bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
82 AIHA Exposure assessment strategy for assessing industrial hygiene exposures
Authors: Gruetzmacher George 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The American Industrial Hygiene Association has developed an exposure assessment strategy and has emphasized the use of statistical methods for the evaluation of industrial hygiene sampling data. Professional industrial hygienists typically underestimate exposures without analytical aids. The use of heuristics and mathematical methods reduce professional bias. To support statistical analysis, they have free online analytical tools, and free online training.
The strategy is an iterative approach, starting with simpler qualitative measures and advancing to more complex quantitative measures as necessary. Qualitative tools can be easily used by observation, and then quantitative tools can be implemented when industrial hygiene sampling can be conducted. These tools include:
•IHEST - Exposure Scenario Tool
•SDM2.0 - Qualitative Assessment Tool (Excel)
•IHDA/ Expostats - Data Analysis Tools (Downloadable Program/ WebInterface)
•IHSTAT - Data Analysis Tool (Excel Spreadsheet)
After reviewing the strategy, the tools will be introduced and described. Upon completion, the attendees will be able to select, find, and use the relevant tool for exposure and risk determination.
By using a structured approach and statistical analytical tools, you will be able to make more accurate exposure assessments. This will help you identify elevated employee exposures, allow proper control targeting, and reduce the overall burden of occupational illness and disease.
298 Worker health protection team effort workshop
Authors: Kirk Leila 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This 90-minutes workshop explores the contribution of a multitude of professions in the pursuit of worker health protection.
The format will be an introduction followed by brainstorming. The results from brainstorming will be used in a game of worker health risk. This is a board type game requiring tables of six to eight players.
By the end of the game, delegates should have a good understanding of the contributions made by occupational hygiene technicians, engineers, occupational health, the HR department, the health and safety department, supervisors and even the company CEO to worker health protection and crucially, how a policy or a professional error can have far reaching effects.
The workshop will continue with a discussion on how occupational hygienists could or should include feedback from each of the other professions when undertaking surveys to ensure the common goal of worker health protection.
The meeting will conclude with ideas for action to be taken by occupational hygienists to embrace and appraise the contributions made by many other professions.
23 Applied occupational hygiene in pharmaceutical industries
Authors: Mehta Maharshi , McDonnell Patricia , K Prasanth 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Occupational hygiene is the highest priority in pharmaceutical industries. Potent Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) with nanograms per cubic meter exposure limits are handled. The API manufacturing plant uses highly hazardous chemicals like methylene chloride and dimethyl formamide.
This PDC will share lessons learned from 200+ pharmaceutical industries in 20+ countries in exposure assessment and containment verification. Potent compound handling, including enzymes, hazard banding and control banding, exposure controls, work practice, and respiratory protection. Addressing unique challenges in achieving a detection limit lower than the potent compound API exposure limits, particulate containment to reduce exposure below exposure limits, and effective use of respiratory protection will be discussed.
Exposure profile from statistical analysis for 5000+ API exposure and surrogate monitoring results for various pharmaceutical unit operations (e.g., weighing, dispensing, charging, granulation) will be discussed.
Often ignored concerns for disinfectant exposure will be discussed based on a lesson learned from disinfectant exposure assessment.
A workshop will be held among the PDC participants to discuss specific exposure assessment and control challenges among participants. Upon completion of the PDC, participants will be able to learn and share:
•Representative (task-based and full-shift) exposure monitoring. Identifying excursion exposures and addressing challenges in high potent compound exposure monitoring.
•Significance of surface wipe sampling in pharmaceutical industries.
•Likely, API exposure levels, based on pharmaceutical unit operations’ exposure profiles.
•Successfully substituted potentially harmful disinfectants.
•Particulate containment technologies and their effectiveness in reducing exposure below API exposure limits. Solvent exposure profile and controls.
•Work practices, zoning, gowning-degowning for potent compounds
•Unique challenges in respiratory protection, including variability in APF.
324 Elevating occupational health, hygiene, and safety: A human and organizational performance based approach for excellence
Authors: Logan Perry 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
We invite you to participate in our workshop to explore the application of Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) focused on occupational health, hygiene, and safety programs. In today’s rapidly evolving workplaces, the integration of health and hygiene with safety is paramount, and HOP offers a comprehensive framework for achieving excellence in all three domains.
Our workshop will provide a deep dive into HOP principles and methodologies, empowering attendees to elevate their occupational health, hygiene, and safety initiatives. Embracing the interconnectedness of human behavior, organizational culture, and systems, we will delve into how HOP can drive transformative change in your workplace.
•Comprehensive HOP Fundamentals: Understand the core principles of HOP and its direct relevance to occupational health, hygiene, and safety programs.
•Cultivating a Holistic Safety Culture: Discover strategies to foster a culture that not only prioritizes safety but also emphasizes health and hygiene, including effective leadership, employee engagement, and open communication.
•Proactive Risk Mitigation: Explore HOP’s integration of risk assessment and management into safety programs, ensuring a healthier and safer work environment.
•Incident Learning and Continuous Improvement: Learn HOP’s innovative incident investigation techniques that encourage learning and drive continuous improvement across health, hygiene, and safety practices.
•Measuring Success Holistically: Implement leading indicators to monitor and enhance the effectiveness of your integrated occupational health, hygiene, and safety programs.
By participating in this workshop, you’ll gain the knowledge and tools needed to take a proactive stance in creating a workplace that promotes health, hygiene, and safety excellence.
Perspectives on computational modeling of biological systems and the significance of the SysMod community
Authors: Puniya Bhanwar Lal , Verma Meghna , Damiani Chiara , Bakr Shaimaa , Dräger Andreas 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Motivation
In recent years, applying computational modeling to systems biology has caused a substantial surge in both discovery and practical applications and a significant shift in our understanding of the complexity inherent in biological systems.

