Strategies For Prevention Of Loss Research Articles

Hearing loss as a risk factor for dementia

In the last decades, there has been an increase in life expectancy in the world, with the consequent modification in the proportion of adults over 60 years. This is accompanied by an increase in pathologies for which aging is the main risk factor, such as dementia and hearing loss, which profoundly affect the quality of life of individuals and their family and impact health system costs. Given the lack of disease-modifying treatments for dementia, the study of mechanisms to prevent its occurrence has become a world priority. In the year 2017, the Lancet "Commission for dementia prevention, intervention, and care" proposed a model, in which hearing loss emerged as a new modifiable risk factor for the development of dementia. This result undoubtedly has important consequences for the understanding the multifactorial nature of dementia, our daily clinical practice and public policies aimed at its prevention and treatment. In this article, we review the current evidence supporting the association between dementia and hearing loss, discussing the available strategies for prevention, detection and treatment of hearing loss and its possible impact on the natural course of dementia. A flow chart for the clinical management of different subgroups of patients is proposed.

Loss Prevention Strategies to Mitigate the Effects of Covid-19 Pandemic Especially Among Small Business Owners of African American Decent

Loss Prevention Strategies to Mitigate the Effects of Covid-19 Pandemic Especially Among Small Business Owners of African American Decent

Minimizing Audit Findings by increasing Operational Discipline and Process Safety Culture

Many major accidents have taken place in the chemical and petrochemical industry over the past 40 years (e.g. Bhopal (India, 1984), Texas City (USA, 2005)), which have been key driving forces for issuing new regulations (governments), publishing standards (industry groups), developing policies (companies), and ultimately for improving Loss Prevention strategies and Process Safety Management (PSM). On this context, a key standard is the OSHA PSM (29 CFR 1910.119), a process-based program aiming at preventing or minimizing the consequences of catastrophic releases of toxic, reactive, flammable, or explosive chemicals.The present paper focuses on the results from several PSM audits performed between 2010 and 2016, at several different Chemical Process Industry (CPI) facilities. On the one hand, we have evaluated how well these facilities complied with the requirements of the OSHA PSM Standard. On the other hand, the data from the audit findings has been compiled and statistically processed in order to compare the main common findings with the results of those analyzed by OSHA's Refinery and Chemical National Emphasis Programs (NEP) in 2012.Key audit findings from the CPI are a valued source of information for understanding current safety weaknesses. The lessons learned from this study help us to identify operational discipline and process safety leadership and culture benefits towards minimizing or avoiding audit findings, and therefore, to contributing to an optimized and sustainable Process Safety management system.

Muscle loss: The new malnutrition challenge in clinical practice

Recent definitions of malnutrition include low muscle mass within its diagnostic criteria. In fact, malnutrition is one of the main risk factors of skeletal muscle loss contributing to the onset of sarcopenia. However, differences in the screening and diagnosis of skeletal muscle loss, especially as a result of malnutrition in clinical and community settings, still occur mainly as techniques and thresholds used vary in clinical practice. The objectives of this position paper are firstly to emphasize the link between skeletal muscle loss and malnutrition-related conditions and secondly to raise awareness for the timely identification of loss of skeletal muscle mass and function in high risk populations. Thirdly to recognize the need to implement appropriate nutritional strategies for prevention and treatment of skeletal muscle loss and malnutrition across the healthcare continuum. Malnutrition needs to be addressed clinically as a muscle-related disorder and clinicians should integrate nutritional assessment with muscle mass measurements for optimal evaluation of these two interrelated entities to tailor interventions appropriately. The design of monitoring/evaluation and discharge plans need to include multimodal interventions with nutrition and physical exercise that are key to preserve patient's muscle mass and function in clinical and community settings.

Aminoglycosides rapidly inhibit NAD(P)H metabolism increasing reactive oxygen species and cochlear cell demise.

