Imbalance Model Research Articles

Work Reward Moderates the Association Between Work Effect and Workplace Violence Among Medical Staff in China.

Workplace violence (WPV) against healthcare workers is a significant public health issue in China and globally. Although the effort-reward imbalance theory claimed that work rewards may moderate the relationship between work effort and WPV, the quantitative evidence is limited. This study aimed to examine if work reward could moderate the associations between work effort and WPV against medical staff based on the effort-reward imbalance theory. This is a cross-sectional study, which was conducted in 12hospitals in Shandong, China. Data collected from 3426 medical staff were analyzed in this study.Work effort was evaluated by working hours and night shift work times per month (NSWM), and work reward was evaluated by monthly income and perceived social status. WPV, occupational characteristics, physical disease, and social-demographic variables were also evaluated in this study. There were 1788 (52.2%) medical staff, who reported the experience of workplace violence. Working hours, NSWM, and perceived social status were associated with WPV (all p<0.001). Monthly income could moderate the associations between monthly income and WPV or verbal violence (p<0.05), and perceived social status could moderate the associations between NSWM and WPV (p<0.001). Monthly income could moderate the associations between monthly income and WPV (verbal violence), and perceived social status could moderate the associations between NSWM and WPV, which could be explained by the effort-reward imbalance model. These findings also can be translated into practices to control WPV against medical staff.

Exploring the mediating role of psychological distress in the relationship between psychosocial workload and work-family conflict

In the modern workplace, the imbalance between work and family roles often leads to work-family conflict, negatively impacting employees' well-being. This study examines the mediating role of psychological distress in the relationship between psychosocial workload and work-family conflict among teaching professionals in private higher education institutions in India. The Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) model was used to assess psychosocial workload and its impact on psychological distress and work-family conflict. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed, gathering data from 391 respondents across 35 multidisciplinary deemed universities. The data was analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results indicate a significant positive relationship between psychosocial workload and work-family conflict, with psychological distress acting as a mediator. A high psychosocial workload was found to increase psychological distress, which, in turn, intensified work-family conflict. These findings highlight the importance of interventions such as flexible work arrangements, workload management, and supportive organizational cultures to mitigate these stressors. The study contributes to the fields of organizational psychology and employee well-being, offering practical insights for university administrators to promote work-life balance and reduce psychological distress.

Spoofing countermeasure for fake speech detection using brute force features

Due to the progress in deep learning technology, techniques that generate spoofed speech have significantly emerged. Such synthetic speech can be exploited for harmful purposes, like impersonation or disseminating false information. Researchers in the area investigate the useful features for spoof detection. This paper extensively investigates three problems in spoof detection in speech, namely, the imbalanced sample per class, which may negatively affect the performance of any detection models, the effect of the feature early and late fusion, and the analysis of unseen attacks on the model. Regarding the imbalanced issue, we have proposed two approaches (a Synthetic Minority Over Sampling Technique (SMOTE)-based and a Bootstrap-based model). We have used the OpenSMILE toolkit, to extract different feature sets, their results and early and late fusion of them have been investigated. The experiments are evaluated using the ASVspoof 2019 datasets which encompass synthetic, voice-conversion, and replayed speech samples. Additionally, Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Deep Neural Network (DNN) have been adopted in the classification. The outcomes from various test scenarios indicated that neither the imbalanced nature of the dataset nor a specific feature or their fusions outperformed the brute force version of the model as the best Equal Error Rate (EER) achieved by the Imbalance model is 6.67 % and 1.80 % for both Logical Access (LA) and Physical Access (PA) respectively.

Effort-reward imbalance at work assessed at midlife and prediabetes prevalence assessed 18 years later in a prospective cohort of white-collar workers.

