Since the declaration of the Covid-19 pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020, the coronavirus has upended communities and dramatically changed people’s daily endeavors across the globe [<a hre...Since the declaration of the Covid-19 pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020, the coronavirus has upended communities and dramatically changed people’s daily endeavors across the globe [<a href="#ref1">1</a>]. The current Covid-19 circumstances are occasioned by social realities such as the proliferation of misinformation, social inequalities, and nations’ inability to prepare for unprecedented crises such as the coronavirus. While Covid-19 has managed to elicit anxiety, cause illnesses and deaths, different sectors, individuals, and health dockets utilize technology to combat the pandemic. As we advance, there will be a need for a critical social understanding of how technology can be used to apprehend global crises such as coronavirus. To comprehend how technology is being used to address the coronavirus crises, the current paper assesses, evaluates, and rates the Covid-19 website developed by the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia [<a href="#ref2">2</a>].展开更多
Objective:The objective of the present study is to explore the effects of personality traits on job burnout among hospital nurses.Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional research was done during 2019-2020 at Kashan...Objective:The objective of the present study is to explore the effects of personality traits on job burnout among hospital nurses.Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional research was done during 2019-2020 at Kashan Shahid Beheshti Hospital.The data analysis procedures included descriptive statistics and the partial least squares-based structural equation modeling.The participants were 150 nursing professionals.A questionnaire indicating information on demographics,burnout(measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory with three dimensions of depersonalization,emotional exhaustion,and personal accomplishment),and personality profile(measured employing the neuroticism extraversion openness five-factor inventory including extroversion,conscientiousness,agreeableness,neuroticism,and openness to experience dimensions)was used to gather the required data.Results:The results of the study showed that the validity and reliability of the measurement model were desirable(factor load higher than 0.5,the Cronbach’s alpha value and the composite reliability are>0.7).Structural model showed statistically drastic,negative relationship between the nurses’burnout levels and neuroticism(β=0.722)and openness to experience(β=0.437).However,the relationship was significantly positive between the nurses’burnout levels and conscientiousness(β=0.672),agreement(β=0.594),and extraversion(β=0.559)(P<0.03).Conclusions:The present study helped the recognition of burnout among nurses working in hospitals and approved the effects of personality features on the burnout experience.展开更多
Introduction: Hearing impairments are common among nightclub workers. The present work aims to study the hearing clinical profile of these employees in the city of Parakou in 2021. Methods: This was a cross-sectional,...Introduction: Hearing impairments are common among nightclub workers. The present work aims to study the hearing clinical profile of these employees in the city of Parakou in 2021. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive analytical study from March 14 to June 15, 2021. It focused on employees of 13 nightclubs in the city of Parakou. Were included in the study, employees with at least 03 months of practice and aged at least 18 to 50 years at most on the date of the survey and who had given their informed consent to participate in the study. Each employee received a questionnaire, an otoscopy and an acoumetry in tune. Noise pollution was measured at each workstation using a sound level meter. Results: A total of 114 employees were collected. The mean age was 26.38 years ± 4.81 and the sex ratio 0.87. The server position was occupied by 65 employees (57%) followed by managers, 19 or 16.70%- and 17-disc jockeys, 14.90%. Among the employees 31.60% exercised between 03 and 09 months. 76.32% were exposed to noise for more than 8 hours per day and 81.58% were exposed to noise for more than 40 hours per week. The sound level at the workstation was for 59 employees (51.75%) between 90 and 100 dB. Tinnitus was the most expressed complaint, respectively 21 (18.40%) on the right and 22 (19.30%) on the left. Rinne’s test was positive in 85.10% of employees. Weber’s test was indifferent to all frequencies in the majority of respondents. Conclusion: Hearing damage among nightclub employees in the city of Parakou is a reality. It is important to put preventive measures in place.展开更多
The pervasive utilization of industrial substances has escalated human exposure to cadmium(Cd),a metal associated with long-term negative health outcomes such as renal dysfunction,neurological disorders,and various ca...The pervasive utilization of industrial substances has escalated human exposure to cadmium(Cd),a metal associated with long-term negative health outcomes such as renal dysfunction,neurological disorders,and various cancers^([1]).Once ingested by humans,Cd interacts with cysteine-rich metallothioneins(MTs)which have metal-binding and antioxidant properties and is subsequently transported to the kidney^([2]).展开更多
Aims: The present study aims to compare the assessment of work ability based on the use of the Work Ability Index (WAI) with another questionnaire base only on the use of WAI’s first item, termed as the “Work Abilit...Aims: The present study aims to compare the assessment of work ability based on the use of the Work Ability Index (WAI) with another questionnaire base only on the use of WAI’s first item, termed as the “Work Ability Score” (WAS). Study design: A cohort of 384 Spanish workers included in a Post COVID-19 condition or persistent COVID-19 multicenter research was utilized. Place and Duration of Study: This cohort was enlisted in four hospitals (Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid;Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Sevilla, Andalucía;Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid and Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Salamanca, Castilla y León), since 2021 until 2022. Methodology: 384 Spanish workers (176 men and 208 women;aged 20 to 70 years) with Post COVID-19 condition or persistent COVID-19 were included. Descriptive analysis of primary scores was conducted. Given the non-normal distribution of data, the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were employed. Spearman and Kendall correlations were employed to assess the relationship between WAI and WAS, also used weighted Kappa to estimate the degree agreement between WAI and WAS. Logistic regression models were utilized to study determinants influencing WAI and WAS, categorized as poor or moderate. Results: WAI had an average score of 32.98 (SD = 10.28), whereas WAS had an average of 5.95 (SD = 2.77). Significant differences were observed in both WAI and WAS across the same variables. Strong and statistically significant correlations were evident between WAI and WAS (rs = 0.83, p < 0.001). All the variables used in the logistic regression model (gender, the sector employment, and previous chronic diseases) were statistically significant in both questionnaires. Conclusion: WAS questionnaire could be used as a tool for reliable assessment of work ability among Spanish workers with Post COVID-19 condition or Persistent CO-VID-19.展开更多