.Despite causing permanent hearing loss by damaging inner ear sensory cells, aminoglycosides (AGs) remain one of the most widely used classes of antibiotics in the world. Although the mechanisms of cochlear sensory cell damage are not fully known, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are clearly implicated. Mitochondrial-specific ROS formation was evaluated in acutely cultured murine cochlear explants exposed to gentamicin (GM), a representative ototoxic AG antibiotic. Superoxide () and hydrogen peroxide () were measured using MitoSOX Red and Dihydrorhodamine 123, respectively, in sensory and supporting cells. A 1-h GM exposure significantly increased formation in IHCs and increased formation in all cell types. At the same time point, GM significantly increased manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) levels while significantly decreasing copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) in cochlear sensory cells. This suggests (1) a rapid conversion of highly reactive to during the acute stage of ototoxic antibiotic exposure and (2) that the endogenous antioxidant system is significantly altered by AGs. Fluorescence intensity-based measurements of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) [NAD(P)H] and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured to determine if increases in GM-induced ROS production were correlated with changes in mitochondrial metabolism. This project provides a basis for understanding the mechanisms of mitochondrial ROS production in cochlear cells exposed to ototoxic antibiotics. Understanding the nature of ototoxic antibiotic-induced changes in mitochondrial metabolism is critical for developing hearing loss treatment and prevention strategies.

Isolation and characterization of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells from Ctenomys minutus.

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells distributed in all tissues and characterized by adherence, morphology, immunophenotype and trilineage differentiation potential. The present study aimed to isolate and characterize adherent MSC-like populations from different tissues of Ctenomys minutus, a threatened wildlife rodent popularly known as tuco-tuco. Adherent cells were isolated from bone marrow, brain, liver, pancreas and adipose tissue of three adult animals collect in southern Brazil. Cultures showed typical morphology and proliferation potential. Adipose-derived MSCs showed trilineage potential. Cultures derived from adipose tissue, bone marrow and brain were immunophenotyped with negative results for CD31, CD44, CD45, CD106, and MHC class II, as well as strong positive results for CD29. Low fluorescence levels were seen for CD49d, CD90.2 and CD117. Cultures were negative for CD49e, except for brain-derived cultures that were weakly positive. CD11b was negative in adipose-derived MSCs, but positive in brain and bone marrow-derived cultures. The scratch assay showed high migration potential for pancreas and adipose tissue-derived cells. This study represents the first report of isolation and characterization of cultures having characteristics of MSCs from Ctenomys minutus. The collection of biological information for biobanks represents an important contribution to the creation of strategies for prevention of loss of genetic diversity.

Human-carnivore interaction in a context of socio-productive crisis: Assessing smallholder strategies for reducing predation in North-west Patagonia, Argentina

Mitigating carnivore-livestock interaction is essential to ensuring the persistence of carnivores in landscapes dominated by livestock activity. Our aim was to explore, in the context of social and productive crises triggered by environmental events, the values and attitudes adopted by smallholders in relation to wild carnivores. We performed semi-structured interviews on issues related to the management decisions of the productive system. To study the relative importance and associations among different factors, we constructed causal maps and used centrality measures based on network analysis to identify the dominant discourse. Although carnivores were perceived as one of the central problems of the map, retaliatory killing was not a central loss-prevention strategy. Smallholders turned to semi-intensification of livestock practices to increase the efficiency of their production as a response to different perceived problems. Lethal control techniques were weakly associated with a subsidized control system, which the state implements to stimulate the hunting of carnivores. Whereas policies were oriented to control native wild predators as the major source of disturbance, strategies of smallholders were based on adaptive responses to multiple perceived problems. This work provides new insights to improve the monitoring of mitigation measures to promote effective evidence-based policy.

Associations of dietary patterns with bone mass, muscle strength and balance in a cohort of Australian middle-aged women.

Influences of dietary patterns on musculoskeletal health are poorly understood in middle-aged women. This cross-sectional analysis from a cohort of 347 women (aged 36-57 years) aimed to examine associations between dietary patterns and musculoskeletal health outcomes in middle-aged women. Diet was measured by the Cancer Council of Victoria FFQ. Total body bone mineral content (TB BMC), femoral neck and lumbar spine bone density (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), lower limbs muscle strength (LMS) and balance tests (timed up and go test, step test, functional reach test (FRT) and lateral reach test) were also measured. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify dietary patterns and scores for each pattern generated using factor loadings with absolute values ≥0·20. Associations between food pattern scores and musculoskeletal outcomes were assessed using multivariable linear regression. Three dietary patterns were identified: 'Healthy' (high consumption of a plant-based diet - vegetables, legumes, fruit, tomatoes, nuts, snacks, garlic, whole grains and low intake of high-fat dairy products), 'high protein, high fat' (red meats, poultry, processed meats, potatoes, cruciferous and dark-yellow vegetables, fish, chips, spirits and high-fat dairy products) and 'Processed foods' (high intakes of meat pies, hamburgers, beer, sweets, fruit juice, processed meats, snacks, spirits, pizza and low intake of cruciferous vegetables). After adjustment for confounders, Healthy pattern was positively associated with LMS, whereas Processed foods pattern was inversely associated with TB BMC and FRT. The associations were not significant after accounting for multiple comparisons. There were no associations with any other outcomes. These results suggest that maintaining a healthy diet could contribute to bone acquisition, muscle strength and balance in adult life. However, while they provide some support for further investigating dietary strategies for prevention of age-related loss of muscle and deterioration in balance, the exploratory nature of the analyses means that confirmation in longitudinal studies and/or trials with pre-specified hypotheses is needed.

