bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O-298 SUSTAINABLE POLICIES AND ACTIONS IN A CHANGING WORLD OF WORK: OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH IN CHINA
Authors: Zhang Min , Liu Tuo , Fujian Liang Chen , Shi Chunlan , Chen Na , Zhang Min
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Facing the once-in-a-century challenge of pandemic and dynamic socio economic development, China is becoming the global manufacturing center with over 775 million working population.

Methods

We used an interpretive approach to share policy advocacy and outcomes in China during 2018-2022.

Results

(1) Governance reform. Since 2018, China has rolled out a massive reshuffle plan to deepen institutional reform, the responsibility of occupational health and work safety has been merged into the regulations of the National Health Commission.

(2) Protect the fundamental rights of civilians for platform-based employees. China promulgated its first-ever Civil Code in 2020, the labor protection for platform-based employment China is strengthened to build harmonious labor relations.

(3) Occupational health against COVID-19. Comprehensive measures have been implemented for the working population in the workplaces.

(4) In the health sector, safety and health management for health workers has iterated during the last decade.

(5) In agriculture, international technical tools are introduced in China, including ILO/IEA Ergonomic Checkpoints in Agriculture, a pilot project is under way in the poverty alleviation area.

Discussion

China is facing pressing challenges in occupational health, significant efforts have been made in the industries of platform economics, health service and agriculture. During COVID-19, informal and self-employed workers are at greater risk from COVID-19 than formal employees.

Conclusion

A healthy workforce is fundamental for China to pursue its Healthy China 2030 strategy and the UN SDGs. China has seen a shift in policies and actions to address occupational health issues. New institutional reform is a great opportunity to improve the nationwide occupational health regulation.
P-470 INFLUENCE OF PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS ON THE WORK ACTIVITY OF PATIENTS WITH SHOULDER DISORDERS
Authors: Gannoun Nawres , Belhadj Noura , Lahsini Malek , Dhahri Oumayma , Kheder Asma , Omrane Amira , Mahfoudh Aouatef , Khalfallah Taoufik
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The scientific literature recognizes the multifactorial origin of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Beyond biomechanical and personal factors, organizational and psychosocial factors also contribute to the genesis and aggravation of work-related MSD. Aims: Study the socio-professional, clinical characteristics and psychosocial and organizational constraints related to shoulder tendinopathy.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, it concerned patients who consulted the occupational medicine department for shoulder tendinopathies. A self-questionnaire was used to collect the socio-professional characteristics, psychosocial and organizational constraints. Scores for psychological demand, decision latitude and social support at work were constructed according to the recommendations of Karasek.

Results

A total of 100 patients participated in this study. The population was mostly female(89%) with an average age of 45.76(SD = 9.5) years. The textile(65%), electric wires and cables(12%) industries were the most frequent sectors of activity. They worked mainly as multi-skilled workers, simple machine-operators(48% in each case) and school-teachers(4%). Seventy-seven percent of the participants reported a reduction in their work activity. On clinical examination, subacromial impingement tests were positive in 94%. Eighty-eight percent reported high psychological demand and 96% had low social support at work. Job strain and isostrain were detected in 76% and 88% of cases. On univariate analysis, participants’ reduction in job activity was significantly associated with female gender(p=0.02), Textile Machine-Operator Workstation(p=0.01), low social support(p=0.03) and isostrain(p≤ 10-3).

Discussion and conclusion

Although there are fewer studies on the association between MSDs and psychosocial and organizational constraints than those on physical constraints, it is now admitted that psycho-organizational constraints contribute to the occurrence of shoulder tendinopathies.
O-318 POWER FREQUENCY ELECTRIC FIELD PROTECTIVE MEAN EFFICIENCY DIRECT AND INDIRECT METHODS COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT
Authors: Rubtsova Nina , Perov Sergey
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Harmful electromagnetic field effects are an actual issue of electrical engineering staff occupational safety. Personal protective means are conductive suits based on Faraday cage at present. Conductive suits should decrease external power frequency of electric field levels up to permissible limit values for workers’ safety ensuring. Therefore, it is relevant to measure external electric field strength attenuation by shielding efficiency assessment that had standardized methods in Russia. The aim of the study was to compare the Russian method of personal protective means screening efficiency assessment with the standard test method according to IEC.

Material and methods

Shielding efficiency is determined by testing. The greatest difficulty lies in the evaluation of the effectiveness of IPM shielding, as the current hygienic standards consider the physical characteristics of a field, whereas in modern regulatory documents, shielding efficiency is considered as an external field indirect characteristic. The methods comparison were carried out by a test of personal protective means in four samples. The results were analyzed by means of linear approximation function to define screening efficiency obtained by both methods.

Results

Research data have shown the possibility of power frequency electric field attenuation evaluation for personal protective mean efficiency assessment. The data analysis in comparison with standardized IEC method has defined minimum requirements to personal protective mean screening efficiency measured by Russian standardized method.