Objective To explore the effects of exposure to aluminum(Al) on long-term potentiation(LTP) and AMPA receptor subunits in rats in vivo. Methods Different dosages of aluminum-maltolate complex [Al(mal)3] were given to ...Objective To explore the effects of exposure to aluminum(Al) on long-term potentiation(LTP) and AMPA receptor subunits in rats in vivo. Methods Different dosages of aluminum-maltolate complex [Al(mal)3] were given to rats via acute intracerebroventricular(i.c.v.) injection and subchronic intraperitoneal(i.p.) injection. Following Al exposure, the hippocampal LTP were recorded by field potentiation technique in vivo and the expression of AMPAR subunit proteins(GluR1 and GluR2) in both total and membrane-enriched extracts from the CA1 area of rat hippocampus were detected by Western blot assay. Results Acute Al treatment produced dose-dependent suppression of LTP in the rat hippocampus and dose-dependent decreases of GluR1 and GluR2 in membrane extracts; however, no similar changes were found in the total cell extracts, which suggests decreased trafficking of AMPA receptor subunits from intracellular pools to synaptic sites in the hippocampus. The dose-dependent suppressive effects on LTP and the expression of AMPA receptor subunits both in the membrane and in total extracts were found after subchronic Al treatment, indicating a decrease in AMPA receptor subunit trafficking from intracellular pools to synaptic sites and an additional reduction in the expression of the subunits. Conclusion Al(mal)3 obviously and dose-dependently suppressed LTP in the rat hippocampal CA1 region in vivo, and this suppression may be related to both trafficking and decreases in the expression of AMPA receptor subunit proteins. However, the mechanisms underlying these observations need further investigation.展开更多
Objective To explore the role of RAS/PI3K pathway in the impairment of long-term potentiation(LTP) induced by acute aluminum(Al) treatment in rats in vivo. Methods First, different dosages of aluminum-maltolate comple...Objective To explore the role of RAS/PI3K pathway in the impairment of long-term potentiation(LTP) induced by acute aluminum(Al) treatment in rats in vivo. Methods First, different dosages of aluminum-maltolate complex [Al(mal)_3] were given to rats via acute intracerebroventricular(i.c.v.) injection. Following Al exposure, the RAS activity of rat hippocampus were detected by ELISA assay after the hippocampal LTP recording by field potentiation technique in vivo. Second, the antagonism on the aluminum-induced suppression of hippocampal LTP was observed after the treatment of the RAS activator epidermal growth factor(EGF). Finally, the antagonism on the downstream molecules(PKB activity and the phosphorylation of Glu R1 S831 and S845) were tested by ELISA and West-blot assays at the same time. Results With the increasing aluminum dosage, a gradually decreasing in RAS activity of the rat hippocampus was produced after a gradually suppressing on LTP. The aluminum-induced early suppression of hippocampal LTP was antagonized by the RAS activator epidermal growth factor(EGF). And the EGF treatment produced changes similar to those observed for LTP between the groups on PKB activity as well as the phosphorylation of Glu R1 S831 and S845. Conclusion The RAS→PI3K/PKB→GluR 1 S831 and S845 signal transduction pathway may be involved in the inhibition of hippocampal LTP by aluminum exposure in rats. However, the mechanisms underlying this observation need further investigation.展开更多
Objective In this study, we aimed at exploring the association between work-related musculoskeletal disorders(WMSDs) and work organization based on a case-control study. Methods A total of 1938 workers who claimed to ...Objective In this study, we aimed at exploring the association between work-related musculoskeletal disorders(WMSDs) and work organization based on a case-control study. Methods A total of 1938 workers who claimed to suffer from WMSDs were selected from Beijing, Henan, Hubei, and the Guangdong province. The control group consisted of 2009 workers employed in similar industries without severe disease or musculoskeletal discomforts. We used a modified version of the questionnaire developed by the NMQ and the DMQ to investigate individual and work-related factors. Results A total of 13 variables(P<0.1) were selected by the chi-square test and finally, 7 variables entered into the equation, with 6 variables reaching statistical significance(P<0.05). The odds ratios(OR) of ‘work changing with season' and ‘sufficient rest time' did not reach 1(0.749 and 0.441, respectively). In addition, ‘sufficient rest time' seemed to be the stronger protective factor according to its higher standardized coefficient. And ‘repetitive work every minute', ‘constantly repetitive work'(every day), ‘shortage of site personnel', and ‘often switching shifts with others' seemed to be the risk factors. Conclusion Work organization may have comprehensive effects on the occurrence of WMSDs. This pattern of associations suggests that further investigation into the mechanism of how work organization affects the prevalence of WMSDs is required.展开更多
Objective To explore the mechanisms by which genistein and daidzein inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells. Methods LNCaP and PC-3 cells were exposed to genistein and daidzein and cell viability was determined by...Objective To explore the mechanisms by which genistein and daidzein inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells. Methods LNCaP and PC-3 cells were exposed to genistein and daidzein and cell viability was determined by MTT assay and cytotoxicity of the drugs by LDH test. Flow cytometry (FCM) was used to assess the cell cycle in LNCaP and PC-3 cells. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was applied to examine the expression of PTEN gene (a tumor suppressor gene), estrogen receptor alpha gene (ERα), estrogen receptor beta gene (ERβ), androgen receptor gene (AR) and vascular endothelial growth factor gene (VEGF). Results The viability of PC-3 and LNCaP cells decreased with increasing concentrations and exposure time of genistein and daidzein. Genistein increased G2/M phase cells in PC-3 cells while decreased S phase cells in LNCaP cells in a dose-dependent manner. Daidzein exerted no influence on the cell cycle of LNCaP and PC-3 cells, but the apoptosis percentage of LNCaP cells was elevated significantly by daidzein. Genistein induced the expression of PTEN gene in PC-3 and LNCaP cells. Daidzein induced the expression of PTEN gene in LNCaP but not in PC-3 cells. The expression of VEGF, ERα and ERβ genes decreased and AR gene was not expressed after incubation with genistein and daidzein in PC-3 cells. In LNCaP cells, the expression of VEGF and AR gene decreased but there was no change in the expression of ERα and ERβ gene after incubation with genistein and daidzein. Conclusion Genistein and daidzein exert a time- and dose-dependent inhibitory effect on PC-3 and LNCaP cells. The down-regulation of ER gene by daidzein influences the growth of PC-3 cells directly. The inhibition of PC-3 cells by genistein and that of LNCaP cells by genistein and daidzein may be via Akt pathway that is repressed by PTEN gene, which subsequently down-regulates the expression of AR and VEGF genes. Our results suggest that the expression of PTEN gene plays a key role and several pathways may be involved in the suppression of prostate cancer cells by genistein and daidzein.展开更多
