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PubMed1998

Differential effects of glutathione and cysteine on Fe2+, Fe3+, H2O2 and myoglobin-induced proximal tubular cell attack.

Glutathione (GSH) is widely advocated as a cytoprotectant for preventing oxidant forms of renal damage. However, in the case of myoglobinuric tubular injury, both beneficial and adverse effects have been noted. The purpose of this study was to help elucidate this seeming paradox by assessing the impact on thiol supplementation on normal tubules and on tubules subjected to individual components of heme protein-induced oxidant attack (Fe2+, Fe3+, and H2O2). Isolated mouse proximal tubular segments (PTS) were exposed to either GSH or cysteine under normal conditions or in the presence of exogenous Fe2+, Fe3+, or H2O2. Lethal cell injury (LDH release) and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) were then assessed. GSH and cysteine exerted iron dependent, H2O2 independent, pro-oxidant effects on normal PTS. Both were also pro-oxidant in the presence of an exogenous Fe3+ challenge. In contrast, each attenuated Fe2+ cytotoxicity. The importance of iron's redox status on the expression of tubular injury was further underscored by the fact that Fe3+ partially blocked Fe2+'s cytotoxic effects. GSH mitigated H2O2 toxicity (consistent with a fueling of GSH peroxidase activity). Conversely, cysteine promoted H2O2's injurious effects. To assess the impact of thiol supplementation on a fully integrated model of heme protein toxicity, proximal tubular (HK-2) cells were cultured with myoglobin x 24 hours +/- test reactants. Exogenous GSH worsened, while GSH depletion (BSO) protected, against myoglobin toxicity (indicating a predominance of GSH's pro-oxidant effects). Conversely, cysteine (but not homocysteine) decreased myoglobin toxicity. These GSH/cysteine effects were confirmed in LLC-PK1 cells subjected to iron attack. We conclude that: (1) GSH and cysteine can exert pro- and anti-oxidant effects, depending on the nature of the oxidant challenge and iron's redox status; (2) Fe3+ can function as a cytoprotectant, partially offsetting Fe2+ toxicity; and (3) cysteine, although potentially pro-oxidant, can mitigate heme protein-induced injury. Since the kidney rapidly catabolizes GSH to cysteine, the latter may be at least partially responsible for GSH's reported cytoprotective actions against myoglobinuric acute renal failure.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Role of endothelin and nitric oxide imbalance in the pathogenesis of hypoxia-induced arterial hypertension.

BACKGROUND: We have recently demonstrated that prolonged hypobaric hypoxia can lead to a hematocrit-independent sustained arterial hypertension (HTN) in genetically normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats. The rise in blood pressure in the hypoxic animals was accompanied by a marked but transient increase in plasma endothelin level. In addition, hypoxia has been shown to decrease nitric oxide (NO) production by cultured endothelial cells. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that hypoxia-induced HTN may be mediated by increased endothelin and/or decreased NO production. METHODS: Blood pressure, plasma endothelin and urinary NO metabolites (NOx)were monitored in rats during a 24-hour exposure to hypobaric hypoxia (air pressure = 390 mm Hg). The results were compared with hypoxia (air pressure = 390 mm Hg). The results were compared with those obtained in animals maintained under normoxic condition (control group). To test the possible role of excess endothelin and depressed NO production, the studies were repeated using subgroups of animals treated with either an endothelin receptor ET-A/B blocker (L-754,142) or L-arginine. RESULTS: The untreated hypoxic group exhibited a threefold rise in plasma endothelin and a threefold fall in urinary NOx, prior to the onset of HTN. Endothelin receptor blockade led to a further fall in urinary NOx excretion and failed to mitigate HTN. In contrast, L-arginine supplementation improved the urinary NOx excretion and prevented HTN. Neither therapy affected the hypoxia-induced erythrocytosis. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that hypoxia-induced HTN is associated with depressed NO production and can be mitigated by L-arginine supplementation.

