Occupational Activity Research Articles

Microscopic railway capacity assessment of heterogeneous traffic under real-life operational conditions

A key strategy for increasing railway capacity is utilizing infrastructure more efficiently. While much research has been completed on methods for assessing railway capacity, very little has focused on the details of capacity utilisation, such as assessing the various ways trains use capacity, the impacts of specific blocking time components, and how train dynamics (accelerating, cruising, braking, and dwelling) affect capacity.This paper presents a methodology for comparing planned occupancy to actual occupancy under real operations and applies it in a case study. The methodology is based on identifying a critical path which represents an extension of bottleneck concept presented in UIC leaflet 406. The methodology was applied in a case study to determine the specific blocking times and train dynamics which cause a blocking time gap for a sequence of trains, both a-priori and a-posteriori, after considering the operational variations. The analysis of real operations with variations in train trajectories shows that capacity occupation is mostly influenced by train sequence heterogeneity in the original schedule. The varying effects of operations have a smaller but relevant impact. The methods developed in this paper can be used to help assess railway capacity under real operations.

Abstract CT099: NGM707 in combination with pembrolizumab in advanced or metastatic solid tumors: Preliminary results from dose escalation

Abstract BACKGROUND: NGM707-IO-101 (NCT04913337) is a Phase 1/2, dose escalation/expansion study evaluating NGM707, a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks ILT2 and ILT4 receptors, as monotherapy or in combination with pembrolizumab. Here we report data from the combination part of the study. METHODS: Eligible patients (pts) with advanced/metastatic solid tumors were enrolled into escalating dose cohorts of 200-1800 mg NGM707 combined with 200 mg pembrolizumab, administered Q3W iv. Assessment of safety and tolerability and recommended expansion doses for NGM707 in combination with pembrolizumab were the primary objectives of the study. Secondary and exploratory objectives included assessment of pharmacokinetics/receptor occupancy (RO), immunogenicity, biomarkers, and preliminary antitumor activity per RECIST v1.1. RESULTS: As of 06 Nov 2023, 46 pts have been enrolled in the combination escalation at dose levels up to 1800 mg; 5 pts crossed over from monotherapy. Median age 58.5 yrs [28-81]; ECOG PS 0 (19.6%), 1 (80.4%). Pts had received a median of 3 prior therapies (range 1-6) and all pts had metastatic disease. Overall, 20/45 pts had prior exposure to anti-PD1/anti-PD-L1. Treatment-related adverse events (any grade/grade ≥3) occurred in 41.3%/4.4% of pts. The most common treatment-related adverse events were fatigue (17.4%), diarrhea (6.5%), myalgia (4.3%), arthralgia (4.3%), and nausea (4.3%). No dose-limiting toxicities were observed. A maximum tolerated dose was not reached, and the maximum administered dose was 1800 mg NGM707 in combination with 200 mg pembrolizumab. Peripheral immune cells showed dose-dependent RO, with doses ≥ 200 mg maintaining ILT2 and ILT4 RO for the entire dosing interval. PK of NGM707 was typical for monoclonal antibodies, with a half-life of 12.8 days. Gene expression changes associated with myeloid cell and T cell activation were observed in tumor biopsies post-treatment. Of 37 response-evaluable pts, best overall responses to date are PR (confirmed) in 4 pts, SD in 12 pts, representing a DCR of ~43%. Nine pts had reduced target lesion (TL) size with a maximum reduction of 100%. Out of the 4 patients who had PR, 3 patients were pre-treated with anti-PD1/anti-PD-L1. Two subjects with MSS CRC achieved confirmed PR, one of them with TL reduction that allowed subsequent surgical resection of all gross residual disease and confirmed pathological CR with no active tumor cells and ctDNA below detection. CONCLUSIONS: NGM707 in combination with pembrolizumab appears to be safe and well tolerated at all dose levels. In this advanced and metastatic solid tumor cohort, early efficacy signals have been observed. Preliminary evidence of myeloid cell reprogramming was observed in paired tumor biopsies. Trial enrollment for the expansion part of the study is ongoing and updated data will be presented in the future. Citation Format: Judy S. Wang, Manish R. Sharma, William J. Edenfield, Kartik Sehgal, Do-Youn Oh, Yixing Jiang, Joel Michalski, Jeeyun Lee, Hans Hammers, Li-Yuan Bai, Chih-Hung Hsu, Brenda Dampier, Kefei Zhou, Li Yan, Lisa K. Blum, Joanne Sloan-Lancaster, Daniel D. Kaplan, Dhiraj Abhyankar, Hsiao D. Lieu, Vladimir Hanes, Aung Naing. NGM707 in combination with pembrolizumab in advanced or metastatic solid tumors: Preliminary results from dose escalation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr CT099.

