Monitoring and assessment of formaldehyde levels in residential areas from two cities in Romania

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 267-273
Author(s):  
Iulia A. Neamtiu ◽  
Tiberiu Cimpan ◽  
Jieqiong Zhou ◽  
Irina Schiopu ◽  
Mihai Surcel ◽  
...  

Abstract Formaldehyde has become a ubiquitous contaminant in the air, and people are exposed to it worldwide. However, few studies have evaluated the temporal-spatial levels/changes of formaldehyde exposure at residences, and the relationship between its outdoor and indoor levels has been rarely examined. The aim of this study was to assess community formaldehyde exposure in Sebes and Aiud, Romania to identify: (1) home environment characteristics that may play an important role in exposure; and understand: (2) if there were differences in formaldehyde levels between the two cities; (3) if there were temporal variations within each city; and (4) whether outdoor formaldehyde levels influence indoor levels. We simultaneously performed indoor and outdoor active air sampling for formaldehyde at each investigated residential location over a 3-year period and analyzed the samples by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The mean values of indoor and outdoor formaldehyde levels in both cities fell in the range 0.014–0.035 mg/m3. The correlation analysis indicated mostly positive but not significant (p > 0.05) correlations between indoor formaldehyde and microclimate factors (temperature, humidity, pressure). Notably, home insulation was found to be significantly correlated with increased indoor formaldehyde levels. There were no significant differences in mean indoor or outdoor formaldehyde levels between Sebes and Aiud over the 3-year study period. When comparing the formaldehyde levels in both cities over the 3-year period, only outdoor formaldehyde levels were significantly higher in 2016, as compared to those in 2017 and 2018.

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1079.1-1079
Author(s):  
I. Yoshii

Background:Boolean remission criteria is one most popular and stringent criteria in treating patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), because it may guarantees a stable clinical course after attaining remission.Objectives:Impact of time span from initiation to achieving Boolean remission on maintaining disease activity, daily activities, and quality of life after attaining Boolean remission was investigated from daily clinical practice data.Methods:685 patients with RA since August 2010 under the T2T strategy were treated. They were monitored for their TJC, SJC, PGA, EGA, CRP, and disease activity indices such as CDAI, SDAI, DAS28, and Boolean criteria at every visit. HAQ-DI score, pain score using visual analog scale (PS-VAS), and EQ-5D were also monitored, and the quality of life score (QOLS) calculated from EQ-5D was determined at every visit from the time of diagnosis (baseline).Of 685 patients, 465 patients had achieved Boolean remission >1 times, and were consecutively followed up for >3 years. These patients were enrolled in the study. Time span from the first visit to first Boolean remission was calculated. The relationship between the time span and each of background parameters, and the relationship between the time span and each of the mean values of the SDAI score, HAQ score, PS-VAS, SHS, and QOLS at the first Boolean remission and thereafter was evaluated statistically.Patients were subsequently divided into the G ≤ 6 and G > 6 groups based on the achievement of first Boolean remission within two groups: time span G ≤ 6 months and G > 6 months. The two groups were compared with regard to the SDAI score, HAQ score, PS-VAS, SHS, and QOLS at first visit and at the time of first Boolean remission, and the mean values of these parameters after remission were evaluated statistically. Moreover, changes of these parameters and the mean Boolean remission rate after the first remission, and SDAI remission rate at the first Boolean remission to thereafter were compared between the two groups statistically.Results:Out of 465 patients, females comprised 343 (73.7%), and the mean age was 67.8 years (range, from 21–95 years). The mean disease duration at first visit was 6.1 years (range, from 1 months–45 years). The mean follow up length was 88.1 months (range: 36–122 months; median: 85 months) and mean time span from the first visit to the first Boolean remission was 8.1 months. The mean SDAI score, HAQ score, PS-VAS, and the QOLS at first visit were 13.3, 0.467, 33.2, and 0.834, respectively. Among the study parameters, PS-VAS and QOLS were significantly correlated with the time span. For parameters at the first Boolean remission, HAQ-DI score, PS-VAS, and QOLS demonstrated significant correlation with the time span, whereas SDAI, HAQ-DI score, PS-VAS, SHS, and QOLS after the Boolean remission demonstrated significant correlation with the time span.The comparison between the G ≤ 6 and the G > 6 groups revealed that the disease duration, HAQ score, and PS-VAS at baseline in the G > 6 were significantly higher than that in the G ≤ 6 group, and QOLS in the G ≤ 6 group was significantly higher than that in the G > 6 group at baseline. Similarly, the HAQ score and PS-VAS at the first Boolean remission in the G > 6 group were significantly higher than that in the G ≤ 6 group, whereas QOLS in the G ≤ 6 group demonstrated no significant difference compared with that in the G > 6 group.The mean value of the SDAI score after the first Boolean remission in the G > 6 group was significantly higher than that in the G ≤ 6 group. Similarly, the SDAI score, HAQ score, and PS-VAS after the first Boolean remission in the G > 6 group were also significantly higher than those in the G ≤ 6 group, and the mean value of the QOLS in the G ≤ 6 group were significantly higher than that in the G > 6 group. The Boolean remission rate and SDAI remission rate after the first Boolean remission were significantly higher in the G ≤ 6 group than those in the G > 6 group.Conclusion:Attaining Boolean remission ≤ 6 months for RA has significant benefit for more stable disease control, that leads good maintenance of ADL.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Mazzoglio ◽  
Ilaria Butera ◽  
Pierluigi Claps

