scholarly journals Epigenetic Markers Are Associated With Differences in Isocyanate Biomarker Levels in Exposed Spray-Painters

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura W. Taylor ◽  
John E. French ◽  
Zachary G. Robbins ◽  
Leena A. Nylander-French
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Status ◽  
Cpg Islands ◽  
Inhalation Exposure ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Hexamethylene Diisocyanate ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Epigenetic Markers ◽  
Skin Exposure ◽  
Protein Functions ◽  
Apoptosis Regulation

Isocyanates are respiratory and skin sensitizers that are one of the main causes of occupational asthma globally. Genetic and epigenetic markers are associated with isocyanate-induced asthma and, before asthma develops, we have shown that genetic polymorphisms are associated with variation in plasma and urine biomarker levels in exposed workers. Inter-individual epigenetic variance may also have a significant role in the observed biomarker variability following isocyanate exposure. Therefore, we determined the percent methylation for CpG islands from DNA extracted from mononuclear blood cells of 24 male spray-painters exposed to 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) monomer and HDI isocyanurate. Spray-painters’ personal inhalation and skin exposure to these compounds and the respective biomarker levels of 1,6-diaminohexane (HDA) and trisaminohexyl isocyanurate (TAHI) in their plasma and urine were measured during three repeated industrial hygiene monitoring visits. We controlled for inhalation exposure, skin exposure, age, smoking status, and ethnicity as covariates and performed an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) using likelihood-ratio statistical modeling. We identified 38 CpG markers associated with differences in isocyanate biomarker levels (Bonferroni < 0.05). Annotations for these markers included 18 genes: ALG1, ANKRD11, C16orf89, CHD7, COL27A, FUZ, FZD9, HMGN1, KRT6A, LEPR, MAPK10, MED25, NOSIP, PKD1, SNX19, UNC13A, UROS, and ZFHX3. We explored the functions of the genes that have been published in the literature and used GeneMANIA to investigate gene ontologies and predicted protein-interaction networks. The protein functions of the predicted networks include keratinocyte migration, cell–cell adhesions, calcium transport, neurotransmitter release, nitric oxide production, and apoptosis regulation. Many of the protein pathway functions overlap with previous findings on genetic markers associated with variability both in isocyanate biomarker levels and asthma susceptibility, which suggests there are overlapping protein pathways that contribute to both isocyanate toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics. These predicted protein networks can inform future research on the mechanism of allergic airway sensitization by isocyanates and aid in the development of mitigation strategies to better protect worker health.

scholarly journals Dose–Response Effects of 3-Nitrooxypropanol Combined with Low- and High-Concentrate Feed Proportions in the Dairy Cow Ration on Fermentation Parameters in a Rumen Simulation Technique

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1784
Author(s):  
Matthias Schilde ◽  
Dirk von Soosten ◽  
Liane Hüther ◽  
Susanne Kersten ◽  
Ulrich Meyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dose Response ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Hydrogen Gas ◽  
Simulation Technique ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Feed Additive ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Dose Dependent

Methane (CH4) from ruminal feed degradation is a major pollutant from ruminant livestock, which calls for mitigation strategies. The purpose of the present 4 × 2 factorial arrangement was to investigate the dose–response relationships between four doses of the CH4 inhibitor 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) and potential synergistic effects with low (LC) or high (HC) concentrate feed proportions (CFP) on CH4 reduction as both mitigation approaches differ in their mode of action (direct 3-NOP vs. indirect CFP effects). Diet substrates and 3-NOP were incubated in a rumen simulation technique to measure the concentration and production of volatile fatty acids (VFA), fermentation gases as well as substrate disappearance. Negative side effects on fermentation regarding total VFA and gas production as well as nutrient degradability were observed for neither CFP nor 3-NOP. CH4 production decreased from 10% up to 97% in a dose-dependent manner with increasing 3-NOP inclusion rate (dose: p < 0.001) but irrespective of CFP (CFP × dose: p = 0.094). Hydrogen gas accumulated correspondingly with increased 3-NOP dose (dose: p < 0.001). In vitro pH (p = 0.019) and redox potential (p = 0.066) varied by CFP, whereas the latter fluctuated with 3-NOP dose (p = 0.01). Acetate and iso-butyrate (mol %) decreased with 3-NOP dose, whereas iso-valerate increased (dose: p < 0.001). Propionate and valerate varied inconsistently due to 3-NOP supplementation. The feed additive 3-NOP was proven to be a dose-dependent yet effective CH4 inhibitor under conditions in vitro. The observed lack of additivity of increased CFP on the CH4 inhibition potential of 3-NOP needs to be verified in future research testing further diet types both in vitro and in vivo.

