Use of SEM/EDX methods for the analysis of ambient particulate matter adhering to the skin surface.

BACKGROUND: The skin is exposed to numerous particulate and gaseous air pollutants. The ones that need particular attention are the particles that adhere to the skin surface, which can later cause direct skin damage. This study aimed to characterize air pollution (AP) particles adhered to the human skin by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with X-ray dispersive energy spectrometry (EDX). METHODS: Tape stripping was performed from six healthy volunteers exposed to urban AP to collect stratum corneum samples from the cheeks and forehead. The samples were analysed using SEM equipped with EDX system with a silicon drift detector at an accelerating voltage of 20 keV. After the preliminary examination, the particles were located and counted using 1000× magnification. Each particle was analysed, increasing magnification up to 5000× for precise dimension measurement and elemental composition analysis. At least 100 fields or a surface of approximately 1 mm2 were examined. RESULTS: Particles adhered to the skin were identified in all samples, with a particle load ranging from 729 to 4525. The average area and perimeter of all particles identified were 302 ± 260 µm2 and 51 ± 23 µm subsequently, while the equivalent circular diameter was, on average, 14 ± 6 µm. The particles were classified into ten groups based on morphology and elemental composition. Chlorides were the most numerous particle group (21.9%), followed by carbonaceous organic particles (20.3%), silicates (18%), carbonates (16.4%), metal-rich particles (14%), and a minor number of bioaerosols, quartz-like, and fly ash particles. CONCLUSION: The SEM-EDX analysis provides evidence of the contamination of exposed skin to various airborne PM of natural or anthropogenic origin. This method may provide new insights into the link between exposure to AP and AP-induced skin damage.

Erosion rate study at the Allchar deposit (Macedonia) based on radioactive and stable cosmogenic nuclides (26Al, 36Cl, 3He, and 21Ne).

This paper focuses on constraining the erosion rate in the area of the Allchar Sb-As-Tl-Au deposit (Macedonia). It contains the largest known reserves of lorandite (TlAsS2), which is essential for the LORanditeEXperiment (LOREX), aimed at determining the long-term solar neutrino flux. Because the erosion history of the Allchar area is crucial for the success of LOREX, we applied terrestrial in situ cosmogenic nuclides including both radioactive (26Al and 36Cl) and stable (3He and 21Ne) nuclides in quartz, dolomite/calcite, sanidine, and diopside. The obtained results suggest that there is accordance in the values obtained by applying 26Al, 36Cl, and 21Ne for around 85% of the entire sample collection, with resulting erosion rates varying from several tens of m/Ma to ∼165 m/Ma. The samples from four locations (L-8 CD, L1b/R, L1c/R, and L-4/ADR) give erosion rates between 300 and 400 m/Ma. Although these localities reveal remarkably higher values, which may be explained by burial events that occurred in part of Allchar, the erosion rate estimates mostly in the range between 50 and 100 m/Ma. This range further enables us to estimate the vertical erosion rate values for the two main ore bodies Crven Dol and Centralni Deo. We also estimate that the lower and upper limits of average paleo-depths for the ore body Centralni Deo from 4.3 Ma to the present are 250-290 and 750-790 m, respectively, whereas the upper limit of paleo-depth for the ore body Crven Dol over the same geological age is 860 m. The estimated paleo-depth values allow estimating the relative contributions of 205Pb derived from pp-neutrino and fast cosmic-ray muons, respectively, which is an important prerequisite for the LOREX experiment.

[Mathematic prognosis of cagocel effectiveness for prophylaxis and therapy of influenza].

The possibility of using a mathematic model of influenza epidemic in evaluation of effectiveness of an etiotropic preparation cagocel for prophylaxis and therapy of influenza as well as determination of possible damage from influenza epidemics and outbreaks in major cities of Russia is shown.

Minimally invasive approach to thyroid gland surgery--indications, methods, first results.