Conclusion

Direct method using electric field strength measurement allows conductive suits manufacturers to predict maximum possible power frequency electric field decrease for compliance with permissible limit values at workplaces.
P-481 THE LACK OF INTEGRITY IN THE IAEA’S REVIEW REPORT ON THE OCEAN DUMPING OF FUKUSHIMA CONTAMINATED WASTE
Authors: Paek Domyung , Choi MooYoung
Published: July 2024

Introduction

In July 2023, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issued a final report on its review of the ocean dumping plan for contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiich Nuclear Power Plant in Japan. According to the report, the IAEA did not verify the ocean dumping plan proposed by the Japanese government; instead, the IAEA reviewed whether the Japanese government’s explanation of its policy met the expression of international safety standards. Specifically, despite the Japanese government’s selection plan based on indirect circumstantial evidence, the IAEA did not provide its own perspective on the list of possible nuclides to be identified in the waste.

Methods

This is internally inconsistent with the IAEA’s own principle for selection, and contradicts its previous position of verifying the principle in advance. Moreover, it is worrying that the IAEA acknowledges the Japanese government’s approach to evaluating the post-dilution situation without considering the existing risks from the 2011 contamination.

Results

This approach views post-dilution dumping as a planned exposure and ignores possible increases in existing risks due to even minor additional events, such as sudden changes in the ecosystem.

Discussion

In addition, the uncertainties resulting from environmental changes, such as the climate crisis and variations in ocean currents and biota migration, have not been taken into account.These uncertainties and others, especially the non-target effects of prolonged, long-term exposure, should have been evaluated.

Conclusion

It is crucial to recognize that safety is a comprehensive concept and cannot be assessed by matching individual criteria one by one.
P-540 ASSOCIATION BETWEEN OCCUPATIONAL ACCIDENTS AND EMPLOYEE TURNOVER
Authors: Jinnouchi Takahiro , Nagata Tomohisa , Odagami Kiminori , Adi Nuri Purwito , Mori Koji
Published: July 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to examine the relationship between occupational accidents and employee turnover.

Methods

We conducted an online self-administered questionnaire survey to workers aged 20 years old or more in Japan in March 2022, followed by a second survey in March 2023 (prospective cohort study). Participants were segmented into two groups: those who had experienced occupational accidents in the preceding year (group 1) and those who had not (group 2). Employee turnover was defined as cessation of employment between the two survey periods. We examined the relationship between occupational accidents and employee turnover using logistic regression analysis. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the UOEH.

Results

Of the 16,629 respondents, 890 reported an occupational accident at baseline. Compared to group 2, the odds ratios for employee turnover were 1.83 (1.59-2.01) for group 1. Working in a large company (OR=0.81, 95%CI: 0.74-0.89) and receiving support from supervisors (OR=0.97, 95%CI: 0.96-0.99) were factors associated with reduced employee turnover due to occupational accidents.

Discussion

The study reveals a significant relationship between occupational accidents and employee turnover, with other factors also playing a role. Despite providing crucial insights, the study acknowledges its limitations, including the restricted number of data points collected.

Conclusion

The study suggests that measures aimed at reducing occupational accidents and bolstering supervisors support could be effective strategies to avert employee turnover.
P-545 QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG VICTIMS OF WORK-RELATED UPPER EXTREMITY INJURIES
Authors: Haddar Aicha , Sellami Imen , Ghrab Mohamed Anis , Masmoudi Mohamed Larbi , Hammami Kaouthar Jmal , Hajjaji Mounira , Haddar Aicha , Hrairi Anouare
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Work-related upper extremity injuries (WRUEI) have serious consequences on the victim’s life. These accidents can result in physical, mental, and aesthetic damage that affects life of victims. We aimed to evaluate factors affecting the quality of life (QOL) among victims of WRUEI.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional Study on occupational accident victims. Data were collected using a pre-established questionnaire. The QOL was assessed using the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) which includes a physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores. We evaluated the pain level using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

Results

Ninety patients with WRUEI were evaluated. The mean age was 43 ±9.9 years. The male-to-female sex ratio was 3.7. Injuries of dominant members represented 62% of cases. The most affected areas were the hand and wrist (63% of cases). The mean VAS score was 5.7± 2.8. The mean PCS and MCS scores were 34±6.1 and 44±10.7 respectively. PCM score was associated with pain level (r=-0.42; p<0.001), undergoing rehabilitation (p=0.025), duration of immobilization (r= -0.31; p=0.003), and the impairment rate (r=-0.27; p=0.009). MCS score was associated with non-dominant upper limb injuries (p= 0.02), duration of absence (r= 0.25; p=0.015), and pain level (r=-0.39; p<0.001).

Discussion

Providing adequate care and interventions is crucial to enhancing the QOL for this vulnerable population. Pain management can improve both component of the QOL.

Conclusion

This study highlighted factors interfering with the QOL of victims of WRUEI. Different stakeholders should consider those factors when providing care to this vulnerable population.
P-564 NOISE-RELATED HEARING DISORDER AMONG VECTOR CONTROL WORKERS IN KUALA LUMPUR
Authors: Yap Kian Kiong
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The most common occupational ailment in Malaysia and a significant compensable occupational hazard is noise-related hearing disorder (NRHD). The need for vector control personnel to stop the spread of dengue at the expense of exposure to loud fogging machines has become more urgent as the number of dengue cases has increased.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of vector control personnel from a local government in Kuala Lumpur was carried out. Participants were divided into those who were directly involved in fogging activities, and those who were not. To collect sociodemographic, medical, and occupational data, a self-administered questionnaire was used. An audiogram test confirmed the diagnosis of NRHD.