Bioinformatics-based dynamics of cuproptosis -related indicators in experimental silicosis

Pneumoconiosis is one of the most serious occupational diseases worldwide. Silicosis due to prolonged inhalation of free silica dust during occupational activities is one of the main types. Cuproptosis is a newly discovered mode of programmed cell death characterized by the accumulation of free copper in the cell, which ultimately leads to cell death. Increased copper in the serum of silicosis patients, suggests that the development of silicosis is accompanied by changes in copper metabolism, but whether cuproptosis is involved in the progression of silicosis is actually to be determined. To test this hypothesis, we screened the genetic changes in patients with idiopathic fibrosis by bioinformatics methods and predicted and functionally annotated the cuproptosis-related genes among them. Subsequently, we established a mouse silicosis model and detected the concentration of copper ions and the activity of ceruloplasmin (CP) in serum, as well as changes of the concentration of copper and cuproptosis related genes in mouse lung tissues. We identified 9 cuproptosis-related genes among the differential genes in patients with IPF at different times and the tissue-specific expression levels of ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) and Lipoyl synthase (LIAS) proteins. Furthermore, serum CP activity and copper ion levels in silicosis mice were elevated on days 7th and 56th after silica exposure. The expression of CP in mouse lung tissue elevated at all stages after silica exposure. The mRNA level of FDX1 decreased on days 7th and 56th, and the protein level remained in accordance with the mRNA level on day 56th. LIAS and Dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD) levels were downregulated at all times after silica exposure. In addition, Heatshockprotein70 (HSP70) expression was increased on day 56. In brief, our results demonstrate that there may be cellular cuproptosis during the development of experimental silicosis in mice and show synchronization with enhanced copper loading in mice.

Clinical, physical, and psychological outcomes among individuals with post COVID-19 syndrome with different functional status: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: post-COVID-19 syndrome or long COVID is a condition characterized by symptoms that persist after the disease's infection. Objective: to compare clinical, physical, and psychological outcomes among individuals with post COVID-19 syndrome with different levels of functional status after hospitalization for COVID-19. Methods: an observational, analytical, cross-sectional and with a quantitative approach with 75 individuals with post COVID-19 syndrome after hospitalization. Individuals underwent assessment of pulmonary function, six-minute walk test (6MWT), 1-minute sit and stand test (STS1), hand grip strength (HGS) and one repetition maximum test (1RM), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Short-Form Healthy Survey (SF-36) and Post-COVID Functional Scale (PCFS). Individuals were separated according to PCFS into two groups: low (LFL) and high (HFL) functional limitation (PCFS 1-2 and PCFS 3-4, respectively). Data regarding anthropometric and clinical characteristics, hospitalization history, and occupational activity were also collected. Results: individuals post COVID-19 syndrome with HFL presented worse score in the SF-36 in the functional capacity (p=0,01); pain (p=0,01), social aspects (p=0,01) and these individuals had a higher need for ICU admission (p=0,03) and prolonged hospitalization stays (p=0,04) compared to those with LFL. Conclusion: individuals with post COVID-19 syndrome that reported HFL exhibit poorer quality of life concerning the domains of functional capacity, pain, and social aspects when compared to those with LFL. Additionally, HFL individuals had a higher need for ICU admission and prolonged hospitalization stays

Association of Occupational and Leisure-Time Physical Activity With Allostatic Load