Ototoxic Aminoglycosides Inhibit NADH Metabolism and Increase Reactive Oxygen Species Formation in Cochlear Cells

Despite causing permanent hearing loss by damaging inner ear sensory cells, aminoglycosides (AGs) remain one of the most widely used classes of antibiotics in the world. Although the mechanisms of cochlear sensory cell damage are not fully known, reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be involved. Mitochondrial-specific ROS formation was evaluated in acutely-cultured murine cochlear explants exposed to gentamicin (GM), a representative ototoxic AG antibiotic. Superoxide (O2.-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) ROS were measured using MitoSox Red and Dihydrorhodamine 123, respectively. Acute GM did not significantly increase O2.-formation but did increase H2O2 formation in all cell types within one hour of exposure. At the same point, GM significantly increased manganese superoxide dismutase (mnSOD) levels while significantly decreasing copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (cuznSOD) in cochlear sensory cells. This suggests 1) a rapid conversion of highly reactive O2.-to H2O2 during the acute stage of ototoxic antibiotic exposure and 2) that the endogenous antioxidant system is significantly altered by ototoxic antibiotics. Fluorescence intensity-based measurements of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) were used to determine if increased ROS production was correlated with acute GM-induced changes in mitochondrial metabolism. Acute exposure also triggered a redistribution of NADH in the seven distinct NADH lifetime pools identified in cochlear cells. This project provides a base for understanding the mechanisms of mitochondrial ROS production in cochlear cells exposed to ototoxic antibiotics. Understanding the nature of ototoxic antibiotic-induced changes in mitochondrial metabolism are critical for developing hearing loss treatment and prevention strategies. Supported by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD,RO3DC012109), and COBRe (8P20GM103471-09) to HJS and a Ferlic Undergraduate Research Scholarship to DD.

Development of a comprehensive Blast-Related Auditory Injury Database (BRAID).

The Department of Defense Hearing Conservation Program provides specific guidance for service components to prevent occupational hearing loss; however, it does not specifically contend with the unique noise exposures observed in the theater of war, such as blasts and explosions. In order to examine the effects of blast injury on hearing sensitivity, we developed a large database composed of demographic, audiometric, point of injury, and medical outcome data, with the primary aim of developing a long-standing and integrated capability for the surveillance, assessment, and investigation of blast-related hearing outcomes. Methods used to develop the dataset are described. Encompassing more than 16,500 Navy and Marine Corps personnel, the Blast-Related Auditory Injury Database (BRAID) includes individuals with a blast-related injury and nonblast control subjects. Using baseline and postdeployment hearing threshold data, a retrospective analysis of the cohort revealed that the rate of hearing loss for the injured servicemembers was 39%. The BRAID will be useful for studies that assess hearing patterns following deployment-related injury, such as blast exposures, that facilitate exploration of health outcomes and whether they are predictive of audiometric disposition and that help establish hearing loss prevention strategies and program policies for affected military commands and servicemembers.

Controlled risk and strategies for prevention of premature loss of pregnancy

Запропоновано таке поняття, як «контрольовані» ризики – ризики, що часто зустрічаються у популяції; легко впізнаються (доступні для діагностики); в арсеналі лікаря є можливість нескладного їх моніторингу; існують перевірені способи їх корекції. Оцінка ризиків з вищевказаних позицій дозволяє конкретно об’єктивізувати заходи щодо попередження їх наслідків в кожному індивідуальному випадку і охопити той контингент вагітних, який формують популяційні показники. Також окреслено стратегію профілактики передчасної втрати вагітності. У своїй практиці у лікуванні легкого і помірного дизбіозу піхви у вагітних автори віддають перевагу пробіотику Лактожиналь: 1 капсула 2 рази на добу протягом 7 днів або 1 капсула 1 раз на добу впродовж 14 днів. Також у своїй практиці терапії загрози невиношування вагітності автори використовують натуральний мікронізований прогестерон (Утрожестан).