Results

The prevalence of NRHD was observed to be high (51.4%) among vector control personnel exposed to fogging activity (occupational noise risks). Fogging status, sex and age were predictors of NRHD.

Discussion

As the noise level of fogging machines exceeded > 90dB(A) at a distance of 0.5m, there is a definite correlation between fogging activities and NRHD. Especially among noise-exposed workers, physiological changes to the inner ear that take place as people age may hasten the onset of NRHD. The bulk of the blue-collar vector control personnel were male because historically, men have dominated physical labour, high-noise industries, and occupations. This led to the establishment of gender as a predictor.

Conclusion

These results highlight the significant effect of workplace noise hazards on NRHD and highlight the necessity to address this issue in order to protect employees’ health, especially among male and older workers who have chronic noise exposure.
O-382 NEED FOR WOMEN-CENTRIC MENTAL HEALTH POLICY AS OSH COMPONENT
Authors: Pandey Manisha
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Safety and health at work are fundamental to economic growth; and mental health issues are being recognized as a major health hazard.Sadly,very little attention is paid to assessing risks and hazards from a women-specific mental health perspective, despite a growing number of female employees.

Method

The purpose of this study, conducted on women employees of a PSU company, is to identify and analyze the impact of women specific factors on mental health at workplace, through questionnaires and interviewing.

Results

Mental health is affected by phases of a woman’s life like menstruation, pregnancy, lactation, menopause and diseases like PCOD, infertility,and cancers,apart from worklife balance issues.Significant correlation was found between mental health and menstrual/ gynaecological ailments. While only 28% perceived themselves in excellent mental state; 10% had training in mental or occupational health.48% women experienced some sort of gender discrimination and career opportunities were lost if they had to take special leave to care for their families.

Discussion

While women bear the dual stress of juggling career demands with family responsibilities, job issues like long working hours, informal working arrangements,gender discrimination, bullying,sexual harassment and third-party violence along with insensitivity to womanly problems harms mental health and productivity. Fewer women are in senior leadership positions because of glass ceiling effect; toxic and insensitive work environment, lack of career opportunities causing low self-esteem and culminating in mental illness.

Conclusion

Like any other diversity inclusion exercise, the impact of gender specific mental health on all OSH policies has to be assessed.
P-590 SICKNESS-RELATED ABSENTEEISM AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG PATIENTS WITH PHYSICAL DISEASE AFTER RETURN-TO-WORK: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY IN JAPANESE HOSPITAL
Authors: Furue Akiko , Harada Arisa , Tateishi Seiichiro , Nagata Masako
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The association between sickness-related absenteeism and psychological distress were reported; however, its association among patients with physical disease after return-to-work (RTW) remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the association between sickness-related absenteeism and psychological distress in physical disease patients after RTW.

Methods

This cross-sectional study analyzed self-administered questionnaires from patients visiting a Japanese hospital between August 2021 and March 2022. The study included 168 employed individuals who reported RTW during the survey. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between sickness-related absenteeism and psychological distress in physical disease patients after RTW.

Results

Of the 168 participants (mean age: 50.4 years, 41.1% male, 48.2% Neoplasms), 54.8% reported experiencing sickness-related absenteeism after RTW. After adjusting for age and gender, sickness-related absenteeism was significantly associated with psychological distress in physical disease patients after RTW (odds ratio: 2.19, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-4.70).

Discussion

Sickness-related absenteeism was associated with psychological distress in physical disease patients after RTW. Absenteeism can lead to a reduction in patients’ income and loss of workforce for companies, imposing a burden on both workers and employers. It remains unclear whether sickness-related absenteeism leads to psychological distress or vice versa. In both cases, psychological support benefits for patients experiencing sickness-related absenteeism after RTW.

Conclusion

Patients with physical disease after RTW need support to receive treatment while continuing to work. In particular, psychological support benefits for patients with sickness-related absenteeism.
Selectivity filter mutations shift ion permeation mechanism in potassium channels
Authors: Mironenko Andrei , de Groot Bert L , Kopec Wojciech
Published: July 2024

Potassium (K+) channels combine high conductance with high ion selectivity. To explain this efficiency, two molecular mechanisms have been proposed. The “direct knock-on” mechanism is defined by water-free K+ permeation and formation of direct ion–ion contacts in the highly conserved selectivity filter (SF). The “soft knock-on” mechanism involves co-permeation of water and separation of K+ by water molecules. With the aim to distinguish between these mechanisms, crystal structures of the KcsA channel with mutations in two SF residues—G77 and T75—were published, where the arrangements of K+ ions and water display canonical soft knock-on configurations. These data were interpreted as evidence of the soft knock-on mechanism in wild-type channels. Here, we test this interpretation using molecular dynamics simulations of KcsA and its mutants. We show that while a strictly water-free direct knock-on permeation is observed in the wild type, conformational changes induced by these mutations lead to distinct ion permeation mechanisms, characterized by co-permeation of K+ and water. These mechanisms are characterized by reduced conductance and impaired potassium selectivity, supporting the importance of full dehydration of potassium ions for the hallmark high conductance and selectivity of K+ channels. In general, we present a case where mutations introduced at the critical points of the permeation pathway in an ion channel drastically change its permeation mechanism in a nonintuitive manner.
Extreme Values of Dirichlet L-Functions At Critical Points of the Zeta Function
Authors: Chorge Shashank
Published: July 2024