IntroductionLeisure-time physical activity (LTPA) decreases allostatic load (AL), a measure of burden of chronic stress. However, the role of occupational PA (OPA) is unknown. This study examined associations of OPA and LTPA with AL among workers in the United States (US). MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 6944 US workers aged 20–64 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007–2018). PA was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. AL was calculated using biomarkers of cardiovascular health, metabolic function and immune response. Associations of OPA and LTPA were examined with AL using negative binomial regressions. Analyses were conducted between August 2022 and March 2023. ResultsVigorous LTPA inversely associated with AL among all workers (count ratio = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.62–0.76) and in each sex- and age- stratified group (i.e., females aged 20–44 years, females aged 45–64 years, males aged 20–44 years, and males aged 45–64 years), as well as in each race/ethnicity- stratified group (i.e., Whites, Blacks, Hispanics). Vigorous OPA positively associated with AL only among females aged 20–44 years [1.38 (1.10–1.73)]. Inverse associations of vigorous LTPA with AL were similar in young females with high [0.61 (0.50–0.75)] or low [0.66 (0.60–0.74)] vigorous OPA. ConclusionsIncreasing vigorous LTPA is associated with a lower AL for all workers, while increasing vigorous OPA is associated with a higher AL only in young females. Promoting vigorous LTPA reduces AL among young females with either low or high vigorous OPA.

Association Between Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Occupation Activity Level, National Health Interview Survey-United States, 2020.

Physical activity for any purpose counts toward meeting Physical Activity Guidelines (PAG). However, national surveillance systems traditionally focus on leisure-time physical activity. There is an incomplete understanding of the association between meeting PAG in leisure time and occupation activity level among US workers. We used cross-sectional 2020 National Health Interview Survey data to examine US adults aged 18-64years who worked the week before the survey (n = 14,814). We estimated the proportion meeting aerobic and muscle-strengthening PAG in leisure time by occupation activity level (low, intermediate, and high). Using logistic regression, we examined the association between meeting PAG in leisure time and occupation activity level, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and stratified by hours worked. We compared the sociodemographic characteristics of adults working ≥40hours (the previous week) in high-activity occupations to those in low- or intermediate-activity occupations. Adults working in high-activity occupations were less likely to meet PAG in leisure time (26.1% [24.3-28.1]) versus those in low-activity (30.6% [29.1-32.2], P < .01) or intermediate-activity (32.4% [30.8-34.2]) occupations. In stratified, adjusted models, adults working ≥40hours in low- and intermediate-activity occupations were 13% and 20%, respectively, more likely to meet PAG in leisure time versus those in high-activity occupations. Among those working ≥40hours, adults in high-activity occupations were more likelyto be Hispanic or Latino, male, younger, and have a high school education or lower compared with those in less active occupations. Traditional surveillance may underestimate meeting PAG among people working in high-activity occupations, potentially disproportionately affecting certain groups.

Concerns beyond ankle symptoms predominate healthcare professionals’ views of patients with ankle osteoarthritis: A qualitative study

ObjectivesExplore healthcare professionals’ perspectives on the main problems that their patients with ankle osteoarthritis experience and to propose health-related domains. MethodsA qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with an international multidisciplinary group of healthcare professionals identified as ankle experts. Eligibility criteria were aged ≥18 years, and a certified healthcare professional with ≥ 5-year experience post-qualification in working with ankle osteoarthritis and/or chronic ankle pain. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. ResultsTwenty-one healthcare professionals (20 males; mean (range) age 49 (34–72) years) from four professions (orthopaedic surgeons (n = 9), athletic trainers (n = 5), physiotherapists (n = 4) and podiatrists (n = 3)) were interviewed. Four main themes were identified: 1) people with ankle osteoarthritis have difficulty with weight-bearing activities; 2) symptoms of pain and stiffness predominate, alongside swelling, instability, weakness and poor balance; 3) chronic pain in ankle osteoarthritis has psychosocial consequences; and 4) the loss of activities of daily living and independence compromises quality of life. We proposed 15 health-related domains that emerge from the interview data. ConclusionHealthcare professionals recognise that ankle osteoarthritis patients have difficulty in physical, sporting, and occupational weight-bearing activities, and they live with persistent ankle pain, stiffness and other symptoms that have physical and psychosocial consequences. The health-related domains derived from interviews with expert healthcare professionals will contribute to the development of a core domain set for ankle osteoarthritis.