Acetamides↗
PubMed2002

Effectiveness of muscimol-containing microparticles against pilocarpine-induced focal seizures.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of in situ lipid-protein-sugar particles (LPSPs) in mitigating the epileptogenic and histologic effects of intrahippocampal pilocarpine in rats. METHODS: LPSPs with and without muscimol were produced by spray-drying, sized by Coulter counter, and muscimol content determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HLPC). Particles, free muscimol or saline, were injected into the hippocampi of Sprague-Dawley rats before 40 mM pilocarpine, and seizure activity was scored. The trajectories of behavioral scores between groups were compared with two-way repeated measures analysis of variance. Animals were killed after 2 weeks. Brain sections were stained (Timm and thionin) and scored. RESULTS: LPSPs were 4 to 5 microm in diameter, and contained 0 or 2% (wt/wt) muscimol. In vitro, muscimol was released over a 5-day period. Intrahippocampal injections of normal saline and blank LPSPs did not deter seizure activity from pilocarpine. The rise of the trajectory in behavior scores in animals given LPSPs containing 5 microg muscimol was significantly slower than in those receiving saline, blank particles, or 5 microg of unencapsulated muscimol. There was less apparent neuronal injury and CA3 and supragranular mossy fiber sprouting in hippocampi of animals receiving muscimol-containing particles than in animals that did not receive muscimol. Hippocampi of animals that received 5 microg of encapsulated muscimol showed less supragranular sprouting than did those receiving 5 microg of unencapsulated muscimol, but showed no difference in cell loss or CA3 sprouting. CONCLUSIONS: Focally delivered biodegradable microparticles loaded with muscimol are effective in reducing seizure activity from pilocarpine in animals and mitigate the histologic effects.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Progesterone reduces pentylenetetrazol-induced ictal activity of wild-type mice but not those deficient in type I 5alpha-reductase.

PURPOSE: To investigate the importance of progesterone (P4) metabolism by the 5alpha-reductase type I enzyme in mitigating P4 antiseizure effects. METHODS: Ovariectomized, female homozygous and heterozygous 5alpha-reductase type I knockout mice (n = 23) and their wild-type siblings (n = 31) were administered P4 (1.0 mg), and their pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced ictal behaviors were compared with those of vehicle-administered mice (n = 49). RESULTS: Mice deficient in the 5alpha-reductase type I enzyme administered P4, or vehicle-administered control mice, had significantly shorter latencies and increased incidence of PTZ-induced hindlimb extension and death than did wild-type mice administered P4. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that P4's metabolism by the 5alpha-reductase type I enzyme may mitigate some of P4's antiseizure effects in the PTZ-induced seizure model.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Axial characteristics of circular external skeletal fixator single ring constructs.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effects of varying ring diameter, wire tension, and wire-divergence angle on the axial stiffness characteristics of circular external skeletal fixator single-ring constructs. Study Design-Biomechanical evaluation using circular fixator components and a Delrin cylinder bone model. METHODS: Single ring constructs using two 1.6 mm diameter Kirschner wires to secure a 19 mm Delrin cylinder centered within the ring were examined. Component variables evaluated were ring diameter (50 mm, 66 mm, 84 mm, and 118 mm), wire-divergence angle (30 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees ), and wire tension (0 kg, 30 kg, 60 kg, and 90 kg). A total of 48 constructs were examined. Rings were rigidly mounted on a universal testing system and the cylinder loaded in axial compression (7.4 N/s) to 220 N. Load/displacement curves were analyzed to determine the following: the displacement (mm) that occurred before the slope of each load/displacement curve became linear, the stiffness (N/mm) of the linear portion of each load/deformation curve, and the total displacement (mm) produced at maximal load. Least-squares linear regression was used to model response variables as linear functions of ring diameter, wire divergence angle, and wire tension. Three-way interactions and 2-way interactions among independent component variables were evaluated first in the modeling process and included in a best model if response variables were found to have statistically significant regression coefficients. The regression coefficients and corresponding standard errors and covariances were used to estimate the maximal effect and standard error attributable to wire divergency angle (change from 30 degrees to 90 degrees ) and wire tension (change from 0 to 90 kg) for each ring diameter. RESULTS: All load/deformation curves had an initial exponential increase in stiffness, with the slope becoming linear at higher loads. The exponential phase was more pronounced in larger-diameter ring constructs and was mitigated by tensioning the wires. Ring diameter had the greatest influence on displacement that occurred before the curve became linear (semipartial r(2) [sp-r2] = .89), stiffness (sp-r2 = .94), and total displacement (sp-r2 = .93). Wire tension exerted a smaller influence on displacement that occurred before the curve became linear (sp-r2 =.06), stiffness (sp-r2 = .03), and total displacement (sp-r2 = .05). Wire divergence angle had a nominal effect on displacement that occurred before the curve became linear (sp-r2 = .0001), on stiffness (sp-r2 = .004), and on total displacement (sp-r2 =.003). CONCLUSIONS: Ring diameter had a profound effect on the axial stiffness characteristic of single ring constructs. Tensioning of the fixation wires can improve the axial stiffness characteristics of these constructs, particularly in larger diameter ring constructs, by mitigating the initial exponential phase of the load/deformation curve. Wire divergence angle had only a nominal differential effect on axial stability. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding how individual component variables and their interactions influence bone segment stability should help surgeons to optimize interfragmentary strain. Tensioning fixation wires is probably unnecessary in 50 mm diameter ring constructs, but assumes greater importance as ring diameter increases.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

[Results of laparoscopic repair of abdominal wall hernias using an ePTFE-polypropylene composite mesh].