scholarly journals Corruption in Construction Projects: Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 4400
Author(s):  
Zhao Zhai ◽  
Ming Shan ◽  
Amos Darko ◽  
Albert P. C. Chan
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Research Policy ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Emerging Trends ◽  
Global Research

Corruption has been identified as a major problem in construction projects. It can jeopardize the success of these projects. Consequently, corruption has garnered significant attention in the construction industry over the past two decades, and several studies on corruption in construction projects (CICP) have been conducted. Previous efforts to analyze and review this body of knowledge have been manual, qualitative and subjective, thus prone to bias and limited in the number of reviewed studies. There remains a lack of inclusive, quantitative, objective and computational analysis of global CICP research to inform future research, policy and practice. This study aims to address this lack by providing the first inclusive bibliometric study exploring the state-of-the-art of global CICP research. To this end, a quantitative and objective technique aided by CiteSpace was used to systematically and computationally analyze a large corpus of 542 studies retrieved from the Web of Science and published from 2000 to 2020. The findings revealed major and influential CICP research journals, persons, institutions, countries, references and areas of focus, as well as revealing how these interact with each other in research networks. This study contributes to the in-depth understanding of global research on CICP. By highlighting the principal research areas, gaps, emerging trends and directions, as well as patterns in CICP research, the findings could help researchers, practitioners and policy makers position their future CICP research and/or mitigation strategies.

How to Measure Client Satisfaction With Stop Smoking Services: A Pilot Project in the UK National Health Service

2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvia May ◽  
Andy McEwen ◽  
Helen Arnoldi ◽  
Linda Bauld ◽  
Janet Ferguson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Health ◽  
Client Satisfaction ◽  
Survey Methodology ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Face Validity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Stop Smoking ◽  
Stop Smoking Services ◽  
Service To Others

AbstractThis pilot study aimed to develop a tool and methodology for measuring client satisfaction in UK National Health (NHS) Stop Smoking Services (SSS). A brief postcard questionnaire (measuring overall satisfaction with the service, willingness to recommend the service to others and smoking status) and a complete questionnaire (with 20 additional items measuring satisfaction with specific elements of the service) were developed. An NHS SSS mailed the postcard to 298 clients who had set a quit date in the previous quarter, they mailed the complete questionnaire to a subsample of 99 clients. Overall 34% (100/298) of those surveyed responded: 30% (90/298) for the card and 25% (25/99) for the questionnaire (15 people responded to both). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were found to be acceptable for both the overall service satisfaction item (ICC value = .43, p = .05) and the item regarding recommending the service to others (ICC-value = .83, p < .001). Hence the tool had reliability and at least face validity and the survey methodology proved practicable. The small modifications made to service delivery and the need for future research are discussed.

Aircraft Propulsion System Accident Causal Analysis

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Todd D. Jack ◽  
Carl N. Ford ◽  
Shari-Beth Nadell ◽  
Vicki Crisp
Keyword(s):  
Time Frame ◽  
Causal Analysis ◽  
Propulsion System ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Transportation Safety ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Aircraft Propulsion System ◽  
Engine Type

A causal analysis of aviation accidents by engine type is presented. The analysis employs a top-down methodology that performs a detailed analysis of the causes and factors cited in accident reports to develop a “fingerprint” profile for each engine type. This is followed by an in-depth analysis of each fingerprint that produces a sequential breakdown. Analysis results of National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) accidents, both fatal and non-fatal, that occurred during the time period of 1990–1998 are presented. Each data set is comprised of all accidents that involved aircraft with the following engine types: turbofan, turbojet, turboprop, and turboshaft (includes turbine helicopters). During this time frame there were 1461 accidents involving turbine powered aircraft; 306 of these involved propulsion malfunctions and/ or failures. Analyses are performed to investigate the sequential relationships between propulsion system malfunctions or failures with other causes and factors for each engine type. Other malfunctions or events prominent within each data set are also analyzed. Significant trends are identified. The results from this study can be used to identify areas for future research into intervention, prevention, and mitigation strategies.