Previous animal studies have shown that stromal cell-derived factor-1(SDF-1)/CXC chemokine receptor-4(CXCR4) signaling pathway plays an important role in the targeted migration of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem ...Previous animal studies have shown that stromal cell-derived factor-1(SDF-1)/CXC chemokine receptor-4(CXCR4) signaling pathway plays an important role in the targeted migration of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs) to the injured area. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the potential role of chemotactic SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling pathway in the homing of transplanted BMSCs to the injured cochlea after noise-induced hearing loss(NIHL) in a rat model. White noise exposure(110 d B) paradigm was used for hearing loss induction in male rats for 6 hours in 5 days. Distortion-product otoacoustic emission(DPOAE) responses were recorded before the experiment and post noise exposure. Hoechst 33342-labeled BMSCs and CXCR4 antagonist(AMD3100)-treated BMSCs were injected into the rat cochlea through the round window. SDF-1 protein expression in the cochlear tissue was assayed using western blot assay. The number of labeled BMSCs reaching the endolymph was determined after 24 hours. SDF-1 was significantly increased in the cochlear tissue of rats in the noise exposure group than in the control group. The number of Hoechst 33342-labeled BMSCs reaching the endolymph of the cochlea was significantly smaller in the AMD3100-treated BMSCs group than in the normal BMSCs group. Our present findings suggest that the SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling pathway has a critical role in BMSCs migration to the injured cochlea in a rat model of noise-induced hearing loss.展开更多
Objective To study the role of insulin-like growth factor II receptor in free silica-induced transdifferentiation of primary rat lung fibroblasts Methods Rat lung fibroblasts and rat alveolar macrophages were cultured...Objective To study the role of insulin-like growth factor II receptor in free silica-induced transdifferentiation of primary rat lung fibroblasts Methods Rat lung fibroblasts and rat alveolar macrophages were cultured.A transdifferentiation model of primary rat lung fibroblasts was induced by free silica.Levels ofα-SMA protein,IGF-IIR protein and mRNA were measured by immunocytochemistry,Western blot and RT-PCR,respectively.Lung fibroblasts were treated with Wortmannin.Results The expression levels ofα-SMA and IGF-IIR increased with the increasing free silica concentration and decreased after Wortmannin was used.Conclusion The IGF-IIR plays an important role in free silica-induced transdifferentiation of primary rat lung fibroblasts.展开更多
A novel bioactive foam emulsion bioreactor for benzene,toluene and xylene(BTX)contaminated air streams treatment has been developed.The gas-liquid interfacial area by biocompatible foam and driving force for mass tran...A novel bioactive foam emulsion bioreactor for benzene,toluene and xylene(BTX)contaminated air streams treatment has been developed.The gas-liquid interfacial area by biocompatible foam and driving force for mass transfer by a water immiscible organic phase were increased in this reactor.The effect of several parameters such as gas residence time,oxygen content,and organic phase concentration on bioreactor performance was studied. Experimental results showed an average elimination capacity(EC)of 220 g·m3·h -1with removal efficiency(RE) of 89.59%for BTX inlet concentration of 1 g·m3at 15 s gas residence time in the bioreactor.The statistical developed model predicted that the maximum elimination capacity of the reactor for BTX could be reached to 423.45 g·m3·h -1.Continues operation of the bioreactor with high EC and RE was demonstrated by optimizing the operational parameters of the bioreactor.Overall the results suggest that the bioreactor developed can be very effective systems to treat BTX vapors.展开更多
Objective To investigate the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK) in apoptosis of human colon cancer(HCT116) cells. Methods After the HCT116 cells were pretreated with specific ERK inhibitor(U0126) or sp...Objective To investigate the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK) in apoptosis of human colon cancer(HCT116) cells. Methods After the HCT116 cells were pretreated with specific ERK inhibitor(U0126) or specific siRNA and exposed to 10 mmol/L sodium butyrate(NaBT) for 24 h, their apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, levels of SphK2 and ERK protein were measured by Western blot, and translocation of SphK2 was assayed by immunofluorescence microscopy. Results The U0126 and siRNAs specific for SphK2 blocked the export of SphK2 from nuclei to cytoplasm and increased the apoptosis of HCT116 cells following NaBT exposure. Over-expression of PKD decreased NaBT-induced apoptosis of HCT116 cells, which was reversed by U0126. Furthermore, transfection of HCT116 cells with constitutively activated PKD plasmids recovered the U0126-blocked export of SphK2. Conclusion ERK regulates the export of SphK2 and apoptosis of HCT116 cells by modulating PKD. Modulation of these molecules may help increase the sensitivity of colon cancer cells to the physiologic anti-colon cancer agent, NaBT.展开更多
The mass attenuation coefficients(l/q) for different parts(root, flower, stem, and leaf) of three medicinal aromatic plants(Teucrium chamaedrys L. subsp. sinuatum,Rheum ribes, and Chrysophthalmum montanum) were measur...The mass attenuation coefficients(l/q) for different parts(root, flower, stem, and leaf) of three medicinal aromatic plants(Teucrium chamaedrys L. subsp. sinuatum,Rheum ribes, and Chrysophthalmum montanum) were measured using an ^(241)Am photon source in a stable geometry and calculated using the Monte Carlo N-Particle Transport Code System-extended(MCNPX) code and the WinXCOM program. The experimental and theoretical MCNPX and WinXCOM values exhibited good agreement.The measured mass attenuation coefficient values were then used to compute the effective atomic number(Z_(eff))and electron density(N_E) of the samples. The results reveal that S1-S(stem of Teucrium chamaedrys L. subsp. sinuatum) has the highest values of l/q and Zeff.展开更多