BACKGROUND: The standard technique for laparoscopic ventral hernioplasty (peritoneal onlay) reduces the recurrence rate and the rate of other complications, in particular the risk of infections. However, the procedure requires a special mesh to mitigate the risk of visceral adhesions. For this purpose an ePTFE mesh is generally used. There are limited reported clinical data regarding the long-term results and benefits of other biomaterials. STUDY DESIGN: Bard Composix mesh was used for laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. This biomaterial combines two different clinically proven materials--polypropylene with a thin layer of ePTFE--to maximize ingrowth of surrounding tissue, while mitigating the risk of visceral adhesions. Demographic, operative and postoperative data were collected and analyzed. Follow-up clinical evaluations were conducted 6-10 days, 4 weeks, and every 6 (th) month after surgery in all patients. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were involved in the study. The mean operating time was 101.2 min (64-190 min). There were no intraoperative complications or conversion to open procedure. Postoperative complications were 1 seroma, 4 cases of prolonged ileus, one tacks-site pain requiring second-look laparoscopy. Hospital discharge occurred on average 6 days (3-10 days) after surgery. The mean follow-up was 12.4 months (range 5-29 months). No late complications or hernia recurrence were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic prosthetic ventral hernioplasty using the composite polypropylene/ePTFE mesh offers short hospital stay and acceptable complications for primary and recurrent ventral hernias. Disadvantage of the composite mesh is the difficulty to roll this product into a sufficiently small size to permit its easy introduction into the abdominal cavity.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Pharmaceuticals in the environment in Italy: causes, occurrence, effects and control.

BACKGROUND, AIM AND SCOPE: Environmental contamination by pharmaceuticals is an emerging issue. Until recently, information on medicinal substances released into the environment was scant, but several studies have now been published. Data are, however, usually scattered and a systematic approach to this subject is generally lacking. Moreover, because of differences in the prevalence of diseases, treatment habits and options, or simply for market reasons, the pollution profile can differ significantly in different countries. The aim of this work is to review the papers dealing with environmental contamination by pharmaceuticals in Italy, with the aim of providing a comprehensive view on a national scale. METHODS: Papers related to environmental contamination by pharmaceuticals in Italy were reviewed, in order to offer a comprehensive view of this subject. Topics included analysis, occurrence, monitoring, modelling, treatment, control of the emissions, and ecotoxicological effects of pharmaceuticals in the environment. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The literature suggests that pharmaceuticals are widespread contaminants, entering the environment from a myriad of scattered points. Patients, in case of drugs for human use, or animals for veterinary drugs, are the main sources of contamination. Pharmaceuticals can be ranked according to environmental loads, predicted by multiplying sales figures by the rate of metabolism in man or animals. Priority pharmaceuticals, i.e. the molecules of concern for the environment, can be measured in waste and surface water by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and the loads detected are generally comparable to the predicted ones. Pharmaceuticals are designed to stimulate a response in humans and animals at low doses, with a very specific target, so the implications for human health and the environment need to be assessed. In vitro and in vivo studies suggest that pharmaceutical principles, taken singularly or in combinations, and concentrations close to those detected in the environment, may have ecotoxicological effects. The sewage system is an important point in the control of contamination, but sewage treatment plants are not able efficiently to abate a substantial part of water-borne pharmaceuticals. Several variables play a role, however, in the processes of waste water treatment, and could be specifically adjusted to improve the efficiency of drug abatement, mitigating the potential environmental hazards. RECOMMENDATION AND PERSPECTIVE: Pharmaceuticals in the environment are becoming a subject of global concern, with potential environmental consequences. Further knowledge of the causes, occurrence and effects of drugs as environmental pollutants is necessary for a better understanding of this ecological issue, as well as to improve abatement strategies, and to mitigate subtle environmental consequences.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Effects of Podophyllum hexandrum on radiation induced delay of postnatal appearance of reflexes and physiological markers in rats irradiated in utero.