Results
In this perspective article, we briefly overview computational modeling in biology, highlighting recent advancements such as multi-scale modeling due to the omics revolution, single-cell technology, and integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches. We also discuss the primary challenges faced: integration, standardization, model complexity, scalability, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Lastly, we highlight the contribution made by the Computational Modeling of Biological Systems (SysMod) Community of Special Interest (COSI) associated with the International Society of Computational Biology (ISCB) in driving progress within this rapidly evolving field through community engagement (via both in person and virtual meetings, social media interactions), webinars, and conferences.

Availability and implementation
Additional information about SysMod is available at https://sysmod.info.
Assessing the merits: an opinion on the effectiveness of simulation techniques in tumor subclonal reconstruction
Authors: Lai Jiaying , Yang Yi , Liu Yunzhou , Scharpf Robert B , Karchin Rachel 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Summary
Neoplastic tumors originate from a single cell, and their evolution can be traced through lineages characterized by mutations, copy number alterations, and structural variants. These lineages are reconstructed and mapped onto evolutionary trees with algorithmic approaches. However, without ground truth benchmark sets, the validity of an algorithm remains uncertain, limiting potential clinical applicability. With a growing number of algorithms available, there is urgent need for standardized benchmark sets to evaluate their merits. Benchmark sets rely on in silico simulations of tumor sequence, but there are no accepted standards for simulation tools, presenting a major obstacle to progress in this field.

Availability and implementation
All analysis done in the paper was based on publicly available data from the publication of each accessed tool.
Rapidly destructive hip osteoarthritis: a diagnosis not to miss
Authors: Chau Hoi Ting Hatty , Wong Pui Yi , Pan Nin Yuan , Ma Ka Fai Johnny 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This review illustrates the imaging features of rapidly destructive hip osteoarthritis (RDHO) across different imaging modalities. RDHO is a rare joint disease of unknown aetiology resulting in rapid deterioration of the hip joints. Patients often present with severe hip pain and can progress to complete joint destruction in 6 months to 3 years causing disability. Since its clinical and imaging features often overlap with other conditions, the diagnosis is easily missed in daily practice. The purpose of this paper is to outline the characteristic imaging features of RDHO, aiming to enhance awareness of this disease entity and promote timely treatment for patients. Sequential radiographs are particularly important in demonstrating the rapid progression of radiographic findings and with the early recognition of characteristic features, diagnosis can be made to avoid treatment delay. Although CT scan is not necessary for diagnosis, it is useful in evaluating the extent of joint destruction and guiding surgical planning. MRI can provide additional information and rule out other pathologies with similar symptoms. Overall, radiographs, CT and MRI are common modalities used in the evaluation of RDHO.
Comparative analysis of volume and distribution of body fat in patients with lymphoma before and after chemotherapy
Authors: Soares Brandao S , Cavalcanti Amorim Martins R J C A M , Saura Martins A G S M , Duarte Ribeiro Sobrinho J M D R S , De Moraes Chaves Becker M M C B , De Oliveira Buril R O B , De Oliveira Menezes V O M , Alves Mourato F A M 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Obesity and chemotherapy with anthracyclines are risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, the higher the deposition of visceral fat (VF) and epicardial fat (EpF) in relation to subcutaneous fat (SF), the worse the cardiac risk. In lymphoma patients, whole-body positron emission tomography (PET) combined with computed tomography (CT) should be routinely performed before, during, and after the completion of cancer treatment for prognostic and therapeutic evaluation. However, whole-body PET/CT can also be useful in monitoring metabolic changes occurring in these patients due to cancer and chemotherapy, particularly those related to body fat.