We estimate large and small values of $|L(\rho^{\prime},\chi)|$, where χ is a primitive character mod q for q > 2 and $\rho^{\prime}$ runs over critical points of the Riemann zeta function in the right half of the one-line and on the one-line, that is, the points where $\zeta^{\prime}(\rho^{\prime})=0$ and $1\leq\Re \rho^{\prime}$.
The strange career of Millian methods in comparative social science
Authors: Kurzman Charles
Published: July 2024

For half a century, comparative social science has been closely associated with John Stuart Mill’s methods of comparison. However, few social scientists had heard of Mill’s methods in 1970. Within a decade, the methods of agreement and difference had become part of the methodological canon—despite Mill’s objections that these methods should under no circumstances be used in the social sciences. Comparativists continued to overlook the methods that Mill actually proposed for the social sciences, which relied on an analogy with astronomical observations rather than chemistry experiments. Yet Mill’s own empirical research offered substantive findings without dwelling much on methods. Over the past half-century, successful works of comparative social science have pursued all three versions of Millian methods: the comparative methods that he widely associated with; the alternative methods that he proposed for social science; and the actual methods that he pursued, whose success lay in their creativity, not in methodological recipes.
GCPDFFNet: Small Object Detection for Rice Blast Recognition
Authors: Xie Dejin , Ye Wei , Pan Yining , Wang Jiaoyu , Qiu Haiping , Wang Hongkai , Li Zhaoxing , Chen Tianhao
Published: July 2024

Early detection of rice blast disease is pivotal to ensure rice yield. We collected in situ images of rice blast and constructed a rice blast dataset based on variations in lesion shape, size, and color. Given that rice blast lesions are small and typically exhibit round, oval, and fusiform shapes, we proposed a small object detection model named GCPDFFNet (global context-based parallel differentiation feature fusion network) for rice blast recognition. The GCPDFFNet model has three global context feature extraction modules and two parallel differentiation feature fusion modules. The global context modules are employed to focus on the lesion areas; the parallel differentiation feature fusion modules are used to enhance the recognition effect of small-sized lesions. In addition, we proposed the SCYLLA normalized Wasserstein distance loss function, specifically designed to accelerate model convergence and improve the detection accuracy of rice blast disease. Comparative experiments were conducted on the rice blast dataset to evaluate the performance of the model. The proposed GCPDFFNet model outperformed the baseline network CenterNet, with a significant increase in mean average precision from 83.6 to 95.4% on the rice blast test set while maintaining a satisfactory frames per second drop from 147.9 to 122.1. Our results suggest that the GCPDFFNet model can accurately detect in situ rice blast disease while ensuring the inference speed meets the real-time requirements.
Oxidative stress mediates nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of KPNA2 via AKT1‐CDK1 axis‐regulated S62 phosphorylation
Authors: Huang Jie‐Xin , Wang Chun‐I , Kuo Chia‐Yu , Chang Ting‐Wei , Liu Yu‐Chin , Hsiao Ting‐Feng , Wang Chih‐Liang , Yu Chia‐Jung
Published: July 2024

Karyopherin α 2 (KPNA2, importin α1), a transport factor shuttling between the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments, is involved in the nuclear import of proteins and participates in cellular processes such as cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and transcriptional regulation. However, it is still unclear which signaling regulates the nucleocytoplasmic distribution of KPNA2 in response to cellular stress. In this study, we report that oxidative stress increases nuclear retention of KPNA2 through alpha serine/threonine‐protein kinase (AKT1)‐mediated reduction of serine 62 (S62) phosphorylation. We first found that AKT1 activation was required for H2O2‐induced nuclear accumulation of KPNA2. Immunoprecipitation and quantitative proteomic analysis revealed that the phosphorylation of KPNA2 at S62 was decreased under H2O2‐induced oxidative stress. We showed that cyclin‐dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), a kinase responsible for KPNA2 S62 phosphorylation, contributes to the localization of KPNA2 in the cytoplasm. AKT1 knockdown increased KPNA2 S62 phosphorylation and inhibited CDK1 activation. Furthermore, H2O2‐induced AKT1 activation promoted nuclear KPNA2 interaction with nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1), resulting in attenuation of NPM1‐mediated cyclin D1 gene transcription. Thus, we infer that the AKT1‐CDK1 axis regulates the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling and function of KPNA2 through spatiotemporal regulation of KPNA2 S62 phosphorylation under oxidative stress conditions.
The molecular biology of NF2/Merlin on tumorigenesis and development
Authors: Vlashi Rexhina , Sun Fuju , Zheng Chenggong , Zhang Xingen , Liu Jie , Chen Guiqian
Published: July 2024

The neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) gene, known for encoding the tumor suppressor protein Merlin, is central to the study of tumorigenesis and associated cellular processes. This review comprehensively examines the multifaceted role of NF2/Merlin, detailing its structural characteristics, functional diversity, and involvement in various signaling pathways such as Wnt/β‐catenin, Hippo, TGF‐β, RTKs, mTOR, Notch, and Hedgehog. These pathways are crucial for cellular growth, proliferation, and differentiation. NF2 mutations are specifically linked to the development of schwannomas, meningiomas, and ependymomas, although the precise mechanisms of tumor formation in these specific cell types remain unclear. Additionally, the review explores Merlin's role in embryogenesis, highlighting the severe developmental defects and embryonic lethality caused by NF2 deficiency. The potential therapeutic strategies targeting these genetic aberrations are also discussed, emphasizing inhibitors of mTOR, HDAC, and VEGF as promising avenues for treatment. This synthesis of current knowledge underscores the necessity for ongoing research to elucidate the detailed mechanisms of NF2/Merlin and develop effective therapeutic strategies, ultimately aiming to improve the prognosis and quality of life for individuals with NF2 mutations.
A20 in hepatic stellate cells suppresses chronic hepatitis by inhibiting DCLK1–JNK pathway‐dependent chemokines
Authors: Watakabe Keiya , Miyoshi Masato , Kakinuma Sei , Sato Ayako , Tsuchiya Jun , Shimizu Taro , Mochida Tomohiro , Inada Kento , Kaneko Shun , Kawai‐Kitahata Fukiko , Murakawa Miyako , Nitta Sayuri , Nakagawa Mina , Oshima Shigeru , Watanabe Mamoru , Ma Averil , Asahina Yasuhiro , Okamoto Ryuichi
Published: July 2024

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are responsible for liver fibrosis accompanied by its activation into myofibroblasts and the abundant production of extracellular matrix. However, the HSC contribution to progression of liver inflammation has been less known. We aimed to elucidate the mechanism in HSCs underlying the inflammatory response and the function of tumor necrosis factor α‐related protein A20 (TNFAIP3). We established A20 conditional knockout (KO) mice crossing Twist2‐Cre and A20 floxed mice. Using these mice, the effect of A20 was analyzed in mouse liver and HSCs. The human HSC line LX‐2 was also used to examine the role and underlying molecular mechanism of A20. In this KO model, A20 was deficient in >80% of HSCs. Spontaneous inflammation with mild fibrosis was found in the liver of the mouse model without any exogenous agents, suggesting that A20 in HSCs suppresses chronic hepatitis. Comprehensive RNA sequence analysis revealed that A20‐deficient HSCs exhibited an inflammatory phenotype and abnormally expressed chemokines. A20 suppressed JNK pathway activation in HSCs. Loss of A20 function in LX‐2 cells also induced excessive chemokine expression, mimicking A20‐deficient HSCs. A20 overexpression suppressed chemokine expression in LX‐2. In addition, we identified DCLK1 in the genes regulated by A20. DCLK1 activated the JNK pathway and upregulates chemokine expression. DCLK1 inhibition significantly decreased chemokine induction by A20‐silencing, suggesting that A20 controlled chemokine expression in HSCs via the DCLK1–JNK pathway. In conclusion, A20 suppresses chemokine induction dependent on the DCLK1–JNK signaling pathway. These findings demonstrate the therapeutic potential of A20 and the DCLK1–JNK pathway for the regulation of inflammation in chronic hepatitis.
LncRNA SNHG12 suppresses adipocyte inflammation and insulin resistance by regulating the HDAC9/Nrf2 axis
Authors: Huang Xiaoyan , Chen Jixiong , Li Haidan , Cai Yuhua , Liu Li , Dong Qi , Li Yan , Ren Yi , Xiang Wei , He Xiaojie
Published: July 2024

Obesity is often associated with low‐grade inflammation. The incidence of obesity has increased annually worldwide, which seriously affects human health. A previous study indicated that long noncoding RNA SNHG12 was downregulated in obesity. Nevertheless, the role of SNHG12 in obesity remains to be elucidated. In this study, qRT‐PCR, western blot, and ELISA were utilized to examine the gene and protein expression. Flow cytometry was employed to investigate the M2 macrophage markers. RNA pull‐down assay and RIP were utilized to confirm the interactions of SNHG12, hnRNPA1, and HDAC9. Eventually, a high‐fat diet‐fed mouse model was established for in vivo studies. SNHG12 overexpression suppressed adipocyte inflammation and insulin resistance and promoted M2 polarization of macrophages that was caused by TNF‐α treatment. SNHG12 interacted with hnRNPA1 to downregulate HDAC9 expression, which activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway. HDAC9 overexpression reversed the effect of SNHG12 overexpression on inflammatory response, insulin resistance, and M2 phenotype polarization. Overexpression of SNHG12 improved high‐fat diet‐fed mouse tissue inflammation. This study revealed the protective effect of SNHG12 against adipocyte inflammation and insulin resistance. This result further provides a new therapeutic target for preventing inflammation and insulin resistance in obesity.
Body‐wide genetic deficiency of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase 14 sensitizes mice to colitis
Authors: Vedantham Madhukar , Polari Lauri , Poosakkannu Anbu , Pinto Rita G. , Sakari Moona , Laine Jukka , Sipilä Petra , Määttä Jorma , Gerke Heidi , Rissanen Tiia , Rantakari Pia , Toivola Diana M. , Pulliainen Arto T.
Published: July 2024