scholarly journals White Matter Integrity and Nicotine Dependence: Evaluating Vertical and Horizontal Pleiotropy

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhenyao Ye ◽  
Chen Mo ◽  
Song Liu ◽  
Kathryn S. Hatch ◽  
Si Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
White Matter ◽  
Nicotine Dependence ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Genome Wide Association Study ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cerebral White Matter ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Causal Pathway

Tobacco smoking is an addictive behavior that supports nicotine dependence and is an independent risk factor for cancer and other illnesses. Its neurogenetic mechanisms are not fully understood but may act through alterations in the cerebral white matter (WM). We hypothesized that the vertical pleiotropic pathways, where genetic variants influence a trait that in turn influences another trait, link genetic factors, integrity of cerebral WM, and nicotine addiction. We tested this hypothesis using individual genetic factors, WM integrity measured by fractional anisotropy (FA), and nicotine dependence-related smoking phenotypes, including smoking status (SS) and cigarettes per day (CPDs), in a large epidemiological sample collected by the UK Biobank. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify previously reported loci associated with smoking behavior. Smoking was found to be associated with reduced WM integrity in multiple brain regions. We then evaluated two competing vertical pathways: Genes → WM integrity → Smoking versus Genes → Smoking → WM integrity and a horizontal pleiotropy pathway where genetic factors independently affect both smoking and WM integrity. The causal pathway analysis identified 272 pleiotropic single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) whose effects on SS were mediated by FA, as well as 22 pleiotropic SNPs whose effects on FA were mediated by CPD. These SNPs were mainly located in important susceptibility genes for smoking-induced diseases NCAM1 and IREB2. Our findings revealed the role of cerebral WM in the maintenance of the complex addiction and provided potential genetic targets for future research in examining how changes in WM integrity contribute to the nicotine effects on the brain.

scholarly journals Prevalence of smoking in adults with spinal cord stimulators: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 214-218
Author(s):  
W Michael Hooten ◽  
Rajat N Moman ◽  
Jodie Dvorkin ◽  
E Morgan Pollard ◽  
Robalee Wonderman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Vascular Diseases ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prevalence Studies ◽  
Pooled Prevalence

BackgroundSmoking adversely impacts pain-related outcomes of spinal cord stimulation (SCS). However, the proportion of SCS patients at risk of worse outcomes is limited by an incomplete knowledge of smoking prevalence in this population. Thus, the primary aim of this systematic review is to determine the prevalence of smoking in adults with chronic pain treated with SCS.MethodsA comprehensive search of databases from 1 January 1980 to 3 January 2019 was conducted. Eligible study designs included (1) randomized trials; (2) prospective and retrospective cohort studies; and (3) cross-sectional studies. The risk of bias was assessed using a tool specifically developed for prevalence studies. A total of 1619 records were screened, 19 studies met inclusion criteria, and the total number of participants was 10 838.ResultsThirteen studies had low or moderate risk of bias, and six had a high risk of bias. All 19 studies reported smoking status and the pooled prevalence was 38% (95% CI 30% to 47%). The pooled prevalence in 6 studies of peripheral vascular diseases was 56% (95% CI 42% to 69%), the pooled prevalence of smoking in 11 studies of lumbar spine diagnoses was 28% (95% CI 20% to 36%) and the pooled prevalence in 2 studies of refractory angina was 44% (95% CI 31% to 58%).ConclusionsThe estimated prevalence of smoking in SCS patients is 2.5 times greater than the general population. Future research should focus on development, testing and deployment of tailored smoking cessation treatments for SCS patients.

