Category: Nevin Manimala

Am J Ind Med. 2022 Jan 28. doi: 10.1002/ajim.23327. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the work-related injury and illness risk of out-of-province workers. This study examines whether there are differences in work-related injury and illness claim rates between within-province and out-of-province workers in British Columbia (BC), Canada.

METHODS: Workers’ compensation claim data for injuries and illnesses in BC from 2010 to 2017 were linked with denominator data from Statistics Canada. Multivariable negative binomial regression estimated the claim rate ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for out-of-province workers with all, health care-only (HCO), short-term disability, long-term disability, and fatality (SLF), and serious injury (SI) claims, compared to within-province workers.

RESULTS: Compared to within-province workers, out-of-province workers had a lower total claim rate (RR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.52-0.57), adjusting for sex, age, industry sector, and year. Differences in rates differed by claim type, with the largest differences for HCO claims (RR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.47-0.52) and smallest differences for SI claims (RR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.78-0.92). Sex-stratified models showed larger differences for males than females, with older female out-of-province workers having elevated SI claim rates. Industry-specific models showed that, even in sectors with high proportions of out-of-province workers’ claims, these workers have lower claim rates than within-province workers.

CONCLUSIONS: Out-of-province workers generally have lower claim rates than within-province workers. The overall duration of work exposure, and underreporting or underclaiming, are factors that may explain these lower claim rates. Understanding the determinants and differences of these claim rates may improve the administration and adjudication of claims while also identifying where further prevention measures may be merited.

PMID:35092041 | DOI:10.1002/ajim.23327

Risk Anal. 2022 Jan 28. doi: 10.1111/risa.13891. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The formulation of risk acceptance criteria may be coupled gainfully with a prediction of the of investment required to comply with it, an exercise which can benefit from the application of socioeconomic indicators. The Life Quality Index (LQI) is one such indicator which amalgamates human mortality and wealth creation and places an implicit economic value on reduction of life risk. While there have been a number of studies to demonstrate the application of LQI pertaining to various technological systems, the present work extends it to estimate the sectoral level investment needed to reduce public risks to within the As Low As Reasonably Predictable region for the chemical industry, with specific illustration of the methodology for India. The potential reduction in public individual risk is computed as a function of percentage increase in safety investment expressed as a fraction of the industry’s contribution to the nation’s GDP. In addition, using a new, more accurate expression, estimates of a related parameter, the implied cost of averting a fatality (ICAF), are obtained for a number of developed economies and India. The ICAF estimates show reasonable agreement with the value of statistical life (VSL), a parameter which is integral to cost-benefit analysis of safety and environmental regulations.

PMID:35092034 | DOI:10.1111/risa.13891

Stat Med. 2022 Jan 28. doi: 10.1002/sim.9325. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

We propose a modified self-controlled case series (SCCS) method to handle both event-dependent exposures and high event-related mortality. This development is motivated by an epidemiological study undertaken in France to quantify potential risks of cardiovascular events associated with COVID-19 vaccines. Event-dependence of vaccinations, and high event-related mortality, are likely to arise in other SCCS studies of COVID-19 vaccine safety. Using this case study and simulations to broaden its scope, we explore these features and the biases they may generate, implement the modified SCCS model, illustrate some of the properties of this model, and develop a new test for presence of a dose effect. The model we propose has wider application, notably when the event of interest is death.

PMID:35092037 | DOI:10.1002/sim.9325

Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2022 Jan 28. doi: 10.1111/aogs.14296. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: A revised intrapartum cardiotocography (CTG) classification was introduced in Sweden in 2017. The aims of the revision were to adapt to the international guideline published in 2015 and to adjust the classification of CTG patterns to current evidence regarding intrapartum fetal physiology. This study aimed to investigate adverse neonatal outcomes before and after implementation of the revised CTG classification.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A before-and-after design was used. Cohort I (n = 160 210) included births from June 1, 2014 through May 31, 2016 using the former CTG classification, and cohort II (n = 166 558) included births from June 1, 2018 through May 31, 2020 with the revised classification. Data were collected from the Swedish Pregnancy and Neonatal Registers. The primary outcome was moderate to severe neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE 2-3). Secondary outcomes were birth acidemia (umbilical artery pH <7.05 and base excess < -12 mmol/L or pH <7.00), A-criteria for neonatal hypothermia treatment, 5-min Apgar scores <4 and <7, neonatal seizures, meconium aspiration, neonatal mortality and delivery mode. Logistic regression was used (period II vs period I), and results are presented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in HIE 2-3 (aOR 1.27; 95% CI 0.97-1.66), proportion of neonates meeting A-criteria for hypothermia treatment (aOR 0.96; 95% CI 0.89-1.04) or neonatal mortality (aOR 0.68; 95% CI 0.39-1.18) between the cohorts. Birth acidemia (aOR 1.36; 95% CI 1.25-1.48), 5-min Apgar scores <7 (aOR 1.27; 95% CI 1.18-1.36) and <4 (aOR 1.40; 95% CI 1.17-1.66) occurred more often in cohort II. The absolute risk difference for HIE 2-3 was 0.02% (95% CI 0.00-0.04). Operative delivery (vacuum or cesarean) rates were lower in cohort II (aOR 0.82; 95% CI 0.80-0.85 and aOR 0.94; 95% CI 0.91-0.97, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: Although not statistically significant, a small increase in the incidence of HIE 2-3 after implementation of the revised CTG classification cannot be excluded. Operative deliveries were fewer but incidences of acidemia and low Apgar scores were higher in the latter cohort. This warrants further in-depth analyses before a full re-evaluation of the revised classification can be made.

