bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
English in Turkey
Authors: Arik Beril T.
Published: May 2020

It has been repeatedly noted in the literature that most world Englishes research focuses on Outer Circle countries, while studies on Expanding Circle countries, especially those in South America, Europe, and the Middle East, have been few and far between. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is to provide a sociolinguistic profile of English in Turkey, thereby contributing to the growing literature on Expanding Circle countries. In this sociolinguistic profile, following a brief description of the country, I present the users and uses of English in the Turkish context, as well as discuss the attitudes of Turkish language learners towards English.
Reduced crop sowing density improves performance of rare arable weed species more effectively than reduced fertilisation
Authors: Rotchés‐Ribalta Roser , Blanco‐Moreno José M. , Sans Francesc Xavier
Published: May 2020

Characteristic arable weed species of dryland cereal fields have undergone significant declines, due to agricultural intensification, to the point that some of them are considered rare. Crop edges host higher abundances of arable weed species, therefore they may act as a refuge for the conservation of these rare arable species. Using mesocosms, we experimentally tested how conditions at field edges (i.e. lower sowing densities and less intensive fertiliser applications) operate on the growth (biomass and height) and reproduction (reproductive biomass and flower onset) of six rare arable species. We found the rare arable species achieved lower biomass when growing with wheat compared with growing alone, and biomass of most of species was lower under high wheat sowing density than under low sowing density. In contrast, fertiliser application affected only two of the six arable species tested, especially when they were growing alone. Although the time to flowering was not affected by the conditions tested, reproductive biomass showed the same trends as overall biomass. These results indicate that conservation of rare arable species must primarily consider reductions in crop competition to increase their biomass and reproductive ability.
An Ecosystem Service Value Model to Quantify Eco-environment Cost
Authors: Wang Yi-Ru , Zhang Hui
Published: May 2020

With the development of society, ecological environmental protection has become more and more important. In this paper, an Ecosystem Service Value Model (ESVM) was developed to quantify the value of all types of ecosystem services. Through the ecosystem service value evaluation index system we established, we determined ecosystem service value equivalent factors of different ecosystem services. Then we combine the baseline value of the ecosystem service value equivalent factor to determine the ecosystem service value per unit area of different ecosystems. The amount of ecological service value reduction can be calculated with the amount of change in ecosystem area caused by land use projects. Ecological costs are equal to the reduction in the value of ecosystem services. The true economic cost of land use project consists of two parts: project construction cost and ecological cost. The model established in this paper considers the effects of time changes. And the introduction of dynamic adjustment of biomass changes and dynamic adjustment of currency changes make the model more adaptable to time changes. The research can evaluate the value of ecosystem services, which promotes the harmonious development of human and ecological environment.
Response of Deposit Money Banks to Monetary Policy Dynamics in Nigeria
Authors: Agwu Ejem, Chukwu , Godfrey Ogbonna, Udochukwu
Published: May 2020

This study examined how banks react to the monetary policies transmission mechanisms of the central bank of Nigeria. The data employed were collected from Nigerian Deposit Insurance Cooperation and Central Bank of Nigeria and subjected to various finametric techniques. The major findings are that cash reserve ratio negatively and significantly affects the performance of deposit money banks in Nigeria, while other monetary policy variables exert insignificantly to the performance of deposit money banks. It was also found that apart from banks own shock; banks respond negatively to shocks from major monetary policy instruments. It was observed that Monetary Policy Rate causes bank performance in both in the short run and long run. While, Cash Reserve Ratio, Liquidity Ratio and Saving Deposit Rate do not cause bank performance in the short run but in the long run. It was also found that monetary policy instruments jointly cause bank performance in the short and long run as opposed by individual instruments in Nigeria. The researchers therefore suggest among others that central bank of Nigeria reduce the cash reserve ratio to enable deposit money banks extend more loans to their potential customers, thereby enhance performance.
Nonsurgical Management of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries is Tentatively Successful in Overhead Athletes: A Critical Appraisal of Case Series
Authors: Oakes Nathan , Medina McKeon Jennifer M.
Published: May 2020

