Category: Nevin Manimala

Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi. 2021 Feb 20;39(2):118-122. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn121094-20200413-00187.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To analyze the distribution characteristics of new pneumoconiosis in different industries in Tianjin from 2009 to 2018, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of pneumoconiosis. Methods: In November 2019, the data of new pneumoconiosis cases in Tianjin from 2009 to 2018 were collected and classified according to difference industries. The epidemiological characteristics of new pneumoconiosis in different industries were analyzed based on time, type of pneumoconiosis, type of work, age, and working age. Results: A total of 4657 new cases of pneumoconiosis were reported in Tianjin from 2009 to 2018, 4640 cases (99.63%) in the first stage, 13 cases (0.28%) in the second stage, and 4 case (0.09%) in the third stage. The number of new cases increased with time and then decreased. Among them, there were 3482 males (74.77%) and 1175 females (25.23%) . The proportion of women with new pneumoconiosis in the non-metallic mineral products industry was the highest, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05) . There are differences in the distribution of new pneumoconiosis species in different industries (χ(2)=4920.11, P<0.05) . Silicosis is mainly distributed in non-metallic mineral products industry, metal smelting and rolling processing industry, petroleum processing coking and nuclear fuel processing industries. Foundry worker’s pneumoconiosis is mainly distributed in the general equipment manufacturing industry and special equipment manufacturing industry, and cement pneumoconiosis is mainly distributed in the non-metallic mineral products industry. The types of work are mainly distributed in smelting, casting, raw materials and forming workers, and the sum of the three accounts for 36.46% (1689/4657) . The M (P(25), P(75)) of diagnosis age was 56.0 (50.0, 63.0) years, and the M (P(25), P(75)) of working age was 19.0 (16.0, 26.0) years. The working age of new pneumoconiosis patients in the petroleum processing, coking and nuclear fuel processing industries is 19.0 (16.0, 26.0) years, which is shorter than that of other industries (P<0.05) ; The diagnostic age of the general equipment manufacturing industry is 54.0 (49.0, 59.0) years, which is less than that of other industries (P<0.05) . New pneumoconiosis is mainly distributed in large and medium-sized enterprises. New cases of pneumoconiosis in non-metallic mineral products industry, metal smelting, calendar processing industry and general equipment manufacturing industry are mainly distributed in large and medium-sized enterprises. New cases of pneumoconiosis in the metal products industry, special equipment manufacturing industry and petroleum processing, coking and nuclear fuel processing industries are mainly distributed in large enterprises. Conclusion: The work of preventing and controlling pneumoconiosis in Tianjin has a long way to go. We should implement targeted measures according to the characteristics of pneumoconiosis industry, strengthen the supervision of hazard industries, and effectively control the occurrence of pneumoconiosis.

PMID:33691366 | DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn121094-20200413-00187

Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi. 2021 Feb 20;39(2):133-136. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn121094-20191101-00512.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate the changes of cytokine profile in elderly patients with silicosis and lower respiratory tract infection and its clinical significance. Methods: In Oclober 2019, a retrospective study was conducted to select 167 elderly patients with silicosis from Xuzhou Mining Group General Hospital as subjects, including 115 patients with silicosis and lower respiratory tract infection as infected group, including 41 patients with stage I silicosis, 38 patients with stage II silicosis and 36 patients with stage III silicosis. There were 52 cases of silicosis without lower respiratory tract infection as non-infected group, and 48 cases of healthy examination in our hospital were selected as control group. All the participants were tested for cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, TNF-α, IFN-γ) and statistically analyzed the relevant experimental data. Results: The levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, TNF-α and IFN-γ in the infected group after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment (P<0.05) . The levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, TNF-α and IFN-γ before and after treatment in the infected group were higher than those in the non-infected group and the control group (P<0.05) . The levels of IL-10, IL-17A, TNF-α and IFN-γ in the infected group were higher than those in the control group, and the difference were statistically significant (P<0.05) . The levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A and IFN-γ in patients with stage III silicosis were higher than those in stage I silicosis in infected group (P<0.05) . The levels of IL-6 and IL-17A in the patients with stage Ⅲ silicosis were higher than those in the patients with stage II silicosis in infected group (P<0.05) . The level of IL-10 in patients with stage II silicosis was higher than that in stage I in infected group (P<0.05) . ROC curve analysis of the indicators for diagnosis of senile silicosis with lower respiratory tract infection and silicosis without lower respiratory tract infection found that IL-6 had the largest AUC (0.910) . And its specifuity and sensithcity were 85.2% and 98.1% respectivehy. Conclusion: The detection of cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-10 has better specificity and higher diagnostic efficiency in the early diagnosis and treatment of elderly patients with silicosis complicated with lower respiratory tract infection. It has good clinical application value and can provide important laboratory evidence for early treatment for clinicians.

