Unraveling the nuclear isotope tapestry: Applications, challenges, and future horizons in a dynamic landscape.

Nuclear isotopes, distinct atoms characterized by varying neutron counts, have profoundly influenced a myriad of sectors, spanning from medical diagnostics and therapeutic interventions to energy production and defense strategies. Their multifaceted applications have been celebrated for catalyzing revolutionary breakthroughs, yet these advancements simultaneously introduce intricate challenges that warrant thorough investigation. These challenges encompass safety protocols, potential environmental detriments, and the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding nuclear proliferation and disarmament. This comprehensive review embarks on a deep exploration of nuclear isotopes, elucidating their nuanced classifications, wide-ranging applications, intricate governing policies, and the multifaceted impacts of their unintended emissions or leaks. Furthermore, the study meticulously examines the cutting-edge remediation techniques currently employed to counteract nuclear contamination while projecting future innovations in this domain. By weaving together historical context, current applications, and forward-looking perspectives, this review offers a panoramic view of the nuclear isotope landscape. In conclusion, the significance of nuclear isotopes cannot be understated. As we stand at the crossroads of technological advancement and ethical responsibility, this review underscores the paramount importance of harnessing nuclear isotopes' potential in a manner that prioritizes safety, sustainability, and the greater good of humanity.

Climate change and human health: Last call to arms for us.

Climate change, now the foremost global health hazard, poses multifaceted challenges to human health. This editorial elucidates the extensive impact of climate change on health, emphasising the increasing burden of diseases and the exacerbation of health disparities. It highlights the critical role of the healthcare sector, particularly anaesthesia, in both contributing to and mitigating climate change. It is a call to action for the medical community to recognise and respond to the health challenges posed by climate change.

Non-target Screening and Prioritization of Organic Contaminants in Seawater Desalination and Their Ecological Risk Assessment.

The impact of desalination brine on the marine environment is a global concern. Regarding this, salinity is generally accepted as the major environmental factor in desalination concentrate. However, recent studies have shown that the influence of organic contaminants in brine cannot be ignored. Therefore, a non-targeted screening method based on comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC × GC-qMS) was developed for identifying organic contaminants in the desalination brine. A total of 404 compounds were tentatively identified from four seawater desalination plants (three reverse osmosis plants and one multiple effect distillation plant) in China. The identified compounds were prioritized based on their persistence, bioaccumulation, ecotoxicity, usage, and detection frequency. Twenty-one (21) compounds (seven phthalates, ten pesticides, four trihalomethanes) were then selected for further quantitative analysis and ecological risk assessment, including compounds from the priority list along with substances from the same chemical classes. Ecologically risky substances in brine include diisobutylphthalate and bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate, atrazine and acetochlor, and bromoform. Most of the contaminants come from raw seawater, and no high risk contaminants introduced by the desalination process have been found except for disinfection by-products. In brine discharge management, people believed that all pollutions in raw seawater was concentrated by desalination process. This study shows that not all pollutants are concentrated during the desalination process. In this study, the total concentration of pesticide in the brine increased by 58.42%. The concentration of ∑PAEs decreased by 13.65% in reverse osmosis desalination plants and increased by 10.96% in the multi-effect distillation plant. The concentration of trihalomethane increased significantly in the desalination concentrate. The change in the concentration of pollutants in the desalination concentrate was related to the pretreatment method and the chemical characteristics of the contaminants. The method and results given in this study hinted a new idea to identify and control the environmental impact factors of brine.

Impact of consuming an environmentally protective diet on micronutrients: a systematic literature review.