<p>The intensity and the spatial distribution of precipitation depths are known to be highly dependent on relief and geomorphological parameters. Complex environments like mountainous regions are prone to intense and frequent precipitation events, especially if located near the coastline. Although the link between the mean annual rainfall and geomorphological parameters has received substantial attention, few literature studies investigate the relationship between the sub-daily maximum annual rainfall depth and geographical or morphological landscape features.<br>In this study, the mean of the rainfall extremes in Italy, recently revised in the so-called I<sup>2</sup>-RED dataset, are investigated in their spatial variability in comparison with some landscape and also some broad climatic characteristics. The database includes all sub-daily rainfall extremes recorded in Italy from 1916 until 2019 and this analysis considers their mean values (from 1 to 24 hours) in stations with at least 10 years of records, involving more than 3700 stations.<br>The geo-morpho-climatic factors considered range from latitude, longitude and minimum distance from the coastline on the geographic side, to elevation, slope, openness and obstruction morphological indices, and also include an often-neglected robust climatological information, as the local mean annual rainfall.<br>Obtained results highlight that the relationship between the annual maximum rainfall depths and the hydro-geomorphological parameters is not univocal over the entire Italian territory and over different time intervals. Considering the whole of Italy, the highest correlation is reached between the mean values of the 24-hours records and the mean annual precipitation (correlation coefficient greater than 0.75). This predominance remains also in sub-areas of the Italian territory (i.e., the Alpine region, the Apennines or the coastal areas) but correlation decreases as the time interval decreases, except for the Alpine region (0.73 for the 1-hour maximum). The other geomorphological parameters seem to act in conjunction, making it difficult to evaluate, with a simple linear regression analysis, their impact. As an example, the absolute value of the correlation coefficient between the elevation and the 1-hour extremes is greater than 0.35 for the Italian and the Alpine regions, while for the 24-hours interval it is greater than 0.35 over the coastal areas.<br>To further investigate the spatial variability of the relationship between rainfall and elevation, a spatial linear regression analysis has been undertaken. Local linear relationships have been fitted in circles centered on any of the 0.5-km size pixels in Italy, with 1 to 30 km radius and at least 5 stations included. Results indicate the need of more comprehensive terrain analysis to better understand the causes of local increasing or decreasing relations, poorly described in the available literature.</p>


1992 ◽  
Vol 24 (01) ◽  
pp. 223-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Manoharan ◽  
Harshinder Singh ◽  
Neeraj Misra

In this paper, we consider the life distribution H(t) of a device subject to shocks governed by a finite mixture of homogeneous Poisson processes. It will be shown that if (pk ), the probabilities that the device fails on the kth shock, has a discrete phase-type (DPH) distribution, then H(t) is continuous phase-type (CPH). The relationship between the mean values of (pk ) and H(t) is established.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0016
Author(s):  
Jun Young Choi ◽  
Jin Soo Suh

Category: Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: The primary aim of this study was to calculate the mean values of three most frequently measured parameters for hindfoot alignment determination in asymptomatic subjects - hindfoot alignment angle (HAA), hindfoot alignment ratio (HAR), and hindfoot moment arm (HMA). The secondary aim was to determine the relationship between HAR and HAA or HMA using statistical methods. Methods: From January 2014 to June 2019, a total of 1128 asymptomatic subjects were enrolled in this study. With the hindfoot alignment view by Saltzman and el-Khoury, HAA, HAR, and HMA were measured to evaluate the degree of hindfoot varus or valgus deviation. All subjects were divided into subgroups according to sex and age (<45 years old vs >=45 years old). Simple linear regression was performed to draw out the regression formula between HAR and HAA or HMA. Results: The mean HAA, HAR, and HMA for all subjects were -4.07+-3.48o, 0.21+-0.15, and -6.12+-5.22 mm, respectively. By comparing subgroups, female subjects >=45 years old showed the largest valgus deviation (-7.08+-6.34o, P=0.001). To predict HAR using HAA or HMA, the regression formulas were ‘HAR= 0.366 + 0.039 × HAA’ and ‘HAR= 0.361 + 0.025 × HMA.’ Conclusion: Under HAA, HAR, and HMA evaluation, the hindfoot alignment for asymptomatic subjects was valgus deviation. Furthermore, the degree of valgus deviation was the largest in female subjects aged 45 years or older. This can be explained as the progression of adult type flat foot deformity with aging.