Effect of 2.0 Gy gamma-dose delivered to rats in utero on 17th day of gestation was studied to monitor the radiation induced retardation of neurophysiological development in postnatal young ones. Rhizome of Podophyllum hexandrum which has been well documented for mitigating radiation injuries in adult mice was attempted for modifying radiation damage. Rats were observed from postnatal day 1 to 25 for the age of the appearance of physiological markers (pinna detachment, inscisor's eruption, eye opening) and acquisition of reflexes (surface righting, visual placing, reflex suspension, negative geotaxis). In irradiated groups there was a significant weight reduction in mother rats and offsprings throughout the experimental period. There was radiation-induced delay in the appearance of pinna detachment but not in eye opening and inscisor's eruption. Appearance of the reflexes were also delayed due to irradiation. Preirradiation administration of the extract of Podophyllum hexandrum (i.p., 200 mg/kg/b.w.) mitigated radiation induced postnatal physiological alterations. These studies have implications in protection against damage (in utero) due to planned radiation exposure.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Effect of aerobic exercise on lipaemia and its fatty acid profile after a meal of moderate fat content in eumenorrhoeic women.

Exercise prior to eating has repeatedly been shown to reduce postprandial lipaemia. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether this effect was manifest in the presence of two factors that independently mitigate postprandial lipaemia: eumenorrhoea and moderate fat intake. Eight healthy eumenorrhoeic rowers consumed a meal of moderate fat content (35 % total energy, 0.66 g/kg body mass) 14 h after having either rowed at 55 % of maximal aerobic power (81 % of maximal heart rate) for 80 min or rested. Both trials were performed during the luteal phase. Blood samples were drawn before the meal and for 8 h postprandially for the measurement of individual fatty acids in the triacylglycerol and NEFA fractions, as well as of glucose, insulin and oestradiol. Plasma oestradiol concentrations were not significantly different in the two trials. The postprandial lipaemic response, expressed as either plasma triacylglycerol concentration or area under the triacylglycerol-time curve, was 35 % lower (P<0.05) after exercise. The postprandial glycaemic and insulinaemic responses were also lower, indicating increased insulin sensitivity, whereas the NEFA response was higher, suggesting a lower entrapment of dietary fatty acids in adipose tissue after exercise. Finally, exercise increased the proportion of unsaturated:saturated NEFA during the postprandial period. In conclusion, aerobic exercise performed 14 h before a moderate-fat meal reduced postprandial lipaemia in women in the luteal phase. This effect shows the potential of exercise to mitigate even moderate lipaemic responses in eumenorrhoeic women.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Variable errors set a limit to adaptation.

This paper argues that variable error introduces a limit to the extent to which a person can be adapted to his or her environment in general, and for the extent to which the driver can be adapted to the traffic environment in particular. This is because variable error turns what is a deterministic and stable world into an uncertain one where it is only possible to be adapted in a statistical sense. A series of experiments are then discussed. These experiments show that drivers match their utilization of perceptual information to the validity of this information, i.e., they treat uncertainty introduced by variable error in the perceptual system in the same manner as they treat uncertainty in the physical system. This supports the main hypothesis of the paper. A driver may mitigate the effects of variable error by having a safety margin, but the relation between speeds and accident rates (predicted from the current hypothesis) shows that this adaptation is not effective enough. Safety authorities may mitigate the effects of variable error by decreasing the variability of the driving environment, e.g., by introducing speed limits.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed2000

The influence of elevated dietary zinc, selenium, and their combination on the suppressive effect of dietary and intraperitoneal cadmium on egg production in laying hens.