Objective To investigate the impact of sub-chronic Aluminium-maltolate [Al(mal) 3 ] exposure on the catabolism of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in rats. Methods Forty adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randoml...Objective To investigate the impact of sub-chronic Aluminium-maltolate [Al(mal) 3 ] exposure on the catabolism of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in rats. Methods Forty adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into five groups: the control group, the maltolate group (7.56 mg/kg BW), and the Al(mal) 3 groups (0.27, 0.54, and 1.08 mg/kg BW, respectively). Control rats were administered with 0.9% normal saline through intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection. Maltolate and Al(mal) 3 were administered to the rats also through i.p. injections. Administration was conducted daily for two months. Rat neural behavior was examined using open field tests (OFT). And the protein expressions and their mRNAs transcription related with APP catabolism were studied using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results The expressions of APP, β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and presenilin-1 (PS1) proteins and their mRNAs transcription increased gradually with the increase of Al(mal) 3 doses (P<0.05). The enzyme activity of BACE1 in the 0.54 and 1.08 mg/kg Al(mal) 3 groups increased significantly (P<0.05). The expression of β-amyloid protein (Aβ) 1-40 gradually decreased while the protein expression of Aβ1-42 increased gradually with the increase of Al(mal) 3 doses (P<0.05). Conclusion Result from our study suggested that one of the possible mechanisms that Al(mal) 3 can cause neurotoxicity is that Al(mal) 3 can increase the generation of Aβ1-42 by facilitating the expressions of APP, β-, and γ-secretase.展开更多
The molecular mechanism of DNA damage induced by hydroquinone(HQ)remains unclear.Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1(PARP-1)usually works as a DNA damage sensor,and hence,it is possible that PARP-1 is involved in the DNA dam...The molecular mechanism of DNA damage induced by hydroquinone(HQ)remains unclear.Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1(PARP-1)usually works as a DNA damage sensor,and hence,it is possible that PARP-1 is involved in the DNA damage response induced by HQ.In TK6 cells treated with HQ,PARP activity as well as the expression of apoptosis antagonizing展开更多
Air pollution is a major health problem in developing countries and has adverse effects on human health and the environment. Non-thermal plasma is an effective air pollution treatment technology. In this research, the...Air pollution is a major health problem in developing countries and has adverse effects on human health and the environment. Non-thermal plasma is an effective air pollution treatment technology. In this research, the performance of a dielectric barrier discharge(DBD) plasma reactor packed with glass and ceramic pellets was evaluated in the removal of SO_2 as a major air pollutant from air in ambient temperature. The response surface methodology was used to evaluate the effect of three key parameters(concentration of gas, gas flow rate, and voltage) as well as their simultaneous effects and interactions on the SO2 removal process. Reduced cubic models were derived to predict the SO_2 removal efficiency(RE) and energy yield(EY). Analysis of variance results showed that the packed-bed reactors(PBRs) studied were more energy efficient and had a high SO2 RE which was at least four times more than that of the non-packed reactor. Moreover, the results showed that the performance of ceramic pellets was better than that of glass pellets in PBRs. This may be due to the porous surface of ceramic pellets which allows the formation of microdischarges in the fine cavities of a porous surface when placed in a plasma discharge zone. The maximum SO_2 RE and EY were obtained at 94% and 0.81 g kWh^(-1),respectively under the optimal conditions of a concentration of gas of 750 ppm, a gas flow rate of 2lmin^(-1), and a voltage of 18 kV, which were achieved by the DBD plasma packed with ceramic pellets. Finally, the results of the model's predictions and the experiments showed good agreement.展开更多
Objective:The aim of this case-control study was to explore whether five tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms(tSNPs)within the transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)gene were involved in manifestation of inflammat...Objective:The aim of this case-control study was to explore whether five tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms(tSNPs)within the transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)gene were involved in manifestation of inflammatory and fibrotic processes associated with coal workers'pneumoconiosis(CWP).Methods:The study included 508 CWP patients and 526 controls who were underground coal miners from Xuzhou Mining Business Group.Five tSNPs were selected from the HapMap and detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP)method.Results:The single SNP analysis showed that the genotype frequencies of SNP2(rs1800470,+869T/C,extron 1)and SNP5(rs11466345,intron 5)in CWP cases were sig- nificantly different from those in controls.Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that SNP2(rs1800470) CC genotype was associated with decreased risk of CWP(OR=0.50,95%CI=0.32-0.78),which was evident among subgroups of those never smoke(OR=0.40,95%CI=0.24-0.66),cases with stageⅡ(OR=0.41,95%CI =0.22-0.76)and exposure period(<28 y:OR=0.54,95%CI=0.31-0.95;≥28 y:OR=0.52,95%CI=0.32-0.96). However,the SNP5(rs11466345)GG genotype was associated with an increased risk of CWP(OR=2.5,95%CI =1.36-4.57),and further stratification analysis showed that the risk of CWP was increased in both smoking and nonsmoking groups,shorter and longer exposure groups,while the risk of CWP was only increased in patients with stageⅠandⅡ.Conclusion:This study suggests that TGF-β1 polymorphisms may contribute to susceptibility of CWP.展开更多
The purpose of this study was to study the role of neurofilament(NF)mR NA and calpain in NF reduction of acrylamide(ACR)neuropathy.Male Wistar adult rats were injected i.p.every other day with
文摘Since the declaration of the Covid-19 pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020, the coronavirus has upended communities and dramatically changed people’s daily endeavors across the globe [<a href="#ref1">1</a>]. The current Covid-19 circumstances are occasioned by social realities such as the proliferation of misinformation, social inequalities, and nations’ inability to prepare for unprecedented crises such as the coronavirus. While Covid-19 has managed to elicit anxiety, cause illnesses and deaths, different sectors, individuals, and health dockets utilize technology to combat the pandemic. As we advance, there will be a need for a critical social understanding of how technology can be used to apprehend global crises such as coronavirus. To comprehend how technology is being used to address the coronavirus crises, the current paper assesses, evaluates, and rates the Covid-19 website developed by the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia [<a href="#ref2">2</a>].