Purpose
To evaluate the effects of chemotherapy on the distribution and volume of body fat using PET/CT.

Materials and Methods
A blind, comparative, observational, and analytical study. The measurement of SF, VF, and EpF volumes and attenuation densities was performed on PET/CT scans of 20 lymphoma patients before and after anthracycline chemotherapy using the LifeX software by two independent researchers who were blind to the phase of cancer treatment. A p-value &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results
The mean age of the patients was 42.5 ± 17 y/o, 12 out of 20 (60%) being female and a median body weight of 60.5 kg before and 63.5 kg after chemotherapy (p=0.21). After chemotherapy, there was an increase in SF (from 1635.5mL to 2304.0mL, 41% increase, p=0.0037), VF (from 768.5mL to 1431.0mL; 86% increase, p=0.0094), and EpF (from 60.9mL to 99.4mL; 63% increase, p&lt;0.0001), compared to the pre-chemotherapy phase. Regarding the intensity of attenuation of SF, VF, and EpF densities, no significant changes were observed before and after chemotherapy.

Conclusion
In lymphoma patients after completing chemotherapy cycles, there was a significant increase in body fat and a change in its distribution pattern, with a relatively greater growth in the volume of VF, followed by EpF. These results could reflect the worsening of the cardiometabolic profile and cardiovascular risk in these patients in the post- chemotherapy context.
Computed tomography-derived myocardial extracellular volume as a prognosis predictor in patients with severe aortic stenosis
Authors: Reis Santos R , Carvalho R , Lopes P M , Gama F , Freitas P , Guerreiro S , Abecasis J , Saraiva C , Teles R C , Almeida M S , Adragao P , Ferreira A M 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) face a higher risk of mortality, but prognosis is still heterogeneous and tools for prioritizing intervention are needed. Myocardial extracellular volume (ECV), measured non-invasively in pre-TAVR computed tomography (CT), is a marker of fibrosis that may reflect the degree of irreversible damage. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of CT- derived ECV (ECVCT) in patients with severe AS referred for TAVR-planning CT.

Methods
Consecutive patients with severe symptomatic AS undergoing TAVR-planning CT between April and December 2022 at single centre were prospectively included. CT was performed on a 192-slice dual-source 3rd generation scanner. ECVCT was acquired during TAVR-planning using an additional post-contrast low-radiation-dose prospective acquisition. ECVCT was calculated as the ratio of change in CT attenuation (Hounsfield units [HU]) of the septal myocardium and the left ventricle (LV) blood pool before and after contrast administration, according to the equation: ECVCT = (1 – hematocrit) x (DHUmyo/DHUblood) – Figure 1A. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. The secondary endpoint was a composite endpoint including all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization.

Results
A total of 138 patients were included (mean age 81 ± 7 years; 46% male; mean transaortic gradient 51 ± 15 mmHg; mean aortic valve area 0.75 ± 0.19 cm2; mean LV ejection fraction (EF) by 2D echocardiogram 57 ± 11%). No patient had a clinical diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis. Mean ECVCT was 33.9 ± 8.0%. During a median follow-up period of 386 days (IQR 332 – 464), there were 18 deaths (13%), 13 before intervention and 5 after intervention; the secondary endpoint occurred in 26 patients (19%), 17 of which before intervention and 9 after. Patients who attained the primary endpoint were significantly older [81 ± 7 vs. 85 ± 7 years, P = 0.011], had lower left ventricular ejection fraction [51 ± 11 vs. 58 ± 11%, P = 0.015], higher NTproBNP levels [4739 (IQR 2003 – 9970) vs. 751 (IQR 314 – 2541), P &lt;0.001] and higher ECV values (39.9 ± 7.4% vs. 33.0 ± 7.7%, P &lt;0.001). After adjustment for age, LVEF and NTproBNP levels, ECVCT remained an independent predictor of all-cause mortality (adjusted HR 1.09 per 1% ECV increase, 95%CI 1.02 – 1.17, p=0.005 – Figure 1B) and also the secondary endpoint (adjusted HR 1.07 per 1% ECV increase, 95%CI 1.01 – 1.13, p=0.002).

Conclusion
In this prospective observational cohort study, interstitial fibrosis assessed by CT-derived ECV was associated with poor outcomes in patients with severe AS. ECVCT values may be useful to identify a subgroup of patients with higher risk who may benefit from earlier intervention.
Value of coronary CT angiography in ruling out obstructive coronary artery disease in high-risk patients candidates for TAVI
Authors: Amico M A , Virgili G , Busi G , Acquafresca M , Moroni M , Migliorini A , Meucci F , Di Mario C , Valenti R , Carrabba N 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) is currently considered a reliable method to rule out obstructive coronary artery disease (O-CAD) before valvular heart surgery in patients with low to intermediate pre-test probability. However, its role in excluding O-CAD in high-risk patients before transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is less well established. Our aim is to assess the value of coronary CTA in safely and effectively ruling out O-CAD in high-risk patients undergoing TAVI in a tertiary care center.