Development of a rapid assessment tool for integrating thermal comfort in early design stage of energy-efficient office buildings

Comprehending and predicting energy performance of existing buildings and new constructions is crucial towards decarbonization. Instead of utilizing simulation software, multiple regression models are utilized to predict building energy consumption while ensuring indoor thermal comfort to speed up this process. However, previous predictive models prioritize reducing energy demand, with limited focus on thermal comfort. This study aims to support decision-making during retrofitting and new construction planning though developing a prediction model. An air-conditioned office building served as a reference building for simulation. 21 design parameters were analyzed, including aspects of weather, building envelope, internal loads, ventilation, and temperature settings. Stepwise regression results unveiled the crucial variables in the final model, with 8, 9, 13, and 6 variables remaining for peak cooling load, annual cooling load, overheating hours (WE), and Environmental Quality Index for thermal comfort (EQITC) in the perimeter zones, and 5, 6, 8, and 5 variables for the core zones, respectively. Furthermore, insights into the important variables regarding cooling load and thermal comfort were respectively provided. Weather- and envelope-related variables, such as cooling degree-days, global solar radiation, solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), and U-value, have the highest impacts on cooling load. For thermal comfort, variables including temperature setpoint, occupant activity level, and factors related to window sunlight transmission performance, such as SHGC, window area ratio, and overhang projection ratio, proved to be influential. Overall, this study provided accurate models for assessing optimal strategies for energy efficiency and thermal comfort during the early design phases, advancing building performance practices.

Occupational status and chronic respiratory diseases: a cross-sectional study based on the data of the Rafsanjan Cohort Study

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to investigate the possible connection between occupational status and chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) among the Iranian population.MethodsThe present cross-sectional study was conducted on 9934 individuals aged 35–70 years enrolled in the Rafsanjan Cohort Study (RCS), a component of the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN). Detailed questionnaires were used to collect information on various factors, such as occupation, sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, anthropometric measurements, physical activity, cigarette and hookah smoking, opium use, and alcohol consumption. The association between occupational class and CRD was evaluated using logistic regression models for rare events.ResultsIn the present study, 4624 (46.55%) participants were male, and 5310 (53.45%) were female. The prevalence of CRD among all participants was 2.61%. Occupational activities were classified into two categories: In class I, the largest group was the homemaker and unemployment category (41.73%), followed by self-employment (34.39%), employment (13.03%), and retired individuals (10.84%). In class II, there were pistachio farmers (12.61%), copper miners (3.62%), and others in various occupations (83.76%). Subjects with CRD were significantly more likely to be homemakers, unemployed, elderly, female, less educated, and obese. There was no significant relationship between CRD and job type/occupational status after adjusting for some potential confounding variables.ConclusionsThere was no significant relationship between CRD and job type/occupational status. However, longitudinal studies are needed to assess the impact of job type/occupational status on the risk of CRD.

The impact of age on outcome 2 years after traumatic brain injury: Case control study