BACKGROUND: A global move toward consumption of diets from sustainable sources is required to protect planetary health. As this dietary transition will result in greater reliance on plant-based protein sources, the impact on micronutrient (MN) intakes and status is unknown. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the evidence of effects on intakes and status of selected MNs resulting from changes in dietary intakes to reduce environmental impact. Selected MNs of public health concern were vitamins A, D, and B12, folate, calcium, iron, iodine, and zinc. METHODS: We systematically searched 7 databases from January 2011 to October 2022 and followed the PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies had to report individual MN intake and/or status data collected in free-living individuals from the year 2000 onward and environmental outcomes. RESULTS: From the 10,965 studies identified, 56 studies were included, mostly from high-income countries (n = 49). Iron (all 56) and iodine (n = 20) were the most and least reported MNs, respectively. There was one randomized controlled trial (RCT) that also provided the only biomarker data, 10 dietary intake studies, and 45 dietary modeling studies, including 29 diet optimization studies. Most studies sought to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or intake of animal-sourced foods. Most results suggested that intakes of zinc, calcium, iodine, and vitamins B12, A, and D would decrease, and total iron and folate would increase in a dietary transition to reduce environmental impacts. Risk of inadequate intakes of zinc, calcium, vitamins A, B12 and D were more likely to increase in the 10 studies that reported nutrient adequacy. Diet optimization (n = 29) demonstrated that meeting nutritional and environmental targets is technically feasible, although acceptability is not guaranteed. CONCLUSIONS: Lower intakes and status of MNs of public health concern are a potential outcome of dietary changes to reduce environmental impacts. Adequate consideration of context and nutritional requirements is required to develop evidence-based recommendations. This study was registered prospectively with PROSPERO (CRD42021239713).

Decarbonizing the Transport of Microalgae-based Products - The Role of E-mobility.

BACKGROUND: The decarbonization of road transport is a precondition for achieving carbon neutrality. Battery-electric vehicle technology can make this a reality. In this bias, the objective of the article is to shed light on the ongoing debate about the potentially important role of the adoption of electric vehicles in the transport of microalgae- based products to help them advance to a cleaner life cycle. METHODS: Five routes, including unimodal and multimodal conditions, were defined to assess the carbon emissions of the transport system and, more specifically, of road transport. The headquarters of market-leading microalgae manufacturers were selected as the origin of the routes and, as the destination, regions that sustain them. RESULTS: The results reveal the supremacy of road transport of microalgae-based products using electric vehicles powered by nuclear, hydroelectric, and wind, followed by biomass and photovoltaic energy. They also show that the positive impact of wind, water, and photovoltaic energy on the climate, added to the lower battery charging costs and the greater opportunity to generate revenue from the sale of carbon credits, make their tradeoffs. CONCLUSION: The exquisite results of this study convey key messages to decision-makers and stakeholders about the role of electromobility in building a zero-carbon delivery route.

Practicability and environmental impact assessment of synthetic fibre reinforced polymer (SFRP) stirrups in reinforced concrete beams.

In this study, the objective is to explore the practicability of incorporating synthetic fibre reinforced polymer (SFRP) stirrups into reinforced concrete beams. This investigation revolves around evaluating their effectiveness from two key perspectives: their structural performance and environmental impact. To accomplish this, four set of specimens were prepared, each integrating SFRP stirrups, and testing them under a rigorous three-point bending load test. The structural performance analysis entails a comprehensive examination on the critical design factors such as: the load-deflection relationship and the contribution these SFRP stirrups to improve the ductility performance, flexural stiffness, deformability factor, flexural toughness and energy absorption capacity. The findings of this study indicate that the SFRP stirrups exhibit commendable shear capacity, meeting the necessary requirements, and simultaneously demonstrate satisfactory ductility. It is determined, that the optimal design for these SFRP stirrups involves utilizing narrow and thin stirrups placed at relatively larger intervals. Furthermore, this research delves into assessing the environmental impact of incorporating SFRP stirrups. This assessment enables us to comprehensively evaluate the environmental implications of the entire life cycle of these stirrups in structural beam. Moreover, the analysis reveals that, SFRP stirrups yields lower environmental impacts compared to their steel counterparts, they still provide valuable insights into the overall sustainability considerations within the context of reinforced concrete structures.

Biological wastewater treatment: a comprehensive sustainability analysis using life cycle assessment.