基金the Vice Chancellor of Research and Technology Kashan University of Medical Sciences for providing financial support to conduct this work(Approval code:94070).
文摘Objective:The objective of the present study is to explore the effects of personality traits on job burnout among hospital nurses.Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional research was done during 2019-2020 at Kashan Shahid Beheshti Hospital.The data analysis procedures included descriptive statistics and the partial least squares-based structural equation modeling.The participants were 150 nursing professionals.A questionnaire indicating information on demographics,burnout(measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory with three dimensions of depersonalization,emotional exhaustion,and personal accomplishment),and personality profile(measured employing the neuroticism extraversion openness five-factor inventory including extroversion,conscientiousness,agreeableness,neuroticism,and openness to experience dimensions)was used to gather the required data.Results:The results of the study showed that the validity and reliability of the measurement model were desirable(factor load higher than 0.5,the Cronbach’s alpha value and the composite reliability are>0.7).Structural model showed statistically drastic,negative relationship between the nurses’burnout levels and neuroticism(β=0.722)and openness to experience(β=0.437).However,the relationship was significantly positive between the nurses’burnout levels and conscientiousness(β=0.672),agreement(β=0.594),and extraversion(β=0.559)(P<0.03).Conclusions:The present study helped the recognition of burnout among nurses working in hospitals and approved the effects of personality features on the burnout experience.
文摘Introduction: Hearing impairments are common among nightclub workers. The present work aims to study the hearing clinical profile of these employees in the city of Parakou in 2021. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive analytical study from March 14 to June 15, 2021. It focused on employees of 13 nightclubs in the city of Parakou. Were included in the study, employees with at least 03 months of practice and aged at least 18 to 50 years at most on the date of the survey and who had given their informed consent to participate in the study. Each employee received a questionnaire, an otoscopy and an acoumetry in tune. Noise pollution was measured at each workstation using a sound level meter. Results: A total of 114 employees were collected. The mean age was 26.38 years ± 4.81 and the sex ratio 0.87. The server position was occupied by 65 employees (57%) followed by managers, 19 or 16.70%- and 17-disc jockeys, 14.90%. Among the employees 31.60% exercised between 03 and 09 months. 76.32% were exposed to noise for more than 8 hours per day and 81.58% were exposed to noise for more than 40 hours per week. The sound level at the workstation was for 59 employees (51.75%) between 90 and 100 dB. Tinnitus was the most expressed complaint, respectively 21 (18.40%) on the right and 22 (19.30%) on the left. Rinne’s test was positive in 85.10% of employees. Weber’s test was indifferent to all frequencies in the majority of respondents. Conclusion: Hearing damage among nightclub employees in the city of Parakou is a reality. It is important to put preventive measures in place.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China[grant numbers 82103887]Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China[grant numbers 2021JJ30752 and 2021JJ40374]+1 种基金National Science Fund for Excellent Young Scholars of Hunan Province[grant numbers 2023JJ20032]Changsha Natural Science[grant numbers 45045]。
文摘The pervasive utilization of industrial substances has escalated human exposure to cadmium(Cd),a metal associated with long-term negative health outcomes such as renal dysfunction,neurological disorders,and various cancers^([1]).Once ingested by humans,Cd interacts with cysteine-rich metallothioneins(MTs)which have metal-binding and antioxidant properties and is subsequently transported to the kidney^([2]).