In Silico Recognition of Protein-Protein Interaction

2011 ◽  
pp. 248-268
Author(s):  
Byung-Hoon Park ◽  
Phuongan Dam ◽  
Chongle Pan ◽  
Ying Xu ◽  
Al Geist ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Regulatory Networks ◽  
Machine Learning Techniques ◽  
Translation Regulation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Protein Protein Interaction ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Protein Functions ◽  
Model Protein

Protein-protein interactions are fundamental to cellular processes. They are responsible for phenomena like DNA replication, gene transcription, protein translation, regulation of metabolic pathways, immunologic recognition, signal transduction, etc. The identification of interacting proteins is therefore an important prerequisite step in understanding their physiological functions. Due to the invaluable importance to various biophysical activities, reliable computational methods to infer protein-protein interactions from either structural or genome sequences are in heavy demand lately. Successful predictions, for instance, will facilitate a drug design process and the reconstruction of metabolic or regulatory networks. In this chapter, we review: (a) high-throughput experimental methods for identification of protein-protein interactions, (b) existing databases of protein-protein interactions, (c) computational approaches to predicting protein-protein interactions at both residue and protein levels, (d) various statistical and machine learning techniques to model protein-protein interactions, and (e) applications of protein-protein interactions in predicting protein functions. We also discuss intrinsic drawbacks of the existing approaches and future research directions.

scholarly journals Nitrous oxide emissions during microalgae-based wastewater treatment: current state of the art and implication for greenhouse gases budgeting

2020 ◽  
Vol 82 (6) ◽  
pp. 1025-1030
Author(s):  
Maxence Plouviez ◽  
Benoit Guieysse
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
N2o Emissions ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Intergovernmental Panel ◽  
Aerobic Wastewater Treatment

Abstract Microalgae can synthesise the ozone depleting pollutant and greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O). Consequently, significant N2O emissions have been recorded during real wastewater treatment in high rate algal ponds (HRAPs). While data scarcity and variability prevent meaningful assessment, the magnitude reported (0.13–0.57% of the influent nitrogen load) is within the range reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for direct N2O emissions during centralised aerobic wastewater treatment (0.016–4.5% of the influent nitrogen load). Critically, the ability of microalgae to synthesise N2O challenges the IPCC's broad view that bacterial denitrification and nitrification are the only major cause of N2O emissions from wastewater plants and aquatic environments receiving nitrogen from wastewater effluents. Significant N2O emissions have indeed been repeatedly detected from eutrophic water bodies and wastewater discharge contributes to eutrophication via the release of nitrogen and phosphorus. Considering the complex interplays between nitrogen and phosphorus supply, microalgal growth, and microalgal N2O synthesis, further research must urgently seek to better quantify N2O emissions from microalgae-based wastewater systems and eutrophic ecosystems receiving wastewater. This future research will ultimately improve the prediction of N2O emissions from wastewater treatment in national inventories and may therefore affect the prioritisation of mitigation strategies.

scholarly journals Effect of 1,6-Hexamethylene Diisocyanate Exposure on Peak Flowmetry in Automobile Paint Shop Workers in Iran

2010 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siyamak Pourabedian ◽  
Abdullah Barkhordari ◽  
Ehsanallah Habibi ◽  
Masoud Rismanchiyan ◽  
Mohsen Zare
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Peak Expiratory Flow ◽  
Inhalation Exposure ◽  
Threshold Limit Value ◽  
Hexamethylene Diisocyanate ◽  
Paint Shop ◽  
Limit Value ◽  
Automobile Body ◽  
Flow Inhalation ◽  
Expiratory Flow

Effect of 1,6-Hexamethylene Diisocyanate Exposure on Peak Flowmetry in Automobile Paint Shop Workers in IranThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of occupational exposure to 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) on peak flowmetry in automobile body paint shop workers in Iran. We studied a population of 43 car painters exposed to HDI at their workplaces. Peak expiratory flow was tested for one working week, from the start to the end of each shift. Air was sampled and HDI analysed in parallel, according to the OSHA 42 method.Daily and weekly HDI exposure averages were (0.42±0.1) mg m-3 and (0.13±0.05) mg m-3, respectively.On painting days, 72 % of workers showed more than a 10 % variation in peak expiratory flow. Inhalation exposure exceeded the threshold limit value (TLV) ten times over. This strongly suggests that HDI affected the peak flowmetry in the studied workers.

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