Evidence suggests that workers exposed to psychosocial stressors at work from the effort-reward imbalance (ERI) model are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, evidence about the effect of ERI on prediabetes is scarce. This study aimed to examine the association between effort-reward imbalance at work, glycated hemoglobin level and the prevalence of prediabetes in women and men from a prospective cohort study. This study was conducted among 1354 white-collar workers followed for an average of 18 years. Effort-reward imbalance at work was measured in 1999 to 2001 using a validated instrument. Glycated hemoglobin was assessed at follow-up (2015 to 2018). Differences in mean glycated hemoglobin levels were estimated with linear models. Prediabetes prevalence ratios (PRs) were computed using robust Poisson regression models. In women, those exposed to effort-reward imbalance at work at baseline had a higher prevalence of prediabetes (PR = 1.60, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-2.49) at follow-up following adjustment for sociodemographic, lifestyle-related, clinical, and other occupational risk factors. There was no difference in mean glycated hemoglobin levels. Among women, effort-reward imbalance at work at midlife was associated with the prevalence of prediabetes, at older age. Preventive workplace interventions aiming to reduce the prevalence of effort-reward imbalance at work may be effective to reduce the prevalence of prediabetes among women.

Enhancing composite cathode manufacturing with machine learning for polymer electrolyte solid-state batteries

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) represent a pivotal advancement in battery technology, poised to surpass lithium-ion batteries and drive the electrification of mobility. However, achieving cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable fabrication processes for SSB components remains a challenge. This study integrates machine learning (ML) techniques to optimize manufacturing processes of cathodes for polymer electrolyte based SSBs. The findings reveal strong predictive performance of regression models for active material loading, with support vector machine emerging as the top performer. Multiclassification models exhibit satisfactory precision, particularly in categorizing ideal electrode samples. Analysis of principal component and correlation circles highlight viscosity and wet thickness as critical variables for mixing and coating, respectively. Despite promising metrics, dataset imbalance and size limit model robustness. Further dataset augmentation is recommended before deployment in production. ML techniques offer promise in advancing battery manufacturing, paving the way for enhanced SSB performance and broader application across battery components.

Characterization of prostate macrophage heterogeneity, foam cell markers, and CXCL17 upregulation in a mouse model of steroid hormone imbalance

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent age-related condition often characterized by debilitating urinary symptoms. Its etiology is believed to stem from hormonal imbalance, particularly an elevated estradiol-to-testosterone ratio and chronic inflammation. Our previous studies using a mouse steroid hormone imbalance model identified a specific increase in macrophages that migrated and accumulated in the prostate lumen where they differentiated into lipid-laden foam cells in mice implanted with testosterone and estradiol pellets, but not in sham animals. The current study focused on further characterizing the cellular heterogeneity of the prostate in this model as well as identifying the specific transcriptomic signature of the recruited foam cells. Moreover, we aimed to identify epithelia-derived signals that drive macrophage infiltration and luminal translocation. Male C57BL/6J mice were implanted with slow-release testosterone and estradiol pellets (T + E2) or sham surgery was performed and the ventral prostates were harvested two weeks later for scRNA-seq analysis. We identified Ear2 + and Cd72 + macrophages that were elevated in response to steroid hormone imbalance, whereas a Mrc1 + resident macrophage population did not change. In addition, an Spp1 + foam cell cluster was almost exclusively found in T + E2 mice. Further markers of foam cells were also identified, including Gpnmb and Trem2, and GPNMB was confirmed as a novel histological marker with immunohistochemistry. Foam cells were also shown to express known pathological factors Vegf, Tgfb1, Ccl6, Cxcl16 and Mmp12. Intriguingly, a screen for chemokines identified the upregulation of epithelia-derived Cxcl17, a known monocyte attractant, in T + E2 prostates suggesting that it might be responsible for the elevated macrophage number as well as their translocation to the lumen. Our study identified macrophage subsets that responded to steroid hormone imbalance as well as further confirmed a potential pathological role of luminal foam cells in the prostate. These results underscore a potential pathological role of the identified prostate foam cells and suggests CXCL17-mediated macrophage migration as a critical initiating event.