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract affecting millions of people. Here, we investigated the expression and functions of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase 14 (Parp14), an important regulatory protein in immune cells, with an IBD patient cohort as well as two mouse colitis models, that is, IBD‐mimicking oral dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) exposure and oral Salmonella infection. Parp14 was expressed in the human colon by cells in the lamina propria, but, in particular, by the epithelial cells with a granular staining pattern in the cytosol. The same expression pattern was evidenced in both mouse models. Parp14‐deficiency caused increased rectal bleeding as well as stronger epithelial erosion, Goblet cell loss, and immune cell infiltration in DSS‐exposed mice. The absence of Parp14 did not affect the mouse colon bacterial microbiota. Also, the colon leukocyte populations of Parp14‐deficient mice were normal. In contrast, bulk tissue RNA‐Seq demonstrated that the colon transcriptomes of Parp14‐deficient mice were dominated by abnormalities in inflammation and infection responses both prior and after the DSS exposure. Overall, the data indicate that Parp14 has an important role in the maintenance of colon epithelial barrier integrity. The prognostic and predictive biomarker potential of Parp14 in IBD merits further investigation.
Genicular Artery Embolization for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis Pain
Authors: Kwak Daniel H. , Zane Kylie , Yu Qian , Fustok Judy , Ahmed Osman , Patel Mikin
Published: July 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease and knee OA accounts for more than 80% of the total OA burden. Standard treatment options include lifestyle modifications, pharmacologic agents, nonsurgical interventions, and surgery. Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a novel, minimally invasive procedure that has thus far yielded promising results in the palliation of mild-to-moderate knee OA pain. Initial studies have demonstrated GAE to be a safe and effective procedure that could potentially address this treatment gap. This review article provides an overview of OA as well as current understanding of the role of GAE in treatment of knee OA pain.
Goggle Versus Remote-Camera Video Head Impulse Test Device Comparison
Authors: Janky Kristen L. , Patterson Jessie N. , Vandervelde Casey
Published: July 2024

Objectives:

This study compared remote versus goggle video head impulse testing (vHIT) outcomes to validate remote-camera vHIT, which is gaining popularity in difficult to test populations.

Design:

Seventeen controls and 10 individuals with vestibular dysfunction participated. Each participant completed remote-camera and goggle vHIT. The main outcome parameters were canal gain, frequency of corrective saccades, and a normal versus abnormal rating.

Results:

Horizontal and vertical canal vHIT gain was significantly lower in the vestibular compared with the control group; remote-camera gains were significantly lower compared with goggle gain for the vestibular group only. The devices categorized control versus vestibular canals identically except for one vertical canal. In the vestibular group, there was not a significant difference in the percentage of compensatory saccades between devices.

Conclusion:

These data provide validation that results obtained with a remote-camera device are similar to those obtained using a standard goggle device.
Single versus double percutaneous pinning of pediatric distal radius fractures
Authors: Beatty Evan W. , Osada Koya , Zbeda Robert M. , Bae Donald S.
Published: July 2024

The aim of this study was to compare early clinical and radiographic results of single- versus double-pin fixation of unstable pediatric distal radius fractures. A total of 103 consecutive closed distal radius fractures treated with either single or double percutaneous pinning at a tertiary level I pediatric hospital were analyzed. All patients had open physes and had fractures that failed initial closed reduction and casting. Postoperative fracture displacement was assessed by measuring the difference in angulation of the radius in the anteroposterior and lateral views from intraoperative fluoroscopic images to postoperative radiographs taken on the day of pin removal. Complications were identified from the medical record review. In 103 operative distal radius fractures in 101 patients (70 males, 31 females), 52 and 51 distal radius fractures were treated with single and double pinning, respectively. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] age at the time of surgery was 12.1 (9.0–14.0) years, with the single-pinning group being younger by 1.9 years (P < 0.01). Median (IQR) postoperative angulation in the anteroposterior radiograph (coronal plane) was 2° (1–7°) with one pin versus 1° (0–2°) with two pins (P < 0.01). Median (IQR) postoperative angulation in the lateral radiograph (sagittal plane) was 3° (1–10°) with one pin versus 1° (0–2°) with two pins (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in complications between the single- and double-pinning groups. Double-pin fixation resulted in a statistically significant, but clinically negligible, reduction in postoperative fracture displacement compared with single-pin fixation. Complication rates were similar in both groups. These findings suggest that either single- or double-pinning techniques can be effective, provided appropriate reduction and postoperative immobilization are achieved.
Refining Field Cancerization: An Institutional Cohort Analysis of Patient Characteristics in a Validation Cohort
Authors: Thomas Sierra I. , Taylor Mitchell A. , Plampton Katherine , Sharma Divya , Samson Kaeli K. , Wysong Ashley , Sutton Adam
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Field cancerization is poorly defined in dermatology. The author group previously proposed and applied a classification system in an original cohort to risk-stratify patients with field cancerization.

OBJECTIVE

Apply the authors' classification system within a validation cohort.