PMID:33691369 | DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn121094-20191101-00512

J Osteopath Med. 2021 Mar 10. doi: 10.1515/jom-2020-0290. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is highly prevalent in the general population, affecting up to 25% of patients 55 years or older. There is a known association with acute ischemic stroke, but limited large-cohort studies exist pertaining to the relationship between PAD severity and incident ischemic stroke. The objective of this study is to evaluate the risk of incident ischemic stroke and mortality along the spectrum of low and elevated ankle brachial index (ABI) measurement.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective extraction of ABI data of all adult patients who underwent lower extremity physiology study for any indication from January 1, 1996 to June 30, 2018 in the Mayo Clinic health system. PAD was categorized into severe, moderate, mild, and borderline based on ABI measurements and poorly compressible arteries (PCA). These were compared with normal ABI measurements. Associations of PAD/PCA with new ischemic stroke events and all-cause mortality were analyzed. Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated using multivariable Cox proportional regression with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS: A total of 39,834 unique patients were included with a median follow up duration of 4.59 years. All abnormal ABI groups, except borderline PAD, were associated with increased risk of incident ischemic stroke after multivariate regression compared to normal ABI. A severity-dependent association was observed between PAD and ischemic stroke with moderate (HR, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.10-1.35]) and severe (HR, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.02-1.40]) categories conferring similar risk in comparison to normal ABI. Patients with PCA carried the greatest ischemic stroke risk (HR, 1.30 [95% CI, 1.15-1.46]). Similarly, abnormal ABI groups were associated with a significant risk for all-cause mortality in a severity-dependent manner, with severe PAD conferring the greatest risk (HR, 3.07 [95% CI, 2.88-3.27]).

CONCLUSIONS: This study adds to the growing body of evidence that both PAD and PCA are independent risk factors for incident ischemic stroke and all-cause mortality. The association of PAD severity and PCA with risk of ischemic stroke may help clinicians with risk stratification and determining treatment intensity.

PMID:33691353 | DOI:10.1515/jom-2020-0290

Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi. 2021 Feb 20;39(2):91-98. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn121094-20200831-00505.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To analyze the gene mutation profile in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) and investigate the expression of high-frequency mutant genes and its relationship with clinicopathological parameters. To screen out key genes and clinicopathologic factors related to the prognosis of MPM patients. Methods: The second generation sequencing data, somatic mutation data and clinical pathological data of 86 MPM cases and gene chip expression data of 89 MPM cases were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) in March 2020. Summarize the gene mutation profile of tissue samples in the TCGA database and analyze the relationship between the expression level of high-frequency mutation genes and the clinicopathological characteristics, asbestos exposure history and prognosis of MPM patients. The genes significantly related to MPM prognosis were screened out for gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) . Survival analysis and GSEA were performed for the selected key genes and clinicopathological features verification using the microarray expression data from the GEO database. Results: The top 10 genes with highest single nucleotide variations frequencies were BAP1, NF2, TP53, TTN, SETD2, LATS2, CCDC168, FAT4, PTCH1 and ZNF469. The high expression rates of NF2, TP53, SETD2 and CCDC168 genes in wild type were higher than those of mutated type, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05) . Cox multivariate analysis of TCGA data showed that MPM patients with epithelial type (HR=0.425, 95%CI: 0.235-0.767, P<0.01) and SETD2 low expression (HR=0.516, 95%CI: 0.307-0.868, P=0.011) had lower risk of death. The survival analysis of GEO data verified that patients with epithelial type MPM had longer survival time, while patients with sarcoma type MPM had shortest survival time (P<0.01) . GSEA showed that SETD2 was involved in G2M checkpoint, E2F targets, MYC signaling pathways, protein secretion, mitotic spindle, MTORC1 pathway, TGF-β pathway, androgen response and uv response. Conclusion: MPM is accompanied with higher frequency of gene mutations represented by BAP1, NF2, TP53, TTN, SETD2, LATS2 and so on. SETD2 expression level and epithelia type of MPM may be influential factors for MPM prognosis.

