Radiation Modeling and Finite Cloud Effects for Atmospheric Dispersion Calculations in Near-field Applications: Modeling of the Full Scale RDD Experiments with Operational Models in Canada, Part II.

Three radiological dispersal devices were detonated in 2012 under controlled conditions at Defence Research and Development Canada's Experimental Proving Grounds in Suffield, Alberta. Each device comprised a 35-GBq source of (140)La. The dataset obtained is used in this study to assess the MLCD, ADDAM, and RIMPUFF atmospheric dispersion models.

The Sensitivity of Atmospheric Dispersion Calculations in Near-field Applications: Modeling of the Full Scale RDD Experiments with Operational Models in Canada, Part I.

Three radiological dispersal devices were detonated in 2012 under controlled conditions at Defence Research and Development Canada's Experimental Proving Grounds in Suffield, Alberta. Each device comprised a 35-GBq source of (140)La. The dataset obtained is used in this study to assess the MLCD, ADDAM, and RIMPUFF atmospheric dispersion models.

Deposition Measurements From the Full-Scale Radiological Dispersal Device Field Trials.

In 2012, Defence Research and Development Canada led a series of experiments, titled the Full-Scale Radiological Dispersal Device Field Trials, in which short-lived radioactive material was explosively dispersed and the resulting plume and deposition were characterized through a variety of methods. Presented here are the results of a number of measurements that were taken to characterize the radioactive ground deposition. These included in situ gamma measurements, deposition filter samples, and witness plate measurements that were taken in situ with handheld beta survey meters.

Real Time in Situ Gamma Radiation Measurements of the Plume Evolution from the Full-Scale Radiological Dispersal Device Field Trials.

During the Full-Scale Radiological Dispersal Device Field Trials carried out in Suffield in 2012, several suites of detection and sampling equipment were used to measure and characterize the explosive dispersal of the short half-life radioactive tracer Lanthanum-140 ((140)La). The equipment deployed included networks of in situ real-time radiation monitoring detectors providing measurements of different sensitivities and characteristics. A dense array of lower sensitivity detectors was established near field, ranging from 10 to 450 m from the detonation location.

Overview of the Full-scale Radiological Dispersal Device Field Trials.

In 2012, Defence Research and Development Canada, in partnership with a number of other Canadian and International organizations, led a series of three field trials designed to simulate a Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD). These trials, known as the Full-Scale RDD (FSRDD) Field Trials, involved the explosive dispersal of a short-lived radioactive tracer ((140)La, t1/2 = 40.293 h).

Cheyne-Stokes respiration is not related to quality of life or sleepiness in heart failure.

Background And Aims: The effects of central sleep apnea in Cheyne-Stokes respiration on sleep-related symptoms and quality of life are not very well established. We aimed to investigate whether Cheyne-Stokes respiration is related to health-related quality of life. We also studied the impact on daytime sleepiness and nocturnal dyspnea.

Gender differences in variables related to B-natriuretic peptide, left ventricular ejection fraction and mass, and peak oxygen consumption, in patients with heart failure.

Aim And Methods: We assessed gender differences in variables related to B-natriuretic peptide (BNP), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), peak oxygen consumption (peak-VO2), and LV mass (LVM), among patients recently hospitalized for suspected heart failure (HF).

Results: Of 930 consecutive patients, 409 accepted follow-up after discharge, 221 of these had definite HF (90 women, mean age 74.5 [9.

Radiological hazard estimates from contaminated C7 canisters on the C4 protective mask.

This study compares the external hazard posed by radioactive material trapped in the C7 filter canister of the Canadian C4 full-face mask to the internal hazard from the portion of the material that bypasses the mask and is inhaled. Published measured protection factors (PFs) are used to define the ratio of radioisotope concentration outside of the mask to that inside the mask. The hazards for a variety of radioisotopes are quantified using a Monte Carlo model for the external hazard from the contaminated canister and International Commission on Radiological Protection Publication 68 internal dose coefficients for 1 micron internalized particulate material.

Cigarette smoking: an undertreated risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Smoking and other forms of tobacco use are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The effect of cigarette smoking on cardiovascular health is evident even at the lowest levels of exposure. Yet, the adverse effects of smoking are reversible, with cardiovascular risk decreasing substantially within the first 2 years of smoking cessation.

Cardiologists' awareness and perceptions of guidelines for chronic heart failure. The ADDress your Heart survey.

Background: Several surveys show that patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) are sub-optimally managed and treatment guidelines are not implemented in clinical practice.

Aims: To investigate awareness and perceptions of the 2005 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for CHF.

Methods: 467 cardiologists from seven European countries completed an on-line interview using a validated, semi-structured questionnaire including questions about awareness and relevance of CHF guidelines.

A novel programme to evaluate and communicate 10-year risk of CHD reduces predicted risk and improves patients' modifiable risk factor profile.

Aims: We assessed whether a novel programme to evaluate/communicate predicted coronary heart disease (CHD) risk could lower patients' predicted Framingham CHD risk vs. usual care.

Methods: The Risk Evaluation and Communication Health Outcomes and Utilization Trial was a prospective, controlled, cluster-randomised trial in nine European countries, among patients at moderate cardiovascular risk.

Gender aspects on survival among patients admitted to hospital with suspected or diagnosed heart failure.