O46 PSYCHOSOCIAL STRESSORS AT WORK ARE ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED BLOOD PRESSURE VARIABILITY

Background and Objectives: Elevated blood pressure variability (BPV) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, independently of blood pressure values. Psychosocial stressors at work are modifiable risk factors from the work environment, shown to increase the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. The present study aims to determine whether psychosocial stressors at work have a detrimental effect on BPV. Methods: The present study relied on a prospective cohort of 3 645 white-collar workers in Quebec City evaluated at three visits: at recruitment, 3 years, and 5 years. At each visit, participants wore an ambulatory blood pressure monitor during working hours and answered a questionnaire on psychosocial work stressors, as measured using validated instruments according to the demand-control (DC) and effort-reward imbalance (ERI) models. Working hours BPV was calculated using average real variability. Results: A total of 7 078 observations (n = 4 246 in women and n = 2 832 in men) were available. Using the DC model, systolic and diastolic BPV were higher in active (high psychological demands, high job control) when compared to non-exposed participants (low demands, high control). Using the ERI model, systolic and diastolic BPV were higher among participants exposed to an imbalance between efforts at work and rewards when compared to unexposed participants. These associations were robust to adjustment for socio-demographics, lifestyle-related risk factors and clinical risk factors. Conclusions: Participants exposed to psychosocial stressors at work showed higher BPV than non-exposed participants. Since these risk factors are amenable to appropriate preventive intervention in workplaces, they should be considered for the primordial prevention of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Adjusted for age, education, body mass index, alcohol intake, smoking status, sedentary behaviors, family history of CVD and medication for hypertension (as well as for sex in analyses conducted in the total sample).

Unveiling social relationships: exploring the importance of relationships as a moderator of the link between effort-reward imbalance and leader-member exchange among healthcare professionals

ObjectiveHealthcare professionals are at increased risk of experiencing occupational stress and its detrimental stress-sequalae. Relevant theories that contribute to the subjective experience of occupational stress have been identified, such as the model of effort-reward imbalance (ERI) and the concept of leader-member exchange (LMX). The aim of this study was to examine how the perceived importance of social relationships at work moderates the relationship between LMX and imbalance ERI.MethodsA survey was conducted among N = 1,137 healthcare professionals from diverse occupational categories in a tertiary hospital in Germany. ERI was gauged using the German version of the Effort-Reward Imbalance Questionnaire (ERI-S 10). The quality of leader-employee dyadic relationships was assessed using the German version of the Leader-Member Exchange (LMX-7). The importance of social relationships was assessed on the basis of a previously validated polarity profile.ResultsMore than 75% of healthcare professionals reported high levels of ERI, with those involved in direct patient care particularly affected. On average, leaders rated relationship quality higher than their respective followers. Subjectively higher LMX was associated with lower ERI. This association was moderated by the perceived importance of social relationships at work. Higher subjective ratings of their importance led to a stronger association.ConclusionThe study highlights the particular challenges faced in the healthcare sector. The results emphasize that the perceived importance of social relationships at work can play a key role in healthcare professionals’ job stress and underline the need for stress prevention programs that engage both leaders and followers.

Joint estimation of IQ imbalance and PA nonlinearity: An iterative scheme

Power amplifier (PA) nonlinearity and in-phase and quadrature-phase (IQ) imbalance in the transmitter are of critical concern in modern communication systems due to their significant impact on the transmitter performance. In this paper, in order to eliminate their effects without increasing the complexity at the transmitter, we propose an iterative structure for IQ imbalance and PA nonlinearity joint estimation at the receiver side. The strategic design aims to mitigate the influence of one distortion before estimating the other, ultimately improving the accuracy of estimating each distortion. The proposed approach comprises two primary modules: an IQ imbalance estimation module and a PA nonlinearity estimation module. In addition, there are two supporting modules, namely the PA nonlinearity compensation module and the IQ imbalance reconstruction module, positioned before these two primary modules respectively. Furthermore, we have derived the theoretical Cramér–Rao lower bound (CRLB) for the joint distortion model of IQ imbalance and PA nonlinearity. Finally, extensive experiments are conducted to demonstrate the proposed algorithm's capability in estimating hardware distortions and mitigating them.