PMID:33691361 | DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn121094-20200831-00505

J Neural Eng. 2021 Mar 10. doi: 10.1088/1741-2552/abed82. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS) is an effective treatment for controlling seizures in patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy who are not suitable candidates for resection surgery. A lack of tools for detecting and characterizing potential response biomarkers, however, contributes to a limited understanding of mechanisms by which RNS improves seizure control. We developed a method to quantify ictal frequency modulation, previously identified as a biomarker of clinical responsiveness to RNS.

APPROACH: Frequency modulation is characterized by shifts in power across spectral bands during ictal events, over several months of neurostimulation. This effect was quantified by partitioning each seizure pattern into segments with distinct spectral content and measuring the extent of change from the baseline distribution of spectral content using the squared Earthmover’s distance.

MAIN RESULTS: We analyzed intracranial electroencephalography data from 13 patients who received RNS therapy, six of whom exhibited frequency modulation on expert evaluation. Patients in the frequency modulation group had, on average, significantly larger and more sustained changes in their squared Earthmover’s distances (mean = 13.97×10-3 ± 1.197×10-3). In contrast, those patients without expert-identified frequency modulation exhibited statistically insignificant or negligible distances (mean = 4.994×10-3 ± 0.732×10-3).

SIGNIFICANCE: This method is the first step towards a quantitative, feedback-driven system for systematically optimizing RNS stimulation parameters, with an ultimate goal of truly personalized closed-loop therapy for epilepsy.

PMID:33691289 | DOI:10.1088/1741-2552/abed82

Psychother Psychosom. 2021 Mar 10:1-7. doi: 10.1159/000514331. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The long-lasting threat of COVID-19 makes it necessary to explore strategies to improve coping skills which enable us to master a balanced life in the face of adversity.

OBJECTIVE: To unravel the most challenging aspects of COVID-19 in a nonclinical adult population and identify predictors of lost balance and consequent allostatic overload (AO). We examined the role of regular, moderate-intensity formula aerobic exercise (312 meridian exercise) in preventing allostatic overload through increasing well-being.

METHODS: An online survey was conducted to measure CO-VID-related allostatic overload according to clinimetric criteria. The Psychosocial Index (PSI), Kellner’s Symptom Questionnaire (KSQ), short Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21), Public Health Surveillance Well-Being Scale -(PHS-WB), and Whiteley-7 were used to explore mental health characteristics. Univariate statistics logistic regression analysis and a general linear model were used.

RESULTS: According to 442 valid answers, 217 adults practiced physical exercise (PE) frequently (fPE, 3-5 times/every day) while 120 did it less regularly (1-2 times/week), and 105 did not exercise/practiced irregularly (controls). Restriction-related stressors were most challenging, resulting in AO in 29% (n = 128) of the sample. The main predictors were additional stressors (p = 0.005) and anxiety symptoms (p < 0.001). The prevalence of AO was lower (p = 0.018) in the fPE group when compared to controls. KSQ distress symptoms were also lower in fPE (p < 0.0001), while total well-being was increased (p < 0.001) after adjusting for sex, age, and number of chronic diseases. According to the PHS-WB, both physical and mental well-being were higher (p = 0.003 and p = 0.004, respectively) in fPE.

CONCLUSIONS: Frequent moderate exercise is associated with better mental and physical well-being and a lower prevalence of AO.

PMID:33691321 | DOI:10.1159/000514331

Pharmacology. 2021 Mar 10:1-7. doi: 10.1159/000513377. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: When choosing a cytoreduction method for patients suffering from essential thrombocythemia (ET), it is important to know the safety profile of the medicine used. Few articles have been published about the effects of hydroxycarbamide (hydroxyurea, HU) and anagrelide (ANA) on renal function in ET patients. This study is the largest analysis of nephrotoxicity of cytoreductive drugs used in ET therapy so far, which additionally includes risk factors for the progression of kidney disease and coexisting genetic mutation.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The retrospective study included 310 patients diagnosed with ET. Demographic data, comorbidities, Cr, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were all taken into account prior to diagnosis and after 6 months of HU and ANA treatment.