The influence of elevated dietary zinc and/or selenium on the suppressive effect of cadmium on egg production in hens has not been previously established. To address this question, two models of cadmium administration were used to differentiate protective effects of zinc or selenium that may result from a reduced absorption of cadmium from those resulting from an elevated nutritional status of these minerals. First, cadmium-induced suppression of egg production was produced in White Leghorn hens using intraperitoneal injections of Cd in order to determine protective effects that result from prefeeding diets supplemented with 803 ppm Zn, 0.91 ppm Se, or their combination relative to a basal diet (control). Feeding elevated dietary selenium throughout the experiment, including a 6-day prefeeding period before Cd administration, resulted in significant protection from the egg suppression produced by 2 injections of cadmium (0.27 mg/kg each) given 1 d apart. Feeding elevated dietary zinc alone or combined with +0.91 ppm Se for a similar period did not markedly protect against cadmium-induced egg suppression. After a 0.54-mg/kg dose of Cd was administered, for a cumulative dose of 1.08 mg/kg, no significant protection was observed from any of the supplemented diets. In a second experiment, the protective effect of the same dietary treatments on the egg-suppressive effect of dietary cadmium was determined. In contrast to cadmium injection, the suppressive effect of 153 ppm dietary cadmium was not mitigated by selenium supplementation, while supplemental zinc protected against this effect of dietary cadmium regardless of the amount of selenium in the diet. There was no significant change in plasma estrogen and vitellogenin levels as a result of cadmium administration in either model, with the exception of significant reduction in both these parameters in the dietary cadmium-exposed birds fed the basal diet. Together, the data suggest that the level of dietary zinc in food sources may be more important in influencing cadmium-induced egg suppression than the nutritional status of zinc in cadmium-exposed birds. In contrast, the nutritional status of selenium in cadmium-exposed birds may have the potential to mitigate this effect, but high exposures to dietary cadmium or zinc may preclude such protection.

Absorption↗
PubMed2004

Environmental factors in the summer Olympics in historical perspective.

A descriptive approach is adopted in reviewing the probable impact of environmental factors during the summer Olympic Games since their inception in 1896. A historical analytical perspective is impractical due to the lack of reliable climatic data for the earlier Games and the evolution of a myriad of factors that impinge on competitive performance at elite level. Nevertheless, the endurance running events, particularly the marathon, are considered in detail with respect to exposure to environmental forces. Heat, humidity, air pollution, altitude and the geographical features of the race course are considered selectively and dealt with in order of chronology and global climatic zones. We focus on diverse climate zones and particular environmental conditions in order to scrutinize their likely influences on competitive performance, especially in the Olympic marathon races. Notwithstanding the limitations of a narrative approach, performances are related to particular weather data and mitigating influences. Travel difficulties are addressed where these affected a majority of competitors. Environmental stress was associated with the ill-timing and poor organization of the earlier Games. While many of these detrimental and injurious features have been alleviated since then, other environmental stress factors are less prone to mitigation and thus remain a sometimes severe challenge to endurance races. The unique environment conditions for outdoor endurance races in temperate climate zones tend to be highly variable and therefore difficult to predict.

Acclimatization↗
PubMed1989

EPA's perspective on risks from residential radon exposure.

Indoor radon has been judged to be the most serious environmental carcinogen which the EPA must address for the general public. The optimal strategy for dealing with this problem depends on the magnitude of the risk, how the risk is distributed within the population, as well as the effectiveness and costs of mitigation measures. Based on current exposure and risk estimates, radon exposure in single-family houses may be a causal factor in roughly 20,000 lung cancer fatalities per year. Most of these projected fatalities are attributable to exposures in houses with average or moderately elevated radon levels (below 10 pCi/L). Hence to appreciably reduce radon-induced lung cancers, remediation efforts must include houses not highly elevated in radon. From either an individual risk or a cost-benefit standpoint, reduction of a few pCi/L per home appears to be justified. The optimal strategy for dealing with the indoor radon problem depends on the magnitude of the risk per unit exposure, the distribution of exposures in houses, and the effectiveness and costs of mitigation. EPA's current views with respect to these factors and the associated uncertainties are discussed.

Carcinogens, Environmental↗
PubMed2000

Local and global alcohol supply: economic and geographic models of community systems.

This paper discusses how economic and geographic distributions of local supply affect patterns of alcohol problems in state and community settings. It is argued that characteristics of local supply directly affect the economic and social behaviors of consumers when purchasing and using alcohol. For example, although taxes may be raised in order to lower alcohol use, the manner in which tax increases are translated into price increases, and the way consumers respond to price increases through alterations in purchase patterns, may strongly mitigate price effects. Similarly, although overall alcohol availability may be reduced in order to lower alcohol use, the tendency for greater numbers of outlets to be focused in low-income areas and the manner in which consumers bundle alcohol purchases with other routine activities (e.g. shopping) may also strongly mitigate such effects.

Alcohol Drinking↗
PubMed2003

Peptides from milk proteins and their properties.