文摘Aims: The present study aims to compare the assessment of work ability based on the use of the Work Ability Index (WAI) with another questionnaire base only on the use of WAI’s first item, termed as the “Work Ability Score” (WAS). Study design: A cohort of 384 Spanish workers included in a Post COVID-19 condition or persistent COVID-19 multicenter research was utilized. Place and Duration of Study: This cohort was enlisted in four hospitals (Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid;Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Sevilla, Andalucía;Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid and Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Salamanca, Castilla y León), since 2021 until 2022. Methodology: 384 Spanish workers (176 men and 208 women;aged 20 to 70 years) with Post COVID-19 condition or persistent COVID-19 were included. Descriptive analysis of primary scores was conducted. Given the non-normal distribution of data, the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were employed. Spearman and Kendall correlations were employed to assess the relationship between WAI and WAS, also used weighted Kappa to estimate the degree agreement between WAI and WAS. Logistic regression models were utilized to study determinants influencing WAI and WAS, categorized as poor or moderate. Results: WAI had an average score of 32.98 (SD = 10.28), whereas WAS had an average of 5.95 (SD = 2.77). Significant differences were observed in both WAI and WAS across the same variables. Strong and statistically significant correlations were evident between WAI and WAS (rs = 0.83, p < 0.001). All the variables used in the logistic regression model (gender, the sector employment, and previous chronic diseases) were statistically significant in both questionnaires. Conclusion: WAS questionnaire could be used as a tool for reliable assessment of work ability among Spanish workers with Post COVID-19 condition or Persistent CO-VID-19.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC,30972512 and 81202182)the Research Foundation for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education(20121417110002)
文摘Objective To explore the effects of exposure to aluminum(Al) on long-term potentiation(LTP) and AMPA receptor subunits in rats in vivo. Methods Different dosages of aluminum-maltolate complex [Al(mal)3] were given to rats via acute intracerebroventricular(i.c.v.) injection and subchronic intraperitoneal(i.p.) injection. Following Al exposure, the hippocampal LTP were recorded by field potentiation technique in vivo and the expression of AMPAR subunit proteins(GluR1 and GluR2) in both total and membrane-enriched extracts from the CA1 area of rat hippocampus were detected by Western blot assay. Results Acute Al treatment produced dose-dependent suppression of LTP in the rat hippocampus and dose-dependent decreases of GluR1 and GluR2 in membrane extracts; however, no similar changes were found in the total cell extracts, which suggests decreased trafficking of AMPA receptor subunits from intracellular pools to synaptic sites in the hippocampus. The dose-dependent suppressive effects on LTP and the expression of AMPA receptor subunits both in the membrane and in total extracts were found after subchronic Al treatment, indicating a decrease in AMPA receptor subunit trafficking from intracellular pools to synaptic sites and an additional reduction in the expression of the subunits. Conclusion Al(mal)3 obviously and dose-dependently suppressed LTP in the rat hippocampal CA1 region in vivo, and this suppression may be related to both trafficking and decreases in the expression of AMPA receptor subunit proteins. However, the mechanisms underlying these observations need further investigation.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC,81202182)the Doctoral startup Foundation of Shanxi Medical University(03201413)
文摘Objective To explore the role of RAS/PI3K pathway in the impairment of long-term potentiation(LTP) induced by acute aluminum(Al) treatment in rats in vivo. Methods First, different dosages of aluminum-maltolate complex [Al(mal)_3] were given to rats via acute intracerebroventricular(i.c.v.) injection. Following Al exposure, the RAS activity of rat hippocampus were detected by ELISA assay after the hippocampal LTP recording by field potentiation technique in vivo. Second, the antagonism on the aluminum-induced suppression of hippocampal LTP was observed after the treatment of the RAS activator epidermal growth factor(EGF). Finally, the antagonism on the downstream molecules(PKB activity and the phosphorylation of Glu R1 S831 and S845) were tested by ELISA and West-blot assays at the same time. Results With the increasing aluminum dosage, a gradually decreasing in RAS activity of the rat hippocampus was produced after a gradually suppressing on LTP. The aluminum-induced early suppression of hippocampal LTP was antagonized by the RAS activator epidermal growth factor(EGF). And the EGF treatment produced changes similar to those observed for LTP between the groups on PKB activity as well as the phosphorylation of Glu R1 S831 and S845. Conclusion The RAS→PI3K/PKB→GluR 1 S831 and S845 signal transduction pathway may be involved in the inhibition of hippocampal LTP by aluminum exposure in rats. However, the mechanisms underlying this observation need further investigation.
基金supported by the Research Fund from National Science and Technology Infrastructure Program of the People’s Republic of China(2014BAI12B03)Major Project of Beijing Academy of Science and Technology(PXM2014-178304-000002-00131228)
文摘Objective In this study, we aimed at exploring the association between work-related musculoskeletal disorders(WMSDs) and work organization based on a case-control study. Methods A total of 1938 workers who claimed to suffer from WMSDs were selected from Beijing, Henan, Hubei, and the Guangdong province. The control group consisted of 2009 workers employed in similar industries without severe disease or musculoskeletal discomforts. We used a modified version of the questionnaire developed by the NMQ and the DMQ to investigate individual and work-related factors. Results A total of 13 variables(P<0.1) were selected by the chi-square test and finally, 7 variables entered into the equation, with 6 variables reaching statistical significance(P<0.05). The odds ratios(OR) of ‘work changing with season' and ‘sufficient rest time' did not reach 1(0.749 and 0.441, respectively). In addition, ‘sufficient rest time' seemed to be the stronger protective factor according to its higher standardized coefficient. And ‘repetitive work every minute', ‘constantly repetitive work'(every day), ‘shortage of site personnel', and ‘often switching shifts with others' seemed to be the risk factors. Conclusion Work organization may have comprehensive effects on the occurrence of WMSDs. This pattern of associations suggests that further investigation into the mechanism of how work organization affects the prevalence of WMSDs is required.