KEY RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found between Cr and eGFR levels at baseline and after 6 months of treatment (p < 0.001). The applied treatment (HU and ANA) had the greatest impact on kidney function. ANA significantly increased the risk of worsening renal function in contrary to hydroxycarbamide after 6 months of treatment (eGFR change: median +1 mL/min/1.73 m2 [interquartile range (IQR) (-4)-(+7)] in the HU group vss. median -13 mL/min/1.73 m2 [IQR (-18)-(-6)] in the ANA group, odds ratio [OR] 7.92 95% confidence interval [95% CI] [4.17-15.08], p < 0.001). Lowering of eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 occurred in 31 patients (31.0%) from the ANA group and 10 people (4.8%) treated with HU (p = 0.000). In 1 patient from the ANA group, >50% decrease in eGFR was observed. The chance for an increase in Cr levels was higher in people with pre-existing arterial hypertension (OR 1.92 CI = 95% [1.21-3.05], p = 0.006). Sex, type of mutation found (JAK2 V617F or CALR), and previous renal impairment did not affect renal function after 6 months of treatment. In addition, there was no difference in the efficacy of ET treatment between HU and ANA (p = 0.998).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The observations indicate that ANA should be used in patients with ET with great caution and taking into account the risk of worsened kidney function.

PMID:33691325 | DOI:10.1159/000513377

Nutr Diet. 2021 Mar 10. doi: 10.1111/1747-0080.12665. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: The aim of this study was to explore patient satisfaction with hospital foodservice in the Swedish setting, using a validated instrument, adding this context to the existing body of research.

METHODS: The study was carried out at three hospitals employing cyclic menus and conventional cook-serve foodservice systems with centralised tray assemblies and hot-trolley distributions to the wards for service. Patient satisfaction was explored using a translated version of the validated Acute Care Hospital Foodservice Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire. Groups were compared with Mann-Whitney U-test and Kruskal Wallis test with a set significance level of P < .05.

RESULTS: Questionnaires from 439 patients were included in the analysis. The majority (80%) reported an overall satisfaction of “good” or “very good.” Questions related to Staff and Service received mostly the highest possible ratings, while questions related to Food Quality and Meal Size had slightly lower ratings and higher variation. Comparisons between groups showed that differences were small even when statistically significant. Low appetite and a long hospital stay had an adverse effect on overall satisfaction and food quality-related questions. Men and younger patients reported more often being hungry after and between meals.

CONCLUSIONS: Hospital foodservice faces the challenge of catering to multiple patient needs. Monitoring patient satisfaction is crucial to ensure that foodservice operations remain evidence based. The Acute Care Hospital Foodservice Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire provided a general overview that indicated foodservice areas with potential for improvement, although patient satisfaction overall was high. However, patient satisfaction is a complex measure and reflexivity is required when interpreting empirical results.

PMID:33691342 | DOI:10.1111/1747-0080.12665

Food Chem. 2021 Feb 19;352:129325. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.129325. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The milk-coagulating enzyme, rennet, is widely used in cheese making. Recently stabilization of rennet, especially in accelerated cheese ripening, has received considerable interest. As we know encapsulation is one of the enzyme immobilization methods, which could increase enzyme stability. In this study, the effects of alginate, chitosan and, CaCl₂ on rennet encapsulation were evaluated and optimized using RSM. Under the optimal conditions alginate, chitosan, and CaCl₂ were 0.04%, 0.1%, and 0.1% respectively. At the optimum point, encapsulation efficiency, particle size, and zeta potential were evaluated to be 61.8%, 323 nm, and 25 mV, respectively. The effect of temperature and pH on the enzyme activity was evaluated, and the results showed that encapsulated enzyme had higher activity at various pH and temperature in comparison with the free enzyme. Also, the enzyme release data in all pH values were fitted to Korsmeyer-Peppas model and the n exponent indicated that the release mechanism was Fickian. The electrostatic interactions between enzyme, alginate, and chitosan were confirmed by infrared spectroscopy. No statistical difference was found between the K_m and V_max of encapsulated and free enzymes.

PMID:33691212 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.129325

Accid Anal Prev. 2021 Mar 7;154:106067. doi: 10.1016/j.aap.2021.106067. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Countries scoring high on the Democracy Index developed by The Economist Intelligence Unit have fewer traffic fatalities per 100,000 inhabitants than countries scoring low on this index. The statistical relationship between democracy score and fatalities per 100,000 inhabitants is statistically highly significant and robust with respect to control for potentially confounding factors. A similar relationship exists between democracy score and the number of traffic fatalities per 100,000 motor vehicles. The statistical relationship between level of democracy and level of road safety is strong, although the analyses reported in this paper do not justify a causal interpretation of the relationship. Changes over time in government effectiveness (one of the indicators of the World Governance Index developed by the World Bank) are weakly associated with changes in road safety performance.

PMID:33691228 | DOI:10.1016/j.aap.2021.106067