BackgroundAge is associated with outcome after traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, there are mixed findings across outcome domains and most studies lack controls. ObjectivesThis cross-sectional study examined the association between age group (15–24 years, 25–34 years, 35–44 years, 45–54 years, 55–64 years, and 65 years or more) and outcomes 2 years after TBI in independence in daily activities, driving, public transportation use, employment, leisure activities, social integration, relationships and emotional functioning, relative to healthy controls. It was hypothesized that older individuals with TBI would have significantly poorer outcomes than controls in all domains except anxiety and depression, for which it was expected they would show better outcomes. Global functional outcome (measured using the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended) was also examined, and we hypothesized that older adults would have poorer outcomes than younger adults. MethodsParticipants were 1897 individuals with TBI (mean, SD age 36.7, 17.7 years) who completed measures 2 years post-injury and 110 healthy controls (age 38.3, 17.5 years). ResultsCompared to controls, individuals with TBI were less independent in most activities of daily living, participated less in leisure activities and employment, and were more socially isolated, anxious and depressed (p < 0.001). Those who were older in age were disproportionately less likely to be independent in light domestic activities, shopping and driving; and participated less in occupational activities relative to controls. Functional outcome was significantly higher in the youngest age group than in all older age groups (p < 0.001), but the younger groups were more likely to report being socially isolated (p < 0.001), depressed (p = 0.005) and anxious (p = 0.02), and less likely to be married or in a relationship (p < 0.001). ConclusionA greater focus is needed on addressing psychosocial issues in younger individuals with TBI, whereas those who are older may require more intensive therapy to maximise independence in activities of daily living and return to employment.

Knowledge, protective behaviours, and perception of Lyme disease in an area of emerging risk: results from a cross-sectional survey of adults in Ottawa, Ontario

BackgroundThe number of Lyme disease risk areas in Canada is growing. In regions with emerging tick populations, it is important to emphasize peridomestic risk and the importance of protective behaviours in local public health communication. This study aims to identify characteristics associated with high levels of Lyme disease knowledge and adoption of protective behaviours among residents in the Ottawa, Ontario region.MethodsA geographically stratified web survey was conducted in November 2020 (n = 2018) to determine knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Lyme disease among adult residents. Responses were used to calculate: (i) composite scores for knowledge and adoption of protective practices; and (ii) an exposure risk index based on reported activity in woodlands during the spring-to-fall tick exposure risk period.Results60% of respondents had a high knowledge of Lyme disease, yet only 14% indicated they often use five or more measures to protect themselves. Factors strongly associated with a high level of Lyme disease knowledge included being 55 or older (Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.04), living on a property with a yard (OR = 3.22), having a high exposure index (OR = 1.59), and knowing someone previously infected with Lyme disease (OR = 2.05). Strong associations with the adoption of a high number of protective behaviours were observed with membership in a non-Indigenous racialized group (OR = 1.70), living on a property with a yard (OR = 2.37), previous infection with Lyme disease (OR = 2.13), prior tick bite exposure (OR = 1.62), and primarily occupational activity in wooded areas (OR = 2.31).ConclusionsThis study highlights the dynamics between Lyme disease knowledge, patterns of exposure risk awareness, and vigilance of personal protection in a Canadian region with emerging Lyme disease risk. Notably, this study identified gaps between perceived local risk and protective behaviours, presenting opportunities for targeted enhanced communication efforts in areas of Lyme disease emergence.

Abstract MP64: Cardiovascular Responses to Occupational Physical Activity Are Exaggerated by Work-Related Stress and Low Fitness

Introduction: Proposed mechanisms explaining the link between high occupational physical activity (OPA) and cardiovascular disease hypothesize that high work-related stress and low worker fitness may exacerbate cardiovascular responses to OPA. Hypothesis: Direct associations between OPA and acute cardiovascular responses will be stronger under high work-related stress and in workers with lower fitness. Methods: 19 male workers (age=46.6±7.9, 68.4% White) with high OPA jobs were observed for seven days. Steps, light (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during work were measured using a thigh-worn activPAL3 micro, hip-worn Actigraph GT3X-BT, and time-use diary. Heart rate (HR) was measured continuously with a Polar chest strap. 24-hour blood pressure (BP) was measured using an ambulatory BP monitor on one workday. Rate-pressure product (RPP), an indirect measure of cardiac workload, was calculated as systolic BP x HR. Daily work-related stress was measured with the Stress in General Scale (scores=-3-21 where higher scores indicate more stress). Worker fitness was estimated as VO 2 max (ml·kg -1 ·min -1 ) using a submaximal treadmill test. Effect modification by stress and fitness on the associations between OPA and RPP was examined using mixed effects models with interaction terms. Results: Work-related stress was directly associated with 24-hour RPP (β=94.10 mmHg*bpm/stress point, p=0.024) while worker fitness was not (β=-33.0 mmHg*bpm/VO 2 max, p=0.561). Direct association between RPP and occupational MVPA were stronger with higher work-related stress and lower fitness (Table 1, p-for-interaction&lt;0.05 for all). Lower intensity OPA (steps and LPA) were also associated with exacerbated RPP responses outside of work with higher work-related stress (Table 1, p-for-interaction&lt;0.001 for all). Conclusions: OPA performed under high stress or by workers with low fitness may exaggerate cardiovascular responses and contribute to OPA's paradoxical cardiovascular health associations.