Since its inception, surgical management of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is fairly standard; however, the invasive, costly, and time-intensive nature of UCL surgery may be restrictive to some athletes. Electronic databases were searched starting from the year 2013 to September 2018. Extracted data included frequencies of (a) return to play (RTP); (b) return to same level of play (RTSP); (c) athlete’s position; (d) complete reconstitution of the UCL; and (e) the location of ligament rupture (proximal or distal). Proportions of success/failure for selected outcomes were calculated. Additionally, an odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) determined the association between tear location (proximal vs. distal) and nonsurgical success. A total of 169 athletes underwent nonsurgical management of UCL injury in the seven included studies. Sports included baseball, gymnastics, softball, hockey, volleyball, and tennis. Overall, 83% (n = 140) were able to RTP and 72% (n = 121) were able to RTSP. Those with proximal UCL tears had a RTSP rate of 82% (n = 56) compared to 42% (n = 13) of those with a distal tear. Proximal tears were associated with higher rates of successful outcomes in RTP and RTSP (OR = 6.5 [2.5,16.7], p < .001). In baseball, 76% (n = 38) of pitchers were able to RTSP compared to 90% (n = 9) of position players. When visualized using MRI, 96% (n = 22) of athletes had full UCL reconstitution following nonsurgical management. Based on the pooled outcomes of included studies, nonsurgical management of a UCL injury was reasonably successful for RTP and RTSP rates in professional athletes, with a better chance of success for proximal tears compared to distal and incomplete tears compared to complete. The exploratory nature of utilizing nonsurgical management for UCL sprains in athletes, by way of the case series, appears to be fairly well established, but an upgrade in study design is warranted.
Haptic-feedback smart glove as a creative human-machine interface (HMI) for virtual/augmented reality applications
Authors: Zhu Minglu , Sun Zhongda , Zhang Zixuan , Shi Qiongfeng , He Tianyiyi , Liu Huicong , Chen Tao , Lee Chengkuo
Published: May 2020

A haptic-feedback glove with triboelectric sensors and piezoelectric stimulators is developed for interaction in virtual space.
Supplemental Material: Provenance and tectonic setting of late Paleozoic sedimentary rocks from the Alxa Tectonic Belt (NW China): Implications for accretionary tectonics of the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt
Authors: Song Dongfang
Published: May 2020

Whole-rock geochemical and zircon U-Pb-Hf data.
Supplemental Material: U-Pb zircon geochronology and depositional age models for the Upper Triassic Chinle Formation (Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona, USA): Implications for Late Triassic paleoecological and paleoenvironmental change
Authors: Rasmussen Cornelia , al. et
Published: May 2020

Assessing stratigraphic uncertainties between published dates and dates from CPCP 1A and two data tables.
Supplementary Material: U-Pb zircon geochronology and depositional age models for the Upper Triassic Chinle Formation (Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona, USA): Implications for Late Triassic paleoecological and paleoenvironmental change
Authors: Rasmussen Cornelia
Published: May 2020

Assessing stratigraphic uncertainties between published dates and dates from CPCP 1A.
Costs of postoperative morbidity following paediatric cardiac surgery: observational study
Authors: Hudson Emma , Brown Katherine , Pagel Christina , Wray Jo , Barron David , Rodrigues Warren , Stoica Serban , Tibby Shane M , Tsang Victor , Ridout Deborah , Morris Stephen
Published: May 2020

Objective

Early mortality rates for paediatric cardiac surgery have fallen due to advancements in care. Alternative indicators of care quality are needed. Postoperative morbidities are of particular interest. However, while health impacts have been reported, associated costs are unknown. Our objective was to calculate the costs of postoperative morbidities following paediatric cardiac surgery.

Design

Two methods of data collection were integrated into the main study: (1) case-matched cohort study of children with and without predetermined morbidities; (2) incidence rates of morbidity, measured prospectively.

Setting

Five specialist paediatric cardiac surgery centres, accounting for half of UK patients.

Patients

Cohort study included 666 children (340 with morbidities). Incidence rates were measured in 3090 consecutive procedures.

Methods

Risk-adjusted regression modelling to determine marginal effects of morbidities on per-patient costs. Calculation of costs for hospital providers according to incidence rates. Extrapolation using mandatory audit data to report annual financial burden for the health service.

Outcome measures

Impact of postoperative morbidities on per-patient costs, hospital costs and UK health service costs.

Results

Seven of the 10 morbidity categories resulted in significant costs, with mean (95% CI) additional costs ranging from £7483 (£3–£17 289) to £66 784 (£40 609–£103 539) per patient. On average all morbidities combined increased hospital costs by 22.3%. Total burden to the UK health service exceeded £21 million each year.

Conclusion

Postoperative morbidities are associated with a significant financial burden. Our findings could aid clinical teams and hospital providers to account for costs and contextualise quality improvement initiatives.
Is your practice GDPR ready?
Authors: Beacham Julie
Published: May 2020

In the previous issue of In Practice, Claire Read examined the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) law and outlined the preparations that practices should make to ensure they are compliant with the regulation (Read 2018). Here, Julie Beacham builds on this, providing a more veterinary focus. The content in this article has been gathered from various sources and is the Veterinary Management Group's interpretation of current information. It does not replace the need for seeking expert advice from a legal professional or the Information Commissioner's Office for your own or your practice's requirements.
Comments on the dilemma in the March issue: Legal status and malpractice
Authors: McCulloch Steven , Sparkes Paula
Published: May 2020

In the dilemma discussed in the March issue of In Practice, Simon Coghlan described a scenario whereby an expert in animal law has requested you to lend your veterinary expertise to a project appealing for a law change regarding pets. The change would legally recognise emotional damages arising from veterinary malpractice and pet owners could sue for compensation of up to £10,000 (IP, March 2018, vol 40, pp 78‐79). You wonder whether you should help out?
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in absence of renal cyst formation illustrates genetic interaction betweenWT1andPKD1
Authors: Münch Johannes , Kirschner Karin M , Schlee Hendrik , Kraus Cornelia , Schönauer Ria , Jin Wenjun , Le Duc Diana , Scholz Holger , Halbritter Jan
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), caused by pathogenic variants of eitherPKD1orPKD2, is characterised by wide interfamilial and intrafamilial phenotypic variability. This study aimed to determine the molecular basis of marked clinical variability in ADPKD family members and sought to analyse whether alterations ofWT1(Wilms tumour 1), encoding a regulator of gene expression, may have an impact on renal cyst formation.