The research conducts a life cycle assessment (LCA) on wastewater treatment (WWT) methods-membrane bioreactor (MBR), soil biotechnology (SBT), and bio-electrochemical constructed wetlands (BCW)-in comparison with the conventional activated sludge process (ASP). Employing SimaPro v9.5 with a cradle-to-gate system boundary, the analysis utilizes the IMPACT 2002 + method, employing per cubic meter of treated wastewater as the functional unit. The analysis shows that SBT exhibits the lowest environmental impacts among the considered WWT methods. The global warming potential was 0.0996 kg CO2 eq. for SBT, 1.33 kg CO2 eq. for MBR, 0.131 kg CO2 eq. for BCW, and 0.544 kg CO2 eq. for ASP. BCW demonstrates a 75.91% decrease, while MBR exhibits a 144.48% increase compared to ASP. Notably, electricity consumption emerges as the primary contributor to environmental impact in MBR and ASP. The resource impact category varies with a 138.15% increase in MBR and an 83.41% decrease in SBT compared to ASP. Additionally, the research indicates that the high human health impact observed in MBR results mainly from increased carcinogens (0.00176 kg C2H3Cl eq.), non-carcinogens (0.01 kg C2H3Cl eq.), and ionizing radiation (3.34 Bq C-14 eq.). The findings underscore the importance of considering treatment efficiency and broader environmental implications in selecting WWT methods. As the world emphasizes sustainability, such LCA studies provide valuable insights for making informed decisions in wastewater management.

2-Mercaptonicotinoyl glycine, a new potent melanogenesis inhibitor, exhibits a unique mode of action while preserving melanocyte integrity.

Research on new ingredients that can prevent excessive melanin production in the skin while considering efficacy, safety but also environmental impact is of great importance to significantly improve the profile of existing actives on the market and avoid undesirable side effects. Here, the discovery of an innovative technology for the management of hyperpigmentation is described. High-throughput screening tests on a wide chemical diversity of molecules and in silico predictive methodologies were essential to design an original thiopyridinone backbone and select 2-mercaptonicotinoyl glycine (2-MNG) as exhibiting the most favorable balance between the impact on water footprint, skin penetration potential and performance. The effectiveness of 2-MNG was confirmed by topical application on pigmented reconstructed epidermis and human skin explants. In addition, experiments have shown that unlike most melanogenesis inhibitors on the market, this molecule is not a tyrosinase inhibitor. 2-MNG binds to certain melanin precursors, preventing their integration into growing melanin and leading to inhibition of eumelanin and pheomelanin synthesis, without compromising the integrity of melanocytes.

Development of a sustainable diet index in US adults.

BACKGROUND: A transformation towards healthy diets through a sustainable food system is essential to enhance both human and planet health. Development of a valid, multidimensional, quantitative index of a sustainable diet would allow monitoring progress in the US population. We evaluated the content and construct validity of a sustainable diet index for US adults (SDI-US) based on data collected at the individual level. METHODS: The SDI-US, adapted from the SDI validated in the French population, was developed using data on US adults aged 20 years and older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007-2018 (n = 25,543). The index consisted of 4 sub-indices, made up of 12 indicators, corresponding to 4 dimensions of sustainable diets (nutritional quality, environmental impacts, affordability (economic), and ready-made product use behaviors (sociocultural)). A higher SDI-US score indicates greater alignment with sustainable diets (range: 4-20). Validation analyses were performed, including the assessment of the relevance of each indicator, correlations between individual indicators, sub-indices, and total SDI-US, differences in scores between sociodemographic subgroups, and associations with selected food groups in dietary guidelines, the alternative Mediterranean diet (aMed) score, and the EAT-Lancet diet score. RESULTS: Total SDI-US mean was 13.1 (standard error 0.04). The correlation between SDI-US and sub-indices ranged from 0.39 for the environmental sub-index to 0.61 for the economic sub-index (Pearson Correlation coefficient). The correlation between a modified SDI-US after removing each sub-index and the SDI-US ranged from 0.83 to 0.93. aMed scores and EAT-Lancet diet scores were significantly higher among adults in the highest SDI-US quintile compared to the lowest quintile (aMed: 4.6 vs. 3.2; EAT-Lancet diet score: 9.9 vs. 8.7 p < .0001 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, content and construct validity of the SDI-US were acceptable. The SDI-US reflected the key features of sustainable diets by integrating four sub-indices, comparable to the SDI-France. The SDI-US can be used to assess alignment with sustainable diets in the US. Continued monitoring of US adults' diets using the SDI-US could help improve dietary sustainability.