Objectives And Design: There are conflicting data on gender differences in survival among heart failure (HF) patients. We prospectively assessed gender differences in survival among 930 consecutive patients (464 [49.9%] women, mean age 76.

The From The Heart study: a global survey of patient understanding of cholesterol management and cardiovascular risk, and physician-patient communication.

Objectives: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. A high level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a major CVD risk factor. Guidelines recommend effective cholesterol management and set LDL-C goals, yet deficiencies exist in physician implementation of these recommendations and in patient uptake of the advice.

Rationale for multiple risk intervention: the need to move from theory to practice.

Incidence of cardiovascular (CV) and metabolic disease is increasing, in parallel with associated risk factors. These factors, such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, obesity, and insulin resistance have a continuous, progressive impact on total CV risk, with higher levels and numbers of factors translating into greater risk. Evaluation of all known modifiable risk factors, to provide a detailed total CV disease (CVD) and metabolic risk-status profile is therefore necessary to ensure appropriate treatment of each factor within the context of a multifactorial, global approach to prevention of CVD and metabolic disease.

Comprehensive cardiovascular risk management--what does it mean in practice?

The continued movement away from the treatment of individual cardiovascular (CV) risk factors to managing overall and lifetime CV risk is likely to have a significant impact on slowing the rate of increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the management of CVD is currently far from optimal even in parts of the world with well-developed and well-funded healthcare systems. Effective implementation of the knowledge, treatment guidelines, diagnostic tools, therapeutic interventions, and management programs that exist for CVD continues to evade us.

Effect of carvedilol and metoprolol on the mode of death in patients with heart failure.

Background: In the COMET study, carvedilol improved survival compared to metoprolol tartrate in 3029 patients with NYHA II-IV heart failure and EF <35%, followed for an average of 58 months.

Aims: To evaluate whether the effect on overall mortality was specific for a particular mode of death. This may help to identify the mechanism of the observed difference.

Lipid management in cardiovascular disease prevention guidelines: strategies and tactics for implementation.

Despite the widespread dissemination of clinical practice guidelines on the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD), CVD causes one third of deaths worldwide and almost half of all deaths in the developed world. It is therefore likely that, although some aspects of CVD management have improved, there is still a significant shortfall between what is known about CVD prevention and what is put into action. Twenty-one experts in the field of CVD from around the world attended a focus panel meeting in Marlow-on-Thames, UK (see acknowledgements for a list of meeting participants).

A global survey of physicians' perceptions on cholesterol management: the From The Heart study.

Aims: Guidelines for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention cite high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) as a major risk factor and recommend LDL-C goals for various risk groups. Lifestyle changes are advised as first-line treatment for patients with high cholesterol, and statins are recommended in high-risk patients. The From The Heart study investigated current practice for the diagnosis and treatment of high cholesterol, and attitudes towards management of the condition.

Rationale, design, and methods for the risk evaluation and communication health outcomes and utilization trial (REACH OUT).

Objective: To test the primary study hypothesis that a physician-delivered coronary heart disease risk evaluation and communication program can lower patients' predicted 10-year risk of myocardial infarction or death due to coronary heart disease by 10% within 6 months compared to usual care.

Design: Prospective, parallel group, open-label, controlled, cluster-randomized multinational trial; the study site is the unit of randomization.

Setting: Patients were recruited from 106 general practices located in nine European countries.

Validation of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method for the determination of cerium, strontium, and titanium in ceramic materials used in radiological dispersal devices (RDDs).

In radiological dispersal device (RDD) studies, sintered ceramics made of CeO2 and SrTiO3 were used to simulate actinide oxides and (90)SrTiO3, respectively. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were investigated as possible analytical techniques for the measurement of SrTiO3 and CeO2 constituents in powder forms, sintered ceramics, and air particulates collected following a detonation. For ICP-OES and ICP-MS analysis, new digestion procedures were developed using a closed-vessel microwave apparatus.

Knowing your risk factors for coronary heart disease improves adherence to advice on lifestyle changes and medication.

Implementation of guidelines for coronary heart disease prevention is less optimal in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to investigate if specific knowledge (patients' knowledge about their own coronary heart disease risk factors) would correlate to their adherence as measured by self-reported lifestyle changes, reaching defined treatment goals and adhering to treatment with prescribed drugs. The consecutive medical records of 509 men and women younger than 71 years, hospitalized for a cardiac event, were screened.

Treatments with losartan or enalapril are equally sensitive to deterioration in renal function from cyclooxygenase inhibition.

Background: The beneficial effects of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitors are in part mediated through the inhibition of the degradation of the vasodilator bradykinin. The bradykinin effect is counteracted by cyclooxygenase-inhibitors. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) do not affect bradykinin.

A comparison of the effects of carvedilol and metoprolol on well-being, morbidity, and mortality (the "patient journey") in patients with heart failure: a report from the Carvedilol Or Metoprolol European Trial (COMET).

Objectives: This study was designed to investigate the loss of well-being, in terms of life-years, overall and in patients randomized to metoprolol versus carvedilol in the Carvedilol Or Metoprolol European Trial (COMET).

Background: The ultimate objectives of treating patients with heart failure are to relieve suffering and prolong life. Although the effect of treatment on mortality is usually described in trials, the effects on patient well-being throughout the trials' courses are rarely reported.