This review has attempted to study the literature pertaining to peptides derived from milk proteins. Hydrolysis of milk proteins to generate peptides has been practiced for a long time and it was recognized early on in this process that the taste of hydrolyzates might hinder use of these products in food formulations. Modification of protein is necessary to form a more acceptable or utilizable product, to form a product that is less susceptible to deteriorative reactions and to form a product that is of higher nutritionall quality. Modifications may be achieved by a number of chemical and enzymatic means. This review has considered only enzymatic modification of dairy proteins. Modified proteins contain peptides and some of these peptides have been purified and their functionalities have been compared with unmodified proteins. This paper has examined the literature pertaining to improvement in functionality of enzyme-modified proteins. Improvements in solubility, emulsification, foaming and gelation were examined. There is limited information available on the sequence of the peptides necessary to improve the functional characteristics of proteins. Knowing the sequences of desirable functional peptides can lead to genetic alteration of proteins to improve functionality. Addition of synthetic peptides to intact proteins may be another way in which the functionality of proteins can be augmented. Some of the peptides in milk proteins are capable of affecting biological functions of an organism. These effects can be antimicrobial and probiotic, i.e., prevent the growth and proliferation of undesirable and pathogenic organisms, or they may promote the growth of desirable bacteria in the digestive tract of humans and animals. Peptides derived from milk protein have been shown to exert digestive and metabolic effects as well. They may also influence the immune system. These biological effects may play an important role in the development of medical foods that treat or mitigate the effects of diseases. Proteins are allergens and therefore it is possible that products derived from modification of proteins may also be allergens. The known literature about the allergenicity of peptides derived from milk proteins has been examined in this article. Last, but not the least, the taste attributes of peptides is also considered. Bitterness of hydrolyzates is a common occurrence and the origins of these bitter peptides and possible ways of mitigating this sensory defect has been discussed. Many of the peptides that enhance functionality and exert biological activity are likely to be bitter. Therefore, the bitter taste of hydrolysis products has to be dealt with in boosting the functional or nutraceutical aspects of foods containing these peptides. Analytical techniques for sequencing peptides have become more accessible and purification of peptides is commercially feasible. Computer based modeling techniques have aided the prediction of structures in these peptides. These advances, coupled with the advances in biotechnology, promise to revolutionize the future of nutraceutical and functional foods.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Radon risk communication research: practical lessons.

Those responsible for state and local radon programs often express frustration about the small share of homes that have been tested for radon, and the small share of those with high readings that have been mitigated. There are now a number of completed studies that have examined how well alternative ways of communicating about radon risk have accomplished the goals of motivating appropriate testing and mitigation. This paper summarizes the research results that are most crucial for planning and implementing effective radon risk communication programs. We identify six reasons why people do not respond to radon as a serious threat and provide some remedies suggested by radon studies.

Communication↗
PubMed1991

Communicating the risk from radon.

A prominent television station developed a special series of newscasts and public service announcements about radon. This was combined with their advertising of the availability of reduced-price radon test kits in a local supermarket chain. The large number of test kits sold was a success from a marketing perspective, but not from a public health perspective--especially because of the very small share of high readings that were mitigated. In contrast, a study of housing sales showed a much higher testing rate and corresponding mitigation when risk communication accompanied the housing transaction, rather than being directed toward the general public. This paper examines the relative effectiveness of these alternative approaches to radon risk communication, emphasizing the implications for developing and implementing radon programs.

Communication↗
PubMed2005

Effects of ceiling-mounted HEPA-UV air filters on airborne bacteria concentrations in an indoor therapy pool building.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a new generation of high-volume, ceiling-mounted high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA)-ultraviolet (UV) air filters (HUVAFs) for their ability to remove or inactivate bacterial aerosol. In an environmentally controlled full-scale laboratory chamber (87 m3), and an indoor therapy pool building, the mitigation ability of air filters was assessed by comparing concentrations of total bacteria, culturable bacteria, and airborne endotoxin with and without the air filters operating under otherwise similar conditions. Controlled chamber tests with pure cultures of aerosolized Mycobacterium parafortuitum cells showed that the HUVAF unit tested provided an equivalent air-exchange rate of 11 hr(-1). Using this equivalent air-exchange rate as a design basis, three HUVAFs were installed in an indoor therapy pool building for bioaerosol mitigation, and their effectiveness was studied over a 2-year period. The HUVAFs reduced concentrations of culturable bacteria by 69 and 80% during monitoring periods executed in respective years. The HUVAFs reduced concentrations of total bacteria by 12 and 76% during the same monitoring period, respectively. Airborne endotoxin concentrations were not affected by the HUVAF operation.

Aerosols↗