Sustainable practices in hand therapy: a global perspective.

Given its significant environmental footprint, healthcare sustainability is paramount. This study delves into the contributory role of hand therapy, assessing hand therapists' comprehension, implementation and barriers to sustainable practices, focusing on orthotic fabrication. A global survey distributed via social media and professional networks collected data on sustainability awareness, practices and educational needs from 113 respondents, primarily from North America (34%) and Europe (32%). Although 91% recognized climate change, only 34% practised sustainability. Despite 57% attempting eco-friendly actions in orthotic fabrication, such as reusing components (65%), knowledge of reusable materials was low (17%) and recycling thermoplastics was inadequate (74.3%). The main barriers were lack of awareness (59%), material scarcity (56.6%) and time constraints (54%). The findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced education, better resource availability and policy reforms to close the gap between awareness and action, promoting sustainability in hand therapy.

Green Hospital as A New Standard in Japan: How far can Neurosurgery go in Japan?

BACKGROUND: Climate change is a significant challenge that the medical community must address. Hospitals are large facilities with high water and energy consumption, as well as high levels of waste generation, which makes it important to pursue green hospital initiatives. Neurosurgery requires substantial energy for surgeries and tests. METHODS: Based on the keywords "Climate change," "green hospital," "neurosurgery," "energy consumption," "environmental impact" listed in this paper, we extracted representative manuscripts, and the practices employed in the authors' hospital were assessed. RESULTS: The "Guidelines for Environmental Consideration in Hospitals" and "Guidelines for the Sustainability of Hospital Environments" have been developed; however, they are not implemented in most hospitals in Japan. Inhalational anaesthetics were found to contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Educating patients and staff and employing the "8 Rs" (rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, research, renovation and revolution) showed promise in achieving green hospital standards. CONCLUSION: The advent of 'green hospitals' in Japan is imminent. The active participation of neurosurgeons can play a crucial role in diminishing the environmental footprint of health care while simultaneously enhancing medical standards. Given the pressing challenges posed by climate change, there is a critical need for an overhaul of medical practices. It is imperative for neurosurgeons to pioneer the adoption of new, sustainable medical methodologies.

Presence of microplastics in the groundwater of volcanic islands, El Hierro and La Palma (Canary Islands).

The increasing amount of plastic litter worldwide is a serious problem for the environment and its biodiversity, ecosystems, animal and human welfare and the economy. The degradation of these plastics leads to microplastics (MPs), which have been reported for the first time in groundwater in the Canary archipelago. This research investigates the presence of MPs at nine different points on La Palma and El Hierro, where samples were collected in galleries, wells and springs during the month of December 2022. Six different polymers were found with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) - polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), cellulose (CEL), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The particle concentrations found ranged from 1 to 23 n/L, with a maximum particle size of 1900 µm, the smallest being 35 µm. PP and PE were the most common polymers found in the analysis, associated with the use of packaging, disposable products, textiles and water pipes, related to poorly maintained sewerage networks where leaks occur, allowing these MPs to escape into the environment and end up in groundwater. The detection of microplastic pollution in groundwater emphasises environmental hazards, including biodiversity disruption and water source contamination. Additionally, it presents potential risks to human health by transferring contaminants into the food chain and through respiratory exposure.

The use of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) to monitor airborne particulate matter and assess health effects on pollinators.

