Patient can be exposed to the photodegradation products of a drug after skin application of topical formulations. NSAIDs, with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, are known for the potential ...photoinstability, and are applied often in the form of creams, gels or liquids, commonly used among athletes, elderly people, geriatric patients and patients treated with multidrug therapies. Susceptibility to photodegradation hazard of those group arises the need for development of a new approach, with the ability to evaluate the patient safety.
We planned to use a rapid assessment procedure (RAP) of safety by testing the photostability of popular skin medicinal products. This method, proposed many years ago by WHO, is now reintroduced to analytical applications in industry, when emergency drugs (e.g. for Covid) are implemented to the market in accelerated procedures. In the health care system, qualitative evaluation of drugs is extremely valuable, therefore we have planned to identify photodegradation using the FTIR method - infrared spectroscopy and DSC - differential scanning calorimetry, whilst the risk of formation of genotoxic products using the Ames test. We have successfully demonstrated that changes in the chemical structure and physical form of both pure APIs and drug products containing the API be assessed in a short time. Another advantage of our work is the combination of the developed results from FTIR/NIR spectra with statistical analysis. As a result, full and quick qualitative assessment of the effects of photoexposure of selected NSAIDs is performed, fortunately showing no mutagenicity. Due to the popularity of NSAIDs applied to the skin, a gel containing naproxen and spray with indomethacin were selected for testing. The analysis carried out for various formulations of both preparations allows us to demonstrate the universality of the applied RAP methods in assessing the risk of hazard to the patient, thus we present research results that expand or widen the knowledge and assessment of risks related to the use of drugs on the skin.
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•Pharmaceuticals applied on skin are great demand for analytical and industrial procedures.•Pure naproxen and indomethacin likewise their pharmaceutical products are sensitive to light•Novel approach for photostability testing is proposed with usage FTIR, NIR spectroscopy as well as DSC, XRD.•The Ames test used as a bio-detector approved the IND’s photodegradants safety.•Statistical model and test for nonparametric spectroscopic data confirming photodegradation of API
Ecuador's Galapagos Islands and their unique biodiversity are a global conservation priority. We explored the presence, composition and environmental drivers of plastic contamination across the ...marine ecosystem at an island scale, investigated uptake in marine invertebrates and designed a systematic priority scoring analysis to identify the most vulnerable vertebrate species. Beach contamination varied by site (macroplastic 0–0.66 items·m−2, microplastics 0–448.8 particles·m−2 or 0–74.6 particles·kg−1), with high plastic accumulation on east-facing beaches that are influenced by the Humboldt Current. Local littering and waste management leakages accounted for just 2% of macroplastic. Microplastics (including anthropogenic cellulosics) were ubiquitous but in low concentrations in benthic sediments (6.7–86.7 particles·kg−1) and surface seawater (0.04–0.89 particles·m−3), with elevated concentrations in the harbour suggesting some local input. Microplastics were present in all seven marine invertebrate species examined, found in 52% of individuals (n = 123) confirming uptake of microplastics in the Galapagos marine food web. Priority scoring analysis combining species distribution information, IUCN Red List conservation status and literature evidence of harm from entanglement and ingestion of plastics in similar species identified 27 marine vertebrates in need of urgent, targeted monitoring and mitigation including pinnipeds, seabirds, turtles and sharks.
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•Plastic contamination was identified in all marine habitats surveyed in San Cristobal.•Hotspots for beach plastics are on the eastern coast, up to 449 particles m−2.•Elevated microplastics in surface seawater around the harbour shows local inputs.•Microplastics were found in 52% of marine invertebrates sampled (n = 123).•27 marine vertebrates scored at high risk of harm from entanglement and ingestion.
Flooding has become the most frequent and impactful disaster events in the Indonesian cities. The Indonesian disaster board also noted that flood events has increasing pattern for today and future ...time. One of the strategic ways to decrease the impact of flooding is delivering the emergency infrastructures to the needs immediately. The faster delivery makes less impact of disaster events. Therefore, this paper synthesizes a rapid model of assessment from the full assessment of emergency infrastructure need in Sidoarjo Flooding 2020. During the synthesize, the model can reduce duration of assessment from 148 days to four days only. Within the time, eight main steps include finding relevant emergency infrastructures, determining emergency infrastructures needed, assessing emergency infrastructures needed and confirming the actual emergency infrastructure needed. Those eight steps should be taken by encouraging more FGD and in-depth interviews for key relevant stakeholders, guided by specific checklist and filling the gap forms. Strict forms and guidelines provided to help the process in achieving four days assessment period. Consequently, the authorities can use the output assessment for emergency infrastructure program delivery starting from the fifth days after the events.