PMID:35092004 | DOI:10.1111/aogs.14296

Biotechnol Bioeng. 2022 Jan 28. doi: 10.1002/bit.28045. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Is it possible to find trends between the parameters that define microbial growth to help us explain the vast microbial diversity? Through an extensive database of kinetic parameters of nitrifiers, we analysed if the dominance of specific populations of nitrifiers could be predicted and explained. We concluded that, in general, higher growth yield (Y_XS ) and ammonia affinity (a⁰_NH3 ) and lower growth rate (µ_max ) are observed for ammonia-oxidising archaea (AOA) than bacteria (AOB), which would explain their considered dominance in oligotrophic environments. However, comammox (CMX), with the maximum energy harvest per mole of ammonia, and some AOB, have higher a⁰_NH3 and lower µ_max than some AOA. Although we were able to correlate the presence of specific terminal oxidases with observed oxygen affinities (a⁰_O2 ) for nitrite-oxidising bacteria (NOB), that correlation was not observed for AOB. Moreover, the presumed dominance of AOB over NOB in O₂ -limiting environments is discussed. Additionally, lower statistical variance of a⁰_O2 values than for ammonia and nitrite affinities was observed, suggesting nitrogen limitation as a stronger selective pressure. Overall, specific growth strategies within nitrifying groups were not identified through the reported kinetic parameters, which might suggest that mostly, fundamental differences in biochemistry are responsible for underlying kinetic parameters. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:35092010 | DOI:10.1002/bit.28045

Radiol Phys Technol. 2022 Jan 29. doi: 10.1007/s12194-021-00648-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Dynamic chest radiography (DCR) identifies pulmonary impairments as decreased changes in radiographic lung density during respiration (Δpixel values), but not as scaled/standardized computed tomography (CT) values. Quantitative analysis correlated with CT values is beneficial for a better understanding of Δpixel values in DCR-based assessment of pulmonary function. The present study aimed to correlate Δpixel values from DCR with changes in CT values during respiration (ΔCT values) through a computer-based phantom study. A total of 20 four-dimensional computational phantoms during forced breathing were created to simulate both CT and projection images of the same virtual patients. The Δpixel and ΔCT values of the lung fields were correlated on a regression line, and the inclination was statistically evaluated to determine whether there were significant differences among physical types, sex, and breathing methods. The resulting conversion expression was also assessed in the DCR images of 37 patients. The resulting Δpixel values for 30/37 (81%) real patients, 6/7 (86%) normal controls, and 24/30 (80%) chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder patients were within the range of ΔCT values ± standard deviation (SD) reported in a previous study. In addition, no significant differences were detected for each condition of thoracic breathing, suggesting that the same regression line inclination values measured across the entire lung can be used for the conversion of Δpixel values, providing a quantitative analysis that can be correlated with ΔCT values. The developed conversion expression may be helpful for improving the understanding of respiratory changes using radiographic lung densities from DCR-based assessments of pulmonary function.

PMID:35091991 | DOI:10.1007/s12194-021-00648-w

Aging Clin Exp Res. 2022 Jan 29. doi: 10.1007/s40520-021-02030-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Parkinson’s disease (PD) represents the second most common neurodegenerative disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of dance therapy (DT) aimed at improving non-motor symptoms in PD.

METHODS: Studies were performed through PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Embase, and Science Direct from inception to October 27, 2021. The data were screened independently by two reviewers, and the quality of the papers was assessed using the Cochrane manual. The included studies were randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized controlled trials, reporting random-effects standardized mean differences, and 95% confidence intervals as the effect size. I² statistics were used to assess heterogeneity. The main outcomes included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MOCA), Baker Depression Scale (BDI), Parkinson’s Fatigue Scale (FPS-16), and Apathy Scale (AS). RevMan 5.3 software was integrated for meta-analysis.

