Influence of Hospital Outdoor Space on Physiological Electroencephalography (EEG) Feedback of Staff

Objectives: To investigate the differences and relationships between different outdoor spaces of hospitals on the physiological electroencephalography (EEG) feedback (PEEGF) of staff. Background: Relieving the pressure of hospital staff is essential, and several studies have revealed that even short-term exposure to outdoor space has a decompression effect. Yet, the focus is scarcely centered on the differences and influential relationships between the PEEGF from different outdoor spaces where the staff spend time, particularly in large-scale hospitals in China. Methods: EEG measurement equipment was utilized to obtain the value of β wave (vβw) that represents the stress and anxiety of staff in three different outdoor spaces: open, traffic, and rest. On the basis of EEG data, correlation analysis was conducted in accordance with the proportion of space elements. Results: The proportion of natural elements, such as landscape ( r = −.800** p=.005) and waterscape ( r = −.782* p=.013), were negatively correlated with the vβw produced by staff, while the proportion of hard paving was positive ( r = .817** p=.004) with more vβw produced by staff. In other words, the percentage of landscape and waterscape can reduce stress, while hard paving has the opposite effect. Further, there was a difference in the amount of vβw generated between nurses and administrators in the open space at the entrance of the main building ( p = .043). Conclusions: The present study revealed the influence of different outdoor space elements of the hospital on the physiological feedback of staff, demonstrated the practical necessity of evidence-based design, and proposed relevant optimization suggestions.

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Identification of Time-Invariant Biomarkers for Non-Genotoxic Hepatocarcinogen Assessment

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17124298 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (12) ◽

pp. 4298 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Shan-Han Huang ◽

Ying-Chi Lin ◽

Chun-Wei Tung

Keyword(s):

Large Scale ◽

Expression Profiles ◽

Characteristic Curve ◽

External Validation ◽

Enrichment Analysis ◽

Machine Learning Techniques ◽

Early Assessment ◽

Short Term ◽

Short Term Exposure ◽

Time Invariant

Non-genotoxic hepatocarcinogens (NGHCs) can only be confirmed by 2-year rodent studies. Toxicogenomics (TGx) approaches using gene expression profiles from short-term animal studies could enable early assessment of NGHCs. However, high variance in the modulation of the genes had been noted among exposure styles and datasets. Expanding from our previous strategy in identifying consensus biomarkers in multiple experiments, we aimed to identify time-invariant biomarkers for NGHCs in short-term exposure styles and validate their applicability to long-term exposure styles. In this study, nine time-invariant biomarkers, namely A2m, Akr7a3, Aqp7, Ca3, Cdc2a, Cdkn3, Cyp2c11, Ntf3, and Sds, were identified from four large-scale microarray datasets. Machine learning techniques were subsequently employed to assess the prediction performance of the biomarkers. The biomarker set along with the Random Forest models gave the highest median area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.824 and a low interquartile range (IQR) variance of 0.036 based on a leave-one-out cross-validation. The application of the models to the external validation datasets achieved high AUC values of greater than or equal to 0.857. Enrichment analysis of the biomarkers inferred the involvement of chronic inflammatory diseases such as liver cirrhosis, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma in NGHCs. The time-invariant biomarkers provided a robust alternative for NGHC prediction.

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Retinal Microvascular Response to Short-Term Exposure to Particulate Matters As an Indicator of Cardiovascular Effects in Work Environments

Journal of Environmental Health and Sustainable Development ◽

10.18502/jehsd.v6i1.5763 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Fatemeh Aminaei ◽

Mohammad Javad Zare Sakhvidi ◽

Hamideh Mihanpour ◽

Mojtaba Moghaddasi ◽

Mahdiyeh Shafieizadeh Bafghi

Keyword(s):

Large Scale ◽

Cardiovascular Effects ◽

Particulate Matters ◽

Short Term ◽

Cardiovascular Parameters ◽

Short Term Exposure ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Inhalable Dust ◽

Kolmogorov Smirnov ◽

Retinal Artery

Introduction: According to the literature, Central Retinal Arteriolar Equivalent (CRAE), Central Retinal Venular Equivalent (CRVE), and Artemio Venule Ratio (AVR) are three important markers in determining the changes of retinal artery. These markers are employed as an indicator of cardiovascular effects in workers. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in retinal micro vascular responses in workers exposed to short-term exposure to particulate matters caused by occupational processes using CRAE, CRVE, and AVR markers. Materials and Methods: In this study, 96 workers exposed to job-related pollution in a tile and ceramic company were investigated. Fundus photos of these people were analyzed via ARIA software using the related protocols. The data were investigated employing Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Mann-Whitney tests as well as the correlation and regression tests. Results: No significant difference was observed in the ocular parameters of smokers and non-smokers. Cardiovascular parameters had no significant correlation with CRAE and CRVE as well as breathable and inhalable dust; however, these parameters had a direct and significant correlation with AVR, PM10, and PM2.5 particles. Conclusion: The results did not show any changes in the retinal artery in workers who were exposed to job-related pollution. Moreover, no significant relationship was found between retinal artery changes and cardiovascular parameters. However, more large-scale studies are needed to clarify the relationship of particulate air pollutants with CRAE, CRVE, and AVR changes.