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a major microvascular complication of diabetes, has a significant impact on the world's health systems. Globally, the number of people with DR will grow from 126.6 million ...in 2010 to 191.0 million by 2030, and we estimate that the number with vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy (VTDR) will increase from 37.3 million to 56.3 million, if prompt action is not taken. Despite growing evidence documenting the effectiveness of routine DR screening and early treatment, DR frequently leads to poor visual functioning and represents the leading cause of blindness in working-age populations. DR has been neglected in health-care research and planning in many low-income countries, where access to trained eye-care professionals and tertiary eye-care services may be inadequate. Demand for, as well as, supply of services may be a problem. Rates of compliance with diabetes medications and annual eye examinations may be low, the reasons for which are multifactorial. Innovative and comprehensive approaches are needed to reduce the risk of vision loss by prompt diagnosis and early treatment of VTDR.
Rapid assessments on the outbreak of rice brown planthoppers (BPH) (Nilaparvata lugens Stål) were conducted to investigate the status of BPH populations and the causative factors behind the outbreak. ...These assessments served as the basis for developing a proper action program. The assessments took place in Banyubiru Sub-District, Semarang District covering four villages (Kebondowo, Rowoboni, Tegaron, Kebumen) in December 2013. We analyzed BPH data, along with information about farmers’ practices in managing pests collected through interviews conducted in January 2018 in Indramayu. Additionally, we examined data on the number of BPH-infested areas in Java from 2010 to 2020 and the stock of insecticides in Java in 2021. Simple statistical analyses were carried out. The BPH population had spread throughout Banyubiru and was present in all sampled plots. The average number of BPH eggs ranged from 115.25 to 379.65 per rice hill, while the BPH nymphs and imagoes ranged from 3.42 to 11.87 per rice hill. The relatively low nymphs to imagoes ratio might be influenced by the high BPH predator populations, which ranged from three to six individuals per rice hill. Suspected causes of BPH resistance and resurgence included the application of banned and improper insecticides, as well as the repeated use of the same insecticide active ingredients for an extended period. It is recommended to discontinue the mass spraying of insecticides to prevent further plant damage. In 2022, the Pest Control Movement has suggested replacing chemical insecticides with biological or natural pesticides. Intensive extension programs are strongly needed.
Cataracts are a significant cause of blindness and visual impairment worldwide. The present article reviews the literature and describes the current extent of cataracts globally, barriers to ...treatment, and recommendations for improving the treatment of cataracts.
Prevalence and absolute number of blind because of cataracts remain high, although rates are declining in many areas globally. The age-standardized prevalence of blindness in adults older than 50 remains highest in western sub-Saharan Africa, with a rate of 6.0%. The greatest declines in age-standardized blindness because of cataracts in adults older than 50 between 1990 and 2010 were in East Asia, tropical Latin America, and western Europe. Recent studies have largely found higher rates of cataracts in women than in men. A new simulator for training ophthalmologists in manual small-incision cataract surgery holds promise for the future.
The rates of cataract surgery are increasing and postoperative outcomes are improving worldwide, yet challenges to reducing the cataract burden further remain. Cost, an insufficient number of ophthalmologists, and low government funding remain significant barriers but investment in further eye care infrastructure and training of additional ophthalmologists would improve the current situation.