UNLABELLED: After the introduction of minimally invasive operative techniques in the surgery of organs located in body cavities, extensive work has been done in the last five years with respect to their application in thyroid gland surgery as well. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 2011, 406 patients underwent thyroid surgery at the Department of Surgery, Kaspela General Hospital for Active Treatment EOOD - Plovdiv. The study involved 48 of these patients, chosen at random and divided into two groups (A-minimally invasive thyroidectomy (MIT) - 26 patients, and B - minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) - 22 patients). All patients included in the study were selected on the basis of presence of one or more indeterminate nodules (fine needle aspiration biopsy - FNAB) sized up to 3.5 cm, with normal size of the thyroid gland up to 20-25 cm2, detected by preoperative ultrasonography. The study excluded patients with recurrent goitre, malignant disease of the thyroid gland and evidence of preoperative radiation therapy in the area of the head, neck and/or upper mediastinum. The preoperative investigation included history, physical examination, blood indices, echography, gamma camera and FNAB. Sensation of pain was evaluated by the patients according to a visual analogue scale, where lack of pain was evaluated as 0, and the most severe pain was evaluated as 10. RESULTS: The average duration of the hospitalization of patients undergoing MIT was 16 +/- 3.14 hours, whereas the patients undergoing MIVAT had to stay at the hospital for 18 +/- 3.56 hours. No complications were registered regarding the recurrent laryngeal nerves (RLN), as well as the operative wound. It should be noted that in all patients the course of the respective RLN was identified during the operative intervention, visually in most cases, or by electrostimulation. Postoperative hypoparathyroidism, registered by measuring the level of serum calcium, was observed in one visual analogue scale, as well as in the administration of pain-relieving agents during hospitalization. Other complications were not registered for the follow-up period, which covered an average of 6.56 +/- 3.14 months. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical analysis of the patients observed gave us grounds to draw the following conclusions: 1. The minimally invasive approach in patients with thyroid gland pathology is a possible and favourable option in selected patients with size of the gland within certain limits and not suffering from severe concomitant diseases. 2. The results in both groups of patients were comparable and did not show significant difference.

[A prognostic model of the effect of the antiviral drug Relenza on the epidemic of A(H1N1)/2009 influenza].

The paper gives the results of calculation-theoretical studies estimating the effect of the etiotropic agent Relenza (in preventing influenza in its susceptible patients an in treating patients ill with influenza) on the epidemic of pandemic A(H1N1)/2009 influenza in a large city of Russia. The values of its effect (the number of prevented cases of influenza and that of prevented deaths from its complications) have been calculated on a computer, by applying a modified PSEEI2RF influenza epidemic model (a Russian Baroyan-Rvachev model) with the A(H1N1)/2009 influenza pathogen that dominated in the 2009-2010 season in many countries of the world. Predictive estimates of the action of Relenza on the epidemic of A(H1N1)/2009 influenza have been obtained for 5 scenarios while implementing measures to treat patients with the illness and to prevent its susceptible patients in a large city with a population of one million. In conclusion, there are results of predicting the number of prevented A(H1N1)/2009 influenza cases and damage estimates for 6 cities of Russia due to the massive use of the antiviral drug Relenza.

[Banks of biological resources in the system of basic epidemiological and clinical studies].

Banks of biological resources appear to become the key centres of long-standing international scientific infrastructure necessary for efficacious use of achievements in public health. Approaches to building up the global system of monitoring socially significant and other dangerous infections based on the passported blood sera bank and computerized epidemiological database meeting the current WHO standards are discussed. An innovative project for the creation of the Electronic Atlas of Russia is considered that must provide an original information-analytical system for the study of the most widespread infectious diseases with the use of modern geoinformation technologies.

[Actual problems of creation of informational-analytical system for rapid control of epidemics of infectious diseases].

Structure and modules of computer informational-analytical system "Electronic atlas of Russia" is presented, the object of mapping in this system is epidemiology of socially significant infectious diseases. Systemic information on processes of emergence and spread of socially significant infectious diseases (anthroponoses, zoonoses and sapronoses) in the population of Russian Federation is presented in the atlas. Detailed electronic maps of country territory filled with prognosis-analytical information created by using technological achievements of mathematic and computer modeling of epidemics and outbreaks of viral and bacterial infections are of particular interest. Atlas allows to objectively evaluate the pattern of infection spread, prepare prognoses of epidemic and outbreak developments taking into account the implementation of control measures (vaccination, prophylaxis, diagnostics and therapy) and evaluate their economic effectiveness.

[Methods for diminishing mortality from infectious diseases].