METHODS

Patients with keratinocyte carcinoma history completed a survey regarding demographic information, medical history, and chemoprevention use. Patients were assigned a field cancerization class, and differences between validation and original cohorts were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 363 patients were enrolled (mean age 67.4; 61.7% male). After comparing validation and original cohorts, there were differences in age between class II (p = .02) and class IVb (p = .047), and differences in chemoprevention use in class III (p = .04). Similar to the original cohort, the validation cohort was associated with increases in total number of skin cancers in the last year (p < .001), 5 years (p < .001), lifetime (p < .001), years since first skin cancer (p < .001), and chemoprevention use (p < .001). In the validation cohort, there were increases in age (p = .03) and immunocompromised status (p = .04) with increasing class, which were not observed in the original cohort.

CONCLUSION

Differences among field cancerization classes were similar in a validation cohort, further highlighting the importance of class-specific treatment and management.
Advances in Difference-in-differences Methods for Policy Evaluation Research
Authors: Wang Guangyi , Hamad Rita , White Justin S.
Published: July 2024

Difference-in-differences (DiD) is a powerful, quasi-experimental research design widely used in longitudinal policy evaluations with health outcomes. However, DiD designs face several challenges to ensuring reliable causal inference, such as when policy settings are more complex. Recent economics literature has revealed that DiD estimators may exhibit bias when heterogeneous treatment effects, a common consequence of staggered policy implementation, are present. To deepen our understanding of these advancements in epidemiology, in this methodologic primer, we start by presenting an overview of DiD methods. We then summarize fundamental problems associated with DiD designs with heterogeneous treatment effects and provide guidance on recently proposed heterogeneity-robust DiD estimators, which are increasingly being implemented by epidemiologists. We also extend the discussion to violations of the parallel trends assumption, which has received less attention. Last, we present results from a simulation study that compares the performance of several DiD estimators under different scenarios to enhance understanding and application of these methods.
A New Criterion for Determining a Cutoff Value Based on the Biases of Incidence Proportions in the Presence of Non-differential Outcome Misclassifications
Authors: Suzuki Norihiro , Taguri Masataka
Published: July 2024

When conducting database studies, researchers sometimes use an algorithm known as “case definition,” “outcome definition,” or “computable phenotype” to identify the outcome of interest. Generally, algorithms are created by combining multiple variables and codes, and we need to select the most appropriate one to apply to the database study. Validation studies compare algorithms with the gold standard and calculate indicators such as sensitivity and specificity to assess their validities. As the indicators are calculated for each algorithm, selecting an algorithm is equivalent to choosing a pair of sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, receiver operating characteristic curves can be utilized, and two intuitive criteria are commonly used. However, neither was conceived to reduce the biases of effect measures (e.g., risk difference and risk ratio), which are important in database studies. In this study, we evaluated two existing criteria from perspectives of the biases and found that one of them, called the Youden index always minimizes the bias of the risk difference regardless of the true incidence proportions under nondifferential outcome misclassifications. However, both criteria may lead to inaccurate estimates of absolute risks, and such property is undesirable in decision-making. Therefore, we propose a new criterion based on minimizing the sum of the squared biases of absolute risks to estimate them more accurately. Subsequently, we apply all criteria to the data from the actual validation study on postsurgical infections and present the results of a sensitivity analysis to examine the robustness of the assumption our proposed criterion requires.
Switching Vancomycin Monitoring From Trough Concentration to Area Under the Curve Estimation by Bayesian Forecasting: A Short Communication on a Cost-Benefit Study in Resource-Limited Settings
Authors: Telles João Paulo , Coelho Diogenes , Migotto Karen Cristina , Diegues Mariana Suelotto , Leao Erica Rocha , Reghini Rodrigo , Martinez Martos Natalia , Caruso Pedro , França e Silva Ivan Leonardo
Published: July 2024

Background:

This study was conducted to evaluate the cost-benefit indicators of a vancomycin monitoring protocol based on area under the curve estimation using commercial Bayesian software.

Methods:

This quasi-experimental study included patients who were aged >18 years with a vancomycin prescription for >24 hours. Patients who were terminally ill or those with acute kidney injury (AKI) ≤24 hours were excluded. During the preintervention period, doses were adjusted based on the trough concentration target of 15–20 mg/L, whereas the postintervention period target was 400–500 mg × h/L for the area under the curve. The medical team was responsible for deciding to stop the antimicrobial prescription without influence from the therapeutic drug monitoring team. The main outcomes were the incidence of AKI and length of stay. Cost-benefit simulation was performed after statistical analysis.

Results:

There were 96 patients in the preintervention group and 110 in the postintervention group. The AKI rate decreased from 20% (n = 19) to 6% (n = 6; P = 0.003), whereas the number of vancomycin serum samples decreased from 5 (interquartile range: 2–7) to 2 (interquartile range: 1–3) examinations per patient (P < 0.001). The mean length of hospital stay for patients was 26.19 days after vancomycin prescription, compared with 17.13 days for those without AKI (P = 0.003). At our institution, the decrease in AKI rate and reduced length of stay boosted yearly savings of up to US$ 369,000 for 300 patients receiving vancomycin therapy.