Three-phase imbalance model based on energy storage device

Abstract In order to realize the goal of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality and integration of the source network, preventing and controlling three-phase imbalance is an indispensable subject. Aiming at the above requirements, this paper proposes and develops a model that takes energy storage devices as the core, integrating with the power grid to solve the three-phase imbalance. The model includes a power module with a detector, a rectifier-inverter module, an interactive module that can switch the charging mode and state, and a regulating and balancing module with PI control. This model can not only dynamically compensate the three phases quickly and accurately, minimize the three-phase imbalance, but also realize the functions of peak shaving and peak load regulation and provide guarantee and guidance for power grid operation.

Continuous β-Amyloid CSF/PET Imbalance Model to Capture Alzheimer Disease Heterogeneity.

Discordance between CSF and PET biomarkers of β-amyloid (Aβ) might reflect an imbalance between soluble and aggregated species, possibly reflecting disease heterogeneity. Previous studies generally used binary cutoffs to assess discrepancies in CSF/PET biomarkers, resulting in a loss of information on the extent of discordance. In this study, we (1) jointly modeled Aβ-CSF/PET data to derive a continuous measure of the imbalance between soluble and fibrillar pools of Aβ, (2) investigated factors contributing to this imbalance, and (3) examined associations with cognitive trajectories. Across 822 cognitively unimpaired (n = 261) and cognitively impaired (n = 561) Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative individuals (384 [46.7%] females, mean age 73.0 ± 7.4 years), we fitted baseline CSF-Aβ42 and global Aβ-PET to a hyperbolic regression model, deriving a participant-specific Aβ-aggregation score (standardized residuals); negative values represent more soluble relative to aggregated Aβ and positive values more aggregated relative to soluble Aβ. Using linear models, we investigated whether methodological factors, demographics, CSF biomarkers, and vascular burden contributed to Aβ-aggregation scores. With linear mixed models, we assessed whether Aβ-aggregation scores were predictive of cognitive functioning. Analyses were repeated in an early independent validation cohort of 383 Amyloid Imaging to Prevent Alzheimer's Disease Prognostic and Natural History Study individuals (224 [58.5%] females, mean age 65.2 ± 6.9 years). The imbalance model could be fit (pseudo-R2 = 0.94) in both cohorts, across CSF kits and PET tracers. Although no associations were observed with the main methodological factors, lower Aβ-aggregation scores were associated with larger ventricular volume (β = 0.13, p < 0.001), male sex (β = -0.18, p = 0.019), and homozygous APOE-ε4 carriership (β = -0.56, p < 0.001), whereas higher scores were associated with increased uncorrected CSF p-tau (β = 0.17, p < 0.001) and t-tau (β = 0.16, p < 0.001), better baseline executive functioning (β = 0.12, p < 0.001), and slower global cognitive decline (β = 0.14, p = 0.006). In the validation cohort, we replicated the associations with APOE-ε4, CSF t-tau, and, although modestly, with cognition. We propose a novel continuous model of Aβ CSF/PET biomarker imbalance, accurately describing heterogeneity in soluble vs aggregated Aβ pools in 2 independent cohorts across the full Aβ continuum. Aβ-aggregation scores were consistently associated with genetic and AD-associated CSF biomarkers, possibly reflecting disease heterogeneity beyond methodological influences.

Associations between effort-reward imbalance and risk of burnout among Swedish physicians.