The paper reports analysis of the "Russian Cross" demographic phenomenon characteristic of the present-day Russia, that is a marked excess of mortality over the birth rate leading to the reduction of the country's population at a rate of 750-800 thou people per year. The main causes and factors of excess mortality are considered with reference to deaths from infectious (viral and microbial) diseases. Experts of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences proposed the working concept of the research program "Avoidable population mortality from infectious diseases in 2010-2020". Its implementation envisages the use of up-to-date information and computer technologies including mathematical and computer simulation of morbidity and mortality processes in outbreaks and epidemics of infectious diseases. The use of computer-assisted technologies is illustrated by the example of smallpox epidemics. They permit to promptly analyse and prognosticate excess mortality from infectious diseases by applying new diagnostic tools and medicinal products. This approach is proposed for the evaluation of the effectiveness of different projects in the framework of the above program. Its realization requires the development of three special information (computer-aided) systems designated Projects, Infections, and Prognoses.

[Louse-borne typhus potential and new technologies in prediction of epidemic louse-borne typhus outburst].

Features of louse-borne typhus in Russia in the middle of 20th century are considered. Study of the infection source, blood serum in patient after epidemic louse-borne typhus (ELBT) and agent (louse) was performed on territory with high morbidity of pediculosis and ELBT in the years of 2nd world war. New materials of seroimmunological examinations are represented. Priority data of lice morphology based on morphometrical data of lice, collected in Russia and world collection in Berlin are shown. Methods of ELBT prediction are given, special attention is paid to development of mathematic prognostic models based on new technologies.

Prediction of outbreaks of post-traumatic stress disorder after large-scale terrorist acts.

An original computer technology--a mathematical model and computer programs running under Windows--for the operative assessment of outbreaks of post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) and prediction of their sequelae among victims of terrorist attacks is described. The structure of the mathematical model is described, along with the relationship between the mathematical model and the calculating algorithm for prediction of the development of outbreaks of PTSD. The computer program allowed predictions of the numbers of mental disorders with subsequent behavioral impairment, addictive disorders, personality changes, and signs of maladaptation in victims of terrorist acts. A model of an epidemic of mass panic in a population sensitive to negative information on the consequences of terrorist acts is described.

[The prediction of outbreaks of posttraumatic stress disorders after large-scale terrorism acts].

Presented is an original computed technology - a mathematic model and software for Windows for operative assessment of outbreaks of posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD) and prediction of their consequences among victims of terrorism acts. The structure and correlations between the mathematic model and calculating algorithm for the prognosis of PTSD outbreaks are described. The computed program allows to predict a number of mental disorders with further behavior deviations, addictive disorders, personality changes, signs of maladaptation in victims of terrorism acts. Authors present a model of outbreak of mass panic among the population sensitive to the negative information of terrorism acts consequences.

[Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus inducing influenza pneumonia in humans].

The human disease caused by avian influenza virus in South Asia is a typical example of emerging infection resulting from transmission of a known causative agent to a new host. The first cases with a comparatively high level of lethality rates among patients were registered in 1997 and 1999. The situation is a special phenomenon in epidemiology which requires deep evolutionary and ecological analysis, as well as theoretical interpretation. With the example of avian influenza virus in Western Europe and South Asia in 2003-2004 the practical expediency of modern concepts "foci versus epidemics" and "eradication versus vaccination" is now evident.

[Problem of bioterrorism under modern conditions]. / Problema bioterrorizma v sovremennykh usloviiakh.

It is practically impossible to discuss the problem of bioterrorism (BT) and to develop effective programs of decreasing the losses and expenses suffered by the society from the BT acts without evaluation of the threat and prognosis of consequences based on research and empiric data. Stained international situation following the act of terrorism (attack on the USA) on September 11, 2001, makes the scenarios of the bacterial weapon use (the causative agents of plague, smallpox, anthrax, etc.) by international terrorists most probable. In this connection studies on the analysis and prognostication of the consequences of BT, including mathematical and computer modelling, are necessary. The authors present the results of initiative studies on the analysis and prognostication of the consequences of the hypothetical act of BT with the use of the smallpox causative agent in a city with the population of about 1,000,000 inhabitants. The analytical prognostic studies on the operative analysis and prognostication of the consequences of the BT act with the use of the smallpox causative agent has demonstrated that the mathematical (computer) model of the epidemic outbreak of smallpox is an effective instrument of calculation studies. Prognostic evaluations of the consequences of the act of BT under the conditions of different reaction of public health services (time of detection, interventions) have been obtained with the use of modelling. In addition, the computer model is necessary for training health specialists to react adequately to the acts of BT with the use of different kinds of bacteriological weapons.