Automation of emergency response for petroleum oil storage terminals

In the recent decades, several fatal accidents have occurred around the world at petroleum storage sites leading to fire, explosion and toxic release scenarios. Such accidents result in huge loss of lives and property, along with widespread environmental damage due to improper coordination and communication in the emergency response. Therefore, emergency response planning is an integral and essential part of the safety and loss prevention strategy and comprises of the actions taken to manage, control and mitigate the immediate effects of an incident.An emergency requires a crystal clear hierarchy of command and organizational-procedural guidelines without any ambiguities. This paper highlights the need, structure and development of an automated networking system, called the electronic-Incident Command System (e-ICS), through case study of the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) Jaipur storage terminal accident. Based on the previously proposed Incident Command System, e-ICS further strengthens coordination and communication in emergency responses. The response mechanism, through Confirmation, Command, Tactical and Support Nets for vertical and horizontal flow of commands and information has been described. This paper also discusses the importance of the Emergency Operations Center and Emergency Management Computation System in expediting the information flow. Thus, recommendations for improving coordination in crisis management are proposed.

O-066 Admission Hypothermia In Very Preterm Infants Is Associated With Mortality – Results From The Epice Cohort

<h3>Background</h3> Strategies to prevent heat loss in the delivery room after very preterm birth have been proven effective in randomised controlled trials. Nevertheless, we hypothesise that hypothermia at admission to neonatal care is still common and contributes to mortality after very preterm birth. <h3>Methods</h3> The EPICE cohort included all births between 22+0 and 31+6 weeks of gestation in 19 regions from11 European countries in 2011–2012. We studied infants surviving to admission to neonatal care (n = 7577). The association between temperature at admission and in-hospital mortality was analysed using logistic regression. The final model adjusted for gestational age, small for gestational age (SGA), Apgarscore &lt;7 at 5 min, infant sex and region of birth. <h3>Results</h3> Of 6639 infants with data on body temperature at admission, 1670 infants (25%) were hypothermic (&lt;36.0° C); 6% had temperatures &lt;35°C, 7% between 35.0 and 35.4°and 12% between 35.5 and 35.9°. Body temperature at admission was inversely related to mortality. The crude odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) for mortality was 5.81(4.27–7.92) when temperature was &lt;35°C; 3.32 (2.35–4.69) at 35.0–35.4°; and 1.61 (1.18–2.19) at 35.5–35.9°compared to normothermic infants (36.5–37.5°C). After adjustment, temperatures below 35.5°C remained significantly associated with mortality, 1.94 (1.32–2.83) at &lt;35°C and 1.91(1.30–2.82) at 35–35.4°C compared to normothermic infants. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Hypothermia after very preterm birth contributes to mortality in modern perinatal care settings in Europe. Further studies should investigate if evidence-based heat loss prevention strategies have been implemented.

Prevalence of Hearing Loss in Military Aviators: The Audiometry and Risk Factors Analysis

Introduction: Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is an occupational health hazard linked with noise exposure of more than 85 dB. Aircraft noise and other occupational noise exposure cause military aviators more susceptible to NIHL than commercial jet pilots. Aim: To find out the prevalence of noise induced hearing loss among different military aircrew population with special emphasis on identifying the associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted on Kuwait Air force pilots those who came for annual medical checkup from July 2010 to July 2012. Audiometry of all subjects was done by ENT specialist and necessary data were collected by structured questionnaires. All data were analyzed by SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 17.0 Results: Out of 221 aircrew 32 (14.48%) developed NIHL. Hearing loss was mild to moderate and predominately at high frequencies. Most affected group was helicopter pilots. Pilots of more than 40 years of age and those who had more than 1000 flying hours had mean hearing threshold more than other groups. The right ear was affected in majority of cases than left ear. Conclusion: Noise exposure to aircrew is inevitable so hearing loss prevention strategies might play a pivotal role to save aircrew hearing. Active surveillance of hearing protection practices might have beneficiary effect. Steps can be taken for early detection of NIHL and hearing conservation program. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v9i1.18721 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.9(1) 2013: 19-24

Prevention and restoration of hearing loss associated with the use of cisplatin.