基金This work was supported by the National 973 Program of China "Investigation the Protective Effects of Important Responsive Proteinsin the Damage Cells Caused by Environmental Chemical Pollutants"
文摘Objective To explore the mechanisms by which genistein and daidzein inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells. Methods LNCaP and PC-3 cells were exposed to genistein and daidzein and cell viability was determined by MTT assay and cytotoxicity of the drugs by LDH test. Flow cytometry (FCM) was used to assess the cell cycle in LNCaP and PC-3 cells. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was applied to examine the expression of PTEN gene (a tumor suppressor gene), estrogen receptor alpha gene (ERα), estrogen receptor beta gene (ERβ), androgen receptor gene (AR) and vascular endothelial growth factor gene (VEGF). Results The viability of PC-3 and LNCaP cells decreased with increasing concentrations and exposure time of genistein and daidzein. Genistein increased G2/M phase cells in PC-3 cells while decreased S phase cells in LNCaP cells in a dose-dependent manner. Daidzein exerted no influence on the cell cycle of LNCaP and PC-3 cells, but the apoptosis percentage of LNCaP cells was elevated significantly by daidzein. Genistein induced the expression of PTEN gene in PC-3 and LNCaP cells. Daidzein induced the expression of PTEN gene in LNCaP but not in PC-3 cells. The expression of VEGF, ERα and ERβ genes decreased and AR gene was not expressed after incubation with genistein and daidzein in PC-3 cells. In LNCaP cells, the expression of VEGF and AR gene decreased but there was no change in the expression of ERα and ERβ gene after incubation with genistein and daidzein. Conclusion Genistein and daidzein exert a time- and dose-dependent inhibitory effect on PC-3 and LNCaP cells. The down-regulation of ER gene by daidzein influences the growth of PC-3 cells directly. The inhibition of PC-3 cells by genistein and that of LNCaP cells by genistein and daidzein may be via Akt pathway that is repressed by PTEN gene, which subsequently down-regulates the expression of AR and VEGF genes. Our results suggest that the expression of PTEN gene plays a key role and several pathways may be involved in the suppression of prostate cancer cells by genistein and daidzein.
基金financially supported by the Hearing Disorders Research Center of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences
文摘Previous animal studies have shown that stromal cell-derived factor-1(SDF-1)/CXC chemokine receptor-4(CXCR4) signaling pathway plays an important role in the targeted migration of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs) to the injured area. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the potential role of chemotactic SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling pathway in the homing of transplanted BMSCs to the injured cochlea after noise-induced hearing loss(NIHL) in a rat model. White noise exposure(110 d B) paradigm was used for hearing loss induction in male rats for 6 hours in 5 days. Distortion-product otoacoustic emission(DPOAE) responses were recorded before the experiment and post noise exposure. Hoechst 33342-labeled BMSCs and CXCR4 antagonist(AMD3100)-treated BMSCs were injected into the rat cochlea through the round window. SDF-1 protein expression in the cochlear tissue was assayed using western blot assay. The number of labeled BMSCs reaching the endolymph was determined after 24 hours. SDF-1 was significantly increased in the cochlear tissue of rats in the noise exposure group than in the control group. The number of Hoechst 33342-labeled BMSCs reaching the endolymph of the cochlea was significantly smaller in the AMD3100-treated BMSCs group than in the normal BMSCs group. Our present findings suggest that the SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling pathway has a critical role in BMSCs migration to the injured cochlea in a rat model of noise-induced hearing loss.
基金supported by the Research Fund from theNational Natural Science Foundation of China(#81102109)
文摘Objective To study the role of insulin-like growth factor II receptor in free silica-induced transdifferentiation of primary rat lung fibroblasts Methods Rat lung fibroblasts and rat alveolar macrophages were cultured.A transdifferentiation model of primary rat lung fibroblasts was induced by free silica.Levels ofα-SMA protein,IGF-IIR protein and mRNA were measured by immunocytochemistry,Western blot and RT-PCR,respectively.Lung fibroblasts were treated with Wortmannin.Results The expression levels ofα-SMA and IGF-IIR increased with the increasing free silica concentration and decreased after Wortmannin was used.Conclusion The IGF-IIR plays an important role in free silica-induced transdifferentiation of primary rat lung fibroblasts.
文摘A novel bioactive foam emulsion bioreactor for benzene,toluene and xylene(BTX)contaminated air streams treatment has been developed.The gas-liquid interfacial area by biocompatible foam and driving force for mass transfer by a water immiscible organic phase were increased in this reactor.The effect of several parameters such as gas residence time,oxygen content,and organic phase concentration on bioreactor performance was studied. Experimental results showed an average elimination capacity(EC)of 220 g·m3·h -1with removal efficiency(RE) of 89.59%for BTX inlet concentration of 1 g·m3at 15 s gas residence time in the bioreactor.The statistical developed model predicted that the maximum elimination capacity of the reactor for BTX could be reached to 423.45 g·m3·h -1.Continues operation of the bioreactor with high EC and RE was demonstrated by optimizing the operational parameters of the bioreactor.Overall the results suggest that the bioreactor developed can be very effective systems to treat BTX vapors.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(81272180)National Basic Research Program of China(2012CB518200)
文摘Objective To investigate the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK) in apoptosis of human colon cancer(HCT116) cells. Methods After the HCT116 cells were pretreated with specific ERK inhibitor(U0126) or specific siRNA and exposed to 10 mmol/L sodium butyrate(NaBT) for 24 h, their apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, levels of SphK2 and ERK protein were measured by Western blot, and translocation of SphK2 was assayed by immunofluorescence microscopy. Results The U0126 and siRNAs specific for SphK2 blocked the export of SphK2 from nuclei to cytoplasm and increased the apoptosis of HCT116 cells following NaBT exposure. Over-expression of PKD decreased NaBT-induced apoptosis of HCT116 cells, which was reversed by U0126. Furthermore, transfection of HCT116 cells with constitutively activated PKD plasmids recovered the U0126-blocked export of SphK2. Conclusion ERK regulates the export of SphK2 and apoptosis of HCT116 cells by modulating PKD. Modulation of these molecules may help increase the sensitivity of colon cancer cells to the physiologic anti-colon cancer agent, NaBT.