The high prevalence of burnout among Swedish physicians may have several possible effects on individuals and society. However, further investigations of work-related factors associated with the risk of burnout among Swedish physicians are needed. We aimed to study the associations between psychosocial work factors, based on the effort-reward imbalance (ERI) model, and the risk of burnout among Swedish physicians. A representative sample of 7200 Swedish physicians was invited in 2021. Data were gathered through questionnaires, with a response rate of 41%. Logistic regression models were used to study the associations between exposure to ERI and the risk of burnout. Approximately 62% of Swedish physicians were exposed to a high ERI. Exposure to a high ERI was associated with 11 times increased risk (95% confidence interval 6.5-20.0) of burnout in adjusted models. Large variations in the prevalence of ERI and risk of burnout across sociodemographic and occupational factors were identified, particularly across different clinical specialties. A majority of Swedish physicians were exposed to high levels of work-related stress, strongly associated with an increased risk of burnout. This population-based cross-sectional study underlines the need to further study variations of work-related stress across clinical specialties and to monitor occupational health among physicians longitudinally.

Longitudinal associations of effort-reward imbalance and overcommitment with burnout symptoms among Italian university students

BackgroundBurnout symptoms are highly prevalent among university students. The effort-reward imbalance (ERI) model is predictive for workers’ mental health. This study aims to investigate the associations of ERI and overcommitment with burnout symptoms among students. MethodsAn Italian version of the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory-Student (OLBI-S) and the Effort-Reward Imbalance-Student Questionnaire (ERI-SQ) were administered to assess burnout symptoms (range: 16–64), effort (range: 2–8), reward (range: 5–20) and overcommitment (range: 5–20) among 545 students twice with six months of follow-up. ERI (range: 0.25–4) was estimated multiplying the effort/reward ratio by a correction factor to account the difference in items investigating effort and reward. A between-within linear regression model was used to investigate whether ERI and overcommitment were associated with burnout symptoms (between individuals) and whether individual changes in ERI and overcommitment during the follow-up were associated with changes in burnout symptoms (within individuals). ResultsHigher levels of ERI (β: 10.13, 95 % CI: 9.21–11.05) and overcommitment (β: 1.09, 95 % CI: 0.95–1.23) were associated with higher levels of burnout symptoms. An increase in ERI (β: 4.93, 95 % CI: 3.02–6.84) and overcommitment (β: 0.92, 95 % CI: 0.59–1.26) within individuals was associated with an increase in burnout symptoms. DiscussionThis study supports the validity of the ERI model in the university setting. ERI and overcommitment may be determinants of burnout symptoms among university students. Interventions at individual and environmental level may aim to decrease ERI and overcommitment to tackle the burden of burnout among students. Future research may investigate the drivers of students’ ERI and overcommitment among students.

Job Stress Evaluation of Private Banking Employees in Indonesia through the Job Demand-Control Support Model and the Effort-Reward Imbalance Model

Job Stress Evaluation of Private Banking Employees in Indonesia through the Job Demand-Control Support Model and the Effort-Reward Imbalance Model

The Gut Microbiota Contributes to the Development of LPS-Induced Orchitis by Disrupting the Blood-Testosterone Barrier in Mice.

Orchitis is a frequent inflammatory reproductive disease that causes male infertility and a decline in sperm quality. Gut microbiota can regulate systemic and local inflammation, spermatogenesis and blood-testosterone barrier (BTB). In this study, we investigated correlation between gut microbiota and orchitis by establishing a mouse gut microbiota imbalance model induced by antibiotics (ABX) treatment and orchitis model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) infection. Based on these two models, 16s rRNA sequencing and feces microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiments were combined to examine the function and regulatory mechanisms of the gut microbiota in host defense against orchitis. Compared with control mice, gut microbiota imbalance resulted in increasing inflammatory responses, modulating oxidative stress related enzyme activity, testosterone levels and the permeability of blood testosterone barrier, which are restored after FMT. Subsequently, we tested the relationship between the gut microbiota imbalance and testicular inflammation severity in orchitis. It was found that the ABX and LPS co-treated mice had more severe inflammatory responses, lower testosterone levels and greater permeability of the BTB than the LPS-treated mice, but these changes could be partially recovered by gut microbiota transplantation.In conclusion, these above results proved for the first time that gut microbiota is involved in the pathogenesis of orchitis, which laid a good foundation for the subsequent development of anti-orchitis drugs and probiotic targeting intestinal flora.