RESULTS: Nine literatures were analyzed for the meta-analysis with a total of 307 patients. Random effects showed that DT significantly improved cognitive of PD (MD = 1.50, 95% CI [0.52, 2.48], P = 0.0003; I² = 51%). However, this meta-analysis demonstrated that dance therapy had no significance for improving depression (MD = – 1.33, 95% CI [- 4.11, 1.45], P = 0.35; I² = 79%), fatigue (MD = 0.26, 95% CI [- 0.31, 0.83], P = 0.37; I² = 0%), and apathy (MD = 0.07, 95% CI [- 2.55, 2.69], P = 0.96; I² = 50%).

CONCLUSION: The meta-analysis suggests that dance can improve cognitive function in PD.

PMID:35091970 | DOI:10.1007/s40520-021-02030-7

Neuropsychol Rev. 2022 Jan 29. doi: 10.1007/s11065-021-09532-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this network meta-analysis was to evaluate the comparative effects of neuropsychological interventions for cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), and to rank the best intervention options for adult cancer patients with CRCI. Twenty-seven eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched, and a total of six interventions identified: cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT), cognitive rehabilitation (CR), cognitive training (CT), meditation/mindfulness-based interventions, psychoeducation, and supportive care. In terms of effectiveness, the relative effect size of CBT, CR, and CT in managing subjective cognition had statistically significant differences – 0.94 (0.43-1.44), 0.54 (0.03-1.05), and 0.47 (0.13-0.81), respectively. The most effective interventions to manage the objective cognition of attention were meditation or mindfulness-based interventions: intervention effect size was 0.58 (0.24-0.91). The relative effect size of CT had a statistically significant difference in managing verbal memory, and the intervention effect size was 1.16 (0.12-2.20). The relative effect size of psychoeducation in managing executive function compared with control had a statistically significant difference, which was 0.56 (0.26-0.86). For managing information processing speed, the most effective intervention was CT and the effect size was -0.58 (-1.09–0.06). This network meta-analysis found that CT is the most effective intervention for managing the objective cognition of verbal memory and processing speed; meditation/mindfulness-based interventions may be the best option for enhancing attention; psychoeducation is the most effective intervention for managing executive function; CT may be the best option for managing verbal fluency as the intervention ranking probability. For the management of subjective cognition, CBT may be the most effective intervention.

PMID:35091967 | DOI:10.1007/s11065-021-09532-1

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022 Jan 29. doi: 10.1007/s11356-021-18156-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The exploration of oil and gas contributes to green-house-gas. While exploring countries ensures economic growth, their activities also contribute to environmental pollution through carbon emissions. The 13-member states of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) are the world’s most important oil-producing and exporting countries. Since the safety of a country’s oil and gas resources is related to the country’s economic growth and environmental protection, this study aims at assessing the impact of oil and gas trading, foreign direct investment inflows, and economic growth on carbon emission for OPEC member countries. Using secondary data from 2000 to 2018, the authors utilized Stata and EViews statistical software for the empirical studies. The fully modified least squares (FMOLS) and the generalized methods of moments estimators were used for the multiple regression. The findings from the multiple regression analysis revealed a positive but statistically insignificant relationship between oil and gas export and carbon emissions. On the contrary, an inverse relationship that is statistically significant was found between foreign direct investment inflows and carbon emissions. Also, a positive and statistically significant relationship was found between economic growth and carbon emissions for OPEC member countries. The research findings contribute to previous literature on petroleum exploration activities and give clues to policy-makers and stakeholders in putting in measures to ensure economic growth while promoting environmental protection for OPEC member countries.

PMID:35091937 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-021-18156-0

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022 Jan 29. doi: 10.1007/s11356-021-18341-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In the present study, the air pollution dynamics of the metropolitan cities of Balıkesir, Bursa, Istanbul, Kocaeli, Sakarya and Tekirdağ in the Marmara Region, which is the geographical region with the highest urban and industrial activity in Turkey, were examined for the time period between 2016 and 2019. Annual changes in the cities in terms of air pollution, which was examined with a focus on the PM_2.5 parameter as indicated by United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); differences in the cities by years; and the seasonal changes in air pollution in the cities were investigated. Additionally, mortality rates attributed to air pollution were calculated with the AirQ + software based on integrated exposure-response function recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN using city-scale statistics of fatal disease cases that can be attributed to air pollution. It was determined that all cities in the Marmara Region study area exceeded the limit PM_2.5 values specified by the European Union (EU) in the years 2016, 2017 and 2018 while only Kocaeli and Tekirdağ were below the limit values in 2019. The limit values specified by the WHO were exceeded in all cities in each year. A total of 46,920 premature deaths attributed to the exceedance of WHO limit values were calculated for the years 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 with 11,895, 13,853, 11,748 and 9,429, respectively. Determining national limit values for the PM_2.5 parameter, which is among the most important factors of air pollution, and monitoring it in a sustainable manner using a sufficient number of well-equipped stations is of great importance. This way, national, regional and urban action plans regarding the impact of air pollution on human health, as indicated by UN SDGs, can be prepared.

PMID:35091944 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-021-18341-1