The honey bee Apis mellifera has long been recognized as an ideal bioindicator for environmental pollution. These insects are exposed to pollutants during their foraging activities, making them effective samplers of environmental contaminants, including heavy metals, pesticides, radionuclides, and volatile organic compounds. Recently, it has been demonstrated that honey bees can be a valuable tool for monitoring and studying airborne PM pollution, a complex mixture of particles suspended in the air, known to have detrimental effects on human health. Airborne particles attached to the bees can be characterised for their morphology, size, and chemical composition using a scanning electron microscopy coupled with X-ray spectroscopy, thus providing key information on the emission sources of the particles, their environmental fate, and the potential to elicit inflammatory injury, oxidative damage, and other health effects in living organisms. Here, we present a comprehensive summary of the studies involving the use of honey bees to monitor airborne PM, including the limits of this approach and possible perspectives. The use of honey bees as a model organism for ecotoxicological studies involving pollutant PM is also presented and discussed, further highlighting the role of the bees as a cornerstone of human, animal, and environmental health, according to the principles of the "One Health" approach.

Understanding China's CO2 emission drivers: Insights from random forest analysis and remote sensing data.

China has become the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide, putting significant pressure on the government to reduce emissions. This study analyzes the driving factors of carbon emissions in 281 prefecture-level cities in China from 2003 to 2019, based on carbon emission data matched with the locations of thermal power stations and nighttime light data. Firstly, we compare the accuracy of multivariate linear regression and random forest models, finding that the random forest regression yields superior results. Then, we rank the impact of various factors using the random forest method, revealing that population, economic development, and industrialization are the top three influencing factors. The interaction between population and economic development explains 68.5% of carbon emissions, with regional variations in the ranking of influencing factors. The main policy implications of this study are as follows: firstly, there is no need to overly concern about the impact of population growth on carbon emissions, and policies regarding fertility can be adjusted flexibly; secondly, controlling urbanization to a certain extent is conducive to achieving efficient low-carbon cities; thirdly, during the process of industrialization, carbon emissions inevitably increase, and it is advisable to accelerate industrialization to reach a turning point as soon as possible.

Life cycle assessment of iron-biomass supported catalyst for Fischer Tropsch synthesis.

The iron-based biomass-supported catalyst has been used for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS). However, there is no study regarding the life cycle assessment (LCA) of biomass-supported iron catalysts published in the literature. This study discusses a biomass-supported iron catalyst's LCA for the conversion of syngas into a liquid fuel product. The waste biomass is one of the source of activated carbon (AC), and it has been used as a support for the catalyst. The FTS reactions are carried out in the fixed-bed reactor at low or high temperatures. The use of promoters in the preparation of catalysts usually enhances C5+ production. In this study, the collection of precise data from on-site laboratory conditions is of utmost importance to ensure the credibility and validity of the study's outcomes. The environmental impact assessment modeling was carried out using the OpenLCA 1.10.3 software. The LCA results reveals that the synthesis process of iron-based biomass supported catalyst yields a total impact score in terms of global warming potential (GWP) of 1.235E + 01 kg CO2 equivalent. Within this process, the AC stage contributes 52% to the overall GWP, while the preparation stage for the catalyst precursor contributes 48%. The comprehensive evaluation of the iron-based biomass supported catalyst's impact score in terms of human toxicity reveals a total score of 1.98E-02 kg 1,4-dichlorobenzene (1,4-DB) equivalent.

Sustainable Dentistry: A Comprehensive Review of the Recycling Techniques for Gypsum Products in Prosthodontics.

This review explores the pivotal role of sustainable dentistry with a specific focus on the recycling of gypsum products in prosthodontics. As oral health practices increasingly impact the environment, the adoption of sustainable approaches becomes imperative. The review delves into the environmental challenges posed by gypsum waste in prosthodontics and examines current recycling techniques, presenting key findings and successful case studies. The call to action is directed towards the dental community, urging practitioners, educators, and policymakers to prioritize sustainable practices, encompassing responsible waste management and the incorporation of eco-friendly materials. Looking to the future, the review envisions a promising landscape for sustainable dentistry in prosthodontics, propelled by emerging technologies and a collective commitment to environmentally conscious oral healthcare. Ultimately, this review serves as a catalyst for positive change, advocating for a transformative shift toward sustainability within the dental community.

Mobility and environmental impact of cadmium (Cd) during weathering of carbonaceous black shales in western Hunan, China.