A hospital based study to evaluate etiology and epidemiology of occupational corneal foreign bodies

Occupational injuries to eye are very common. Corneal foreign bodies (CFB) are common occupational eye injury. Studies on corneal foreign bodies due to occupational exposure are ignored in developing countries like India.Our study objective was to determine various occupations related to corneal foreign bodies and demographics, level of education and awareness of patients presenting with CFB acquired during occupational work.A hospital based cross sectional study at a tertiary hospital at Pali, Rajasthan.Patients presenting with CFB were asked about their occupation, level of education, awareness about complications of CFB and use of protective equipments at workplace.We examined total 62 patients with CFBs. All patients were male. 34% were in the age group of 18-29 yrs and 58% were in the age group of 30-45 yrs. Metal work industry was responsible for 29% of presentations and construction work industry for 26% of cases. Only 18% were using protective equipments during occupational activity. 58% patients attempted self-removal of foreign body.CFBs are common among various occupations. The sufferers are commonly young males who are poor and have low education. This occupational hazard can have blinding complications and is generally overlooked. Awareness regarding protective measures must be increased and access to eye care hospital must be increased.

Survey on Physical Activity Among Adolescents in Pune City

The main aim of the study was to assess the physical activity among adolescents of Pune City. For this study total 500 students were randomly selected from Pune city. The subject’s age was ranged in between 13-17 years. For the purpose of collecting the data the researcher used and selected International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) is a widely used instrument for assessing physical activity levels in various populations by (Craig et al., 2003). The questionnaire is divided into four domains. These are Leisure-Time Physical Activity: Activities during discretionary time, such as sports, exercise, and recreational activities. Occupational Physical Activity: Activities related to work or employment. Transportation Physical Activity: Activities related to commuting, such as walking or cycling. Household and Garden Physical Activity: Activities related to household chores and gardening. Data were measured by IPAQ questionnaire which is used to calculate the total metabolic equivalent of task (MET) minutes per week. MET is a unit that represents the energy expenditure of an activity relative to resting metabolic rate. MET values are assigned to different levels of physical activity intensity (e.g., walking, moderate-intensity activities, vigorous-intensity activities), and the total MET minutes per week are calculated by multiplying the duration and frequency of each activity. Percentage was used as a statistical tool analyses the data. The result of the study revealed that students 57.6% (288) are less involved in physical activity, where as 23.4% (117) students are moderately involved in physical activity and 19% (95) students are highly involved in physical activity.

Identification of the Risk Factors Associated with Low Bone Density in Peri- and Early Postmenopausal Women