Methods
We conducted a single-center, retrospective study, enrolling patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis indicated for TAVI, who underwent coronary CTA and subsequent invasive coronary angiography (ICA) before valvular heart replacement. O-CAD was defined as a ≥ 50% stenosis in an epicardial vessel ≥ 2 mm diameter, in both coronary CTA and ICA. Patients were divided into two groups: those with a CTA scan negative for O-CAD, in whom invasive ICA was omitted, and those with a positive or inconclusive CTA scan, who underwent ICA. PCI was performed in those suitable for revascularization. A 12-month clinical follow-up was carried out in all patients.

Results
Our registry included 163 patients, 31 of whom did not undergo coronary CTA for clinical reasons. Thus, 132 patients (63% female; mean age 84.1 ± 4.9 years) underwent coronary CTA, with 85 patients (64.4%) having negative results for O-CAD. Among those with positive coronary CTA (n=21 [15.9%]), O-CAD was confirmed by ICA in 81.0% (n=17), with over half undergoing PCI (n=11; 52.4%). In patients with inconclusive coronary CTA (n=26 [19.7%]), O-CAD was confirmed in 61.5% (n=16), with 52.4% (n=11) undergoing PCI. The mean time interval from CTA to ICA was 32.8 ± 42.9 days. At 12 months, no statistically significant differences in periprocedural complications, cardiovascular events, or mortality were observed between the two groups. The incidence of myocardial infarction was 1.2% (n=1) and 4.3% (n=2) in patients with no evidence of O-CAD at coronary CTA and those with a positive or inconclusive scan, respectively (p = 0.2885).

Conclusions
Pre-procedural coronary CTA may be safe and effective in ruling out O-CAD in a significant proportion of eligible high-risk patients undergoing TAVI. The results suggest that performing an ICA is unnecessary, avoiding the need for additional contrast medium, with no occurrence of unexpected cardiovascular events during the 12-month follow-up. However, the added value of coronary CTA scan in ruling in patients with O-CAD is uncertain and remains to be clarified.
Clinical likelihood models calibrated against observed obstructive coronary artery disease by computed tomography angiography
Authors: Rasmussen L D , Schmidt S E , Knuuti J , Maaniitty T , Saraste A , Cerci R J , Newby D E , Douglas P S , Boettcher M , Baskaran L , Winther S 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Models predicting the likelihood of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) on invasive coronary angiography are available.(1,2) However, as stable de novo chest pain patients frequently have lower clinical likelihood and preferably undergo index testing by non-invasive tests such as coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA)(3,4), clinical likelihood models calibrated against observed obstructive CAD at CCTA are warranted.

Purpose
To develop and validate CCTA-calibrated risk-factor-weighted and coronary artery calcium-score-weighted clinical likelihood models (i.e., RF-CL-CCTA and CACS-CL-CCTA models, respectively).

Methods
Based on age, sex, symptoms and cardiovascular risk factors, an advanced machine learning algorithm utilized a training cohort (n=38,269) of symptomatic outpatients with suspected obstructive CAD to develop both a RF-CL-CCTA and a CACS-CL-CCTA model to predict observed obstructive CAD at CCTA. The models were compared to a currently European Society of Cardiology-endorsed basic pre-test probability (Basic PTP) model(5), and findings were validated widely in a pooled validation cohort (n=26,141), including cohorts from United States of America, Brazil, Finland, United Kingdom, Singapore, and Denmark.

Results
Obstructive CAD at CCTA was present in 5,984 (22.9%) patients in the pooled validation cohort. While the Basic PTP underestimated the prevalence of observed obstructive CAD at CCTA, the RF-CL-CCTA and CACS-CL-CCTA models showed superior calibration (Figure 1). Compared to the Basic PTP model, the RF-CL-CCTA and CACS-CL-CCTA models showed superior discrimination (area under the receiver-operating curve (AUC) 0.71 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70-0.72) vs. 0.74 (95%CI 0.73-0.75) and 0.86 (95%CI 0.85-0.87), p&lt;0.001 for both comparisons) (Figure 2).

Conclusions
CCTA-calibrated clinical likelihood models improve calibration and discrimination of observed obstructive CAD at CCTA.Figure 1:Calibration. Figure 2:Discrimination.