Methods

ADPKD family members underwent clinical and molecular evaluation. Functionally,Pkd1mRNA and protein expression uponWt1knockdown was evaluated in mouse embryonic kidneys and mesonephric M15 cells.

Results

By renal gene panel analysis, we identified two pathogenic variants in an individual with maternal history of ADPKD, however, without cystic kidneys but polycystic liver disease: a knownPKD1missense variant (c.8311G>A, p.Glu2771Lys) and a known de novoWT1splice site variant (c.1432+4C>T). The latter was previously associated with imbalanced +/−KTS isoform ratio ofWT1. In ex vivo organ cultures from mouse embryonic kidneys,Wt1knockdown resulted in decreasedPkd1expression on mRNA and protein level.

Conclusion

While the role of WT1 in glomerulopathies has been well established, this report by illustrating genetic interaction withPKD1proposesWT1as potential modifier in ADPKD.
Diagnostic yield and clinical impact of exome sequencing in early-onset scoliosis (EOS)
Authors: Zhao Sen , Zhang Yuanqiang , Chen Weisheng , Li Weiyu , Wang Shengru , Wang Lianlei , Zhao Yanxue , Lin Mao , Ye Yongyu , Lin Jiachen , Zheng Yu , Liu Jiaqi , Zhao Hengqiang , Yan Zihui , Yang Yongxin , Huang Yingzhao , Lin Guanfeng , Chen Zefu , Zhang Zhen , Liu Sen , Jin Lichao , Wang Zhaoyang , Chen Jingdan , Niu Yuchen , Li Xiaoxin , Wu Yong , Wang Yipeng , Du Renqian , Gao Na , Zhao Hong , Yang Ying , Liu Ying , Tian Ye , Li Wenli , Zhao Yu , Liu Jia , Yu Bin , Zhang Na , Yu Keyi , Yang Xu , Li Shugang , Xu Yuan , Hu Jianhua , Liu Zhe , Shen Jianxiong , Zhang Shuyang , Su Jianzhong , Khanshour Anas M , Kidane Yared H , Ramo Brandon , Rios Jonathan J , Liu Pengfei , Sutton V. Reid , Posey Jennifer E , Wu Zhihong , Qiu Guixing , Wise Carol A , Zhang Feng , Lupski James R , Zhang Jianguo , Wu Nan
Published: May 2020

Background

Early-onset scoliosis (EOS), defined by an onset age of scoliosis less than 10 years, conveys significant health risk to affected children. Identification of the molecular aetiology underlying patients with EOS could provide valuable information for both clinical management and prenatal screening.

Methods

In this study, we consecutively recruited a cohort of 447 Chinese patients with operative EOS. We performed exome sequencing (ES) screening on these individuals and their available family members (totaling 670 subjects). Another cohort of 13 patients with idiopathic early-onset scoliosis (IEOS) from the USA who underwent ES was also recruited.

Results

After ES data processing and variant interpretation, we detected molecular diagnostic variants in 92 out of 447 (20.6%) Chinese patients with EOS, including 8 patients with molecular confirmation of their clinical diagnosis and 84 patients with molecular diagnoses of previously unrecognised diseases underlying scoliosis. One out of 13 patients with IEOS from the US cohort was molecularly diagnosed. The age at presentation, the number of organ systems involved and the Cobb angle were the three top features predictive of a molecular diagnosis.

Conclusion

ES enabled the molecular diagnosis/classification of patients with EOS. Specific clinical features/feature pairs are able to indicate the likelihood of gaining a molecular diagnosis through ES.
Distinct dopaminergic abnormalities in traumatic brain injury and Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Jenkins Peter Owen , Roussakis Andreas-Antonios , De Simoni Sara , Bourke Niall , Fleminger Jessica , Cole James , Piccini Paola , Sharp David
Published: May 2020

Objective

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and rapid eye movement sleep behavioural disorder (RBD) are risk factors for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Dopaminergic abnormalities are often seen after TBI, but patients usually lack parkinsonian features. We test whether TBI, PD and RBD have distinct striatal dopamine abnormalities using dopamine transporter (DaT) imaging.

Methods

123I-ioflupane single-photon emission CT scans were used in a cross-sectional study to measure DaT levels in moderate/severe TBI, healthy controls, patients with early PD and RBD. Caudate and putamen DaT, putamen to caudate ratios and left-right symmetry of DaT were compared.