Evidence has shown that one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in postmenopausal women is osteoporosis. Despite the development of some medications, there are still safety and adherence concerns, and, thus, attention has been placed on understanding modifiable risk factors for bone loss. This study aimed to examine the differences in various sociodemographic and body composition factors, physical activity components, and nutrient and food group intake levels among peri- and early postmenopausal women with whole-body bone mineral density (BMD) Z-scores greater than and less than zero. This cross-sectional study utilized baseline data obtained from 45 peri- and early postmenopausal women aged 45–60 years old who participated in a 6-month three-arm, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial that evaluated the effects of blackcurrant supplementation on bone metabolism. Anthropometric data, BMD values obtained via DXA scans, and self-reported demographic, health, dietary, and physical activity data were collected at baseline. Overall, participants with whole-body BMD Z-scores greater than zero had higher body mass indexes (BMIs), lean mass, fat mass, android fat percentages, ratios of trunk fat mass to limb fat mass, resting metabolic rates, relative skeletal muscle indexes, total and occupational physical activity, alcohol intakes, trans fatty acid intakes, and adequacy of potassium intake, but lower adequacy of vitamin E (p &lt; 0.05). In addition, total calorie intake was positively correlated with added sugar, vitamin E, potassium, alcohol, trans fatty acids, calcium, and vitamin D intakes (p &lt; 0.05); whole-body BMD was positively correlated with added sugars (p &lt; 0.05); vitamin D intake was positively correlated with vitamin E, potassium, trans fatty acid, and calcium intakes (p &lt; 0.05); and calcium intake was positively correlated with added sugar, vitamin E, potassium, and trans fatty acid intakes (p &lt; 0.05). These findings suggest that numerous body composition factors, components of physical activity, and dietary factors are related to bone health in adult women in the menopause transition.

MICROSURGICAL REIMPLANTATION OUTCOMES FOR COMPLETE AND INCOMPLETE AMPUTATIONS OF DISTAL PHALANGES OF FINGERS.

The intricate endeavor of replanting the distal phalanx of the finger remains a persistent challenge. In the pursuit of addressing this concern, microsurgical replantation procedures have been systematically examined for distal phalanx injuries encircling the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint, conducted at the Orthopaedic Hospital situated in Ho Chi Minh City. This investigation encompassed a cohort of 31 patients, comprising individuals with 17 instances of complete and 21 instances of incomplete amputations of the distal phalanges. The subjects' ages spanned a range from 3 to 56 years. The study divulged that eight fingers, involving four complete amputations and four incomplete amputations, did not achieve successful outcomes. In contrast, the remaining 30 fingers exhibited survival. A meticulous long-term follow-up of 17 fingers, extending over a period exceeding six months, unveiled commendable achievements encompassing satisfactory sensory recovery, cosmetic enhancement, and the resumption of pre-injury occupational activities by the patients. Vein anastomosis was revealed as a notably challenging aspect of the surgical procedures. In scenarios where conventional vein suturing was rendered unfeasible, the innovative recourse of one-way drainage emerged as a viable alternative. The endeavor to replant the distal phalanx of the finger engenders a substantial level of complexity, particularly in the realm of venous anastomosis. This research underscores the need for focused efforts to address and surmount the intricacies associated with this aspect of surgical intervention.

Chronic Stress Indicator: A Novel Tool for Comprehensive Stress Analysis.

Extensive research has highlighted the strong association between chronic stress and negative health outcomes. This relationship is influenced by various factors, including sociobehavioral, environmental, and genetic and epigenomic forces. To comprehensively assess an individual's stress levels, we propose the development of the Chronic Stress Indicator (CSI), a novel comprehensive multifaceted tool that incorporates key biological, anthropometric, behavioral, and socioeconomic factors. The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the CSI compared to Allostatic Load (AL), a type of chronic stress, in identifying health issues related to stress. The objective of this research is to evaluate the performance of the Chronic Stress Indicator (CSI) versus Allostatic Load (AL) in detecting adverse health outcomes within the U.S. demographic aged 20-49. The information used for this study was sourced from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), carried out from 2001 to 2004. Logistic regression modeling was employed to calculate odds ratios and confidence intervals. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was employed to assess differences in means, whereas the chi-square test, accompanied by Cramer's V statistic, was used to examine the association among categorical variables. Additionally, the relationship between continuous variables was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Our association tests show that the length of occupation activity and health status were among the strongest associations to CSI risk. Based on our logistic regression models, age and sex were found to be significant factors in determining AL. We also found that age, smoking, and longest occupation activity were significant factors of CSI risk. These findings suggest a need for individuals to limit smoking as it may lead to higher overall stress despite its common use as a coping mechanism for stress. We should also review the level of occupational activity a job has before continuously working on it as this may also lead to higher cumulative stress.

Ureteral stent related symptoms: A comparative study.