Blood ◽  
1967 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 265-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
VINCENT CAGGIANO ◽  
JANET CUTTNER ◽  
ALAN SOLOMON

Abstract The relationship between the anomalous and normal immunoglobulins was studied through measurement of myeloma protein (MP), Bence Jones protein (BJP), and the normal γG, γA, γM and γD-globulin levels in a large group of patients with multiple myeloma. These determinations were made prior to and after initiation of three different therapeutic protocols. Thirteen out of 18 patients had at least a 25 per cent reduction in MP or BJP within 6 months. This response was characterized by considerable variation both in the rate and period of time before the anomalous proteins decreased. The type of response was independent of (1) light chain type (K or L) of G or A-MP, (2) heavy chain subgroup or genetic (Gm) factors of G-MP, and (3) electrophorectic mobility of the MP. The ratio among multiple components of heterogenous G or A-MP was not altered by therapy. The initial level of MP, in the case of patients with G-MP, may be one factor in the type of response observed. The rate of reduction of MP and BJP was extremely rapid in patients who received prednisone in conjunction with melphalan. It appeared that synthesis of anomalous γ-globulin components was completely suppressed with this treatment regimen. This type of response was not observed in patients treated with melphalan alone. The mean values for each of the normal immunoglobulin (IG) classes (γG, γA, γM and γD-globulin) were reduced below normal. Two classes, γA and γD-globulin, were particularly low. Prior to therapy, however, the extent of reduction of each IG class varied in an individual patient. An inverse relationship was found for γM-globulin and G-MP levels. Part of the normal γG-globulin in patients with G-MP was determined by measurement of Vi (γ2c) levels. Different patterns of response to therapy were noted for each class of IG. More commonly, the response of a normal IG was independent of the response of the anomalous protein and furthermore, could not be related to a particular treatment schedule. In some instances, therapy contributed to further suppression of normal IG levels.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dilhan İlgüy ◽  
Mehmet İlgüy ◽  
Erdoğan Fişekçioğlu ◽  
Semanur Dölekoğlu ◽  
Nilüfer Ersan

Aim. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between articular eminence inclination, height, and thickness of the roof of the glenoid fossa (RGF) according to age and gender and to assess condyle morphology including incidental findings of osseous characteristics associated with osteoarthritis (OA) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).Materials and Methods. CBCT images of 105 patients were evaluated retrospectively. For articular eminence inclination and height, axial views on which the condylar processes were seen with their widest mediolateral extent being used as a reference view for secondary reconstruction. Condyle morphology was categorized both in the sagittal and coronal plane.Results. The mean values of eminence inclination and height of males were higher than those of females (P<0.05). There were significant differences in the RGF thickness in relation to sagittal condyle morphology. Among the group of OA, the mean value of the RGF thickness for “OA-osteophyte” group was the highest (1.59 mm), whereas the lowest RGF values were seen in the “OA-flattening.”Conclusion. The sagittal osteoarthritic changes may have an effect on RGF thickness by mechanical stimulation and changed stress distribution. Gender has a significant effect on eminence height (Eh) and inclination.


1996 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 1822-1827 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vitezslav Dvorak ◽  
Magda Oplustilova ◽  
Dalibor Janous

The relationship between leaf biomass and sapwood area was investigated in a 35-year-old Norway spruce (Piceaabies (L.) Karst.) stand in mountainous conditions. Fifteen trees were destructively sampled to determine the needle biomass in several needle age-classes and whorls and the corresponding sapwood areas at the whorl branch bases and in stems at breast height. Leaf biomass/sapwood area ratio and specific leaf biomass (g•mm−2) were calculated for different needle age-classes and also for different positions in the vertical profile of the crown. The leaf biomass/sapwood area ratios were described by linear regression with a high coefficient of determination. Specific leaf biomass analysed in whorl branches was highest in the upper whorls but was decreasing downward through the profile; remained stable in the middle crown layer; and decreased again in the lower crown parts. Specific leaf biomass assessments for stems showed the largest and most increasing values in the youngest three needle age-classes followed by a decreasing trend of the specific leaf biomass in older needle age-classes. The mean values of specific leaf biomass were 1.08 g•mm−2 for branches and 1.02 g•mm−2 for stems. The results of our study are consistent with the "pipe model theory."