Results

108 participants (43 TBI, 26 PD, 8 RBD, 31 controls) were assessed. Patients with early PD scored significantly higher on the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale motor subscale than other groups. Patients with TBI and PD had reduced DaT levels in the caudate (12.2% and 18.7%, respectively) and putamen (9.0% and 42.6%, respectively) compared with controls. Patients with RBD had reduced DaT levels in the putamen (12.8%) but not in the caudate compared with controls. Patients with PD and TBI showed distinct patterns of DaT reduction, with patients with PD showing a lower putamen to caudate ratio. DaT asymmetry was greater in the PD group than other groups.

Conclusions

The results show that patients with early PD and TBI have distinct patterns of striatal dopamine abnormalities. Patients with early PD and moderate/severe TBI showed similar reductions in caudate DaT binding, but patients with PD showed a greater reduction in putamen DaT and a lower putamen to caudate ratio. The results suggest that parkinsonian motor signs are absent in these patients with TBI because of relatively intact putaminal dopamine levels.
New insights in post-traumatic headache with cluster headache phenotype: a cohort study
Authors: Grangeon Lou , O'Connor Emer , Chan Chun-Kong , Akijian Layan , Pham Ngoc Thanh Mai , Matharu Manjit Singh
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To define the characteristics of post-traumatic headache with cluster headache phenotype (PTH-CH) and to compare these characteristics with primary CH.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted of patients seen between 2007 and 2017 in a headache centre and diagnosed with PTH-CH that developed within 7 days of head trauma. A control cohort included 553 patients with primary CH without any history of trauma who attended the headache clinic during the same period. Data including demographics, attack characteristics and response to treatments were recorded.

Results

Twenty-six patients with PTH-CH were identified. Multivariate analysis revealed significant associations between PTH-CH and family history of CH (OR 3.32, 95% CI 1.31 to 8.63), chronic form (OR 3.29, 95% CI 1.70 to 6.49), parietal (OR 14.82, 95% CI 6.32 to 37.39) or temporal (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.10 to 3.84) location of pain, and presence of prominent cranial autonomic features during attacks (miosis OR 11.24, 95% CI 3.21 to 41.34; eyelid oedema OR 5.79, 95% CI 2.57 to 13.82; rhinorrhoea OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.26 to 5.86; facial sweating OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.33 to 4.93). Patients with PTH-CH were at a higher risk of being intractable to acute (OR 12.34, 95% CI 2.51 to 64.73) and preventive (OR 16.98, 95% CI 6.88 to 45.52) treatments and of suffering from associated chronic migraine (OR 10.35, 95% CI 3.96 to 28.82).

Conclusion

This largest series of PTH-CH defines it as a unique entity with specific evolutive profile. Patients with PTH-CH are more likely to suffer from the chronic variant, have marked autonomic features, be intractable to treatment and have associated chronic migraine compared with primary CH.
P.1.15 Mercury hazards and how the community responses in developing country
Authors: Joshi Shambhu
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Heavy metal like mercury was used directly or indirectly since long ago before it was stopped around the world. Since, the value of the metal and its availability in different use in medical appliances is still one of the burdens in developing country like Nepal. The main uses of mercury are in dental amalgam, sphygmomanometers, and thermometers. The mercury once released into the environment can remain for a longer period. Both acute and chronic poisoning can be caused by it. Half of the mercury found in the atmosphere is human generated and health care contributes the substantial part to it. WHO and UNEP issued new guideline for health care sector to become mercury free.

Aim and methods

To find out the Knowledge, attitude and practice due to hazards of mercury contact among paramedics and patients.

Results and conclusion

938 paramedics and 890 patients were asked in­depth structured questions about mercury hazards and update knowledge. Overall 18% of the paramedics have no knowledge of mercury­free with respect to 69% of the patients. Around 49% of paramedics have broken mercury thermometer in their career and contact with skin. However, 1.2% patient only have a similar history in their life time. 4% of the contamination with mercury having SKIN problems. 32% of the patients still have mercury thermometer and sphygmomanometer in their home with respect of 0.6% of paramedics. The above study showed that Healthcare worker has more knowledge of Mercury hazards than patients groups. However, paramedics have broken the mercury instruments than patients party. Similarly, Paramedics have Mercury free device at home than patients groups. It means awareness, literate people having more knowledge towards its practice making mercury free society in a resource poor country like Nepal.
P.2.03 Design, development and implementation of a national multi-site fire fighter cancer cohort study
Authors: Caban-Martinez Alberto , Fent Kenny , Grant Casey , Solle Natasha Schaefer , Jacobs Elizabeth , Jahnke Sara , Griffin Stephanie , Horn Gavin , Fahy Rita , Morrison Patrick , Bertke Steve , Jeong Kyoung Sook , Zhou Jin , Littau Sally , Jung Alesia , Burgess Jeffrey
Published: May 2020

Background and objective(s)

Retrospective epidemiologic studies suggest a disproportionate burden in specific cancer incidence rates in U.S. fire fighters when compared to the general population. Exposure to hazardous chemicals and carcinogenic compounds during fire incident response may be contributing to these observed elevated cancer rates. Research studies that prospectively collect and integrate exposure, biomarker and health survey information within the fire fighter workforce are lacking. In the present study, we 1) describe the design and development of a multi-state prospective fire fighter cancer cohort study; and 2) discuss the collection of cancer biomarker data from the first fire department.