In urology, ureteral stents are used to treat obstructive diseases. Hematuria (54%), fever, discomfort, and lower urinary system symptoms are the predominant symptoms related to ureteral stent. This article links stent symptoms to double-j width and length, as well as patient's height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). Ureteric Stent Symptoms Questionnaire (USSQ) was used to measure ureteral stent symptoms at 1st and 4th week of stent in situ as well as the 4th week after pigtail removal. A 200-patient prospective study, where patients were allocated into four groups following ureteral stent insertion depending on the stent characteristics. Those groups were: 4.8 Fr./26 cm (Group A), 4.8 Fr./28 cm (Group B), 6 Fr/26 cm (Group C), and 6 Fr/28 cm (Group D). Men comprised 53.5% of 200 patients. Participants had an average age of 49 ± 15.5 years, height of 175 ± 8.94 cm, and BMI of 23.8 ± 7.6 cm. The laboratory results were identical between groups. At the first and fourth week, groups had similar urine symptoms, pain severity, health status and occupational activities. The difference in pain location was statistically significant. Group A had 82.4% renal back pain in the first week, whereas Group B had 68.8%, Group C 31.3% and Group D 62.5 (p = 0.04). At the fourth week, 64.7% of Group A patients reported kidney front pain, compared to 100% of Group B, 93.3% of Group C, and 100% of Group D (p = 0.04). There was statistical significance in the sexual activity of the patients. 24.4% of Group C patients stopped sexual activity before stent installation, compared to 10.6%, 8.3%, and 6.4% of the other groups (p = 0.03). A moderate percentage of patients had active sexual activity at week 4 (Group A: 7.8%, Group B: 5.8%, Group C: 8.2%, Group D: 4.1%), p = 0.83. In multivariate analysis, urinary catheter group, age, weight, height, and BMI did not significantly affect urine index score (UIS), pain index score (PIS), general health (GH), quality of work (QW), and quality of sex (QS). Despite various attempts to establish the best ureteral stent, the effect of double-j stent physical features on stent-related symptoms remained unknown. No verdict is conceivable without adequate empirical data.

Role of physical activity in the relationship between recovery from work and insomnia among early childhood education and care professionals: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the association between recovery from work and insomnia and the role of objectively measured leisure-time physical activity and occupational physical activity in this association.DesignCross-sectional.Setting and...

Occupational physical activity, all-cause, cardiovascular disease, and cancer mortality in 349,248 adults: Prospective and longitudinal analyses of the MJ Cohort

BackgroundEvidence on the health benefits of occupational physical activity (OPA) is inconclusive. We examined the associations of baseline OPA and OPA changes with all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality and survival times. MethodsThis study included prospective and longitudinal data from the MJ Cohort, comprising adults over 18 years recruited in 1998–2016, 349,248 adults (177,314 women) with baseline OPA, of whom 105,715 (52,503 women) had 2 OPA measures at 6.3 ± 4.2 years (mean ± SD) apart. Exposures were baseline OPA, OPA changes, and baseline leisure-time physical activity. ResultsOver a mean mortality follow-up of 16.2 ± 5.5 years for men and 16.4 ± 5.4 years for women, 11,696 deaths (2033 of CVD and 4631 of cancer causes) in men and 8980 deaths (1475 of CVD and 3689 of cancer causes) in women occurred. Combined moderately heavy/heavy baseline OPA was beneficially associated with all-cause mortality in men (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 0.93, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.89–0.98 compared to light OPA) and women (HR = 0.86, 95%CI: 0.79–0.93). Over a mean mortality follow-up of 12.5 ± 4.6 years for men and 12.6 ± 4.6 years for women, OPA decreases in men were detrimentally associated (HR = 1.16, 95%CI: 1.01–1.33) with all-cause mortality, while OPA increases in women were beneficially (HR = 0.83, 95%CI: 0.70–0.97) associated with the same outcome. Baseline or changes in OPA showed no associations with CVD or cancer mortality. ConclusionHigher baseline OPA was beneficially associated with all-cause mortality risk in both men and women. Our longitudinal OPA analyses partly confirmed the prospective findings, with some discordance between sex groups.