Effort-reward imbalance and common mental disorders among public sector employees of Iran: a cross-sectional analysis

BackgroundThe effort-reward imbalance (ERI) model is a widely used theoretical model to measure stress in the workplace. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between ERI and three common mental disorders: major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).MethodsIn this cross-sectional analysis, the study sample consisted of 4453 baseline participants of the Employees’ Health Cohort Study of Iran (EHCSIR). Trained psychologists utilized the Persian version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI-2.1) during the baseline assessment to identify common mental disorders. Additionally, the validated Persian version of the 23-item ERI questionnaire was employed to assess effort, reward, overcommitment, and effort-reward ratio. To examine the association of ERI components with three common mental disorders (MDD, GAD, and OCD) over the past twelve months, multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted.ResultsThe prevalence of effort-reward imbalance in the study sample was 47.1%. Higher ERI score was significantly associated with MDD (OR: 3.43, 95% CI: 2.30–5.13), GAD (OR: 2.42, 95% CI: 1.27–4.63), and OCD (OR: 2.23, 95% CI:1.19–4.19). The study participants who reported higher scores on work overcommitment had a higher likelihood of having MDD (OR: 1.16, 95% CI:1.10–1.23), GAD (OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01–1.14), and OCD (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.09–1.29).ConclusionsAccording to the study’s findings, work-related stress, as determined by the ERI model, is a significant factor in the development of common mental disorders among employees in the public sector.

Job stress and chronic low back pain: incidence, number of episodes, and severity in a 4-year follow-up of the ELSA-Brasil Musculoskeletal cohort.

We investigated the association between job stress, as assessed by the effort-reward imbalance model, and the incidence of chronic low back pain (CLBP) over a 4-year period. A total of 1733 participants from the ELSA-Brasil Musculoskeletal cohort, who were free from LBP at baseline (2012-2014), were included. Episodes of LBP in the past 30 days, intensity, and the presence of disability were investigated in annual telephone follow-ups (2015-2018). Chronic LBP was defined as episodes of LBP lasting >3 months with at least moderate intensity. We analyzed the incidence of at least one episode of CLBP (yes/no), the number of CLBP episodes (0, 1, ≥2), and CLBP severity/disability (absent, nondisabling, severe/disabling). The association between these outcomes and tertiles of the effort-to-reward ratio, as well as each dimension of the effort-reward imbalance model, was investigated using multinomial logistic and Poisson regression models adjusting for sociodemographic and occupational variables. The cumulative incidence of CLBP over 4 years was 24.8%. High effort-reward imbalance increased the chances of experiencing multiple CLBP episodes and severe/disabling CLBP by 67% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-2.47) and 70% (95% CI: 1.14-2.53), respectively. High overcommitment increased the incidence of CLBP by 23% (95% CI: 1.01-1.50) and the chances of multiple CLBP episodes and severe/disabling CLBP by 67% (95% CI: 1.11-2.50) and 57% (95% CI: 1.05-2.34), respectively. These results indicate that exposure to job stress is associated with a higher incidence, a greater number of episodes, and increased severity of CLBP over a 4-year period. If this association is causal, measures aimed at reducing exposure to job stress are likely to alleviate the burden of CLBP.

State- and frequency-dependence in autonomic rebalance mediated by intradermal auricular electroacupuncture stimulation