Methods

In July 2016, through FEMA-funding a national multi-state prospective study was designed with biomarker, exposure and data collection cores. Each core is comprised of a team of multidisciplinary investigators across governmental, industry and academic institutions with instrumentation and resources to collect field measurements across fire service departments. An oversight and planning board was empaneled with fire fighter department and union leadership and subject matter experts to guide the design, collection and analysis of integrated data streams.

Results

A total of 62 new recruits from a large U.S. large career Fire Department were consented and enrolled into the Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study in February 2018. Among consenting rookie firefighters 60 consented (response rate 60/62=96.8%) to the optional biomarker and exposure collection protocols as well as granted permission for follow up in the future. Two phlebotomists and an occupational health nurse at the training academy collected a total of 5 tubes from each firefighter (i.e., TEMPUS, PAXGENE RNA, Sterile Red Top, EDTA, and sodium citrate tube).

Conclusions

The newly established national prospective cancer cohort study infrastructure supports the collection of electronic consent, biomarker, exposure and health survey data. Expansion of the research protocol to other firefighter subgroups in needed.
P.2.06 Risk and prevention of sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis among workers handling epoxy resins
Authors: Christiansen Alexandra Golabek , Carstensen Ole , Sommerlund Mette , Clausen Per Axel , Schlünssen Vivi , Bønløkke Jakob , Ihlo Charlotte Amalie , Isaksson Marléne , Christoffersen Pia , Libak Christian , Illanes Marcus , Kolstad Henrik
Published: May 2020

High prevalences of sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) have been reported among workers exposed to epoxy resin systems (ERS). Yet little is known about the risk when using up-to-date skin protection. Occupational skin exposure is rarely monitored and skin exposure to ERS is often left unrecognized. The objective of this project is to analyze the risk of sensitization and ACD among workers handling ERS and to assess a novel approach to optimize the prevention of dermatitis and sensitization by fluorescence visualization of exposure.

Skin exposure will be visualized by a fluorescent tracer added to the ERS. UVA-light will illuminate the skin and the fluorescent areas will be recorded by a computer vision system with a limit of detection of 1 × 1 mm. In cooperation with global manufacturers of wind turbines, we will randomize 350 lamination workers to either an intervention or a control group. The intervention group will be shown images of their UVA-exposed skin, while the control group will not. The intervention will take place daily in 4 time periods, each lasting a month, during the 2 year follow-up period. All participants will be patch tested at baseline and at the end of follow-up with a tailored patch-test series containing 11 different products including epoxy resins and hardeners, in total comprising 30 potentially sensitizing compounds, that the workers handle. Participants are screened for dermatitis at start and at end of follow-up or end of employment. We will analyze the risk of sensitization, dermatitis and the risk of developing dermatitis when sensitized. We will also assess determinants for ERS exposure including working tasks and procedures. The potency of resins and hardeners to elicit contact allergy will be highlighted, as well as the frequency of concomitant contact allergies to different ERS compounds.
P.2.10 Healthcare provider communication and the duration of time off work among injured workers: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Lane Tyler , Lilley Rebbecca , Black Ollie , Sim Malcolm , Smith Peter
Published: May 2020

Background

In addition to biomedical treatment, healthcare providers (HCPs) may make psychosocial contributions to injured workers that aide rehabilitation and the return to work (RTW) process. We examined the effect on disability duration of several types of HCP communications with injured workers and stakeholders in the RTW process.

Objectives

To test the effect of various HCP communications on time off work following injury.

Research design

We analysed survey and administrative claims data from n=715 injured workers in Victoria, Australia. Survey responses were collected around five months post-injury and provided data on HCP communication and confounders. Administrative claims data provided data on compensated time off work. We conducted multivariate zero-inflated Poisson regression analyses, which evaluated both the likelihood of future time off work and its duration.

Measures

HCP communications included good interactions, estimated RTW date, activity discussions, prevention discussions, and stakeholder contact. Time off work was the count of cumulative compensated work absence in weeks, accrued post-survey.

Results

Only RTW dates were predictive of no future time loss (OR: 2.65, 95% CI: 1.74–4.03). RTW date (IRR: 0.71, 0.67–0.74), good interactions (IRR: 0.73, 0.70–0.76), and stakeholder contact (IRR: 0.92, 0.88–0.95) reduced time off work, while activity discussions predicted more time off work (IRR: 1.13, 1.08–1.19).