Carbonaceous black shale generally contains high concentration of Cd, with weathering leading to Cd release to environment. In this study, the mobility of Cd during weathering was quantified using geochemical assessment on black shale from western Hunan, China. Results suggested that Cd was heterogeneously distributed in shale profiles with concentrations ranging from 0.16 to 109.9 (mg/kg). Cd distribution was heterogeneous resulting from the parent shale inheritance and the mobility of Cd during weathering. Black shales weathered to a moderate degree with Cd mobility characterized by both enrichment in and release from weathered shales. Cd enrichment in weathered shales resulted from the re-enrichment of Cd in secondary minerals formed during the initial stage of carbonate (and phosphorite) dissolution, and the secondary stage of sulfide oxidation. The release of Cd was caused by decomposition of the secondary Cd-bearing minerals. Cadmium was extensively released during pedogenesis, and Cd release mass flux was estimated to range from 1.26 to 9.50 (g/m2) with a mean of 6.60 g/m2. Thus, black shale weathering may lead to the releasing of large amount of Cd resulting in Cd contamination to local environments.

Methodological guide for assessing the carbon footprint of external beam radiotherapy: A single-center study with quantified mitigation strategies.

Background and purposes: Data on the carbon footprint of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) are scarce. Reliable and exhaustive data, including a detailed carbon inventory, are needed to determine effective mitigation strategies. Materials and methods: This study proposes a methodology for calculating the carbon footprint of EBRT and applies it to a single center. Mitigation strategies are derived from the carbon inventory, and their potential reductions are quantified whenever possible. Results: The average emission per treatment and fraction delivered was 489 kg CO2eq and 27 kg CO2eq, respectively. Patient transportation (43 %) and the construction and maintenance of linear accelerators (LINACs) and scanners (17 %) represented the most significant components. Electricity, the only energy source used, accounted for only 2 % of emissions.Derived mitigation strategies include a data deletion policy (reducing emissions in 30 years by 12.5 %), geographical appropriateness (-12.2 %), transportation mode appropriateness (-9.3 %), hypofractionation (-5.9 %), decrease in manufacturers' carbon footprint (-5.2 %), and an increase in machine durability (-3.5 %). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that a significant reduction in the carbon footprint of a radiotherapy unit can be achieved without compromising the quality of care.This study provides a methodology and a starting point for comparison and proposes and quantifies mitigation strategies, paving the way for others to follow.

Teleconsultation for Preoperative Anesthesia Evaluation: Identifying Environmental Potentials by Life Cycle Assessment.

Introduction: Teleconsultations for preoperative evaluation in anesthesiology proved to be feasible during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, widespread implementation of teleconsultations has not yet occurred. Besides time savings and economic benefits, teleconsultations in anesthesia may have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions. Methods: We conducted a life cycle assessment based on prospective surveys to assess the potential environmental benefits of preoperative anesthesia teleconsultations in comparison to the status-quo in-person consultations. Within 1 month, all patients presenting at the preoperative anesthesia clinic at RWTH Aachen University Hospital were asked about the distance traveled and mode of transportation to the hospital. The main outcome measure was the potential environmental benefit resulting from the implementation of teleconsultations. Results: In total, 821 out of 981 patients presenting at the anesthesia clinic participated in the survey. Most patients visited on an outpatient basis (62.9%) and traveled by car (81.7%). The median travel distance was 25 km [interquartile range 12-40]. If patients who came to the hospital solely for the anesthesia appointment had scheduled virtual appointments, the emissions of 3.03-ton CO2 equivalents (CO2-eq) could be avoided in the first month after implementation. The environmental impact associated with the production of teleconsultation equipment is outweighed by the reduction in patient travel. If all outpatient appointments were performed virtually, these savings would triple. Within 10 years, more than 1,300 tons CO2-eq could be avoided. Conclusion: Teleconsultations can mitigate the environmental impact of in-person anesthesia consultations. Further research is essential to leverage teleconsultations for preoperative evaluation also across other medical specialties.