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Changchun Huang ◽  
Lin Yao ◽  
Hao Yang ◽  
Chen Lin ◽  
Tao Huang ◽  
...  

Abstract. We examined the relationship between, and variations in, particulate organic carbon (POC) and particulate organic nitrogen (PON) based on previously acquired ocean and inland water data. Some new points were found beside the traditional latitude, depth and temperature dependence of POC, PON and POC/PON. The global average value of POC/PON (7.54±3.82) is higher than the Redfield ratio (6.63). The mean values of POC/PON in south and north hemisphere are 7.40±3.83 and 7.80±3.92, respectively. The high values of POC/PON appeared between 80° N~90° N (12.2±7.5) and 70° N~80° N (9.4±6.4), and relatively low POC/PON were found from 20 °N (6.6±2.8) to 40 °N (6.7±2.7). The latitudinal dependency of POC/PON in the northern hemisphere is much stronger than in the southern hemisphere. Variations of POC/PON in inland water also showed similar latitude-dependency of POC/PON in ocean water, but significantly regulated by lake’s morphology, trophic state and climate, etc. factors. Higher POC and PON could be expected in the coastal water, while POC/PON significantly increased from 6.89±2.38 to 7.59±4.22 in north hemisphere with the increasing rate of 0.0024/km. The coupling relationship between POC and PON in oceans is much stronger than in inland waters. Variations in POC, PON and POC/PON in inland waters should receive more attention due to the importance of these values to global carbon and nitrogen cycles and the indeterminacy of the relationship between POC and PON.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirstin Vach ◽  
Ali Al-Ahmad ◽  
Annette Anderson ◽  
Johan Peter Woelber ◽  
Lamprini Karygianni ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The influence of nutrition on the oral microbiota has been discussed in the literature, but usually only changes of the mean values are reported. This paper focuses on the variability of patients’ reactions. Methods: Two types of inter-individual variability in such studies and statistical models to estimate them are introduced. Through smart presentation of the estimates from the studies, a better understanding of the data can be obtained. Random effects meta-analyses are used to analyse the heterogeneity in variability across different bacteria. Results: For the nutrition individually chosen by the participants, we observed an inter-individual variability of the bacterial concentration of three log steps. Given that we found no evidence of heterogeneity in variability across different bacteria, the results can be used to offer recommendations for future studies and compute the number of cases needed. Conclusions: For studies measuring the concentration change of bacteria as a reaction to nutrition change, the use of replications and analysis of the variability is recommended.


2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 119
Author(s):  
M. B. Matabane ◽  
P. Nethenzheni ◽  
R. Thomas ◽  
D. Norris ◽  
K. Nephawe ◽  
...  

The prediction of sperm fertility has a great economic importance to the pig breeding industry. The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between boar sperm quality and fertility following artificial insemination (AI) under smallholder production systems. A total of 18 ejaculates were collected from 3 breeding boars using a hand-gloved technique. Aliquots of diluted semen were assessed for sperm motility using a computer aided sperm analysis before AI. Sperm viability was evaluated using Synthetic Binding CD-14 (SYBR-14+)/propidium iodide (PI–), whereas sperm morphology was evaluated using Eosin Nigrosin staining. Fluorescent microscope was used at 100× magnification to count 200 sperm per slide. The semen was extended with Beltsville Thawing Solution and contained 3 × 109 sperm/dose. A total of 73 multiparous sows were inseminated twice. Fertility was measured by conception rate, farrowing rate, litter size and number of piglets born alive following AI. Sperm quality and fertility data were analysed using one-way ANOVA. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to determine the relationship between sperm quality and fertility traits. The mean values for total sperm motility ranged from 93.5 to 96.8%. Progressive and rapid sperm motility differed significantly (P < 0.05) among the boars. However, no significant differences were found for sperm velocity traits. The mean values for morphologically normal sperm ranged from 47.8 to 60.9% and live sperm ranged from 71.8 to 77.2%, but did not differ significantly among the boars (P > 0.05). Conception rate from different boars varied (P < 0.05) from 63.6 to 93.3%. Of all fertility traits studied, conception rate was significantly related to total sperm motility rate (r = 0.34, P < 0.0029), progressive motility (r = 0.29, P < 0.0141) and rapid motility (r = 0.34, P < 0.0032), although relatively low. There was a low positive relationship between morphologically normal sperm and fertility traits (P > 0.05). In conclusion, total, progressive, and rapid sperm motility rate were the only sperm traits significantly related to conception rate. Conversely, litter size and number born alive were not correlated with sperm motility, viability, or morphology traits.


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