Rapid assessments of the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on the seed sector were conducted by a coalition of partners in Ethiopia, Myanmar, Nigeria, and Uganda in May and June 2020. The method was ...rapid, iterative, inclusive and valuable in revealing threats to the availability and timely access of farmers to quality seed and to food, nutrition and income security, and in advocating for remedial and preventative action. Via mobile application and web survey, and focus group discussions on virtual conferencing platforms a panel of 36 or more local experts operating particularly in formal seed systems in each country identified potential disruptions to activities in the seed sector and recommended immediate practical action to ensure continuity in performance. Recommendations, and the stakeholders best positioned to propel their action, were proposed to and approved by senior leadership in the sector. The entire process from survey to publication of a seed alert in each iteration was completed within two weeks. Due to the highly seasonal nature of agriculture, and recognition that activities are time-bound, quick turnaround on assessments was essential. Dashboards indicated where impact was felt the hardest, also showing how dynamic the situation was. Countries were at different stages in their agricultural seasons, which made the data highly contextual, but also interesting for getting a glimpse into the future. Lessons were offered from one country to another. Reduced mobility was the root cause of many disruptions in supplying seed to farmers. Disruptions caused seed and related industry to operate at reduced capacity. The cost of transactions and doing business during these times may have increased the scarcity and price of inputs beyond what farmers can recover. Sales of quality seed in formal markets were perceived to decline due to delays in distribution, weakened promotion efforts and fewer farmers present. Farmers are less likely to benefit from investments in crop improvement for more seasons to come due to delays in the development and release of new varieties. Social distancing prevents stakeholders from meeting to exchange goods, services and information, but the sector is gradually getting up to speed with information technology. For all concerns, practical options were offered and often implemented. The pandemic has exacerbated structural weaknesses in the organization of the seed sector, for which reforms are not only justified, but overdue.
•Assessments were rapid, inclusive and effective in advocating immediate action.•Reduced mobility was the root cause of disruptions in the supply of quality seed.•Farmers are unlikely to benefit from crop improvement investments for time to come.•The COVID-19 crisis facilitated uptake of digital technologies in service provision.•The crisis exacerbated structural weaknesses in the formal seed sector.
Aim
To quantify the impact of the 2019–2020 megafires on Australian plant diversity by assessing burnt area across 26,062 species ranges and the effects of fire history on recovery potential. ...Further, to exemplify a strategic approach to prioritizing plant species affected by fire for recovery actions and conservation planning at a national scale.
Location
Australia.
Methods
We combine data on geographic range, fire extent, response traits and fire history to assess the proportion of species ranges burnt in both the 2019–2020 fires and the past.
Results
Across Australia, suitable habitat for 69% of all plant species was burnt (17,197 species) by the 2019–2020 fires and herbarium specimens confirm the presence of 9,092 of these species across the fire extent since 1950. Burnt ranges include those of 587 plants listed as threatened under national legislation (44% of Australia's threatened plants). A total of 3,998 of the 17,197 fire‐affected species are known to resprout after fire, but at least 2,928 must complete their entire life cycle—from germinant to reproducing adult—prior to subsequent fires, as they are killed by fire. Data on previous fires show that, for 257 species, the historical intervals between fire events across their range are likely too short to allow regeneration. For a further 411 species, future fires during recovery will increase extinction risk as current populations are dominated by immature individuals.
Main conclusion
Many Australian plant species have strategies to persist under certain fire regimes, and will recover given time, suitable conditions and low exposure to threats. However, short fire intervals both before and after the 2019–2020 fire season pose a serious risk to the recovery of at least 595 species. Persistent knowledge gaps about species fire response and post‐fire population persistence threaten the effective long‐term management of Australian vegetation in an increasingly pyric world.
•A dual-dimensional functional network model based on Bayesian network was built.•A rapid assessment framework for seismic resilience of substations was proposed.•A biological heuristic ...multi-objective optimization algorithm was presented.•Optimal post-earthquake recover strategies were obtained through multi-level analysis.
Electrical substations need a sufficient amount of time to repair damaged equipment and restore power after an earthquake. Yet, the devastation and danger inherent in an earthquake requires fastest return to power possible; thus, finding better methods to improve the efficiency of post-earthquake emergency recover is an urgent issue. This paper presents a rapid seismic resilience assessment framework which combines a network model and functional time-varying feature. The authors developed a dual-dimensional functional network model of a typical 220 kV substation built with an emphasis on its connectivity capabilities and the power transmission capacity of its equipment. The model’s rapid function status was evaluated based on its network dependence on Bayesian network nodes. The authors’ post-earthquake iterative analysis focuses on resource constraint and power user importance. This article shows how the authors obtained the stepped functional time-varying function as a basis for quantification in the post-earthquake recovery process and provides a seismic resilience analysis of the electrical substation. The multi-objective heuristic optimization algorithm was developed to determine an optimal post-earthquake multi-level repair strategy for substation post-earthquake recovery and to determine substation’s seismic resilience levels.
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