Conclusions

HCPs may be able shorten disability durations through several types of communication. Of those evaluated in this study, RTW dates had the most robust effect.
P.2.12 Clustering of malignant pleural mesothelioma in asbestos factories in a 29-years follow-up study to identify high-risk industries in taiwan
Authors: Lee Lukas , Lin Cheng-Kuan , Pan Chih-Hong , Cheng Yawen , Chang Yu-Yin , Liou Saou-Hsing , Wang Jung-Der
Published: May 2020

Objective

Exposure to asbestos is the major cause for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) but the causal link of individual cases is difficult to establish for lack of exposure information and long disease latency.

Methods

We established a retrospective cohort of workers employed in asbestos industries during the period of 1950–1989 and the occurrence of MPM during the period of 1980–2009 was examined with the Taiwan Cancer Registry. Estimated rate ratios (eRR) were computed for each factory where any case of MPM was diagnosed by assuming Poisson distribution with a minimal latency of 20 years.

Results

A total of 18 MPM (17 males, 1 female) in 8 factories were found. The incidence rate of MPM for the 8 factories was 18.0 per million, ranging from 6.2 per million (military factory) to 268.2 per million (asbestos cement). We observed significantly increased risks for MPM in asbestos cement, thermal insulation and shipbuilding industries, with eRR (genders combined) of 113.6, 87.5, and 15.8 respectively. The sensitivity analyses considering latency showed similar findings in latency ≥30 years, and the shipbuilding industry presented a significant eRR given a latency ≥40 years. The gender-specific eRR showed similar results in men, but high eRR of 729.6 was observed in an asbestos cement factory where a female MPM was diagnosed.

Conclusions

This nationwide study in Taiwan comprehensively showed different asbestos manufacturing processes, including asbestos cement, thermal insulation, and shipbuilding industries, at significantly increased risks for MPM. We recommend to establish a medical screening program for workers previously exposed to asbestos to identify MPM and other asbestos-related diseases at an earlier stage.
P.2.19 Effect of collaborative support of occupational and clinical physicians -evaluation of outcome due to treatment drop out in non-communicable diseases
Authors: Muto Go
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To develop a prediction model of outcome due to drop out in treatment for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Japan as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of collaboration between occupational and clinical physicians.

Methods

Using both claim and health check-up data (JMDC) of beneficiaries aged 20 to 74 years who were covered by health insurance societies between 2008 and 2016, we identified high risk 5 33 955 examinees of health checkups who met the following criteria and had no claim data on the corresponding items 4 months prior to the health checkups. The criteria was either blood pressure, blood glucose level, or blood lipid level provided by Japanese government.

Results

The cumulative non-visiting rates at 12 months after health check-ups were 84.4%. The rate of drop off during treatment was over 70%. As for HT, DM, and DL, the cumulative non-visiting rates at 12 months were 84.3, 67.9, and 86.1%, respectively. When focusing on the high risk group, the rate was 74.0%, since the rate for extremely high risk DM (HbA1c≥8.4%) was 51.9%.

Conclusion

Over 80% high risk examinees of non-communicable diseases did not visit to medical institutions during 1 year period after health check-ups, although approximately half of the individuals with extremely high risk of DM visited to physicians at least one time. Finally, we developed a predictive scoring model for visiting to medical institutions as well as the risk of drop out from treatment, and it was well validated from both discrimination and calibration viewpoints. In addition, we evaluated the effectiveness of strategy for preventing treatment drop off through collaborative support from occupational and clinical physicians. This strategy enables public/occupational health staffs to individualize population for strong intervention and to support harmonization of treatment and work in NCDs.
P.2.27 Manganese exposure in steel and allied factory: cause of secondary parkinsonism
Authors: Roy Priyanka , Kumar Praveen
Published: May 2020

Case presentation

A 43 year old male presented with 6 months history of gradual onset and progressive bradykinesia, tremors of upper limbs and walking difficulty in the form of imbalance and short shuffling gait, slurring of speech with hypophonia. Neurological examination revealed slow broken saccades, rigidity with cogwheeling, bradykinesia and short shuffling, festinant gait. He had action and postural tremors of upper limbs. Pull test was positive. Thus a diagnosis of young onset Parkinsonism was considered. But, occupational history revealed that he worked in blast furnace of a steel and allied factory for past 14 years where manganese ore has been using for the strengthening of the stainless steel. He was evaluated with MRI Brain which showed symmetrical hyperintensities involving basal ganglia and subcortical white matter in T2 weighted images. T1 weighted images showed evidence of basal ganglia hyperintensities probably related to mineral deposition. Renal function, thyroid function tests including anti thyroid antibodies, KF Ring, S. Ceruloplasmin, Liver function tests, CSF, ultrasound abdomen- all were normal. Two consecutive serum manganese level tests in six months interval showed initial rise (two times) with the history of exposure and followed by normal level without the exposure. Patient was started on symptomatic medications like levodopa and trihexiphenidyl but after 8 months of medication (March- October, 2018) he had not showed any significant improvement. The written consent was taken from patient for this study.

