo y tumores y neoplasias. En contraste, municipios con mayor MI presentaron promedios más altos de causas relacionadas con enfermedades endocrinas, nutricionales y metabólicas, enfermedades infecciosas y parasitarias, y enfermedades del sistema respiratorio, muchas de ellas consideradas como evitables. Discusión Los municipios de frontera tienen aspectos sociales económicos, políticos y culturales que los convierten en zona de riesgo y generan interés para la salud. Los hallazgos revelan desigualdades en el comportamiento de la MI en frente al resto del país. La comprensión de las particularidades en estos municipios resulta trascendental para que el sector salud plantee e implemente estrategias y servicios de salud que respondan adecuadamente a las necesidades y se logre garantizar equidad en salud a estas poblaciones.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the registered trends and main causes of Infant Mortality (IM) in border areas of Colombia between 2005 and 2011. Methodology Ecological study in border areas, developed from the analysis of institutional information on IM and its causes, using the list of leading causes of death of infants and children by the WHO. For analysis, descriptive statistics and cluster analysis techniques were measured using Excel and the R-Project processing software. Results IM decreased steadily in the country and border areas between 2005 and 2011.The existence of significantly higher numbers in some of the municipalities studied was evident. Municipalities with lower IM had significantly higher average scores related to congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (conditions originated during the perinatal period), circulatory system diseases, digestive system diseases, and tumors and neoplasms. In contrast, municipalities with higher IM rates presented higher average scores related to endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases, infectious and parasitic diseases, and respiratory system diseases, many of them considered preventable. Discussion Border areas are affected by economic, political and cultural aspects that make them risk zones and generate interest for health. Findings reveal inequalities in the IM behavior when compared to the rest of the country. Understanding the peculiarities in these municipalities is crucial for the health sector to implement strategies and to pose health services that adequately meet the needs, and, thus, achieve health equity for these populations.(AU)

Vulnerabilidade ambiental, social e viária em acidentes com transporte de produtos perigosos: estudo de caso na BR-101 entre Osório e Torres, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Environmental, social, and roadway vulnerability in accidents involving transportation of hazardous products: a case study of the BR-101 highway between Osório and Torres in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil / Vulnerabilidad ambiental, social y vial en accidentes con transporte de productos peligrosos: estudio de caso en la BR-101 entre Osório y Torres, Río Grande do Sul, Brasil

Resumo: O presente estudo objetiva avaliar a vulnerabilidade ambiental e social e identificar trechos críticos, na ocorrência de acidentes com o transporte de produtos perigosos na BR-101, entre os municípios de Osório e Torres, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. A abordagem proposta e aplicada neste trabalho consiste de uma análise multicriterial que integra metodologias de análise de segurança viária, análise de vulnerabilidade ambiental e social na ocorrência de acidentes com produtos perigosos, e técnicas de análise de mapas. Os resultados apontaram que 38 quilômetros da rodovia apresentam vulnerabilidade elevada, sendo 8 quilômetros com vulnerabilidade crítica, vinculada à presença de pontes sobre rios, pontos de captação de água, túnel, áreas de preservação ambiental e zona urbana. Esses trechos devem ser priorizados no desenvolvimento de planos de ação para a mitigação de acidentes e definição de políticas públicas na rodovia em estudo. A abordagem utilizada constitui um enfoque inédito em relação aos estudos existentes e uma ferramenta que pode auxiliar no processo de tomada de decisões em operações de emergência.

Abstract: This study aimed to assess the environmental and social vulnerability and identify critical highway stretches for accidents involving transportation of hazardous products on the BR-101 highway between the cities of Osório and Torres in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The study's approach consisted of a multiple-criteria analysis combining highway safety analysis and environmental and social vulnerability analysis in the occurrence of accidents with hazardous products, plus cartographic analysis techniques. Thirty-eight kilometers of the highway showed high vulnerability, of which 8 kilometers with critical vulnerability, associated with bridges over rivers, water uptake points, a tunnel, environmental preservation areas, and an urban area. These stretches should be prioritized when developing action plans for accident mitigation and development of public policies for this highway. This proved to be an unprecedented approach when compared to existing studies and a potentially useful tool for decision-making in emergency operations.

Resumen: El presente estudio tiene por objetivo evaluar la vulnerabilidad ambiental social e identificar puntos críticos en la ocurrencia de accidentes, con el transporte de productos peligrosos, en la BR-101 entre los municipios de Osório y Torres, Río Grande do Sul, Brasil. El enfoque propuesta que se aplica en este estudio consiste en un análisis multicriterio que integra metodologías de análisis de seguridad viaria, análisis de vulnerabilidad ambiental y social en la ocurrencia de accidentes con productos peligrosos y técnicas de análisis de mapas. Los resultados señalaron que 38 kilómetros de la autopista presentan vulnerabilidad elevada, existiendo 8 kilómetros con vulnerabilidad crítica, vinculados a la presencia de puentes sobre ríos, puntos de captación de agua, túnel, áreas de preservación ambiental y zona urbana. Esos puntos deben ser priorizados en el desarrollo de planes de acción para la mitigación de accidentes y definición de políticas públicas en la autopista en estudio. El enfoque utilizado constituye un enfoque inédito, en relación con los estudios existentes, y una herramienta que puede auxiliar en el proceso de toma de decisiones en operaciones de emergencia.