BackgroundVagus nerve stimulation (VNS) improves diseases such as refractory epilepsy and treatment-resistant depression, likely by rebalancing the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Intradermal auricular electro-acupuncture stimulation (iaES) produces similar effects. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different iaES frequencies on the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions in different states of ANS imbalance.MethodsWe measured heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate (HR) of non-modeled (normal) rats with the treatment of various frequencies to determine the optimal iaES frequency. The optimized iaES frequency was then applied to ANS imbalance model rats to elucidate its effects.Results30 Hz and 100 Hz iaES clearly affected HRV and HR in normal rats. 30 Hz iaES increased HRV, and decreased HR. 100 Hz iaES decreased HRV, and increased HR. In sympathetic excited state rats, 30 Hz iaES increased HRV. 100 Hz iaES increased HRV, and decreased HR. In parasympathetic excited state rats, 30 Hz and 100 Hz iaES decreased HRV. In sympathetic inhibited state rats, 30 Hz iaES decreased HRV, while 100 Hz iaES decreased HR. In parasympathetic inhibited rats, 30 Hz iaES decreased HR and 100 Hz iaES increased HRV.Conclusion30 Hz and 100 Hz iaES contribute to ANS rebalance by increasing vagal and sympathetic activity with different amplifications. The 30 Hz iaES exhibited positive effects in all the imbalanced states. 100 Hz iaES suppressed the sympathetic arm in sympathetic excitation and sympathetic/parasympathetic inhibition and suppressed the vagal arm and promoted the sympathetic arm in parasympathetic excitation and normal states.

Homeostasis imbalance process ontology: a study on COVID-19 infectious processes.

One significant challenge in addressing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is to grasp a comprehensive picture of its infectious mechanisms. We urgently need a consistent framework to capture the intricacies of its complicated viral infectious processes and diverse symptoms. We systematized COVID-19 infectious processes through an ontological approach and provided a unified description framework of causal relationships from the early infectious stage to severe clinical manifestations based on the homeostasis imbalance process ontology (HoIP). HoIP covers a broad range of processes in the body, ranging from normal to abnormal. Moreover, our imbalance model enabled us to distinguish viral functional demands from immune defense processes, thereby supporting the development of new drugs, and our research demonstrates how ontological reasoning contributes to the identification of patients at severe risk. The HoIP organises knowledge of COVID-19 infectious processes and related entities, such as molecules, drugs, and symptoms, with a consistent descriptive framework. HoIP is expected to harmonise the description of various heterogeneous processes and improve the interoperability of COVID-19 knowledge through the COVID-19 ontology harmonisation working group.

The effect of suboccipital muscle dysfunction on the biomechanics of the upper cervical spine: a study based on finite element analysis

ObjectiveMuscle dysfunction caused by repetitive work or strain in the neck region can interfere muscle responses. Muscle dysfunction can be an important factor in causing cervical spondylosis. However, there has been no research on how the biomechanical properties of the upper cervical spine change when the suboccipital muscle group experiences dysfunction. The objective of this study was to investigate the biomechanical evidence for cervical spondylosis by utilizing the finite element (FE) approach, thus and to provide guidance for clinicians performing acupoint therapy.MethodsBy varying the elastic modulus of the suboccipital muscle, the four FE models of C0-C3 motion segments were reconstructed under the conditions of normal muscle function and muscle dysfunction. For the two normal condition FE models, the elastic modulus for suboccipital muscles on both sides of the C0-C3 motion segments was equal and within the normal range In one muscle dysfunction FE model, the elastic modulus on both sides was equal and greater than 37 kPa, which represented muscle hypertonia; in the other, the elastic modulus of the left and right suboccipital muscles was different, indicating muscle imbalance. The biomechanical behavior of the lateral atlantoaxial joint (LAAJ), atlanto-odontoid joint (ADJ), and intervertebral disc (IVD) was analyzed by simulations, which were carried out under the six loadings of flexion, extension, left and right lateral bending, left and right axial rotation.ResultsUnder flexion, the maximum stress in LAAJ with muscle imbalance was higher than that with normal muscle and hypertonia, while the maximum stress in IVD in the hypertonic model was higher than that in the normal and imbalance models. The maximum stress in ADJ was the largest under extension among all loadings for all models. Muscle imbalance and hypertonia did not cause overstress and stress distribution abnormalities in ADJ.ConclusionMuscle dysfunction increases the stress in LAAJ and in IVD, but it does not affect ADJ.