Conclusion

In view of strong occupational history of manganese exposure, the clinical features and non responsiveness of treatment with levodopa, a possibility of manganese toxicity was strongly considered for this rare case of secondary parkinsonism. Also non adherence with the legal mandate of periodical medical examination of workers exposed to toxic metals with long term consequence is very important factor to be corrected in the developing country like India.
O2B.1 What psychosocial factors at work are associated to workplace bullying? A study with judiciary brazilian civil servants from southern brazil
Authors: Feijó Fernando , Fassa Anaclaudia , Pearce Neil
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Workplace bullying has been currently described as one of the main psychosocial factors at work, with negative impact on health. Its causes and antecedents have been increasingly discussed by researchers, although there is still a lack of epidemiological evidence on the phenomenon. Therefore we aimed to evaluate the association between other psychosocial factors at work and bullying in a sample of Judiciary Brazilian Civil Servants.

Methods

Cross-sectional study with a sample of 1667 workers from the Federal Judiciary in southern Brazil. We used the Psychosocial Safety Climate Scale (PSC-12), the Job Stress Scale (JSS) and the Effort-Reward Imbalance Scale Scale(ERI) in order to evaluate psychosocial antecedents of bullying at work. The Negative Acts Questionnaire (NAQ-r) was used to measure bullying. Poisson regression was used to test associations between bullying and psychosocial factors.

Results

The overall prevalence of bullying (exposure to a weekly negative act) was 17.7%. High risk Psychosocial Safety Climate, High Job Strain and High Effort-Reward Imbalance increased the prevalence of bullying in 3.14 (CI 2.20–4.49), 5.68 (CI 3.86–8.35) and 4.12 (3.05–5.57) times, respectively. The Poisson Regression model including all psychosocial risks showed that all psychosocial factors were strongly and independently associated with bullying (p<0.001). High risk psychosocial safety climate was associated with a 82% higher prevalence of bullying, while high job strain and high effort-reward imbalance were associated with a 172% and 140%, respectively, higher prevalence of bullying.

Discussion

These findings corroborate the hypothesis that social and organizational factors at work are key determinants of workplace bullying. Interventions to target bullying and protect workers health should focus on work organization and work processes.
O2B.3 Work related stress for new zealand workers in high risk sectors: what can we learn from a demographic analysis?
Authors: Lovelock Kirsten , Khieu Trang
Published: May 2020

The physical and psychological outcomes of work related stress place a burden on individuals, their families, workplaces and communities. Work related stress is a health and socio-economic and political problem. It reduces work performance; drives higher rates of absenteeism or sick leave; can increase rates of injury; prompt high staff turnover; and, can prompt poor health behaviours such as excessive drinking or taking of drugs. The research record focussing on work related stress in New Zealand (NZ) is small and uneven, but growing. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of work-related stress among workers by a set of demographic characteristics. The study used data from the Health and Safety Attitudes and Behaviour Survey (HSABS) 2016. A total of 2190 workers in the four high risk industries (agriculture, forestry, construction and manufacturing) were interviewed about their perceptions towards work-related stress. Weighting was conducted to control inherent biases. Differences between workers were examined by age, sex, ethnicity, qualifications and migrant factors (e.g. being born in NZ or arriving in NZ within five years). Overall, 11% of workers responded that they had experienced with work-related stress in the last 12 months. Work-related stress was more statistically prevalent among people from 25 to 34 years of age or those having a bachelor’s degree. Also, people being females or Maori or not born in NZ or first arrived in NZ in the last five years were more likely to have work-related stress. Findings from the study could allow better targeted and informed psychosocial health interventions to be implemented at workplace.
K-04 Conceptualizing child labor in conflict settings: the case of syrian refugees
Authors: Habib Rima
Published: May 2020

The persistence of child labor as a widespread global phenomenon is a result of the failure to challenge the conditions of economic injustice and child exploitation. Underlying this failure are policy frameworks that do not address the underlying conditions that produce child labor, namely state fragility, armed conflict, and environmental problems. An estimated 250 million children live in armed-conflict affected areas (Raqib, 2017), where the incidence of child labor is at least 77% higher than the global average (International Labour Organization, 2017). UNICEF (2016) estimates that about 535 million children live in conflict or disaster-stricken areas. Child labor thrives under these conditions because of the poverty, vulnerability, and lack of opportunities characteristic of - areas affected by conflict and ecological disasters. The international system has not addressed the root causes of child labor, failing to raise and coordinate adequate relief and development resources when conflicts transpire.