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Application of time to emesis data for primary triage of radiation accident victims

Medico-Biological and Socio-Psychological Problems of Safety in Emergency Situations ◽

10.25016/2541-7487-2021-0-1-14-21 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 14-21

Author(s):

V. Yu. Soloviev ◽

A. S. Samoilov ◽

A. O. Lebedev ◽

M. K. Sedankin ◽

E. A. Gudkov

Keyword(s):

Large Scale ◽

Radiation Injury ◽

Prolonged Exposure ◽

Dose Effect ◽

Separate Analysis ◽

Short Term ◽

Radiation Accidents ◽

Short Term Exposure ◽

Severity Of Injury ◽

Primary Triage

Relevance. The relevance of the study is due to the risk of developing large-scale radiation accidents with a large number of victims, who will need primary medical triage and early prediction of the severity of injury for correct routing from the source of sanitary losses.Intention. Validation of the method of estimating dose by time-to-emesis under various exposure conditions for pre-hospital triage of victims.Methodology. The object of the study is the data from State Research Center – Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency (Moscow) database of acute radiation injuries.Results and Discussion: We have analyzed individual data for the victims of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster (114 persons) with a separate analysis of the irradiation conditions (short-term exposure for less than 20 minutes and prolonged exposure in selected groups), as well as the data from victims of other radiation accidents in the former USSR (26 persons) and 8 patients with total body radiotherapy without the use of antiemetics. It was shown that for the equal time-to-emesis intervals, predicted radiation injury is more severe in case of prolonged exposure vs short-term exposure. This may be due to varying rate of dose accumulation and so-called “unnecessary dose” effect – when the biological mechanism of vomiting has already been triggered against ongoing exposure. Results are presented as interval estimates of radiation injury severity by time-to-emesis for both short-term and prolonged exposures. We also have formulated two criteria for primary triage purposes in case of moderate or large numbers of victims due to large-scale radiation accidents.Conclusion. Recommendations for pre-hospital triage of victims are proposed.

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Functional Settings of Hospital Outdoor Spaces and the Perceptions from Public and Hospital Occupant during COVID-19

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9111534 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 1534

Author(s):

Ming Ma ◽

Michael Adeney ◽

Hao Long

Keyword(s):

Well Being ◽

Hospital Staff ◽

Web Content ◽

Environmental Interventions ◽

Web Based ◽

The Public ◽

Outdoor Spaces ◽

Outdoor Space ◽

Multi Method Approach ◽

Functional Setting

Hospital outdoor spaces play an important role for the safety and well-being of users (patients, visitors, and staff), particularly during a pandemic. However, the actual needs of these spaces are often overlooked due to the design and management process. This study investigates the perceptions of the public and occupants on the functional settings of outdoor spaces, and provides evidence for building a safe and resilient hospital during (and after) COVID-19. A multi-method approach of web content analysis (WCA) and a web-based survey was employed. Reports were collected from three mainstream websites; keywords were extracted and then categorized, pertaining to the functional settings of outdoor spaces. Three groups of occupants from Southwest Hospital (staff n = 47, patients n = 64, visitors n = 73) participated in the survey to identify their perceptions of these functional settings. Based on the 657 reports and 33 keywords selected, 7 functional settings were identified: health check (HC), quarantine and observation (QO), food and delivery (FD), healing and restoration (HR), waiting and rest (WR), transportation and parking (TP), load and unload (LU). From all users, HC (4.13) was thought to be the most expected function setting while FD (2.61) was the least. Regarding the satisfaction level, most users were satisfied with HC (3.22) while WR (2.16) was the least satisfying. The users also showed significant differences regarding expectation and satisfaction pertaining to their groups. The results indicate that the current outdoor space could not fully meet the needs of users, regarding the emerging functional setting, due to the pandemic. Users showed significant different perceptions on the functional setting due to their roles. The mismatch between the outdoor space and the users’ needs on emerging functional settings resulted in low satisfaction and high expectation in the survey. Environmental interventions with adaptive and flexible strategies should be adapted for these functional settings. The differences of users should be fully recognized by administrators, decision-makers, and designers.