[Prognostic model of drug abuse and HIV infection morbidity among youth]. / Prognosticheskaia model' rasprostraneniia narkomanii i VICh-infektsii sredi molodezhi.

The description of prognostication model the distribution process of a narcotism (the heroine) among youth of large city is given. The model is developed with the purpose of study of a consequence of a narcotism among the teenagers and youth, which use a intravenous drugs user and have high risk of infection by a HIV-infection. The results of settlement researches heroine epidemic process in large city with the population about 1 million on retrospective per 10 years are submitted. The forecast of number of drug users on prospect per 5 years is made. It allows to estimate long-term consequences of a narcotism, as "has sunk down" for powerful epidemic AIDS in city in nearest 10 years.

[The use of computer technologies in the operational analysis of outbreaks of hospital infections]. / Primenenie komp'iuternykh tekhnologii pri operativnom analize vspyshek vnutrigospital'nykh infektsii.

The description of the mathematical model for the study of outbreaks of hospital infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae in intensive care units and the example of its use are presented. Calculations in connection with the evaluation and prognostication of the number of sick and deceased children on account of Klebsiella hospital infection were carried out with the use of the proposed computer program. The importance creating an effective hospital information and analytical system, suitable for the treatment and analysis of data on the epidemiological monitoring of hospital infections, with the elements permitting the registration and prognostication of the cases of the appearance and development of hospital infections, the evaluation of the morbidity level, as well as the effectiveness of using different prophylactic measures.

[An evaluation of the spectrum of Plasmodium vivax subpopulations by the results of an experimental study of late relapses in Delhi]. / Otsenka spektra subpopuliatsii Plasmodium vivax po rezul'tatam éksperimental'nogo izucheniia otdalennykh retsidivov v Deli.

The spectrum of Plasmodium vivax subpopulations could be evaluated by analyzing the results of experimental studies of late relapses in P. vivax malaria in north-western Delhi. The spectra of the subpopulations causing late recurrences were different for malaria with short-and longterm incubations. The conclusions previously made by mathematical stimulation as to that malaria with longterm incubation is mainly transmitted at the beginning of the season have been confirmed. Based on the results of the frequency analysis, 6 P. vivax subpopulations with the values of their development duration of 15, 240, 300, 390, 720, and 1020 days, respectively, were identified for formalization of an epidemic process.

[A mathematical model of operative analysis and prognosis in outbreaks of hospital infections in newborn infants (exemplified by Klebsiella infection)]. / Matematicheskaia model' operativnogo analiza i prognoza vspyshek gospital'nykh infektsii sredi novorozhdennykh (na primere klebsielleznoi infektsii).

The results of investigations on the development of a mathematical model (computer program) for the study (imitation) of outbreaks of hospital infections among newborns, caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae. The mathematical model, when "saturated" with real data of the outbreak, opens wide possibilities for the operative analysis and prognosis of morbidity and mortality levels among newborns at the intensive therapy departments of maternity clinics and hospitals. The possibilities of the model (computer program) are illustrated by the prognostic calculations of 3 outbreaks (hypothetical) of hospital infections at the intensive therapy department of the university clinic of Universitario del Valle, Cali (Colombia), resulting from violations of sanitary regulations by medical staff members.

[The mathematical modelling of tropical malaria]. / Matematicheskoe modelirovanie tropicheskoi maliarii.

The new mathematical model of P. falciparum malaria has been created. One means the operational forecast of epidemic process when different control measures are realized. The original modelling methodology for epidemics is used. The proposed methodology is allowed to take into account the natural variety of model's parameters. The malaria model consists of the nonlinear integro-differential in partial derivatives combined equations including individual and population characteristics. The informatics technologies permits to see information about model and its grounds. The model's verification has been done on data of Garki-project.