文摘The mass attenuation coefficients(l/q) for different parts(root, flower, stem, and leaf) of three medicinal aromatic plants(Teucrium chamaedrys L. subsp. sinuatum,Rheum ribes, and Chrysophthalmum montanum) were measured using an ^(241)Am photon source in a stable geometry and calculated using the Monte Carlo N-Particle Transport Code System-extended(MCNPX) code and the WinXCOM program. The experimental and theoretical MCNPX and WinXCOM values exhibited good agreement.The measured mass attenuation coefficient values were then used to compute the effective atomic number(Z_(eff))and electron density(N_E) of the samples. The results reveal that S1-S(stem of Teucrium chamaedrys L. subsp. sinuatum) has the highest values of l/q and Zeff.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30972512)the Graduate Innovation Fund of Academic Degree Committee Office of the Shanxi Provincial Government (20093014)+1 种基金Doctor Start-up Fund from Shanxi Medical University (B03201209)the College Students Innovation Fund of Shanxi Medical University (2010-25)
文摘Objective To investigate the impact of sub-chronic Aluminium-maltolate [Al(mal) 3 ] exposure on the catabolism of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in rats. Methods Forty adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into five groups: the control group, the maltolate group (7.56 mg/kg BW), and the Al(mal) 3 groups (0.27, 0.54, and 1.08 mg/kg BW, respectively). Control rats were administered with 0.9% normal saline through intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection. Maltolate and Al(mal) 3 were administered to the rats also through i.p. injections. Administration was conducted daily for two months. Rat neural behavior was examined using open field tests (OFT). And the protein expressions and their mRNAs transcription related with APP catabolism were studied using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results The expressions of APP, β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and presenilin-1 (PS1) proteins and their mRNAs transcription increased gradually with the increase of Al(mal) 3 doses (P<0.05). The enzyme activity of BACE1 in the 0.54 and 1.08 mg/kg Al(mal) 3 groups increased significantly (P<0.05). The expression of β-amyloid protein (Aβ) 1-40 gradually decreased while the protein expression of Aβ1-42 increased gradually with the increase of Al(mal) 3 doses (P<0.05). Conclusion Result from our study suggested that one of the possible mechanisms that Al(mal) 3 can cause neurotoxicity is that Al(mal) 3 can increase the generation of Aβ1-42 by facilitating the expressions of APP, β-, and γ-secretase.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(8120223181273116+2 种基金81430079)the Science and Technology Program of Guangdong Bureau of Science and TechnologyChina(2013B021800069)
文摘The molecular mechanism of DNA damage induced by hydroquinone(HQ)remains unclear.Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1(PARP-1)usually works as a DNA damage sensor,and hence,it is possible that PARP-1 is involved in the DNA damage response induced by HQ.In TK6 cells treated with HQ,PARP activity as well as the expression of apoptosis antagonizing
基金financially supported by the Tarbiat Modares University of Tehran。
文摘Air pollution is a major health problem in developing countries and has adverse effects on human health and the environment. Non-thermal plasma is an effective air pollution treatment technology. In this research, the performance of a dielectric barrier discharge(DBD) plasma reactor packed with glass and ceramic pellets was evaluated in the removal of SO_2 as a major air pollutant from air in ambient temperature. The response surface methodology was used to evaluate the effect of three key parameters(concentration of gas, gas flow rate, and voltage) as well as their simultaneous effects and interactions on the SO2 removal process. Reduced cubic models were derived to predict the SO_2 removal efficiency(RE) and energy yield(EY). Analysis of variance results showed that the packed-bed reactors(PBRs) studied were more energy efficient and had a high SO2 RE which was at least four times more than that of the non-packed reactor. Moreover, the results showed that the performance of ceramic pellets was better than that of glass pellets in PBRs. This may be due to the porous surface of ceramic pellets which allows the formation of microdischarges in the fine cavities of a porous surface when placed in a plasma discharge zone. The maximum SO_2 RE and EY were obtained at 94% and 0.81 g kWh^(-1),respectively under the optimal conditions of a concentration of gas of 750 ppm, a gas flow rate of 2lmin^(-1), and a voltage of 18 kV, which were achieved by the DBD plasma packed with ceramic pellets. Finally, the results of the model's predictions and the experiments showed good agreement.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30872093)Research Foundation of Health Department of Jiangsu Province(No.H200628)
文摘Objective:The aim of this case-control study was to explore whether five tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms(tSNPs)within the transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)gene were involved in manifestation of inflammatory and fibrotic processes associated with coal workers'pneumoconiosis(CWP).Methods:The study included 508 CWP patients and 526 controls who were underground coal miners from Xuzhou Mining Business Group.Five tSNPs were selected from the HapMap and detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP)method.Results:The single SNP analysis showed that the genotype frequencies of SNP2(rs1800470,+869T/C,extron 1)and SNP5(rs11466345,intron 5)in CWP cases were sig- nificantly different from those in controls.Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that SNP2(rs1800470) CC genotype was associated with decreased risk of CWP(OR=0.50,95%CI=0.32-0.78),which was evident among subgroups of those never smoke(OR=0.40,95%CI=0.24-0.66),cases with stageⅡ(OR=0.41,95%CI =0.22-0.76)and exposure period(<28 y:OR=0.54,95%CI=0.31-0.95;≥28 y:OR=0.52,95%CI=0.32-0.96). However,the SNP5(rs11466345)GG genotype was associated with an increased risk of CWP(OR=2.5,95%CI =1.36-4.57),and further stratification analysis showed that the risk of CWP was increased in both smoking and nonsmoking groups,shorter and longer exposure groups,while the risk of CWP was only increased in patients with stageⅠandⅡ.Conclusion:This study suggests that TGF-β1 polymorphisms may contribute to susceptibility of CWP.
基金the National Natural Science Funding of China(No.30872088,81372969)
文摘The purpose of this study was to study the role of neurofilament(NF)mR NA and calpain in NF reduction of acrylamide(ACR)neuropathy.Male Wistar adult rats were injected i.p.every other day with