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The Effect of Dimethyl Sulfoxide on In Vitro Platelet Function

Thrombosis and Haemostasis ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1648027 ◽

1976 ◽

Vol 36 (01) ◽

pp. 221-229 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Charles A. Schiffer ◽

Caroline L. Whitaker ◽

Morton Schmukler ◽

Joseph Aisner ◽

Steven L. Hilbert

Keyword(s):

Platelet Count ◽

Platelet Aggregation ◽

Dimethyl Sulfoxide ◽

Platelet Function ◽

Platelet Volume ◽

Short Term ◽

Platelet Factor ◽

Short Term Exposure ◽

Structural Abnormalities

SummaryAlthough dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) has been used extensively as a cryopreservative for platelets there are few studies dealing with the effect of DMSO on platelet function. Using techniques similar to those employed in platelet cryopreservation platelets were incubated with final concentrations of 2-10% DMSO at 25° C. After exposure to 5 and 10% DMSO platelets remained discoid and electron micrographs revealed no structural abnormalities. There was no significant change in platelet count. In terms of injury to platelet membranes, there was no increased availability of platelet factor-3 or leakage of nucleotides, 5 hydroxytryptamine (5HT) or glycosidases with final DMSO concentrations of 2.5, 5 and 10% DMSO. Thrombin stimulated nucleotide and 5HT release was reduced by 10% DMSO. Impairment of thrombin induced glycosidase release was noted at lower DMSO concentrations and was dose related. Similarly, aggregation to ADP was progressively impaired at DMSO concentrations from 1-5% and was dose related. After the platelets exposed to DMSO were washed, however, aggregation and release returned to control values. Platelet aggregation by epinephrine was also inhibited by DMSO and this could not be corrected by washing the platelets. DMSO-plasma solutions are hypertonic but only minimal increases in platelet volume (at 10% DMSO) could be detected. Shrinkage of platelets was seen with hypertonic solutions of sodium chloride or sucrose suggesting that the rapid transmembrane passage of DMSO prevented significant shifts of water. These studies demonstrate that there are minimal irreversible alterations in in vitro platelet function after short-term exposure to DMSO.

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BattleNet: Capturing Advantageous Battlefield in RTS Games (Student Abstract)

Proceedings of the AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence ◽

10.1609/aaai.v34i10.7197 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 34 (10) ◽

pp. 13849-13850

Author(s):

Donghyeon Lee ◽

Man-Je Kim ◽

Chang Wook Ahn

Keyword(s):

Artificial Intelligence ◽

Decision Making ◽

Real Time ◽

Large Scale ◽

Outcome Predictor ◽

Short Term ◽

Rts Game

In a real-time strategy (RTS) game, StarCraft II, players need to know the consequences before making a decision in combat. We propose a combat outcome predictor which utilizes terrain information as well as squad information. For training the model, we generated a StarCraft II combat dataset by simulating diverse and large-scale combat situations. The overall accuracy of our model was 89.7%. Our predictor can be integrated into the artificial intelligence agent for RTS games as a short-term decision-making module.

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170 Short-term Exposure to High Glucose Alters Acetylcholine Sensitivity and Maximal Relaxation in Male and Female Rat Pudendal Artery, Respectively, Which is Reversed With Testosterone Incubation

Journal of Sexual Medicine ◽

10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.11.129 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

pp. S51-S52

Author(s):

N.S. Klee ◽

C. Webb

Keyword(s):

High Glucose ◽

Female Rat ◽

Short Term ◽

Male And Female ◽

Short Term Exposure ◽

Acetylcholine Sensitivity

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Blastocyst formation, embryo transfer and breed comparison in the first reported large scale cloning of camels

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-92465-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

P. O. Olsson ◽

A. H. Tinson ◽

N. Al Shamsi ◽

K. S. Kuhad ◽

R. Singh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Embryo Transfer ◽

Nuclear Transfer ◽

Large Scale ◽

Donor Cell ◽

Blastocyst Formation ◽

Short Term ◽

Embryo Formation ◽

Large Expansion ◽

Breed Differences ◽

Breed Comparison

AbstractCloning, through somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), has the potential for a large expansion of genetically favorable traits in a population in a relatively short term. In the present study we aimed to produce multiple cloned camels from racing, show and dairy exemplars. We compared several parameters including oocyte source, donor cell and breed differences, transfer methods, embryo formation and pregnancy rates and maintenance following SCNT. We successfully achieved 47 pregnancies, 28 births and 19 cloned offspring who are at present healthy and have developed normally. Here we report cloned camels from surgical embryo transfer and correlate blastocyst formation rates with the ability to achieve pregnancies. We found no difference in the parameters affecting production of clones by camel breed, and show clear differences on oocyte source in cloning outcomes. Taken together we demonstrate that large scale cloning of camels is possible and that further improvements can be achieved.

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