Background. Cisplatin is a well known platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent used for the treatment of various malignant tumours. A frequent side effect of cisplatin therapy is ototoxicity. Unfortunately, currently there are no available treatments. Material and Methods. Experimental, clinical studies and reviews published between 2004 and 2014 in the English medical literature concerning ototoxicity were selected using Medline, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. Inclusion criteria were cisplatin-induced ototoxicity and therapy aimed at preventing or curing this disorder. Molecular mechanisms and clinical, audiological, and histological markers of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity are described. Moreover, experimental and clinical strategies for prevention or treatment of hearing loss were also reviewed. Results and Discussion. Experimental studies demonstrate a wide range of otoprotective molecules and strategies efficient against cisplatin-induced hearing loss. However, only dexamethasone proved a slight otoprotective effect in a clinical study. Conclusion. Further research must be completed to bring future therapeutic options into clinical setting.

Mechanical loading and how it affects bone cells: The role of the osteocyte cytoskeleton in maintaining our skeleton

Lack of physical activity causes bone loss and fractures not only in elderly people, but also in bedridden patients or otherwise inactive youth. This is fast becoming one of the most serious healthcare problems in the world. Osteocytes, cells buried within our bones, stimulate bone formation in the presence of mechanical stimuli, as well as bone degradation in the absence of such stimuli. As yet, we do not fully comprehend how osteocytes sense mechanical stimuli, and only know a fraction of the whole range of molecules that osteocytes subsequently produce to regulate bone formation and degradation in response to mechanical stimuli. This dramatically hampers the design of bone loss prevention strategies. In this review we will focus on the first step in the cascade of events leading to adaptation of bone mass to mechanical loading, i.e., on how osteocytes are able to perceive mechanical stimuli placed on whole bones. We will place particular emphasis on the role of the osteocyte cytoskeleton in mechanosensing. Given the crucial importance of osteocytes in maintaining a proper resistance against bone fracture, greater knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that govern the adaptive response of osteocytes to mechanical stimuli may lead to the development of new strategies towards fracture prevention and enhanced bone healing.

Effect of Isoflurane on the Hearing in Mice

Background and ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between inhalation anesthetics and hearing in mice.Materials and MethodsAs inhalation anesthetics, isoflurane was used. Auditory brainstem response and distortion product otoacoustic emission were used as measurement of hearing. Mice were divided into 2 groups. 'Isoflurane group' consisted of mice that were anesthetized with an inspired concentration of 2.0 vol% isoflurane with 2 L/min of oxygen (n=10). 'Control group' consisted of mice that were anesthetized with ketamine and xylazine (n=10).ResultsAuditory brainstem response thresholds in mice anesthetized with ketamine and xylazine was not different from those in mice anesthetized with isoflurane. Threshold of DPOAE was higher in mice with isolurane than with ketamine and xylazine. Changes of efferent control may be induced by isoflurane and consequently change the threshold of DPOAE in mice.ConclusionsThese results infer that, there was a change of central nervous system induced by inhalation anesthetics, this change also can be applied to the strategies for prevention of hearing loss.

Enhanced Strategies for Prevention and Management of Blood Loss in Special, Unusual, and Unexpected Surgical Situations

Enhanced Strategies for Prevention and Management of Blood Loss in Special, Unusual, and Unexpected Surgical Situations

Socially active

As the popularity of social networking sites continues to mount, it becomes increasingly important to consider the information security risks posed in the context of a wider data loss prevention and reputation management strategy. Cath Everett reports

Research by Retailers: Understanding Loss and the Effectiveness of Loss Prevention Strategies

Many retail companies may conduct research on various aspects of retail theft or loss prevention but because of the proprietary nature of this research, it may not be reported in academic or trade journals. As a result, we know little about the focus or analytical techniques retailers use to conduct research. The data for this study were collected from a diverse group of retail companies. The study examines retailers' conduct to better understand theft in their stores and technologies to reduce theft. The findings indicate that retailers use a variety of analytical techniques to study retail loss and loss prevention, and are more likely to conduct research to understand the nature of loss when they believe that they have a severe loss problem. A substantially higher percentage of companies conduct research on loss prevention technologies than they do on understanding the sources of loss.