Comparative assessment of the effects of Gates-Glidden, Largo, LA-Axxess, and New Brazilian Drill CPdrill on coronal pre-enlargement: cone-beam computed tomographic analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The removal of dentin interferences from the cervical third of root canals is essential for their correct cleaning and shaping and to facilitate access of endodontic instruments to the critical apical region. In mandibular molars, the concavity observed in the furcation area reduces dentin thickness, making this region more susceptible to perforation. The present ex vivo study used cone-beam computed tomographic imaging to compare 3 rotary burs with a new rotary bur recently launched in Brazil (ie, CPdrill; Helse Industry and Commerce Ltda, Santa Rosa, São Paulo, Brazil) regarding the amount of dentin removal from the distal wall of the mesial root of mandibular first molars. METHODS: A total of 40 root canals were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups for cervical preparation: Gates-Glidden burs #2 and #3 (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), Largo burs #1 and #2 (Dentsply Maillefer), LA-Axxess burs #1 and #2 (SybronEndo, Glendora, CA), and CPdrill burs (1-size only). Dentin thickness in the distal wall of mesial canals at 2 mm from the furcation was measured using I-CATvision software before and after cervical preparation. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding residual dentin thickness after instrumentation with the drills (P = .684). CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that CPdrill is safe for use in cervical preparation of the mesial root of mandibular first molars because it did not promote excessive dentin removal on distal walls.

Analysis of remaining tissue after using LA AXXESS® drill in flaring of cervical mesial canals of mandibular molars

Introduction and Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze, in vitro, the remaining tissue at the risk zone in the mesial canals of the mandibular molars after cervical flaring using LA AXXESS® drill. Material and methods: Thirty molars were randomly divided into two experimental groups. Twenty teeth received cervical flaring using LA AXXESS® drill (group A), and ten were kept as control group (group B) without undergoing any kind of flaring. The teeth had their mesial roots cross-sectioned at a 3.5 mm standardized height apical to the cementum junction. Specimens were scanned and analyzed by a professional previously trained and calibrated. In order to measure the distances of the remaining tissue in relation to the furca, a Photoshop® program ruler version 7.0 was used. Results and Conclusion: It was possible, through statistical analysis using Student's t-test for paired and independent samples with a 5% significance level, to verify that there was no difference regarding the remaining tissue at the risk zone between the group that had cervical flaring and the control group.

Capacidad de respuesta de los gobiernos territoriales y la sociedad frente a la temporada invernal 2010-2011 en la Región Caribe colombiana: un enfoque multimétodo / Responsiveness of the territorial governments and society face the winter season 2010-2011 in the Colombian Caribbean Region: a multi-method approach / Capacidade de resposta dos governos territoriais e sociedade à face da temporada de inverno 2010-2011 na região do Caribe colombiano: uma abordagem multi-método

El objetivo del presente estudio fue diagnosticar las capacidades de respuesta de los entes territoriales frente a las emergencias invernales de 2010 y 2011, utilizando el método cualicuantitativo de análisis. Como resultados se evidenció que en la región nunca antes hubo tanta afectación por fenómenos de inundación; que existió una red institucional desarticulada, una permisibilidad de los gobiernos con los asentamientos en zonas de alto riesgo, y que socialmente la responsabilidad de la atención a la emergencia invernal únicamente recaía sobre las instituciones de atención y prevención de desastres, cuando en realidad es una responsabilidad de todos los actores involucrados. En conclusión, la temporada invernal fue una oportunidad para llamar la atención de todos los organismos que conforman el Sistema Nacional de Prevención y Atención de Desastres -SNPAD-, para que tomen correctivas, se involucren y actúen de manera articulada en las fases asociadas a la gestión integral del riesgo.

The aim of this study was to determine the response capabilities of local authorities to the rainy season emergencies of 2010 and 2011, using the quality-quantitative method of analysis. The results showed that the region had never been so affected by flood phenomena before, that there was a frail institutional network, permissibility from the government to settlements in high risk areas, and that the responsibility for the rainy season emergency care rested solely on institutions for disaster prevention, when in fact it is a responsibility of all stakeholders. In conclusion, the rainy season was an opportunity to draw the attention of all agencies of the National System for Disaster Prevention and Response (SNPAD, for its acronym in Spanish) to take corrective measures, engage and act in a coordinated fashion in the phases associated with the integrated risk management.

O objetivo deste estudo foi fazer diagnóstico da capacidade de resposta dos entes territoriais em frente das emergências invernais de 2010 e 2011 utilizando o método quali/quantitativo de análise. Como resultados foi evidenciado que na região nunca se tinha tido tanta afetação por fenómenos de inundação; que havia uma rede institucional desmantelada e uma permissibilidade governamental sobre os assentamentos em áreas de alto risco; e socialmente a responsabilidade para atendimento da emergência descansou apenas em instituições de atendimento e prevenção de desastres, quando, na verdade, é uma responsabilidade de todos os intervenientes. Em conclusão, o inverno foi uma oportunidade para chamar a atenção de todas as agências do Sistema Nacional de Prevenção e Atendimento de Desastres -SNPAD- para eles tomar medidas corretivas, se envolver e agir de forma coordenada nas fases associadas à gestão integrada de riscos.