This presentation will propose a new theoretical framework on child labor that incorporates the prominent role state fragility and armed conflict play in the constitution of this phenomenon. The presentation will further explore this theoretical framework through a case study of child labor in Syrian refugee communities. The Syrian conflict has resulted in one of the greatest humanitarian crises of the 21stcentury. Over 5.6 million Syrians have become refugees, mostly residing in the neighboring countries of Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon. Bleak prospects for Syrian refugee youth have raised concerns of a ‘lost generation’ of children who have had their housing, schooling, and childhoods interrupted. The combination of inadequate national refugee policies, abject poverty, and withering international aid for the crisis have made child labor endemic among many Syrian refugee communities in Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey (Küppers & Ruhmann, 2016; International Labour Organization et al., 2017; Habib et al., 2019). This address will share stories that elucidate how child labor takes root in conflict settings and how the international community can better address the challenges facing those who are most vulnerable.
O2B.4 Factors on sickness absence among workers and moderating effect of job stress in korea
Authors: Ryu Hyang-Woo , Moon Deog-Hwan , Lee Sang-Gil
Published: May 2020

Objective

The purpose of this study was to analyze the various factors affecting the sickness absence of Korean workers and to confirm the moderating effect of job stress.

Method

We analyzed the data of nationwide labor environment survey conducted by the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) in 2011. This study covered 49 870 workers, excluding abnormal values. We analyzed the effects of the work environment and the moderating effect of job stress to the absence of sickness.

Results

The number of sickness absent from the study was 4621 (9.3%), total sickness absence was 30,640 days, and the average period of sickness absence was 6.6 days. The factor with significant difference of illness absenteeism was education, monthly income, size of workplace, drinking opportunity, worker position, musculoskeletal disease risk factor, and subjective health status. The interaction effect between the control variable and the independent variable was significantly different from the job stress ×musculoskeletal disorder factor.

Sickness absence was higher in middle school graduates, monthly incomes more than one million won, workplaces with 10 or more workers, and in the non-alcoholic group.

Musculoskeletal disorders and subjective health status showed a positive effect on sickness absence. The number of days of sickness absence increased and the subjective health condition got worse as the musculoskeletal disorders increased. As job stress increased, sickness absence increased. We found that the job stress interacted with musculoskeletal disease factors and affected sickness absence.

Conclusion

It is necessary to prepare measures to improve subjective health condition, and to fully utilize the moderating job stress factors to reduce the factors of musculoskeletal diseases.
O2C.1 Worker compensation: are epidemiological studies fit for purpose?
Authors: Rushton Lesley
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Every year, large numbers of workers have an injury at work or develop a work-related disease. A range of worker compensation systems exist across countries for which epidemiological studies potentially provide critical evidence. This paper discusses the adequacy of current epidemiological research for this purpose.

Methods

Compensation schemes need to identify the occupational circumstances, or dose, that increase (e.g. double) the risks of the disease, and to define these so they can be administered effectively by decision-makers who lack epidemiological experience. Large studies or meta-analyses with effective control for confounders, adequate exposure assessment, and clear case definition are (ideally) required.

Results

Although epidemiological studies may show consistent evidence of an increased health risk from an occupational exposure, definitions of exposure are often unsuitable for converting into an appropriate exposure schedule for a compensation scheme. Direct measurements of occupational exposure are usually scarce and not available for individual workers; both claimants, perhaps, assessors would find these measurements difficult to access and use. Exposures defined by industry or job title, particularly with a qualifying time-period, although perceived by epidemiologists as rather simplistic, are more straightforward to use, e.g. ‘osteoarthritis in miners who have worked 10 or more years underground’. If quantitative exposure measurements are unavailable, epidemiologists often define qualitative metrics such as ‘high’, ‘medium’, or ‘low’ or develop more complex semi-qualitative exposure metrics such as ‘exposed or not’ at a given level of certainty or probability; intensity of exposure based on expert judgement of proximity to the substance and effectiveness of control procedures. Application of these in a compensation scheme may be problematical.

Discussion

Epidemiology plays a vital role in ensuring workers are compensated for work-related ill-health. Epidemiological study design, exposure metrics and primary and subsidiary analyses should be tailored to directly support compensation schemes.
O2E.2 From high-dose occupational to low-dose residential exposures in radon epidemiology: how high-quality exposure assessment ties it all together
Authors: Schubauer-Berigan Mary
Published: May 2020

Since the 1950s, formal epidemiologic investigations among uranium miners have yielded valuable information about lung cancer hazard from exposure to radon progeny. Early cohort studies used thousands of measurements of radon progeny in mines and a job-exposure matrix approach to assign dose estimates to miners. Over time, exposure estimation in uranium and other underground mines has become increasingly refined, making possible 25 years ago a landmark pooled study that permitted quantitative risk characterization across 11 populations of miners. More recently, case-control studies of residential radon exposure have been conducted and pooled in Europe and North America, with exposure estimation generally based on long-term, modern radon progeny measurements in the homes where subjects resided. Other research has contributed importantly to methods development related to quantifying the impact of errors in dose estimation on risk characterization. This presentation, part of a mini-symposium on the importance of exposure assessment in epidemiology for hazard identification and risk characterization, will emphasize how high quality exposure assessment methodology (and attendant uncertainties) provides the linchpin that connects these landmark studies of occupational and environmental exposure across orders of magnitude of dose.