Conclusions:

Even in resource-limited settings, a commercial Bayesian forecasting–based protocol for vancomycin is important for determining cost-benefit outcomes.
Unmatched. What’s Next? Is a Preliminary Year of Residency or Research Fellowship Better for Reapplicants to Plastic Surgery?
Authors: George Robert E. , Bay Caroline C. , Thornton Sarah M. , Zhong Tammy , Feeley Lauren P. , Schappe Alyssa M. , Dingle Aaron M. , Poore Samuel O.
Published: July 2024

Background:

Plastic and reconstructive surgery is one of the most competitive residency programs, and given the increased number of applicants for a relatively fixed number of positions, successfully matching is a challenge. Match rates have declined since 2018, with a match rate of ~55% in 2022. Two common options before reapplying are a preliminary year of residency (preliminary year) or a research fellowship. This study investigated which option is more beneficial for reapplicants seeking a successful match.

Methods:

This retrospective study included all applicants to an integrated plastic and reconstructive surgery residency from 2015 to 2023. Two cohorts based on reapplication strategy (research fellowship or preliminary year) were created. Demographic, applicant, and match data were collected. Pearson chi-squared, Fisher exact, and Wilcoxon rank sum testing were performed.

Results:

In total, 125 reapplicants were included. Seventy-one (56.8%) reapplicants pursued a preliminary year, and 29 (23.2%) completed a research fellowship. Research fellowship reapplicants had a greater mean number of first author publications (8.8 versus 3.2, P < 0.001), non-first author publications (11.3 versus 5.9, P = 0.021), poster presentations (9.7 versus 6.0, P = 0.028), and oral presentations (11.8 versus 6.4, P < 0.001). Research fellowship reapplicants were more likely to match into plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) than preliminary year reapplicants, with 72.4% (n = 21) of research fellowship reapplicants matching into PRS compared with 39.4% (n = 28) of preliminary year reapplicants (P = 0.003).

Conclusions:

Research fellowship reapplicants demonstrated greater research productivity and were almost twice as likely to match into PRS compared with preliminary reapplicants.
Taurine-conjugated bile acids and their link to hepatic S1PR2 play a significant role in hepatitis C–related liver disease
Authors: Ali Rabab O. , Haddad James A. , Quinn Gabriella M. , Zhang Grace Y. , Townsend Elizabeth , Scheuing Lisa , Hill Kareen L. , Menkart Matthew , Oringher Jenna L. , Umarova Regina , Rampertaap Shakuntala , Rosenzweig Sergio D. , Koh Christopher , Levy Elliot B. , Kleiner David E. , Etzion Ohad , Heller Theo
Published: July 2024

Background:

Bile acids mediate gut-liver cross-talk through bile acid receptors. Serum, hepatic, and microbial bile acid metabolism was evaluated in HCV-compensated chronic liver disease.

Methods:

Patients underwent liver biopsy; portal and peripheral blood were obtained before (HCVi), and 6 months after sustained virologic response (SVR), splenic blood was obtained only after SVR. The fecal microbiome and liver transcriptome were evaluated using RNA-Seq. Twenty-four bile acids were measured in serum, summed as free, taurine-conjugated bile acids (Tau-BAs), and glycine-conjugated bile acids.

Results:

Compared to SVR, HCVi showed elevated conjugated bile acids, predominantly Tau-BA, compounded in HCVi cirrhosis. In the liver, transcription of bile acids uptake, synthesis, and conjugation was decreased with increased hepatic spillover into systemic circulation in HCVi. There was no difference in the transcription of microbial bile acid metabolizing genes in HCVi. Despite an overall decrease, Tau-BA remained elevated in SVR cirrhosis, mainly in splenic circulation. Only conjugated bile acids, predominantly Tau-BA, correlated with serum proinflammatory markers and hepatic proinflammatory pathways, including NLRP3 and NFKB. Among hepatic bile acid receptors, disease-associated conjugated bile acids showed the strongest association with hepatic spingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2).

Conclusions:

Enhanced expression of hepatic S1PR2 in HCVi and HCVi-cirrhosis and strong associations of S1PR2 with Tau-BAs suggest pathological relevance of Tau-BA-hepatic S1PR2 signaling in chronic liver disease. These findings have therapeutic implications in chronic liver diseases.
Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION) associated with Paracentral Acute Middle Maculopathy (PAMM) and Cilioretinal Artery Occlusion (CILRAO): multimodal imaging of a newly described clinical association.
Authors: Coletto Andrea , Serafino Sonia , Marica Valentina , Olivieri Chiara , Marolo Paola , Parisi Guglielmo , Reibaldi Michele , Borrelli Enrico
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

To report multimodal imaging features of a novel association of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM), and cilioretinal artery occlusion (CILRAO).

Methods:

A 74-year-old male patient presented complaining of an acute subjective decline in visual acuity in the right eye over the previous days. This patient underwent a comprehensive ophthalmological assessment, including multimodal retinal imaging and visual field test.

Results:

The eye examination revealed yellowish optic disc edema in the right eye with peripapillary hemorrhages and a whitish lesion extending from the temporal margin of the optic nerve head towards the macula. Multimodal imaging confirmed the diagnosis of NAION in the right eye. Notably, the structural B-scan and en face OCT images revealed hyperreflective areas in the inner and mid retinal layers, indicating an association with CILRAO and PAMM.

Conclusion:

We herein describe the clinical findings of a previously unreported association among NAION, CILRAO and PAMM.