Environmental radiological baseline in unconventional oil and gas areas of Mexico.

Environmental radioactivity study was performed in unconventional hydrocarbons areas for the first time in Mexico, where four unconventional hydrocarbon exploratory wells (UHEW) are planned. This study assesses natural radiological conditions in areas around UHEW. Equivalent dose rate distribution displayed in Geographic Information System (GIS) had a maximum of 1.83 mSv a-1 and minimum of 0.04 mSv a-1, GIS was also used for introducing land usage, water resources and population occupancy. Measurements of gross alpha and gross beta in water were below the national permissible limits for drinking water 0.5 and 1.0 Bq L-1 respectively, even though samples do not correspond to drinking water. Evaluation of 238U and 226Ra in groundwater were below minimum detectable concentration 1.3 and 1.0 Bq L-1, respectively. This study provides a radiological baseline for the impact of future industrial activities, especially if exploitation of unconventional hydrocarbons produces naturally occurring radioactive material.

Very early mobilization in the stroke unit: Functionality, quality of life and disability at 90 days and 1 year post-stroke.

BACKGROUND: The evidence of early mobilization after stroke is conflicting, and the recovery period is an important concern. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the functionality, quality of life and disability at 90 days and 1 year post-stroke of patients who received a Very Early Mobilization Protocol. METHODS: Prospective cohort study in a tertiary stroke unit. Consecutive patients aged≥18 years and without prior significant disability, who presented motor deficit after acute stroke, were included. A symmetry test was performed to compare the changes in the main variables: Barthel Index (BI), Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and EuroQol five-dimensions three-level (EQ-5D-3L) between 90 days and 1 year post-stroke. RESULTS: A total of 123 patients were recruited. The BI reflected an improvement at 1 year in transfer to chair/bed in 25.8%(p < 0.01) of patients and in toilet use in 25.8%(p = 0.02). The FAC showed an improvement at 1 year in 44.4%(p < 0.01) of patients and the mRS in 19.1%(p = 0.01). The usual activities dimension of the EQ-5D-3L showed a clinically relevant improvement after 1 year in 15.9%(p = 0.23) of patients. CONCLUSIONS: A significant percentage of patients show improvements in some functional areas and in disability between 90 days and 1 year post-stroke.