scholarly journals The Dynamic Computer Workstation—A Pilot Study of Clinical and Biochemical Investigation during Work at Static Respectively Mobile Keyboards

Author(s):  
Bijar Ghafouri ◽  
Karin Wåhlén ◽  
Ulrika Wentzel-Olausson ◽  
Staffan Smeds

A large and increasing number of the work force in the population spend their work hours at the keyboard. There is evidence that repetitive high levels of static work, or extreme working postures involving the neck–shoulder muscles are an increased risk for chronic neck–shoulder pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dynamic computer working (DCW), using a mobile application to the desk surface, on pain characteristics and biomarkers in office workers. We included 10 female subjects. All subjects answered questionnaires about general health, pain intensity and characteristics. The pressure pain threshold (PPT), neck range and motion, neck and shoulder strength were measured. Microdialysis was conducted in trapezius muscle. Measurements were performed before and 4 weeks after DCW. Multivariate analysis, orthogonal partial least square discriminate analysis (OPLS-DA) and univariate analysis paired test, Wilcoxon, was performed. There was significant improvement in reported neck pain, quality of life, and psychological distress after 4 weeks DCW. The PPT and strength in neck and shoulder were significantly increased after DCW. A significant OPLS-DA model showed clear separation between the samples collected before and after 4 weeks DCW. In conclusion, these results show that keyboard work at a movable desk application might decrease the risk of repetitive strain injuries in the neck and shoulder muscles.

2021 ◽  
pp. 2102406
Author(s):  
Gözde Gürdeniz ◽  
Madeleine Ernst ◽  
Daniela Rago ◽  
Min Kim ◽  
Julie Courraud ◽  
...  

BackgroundBirth by cesarean section (CS) is linked to an increased risk of developing asthma, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear.ObjectiveTo elucidate the link between birth by CS and asthma using newborn metabolomic profiles and integrating early life gut microbiome data and cord blood immunology.MethodsWe investigated the influence of CS on liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomic profiles of dried blood spots from newborns of the two independent Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood cohorts, i.e. COPSAC2010 (n=677) and COPSAC2000 (n=387). We assessed the associations between the CS metabolic profile, age one-week gut microbiome data and frequency of cord blood Tregs.ResultsIn COPSAC2010, a partial least square-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) model showed that children born by CS versus natural delivery had different metabolic profiles (AUC=0.77, p=2.2e-16), which was replicated in COPSAC2000 (AUC=0.66, p=1.2e-5). The metabolic profile of CS was significantly associated with an increased risk of asthma at school-age in both COPSAC2010 (p=0.03) and COPSAC2000 (p=0.005). CS was associated with lower abundance of tryptophan, bile acid and phenylalanine metabolites, indicative of a perturbed gut microbiota. Further, gut bacteria dominating after natural delivery, i.e. Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides were correlated with CS-discriminative microbial metabolites, suggesting maternal microbial transmission during birth regulating the newborn's metabolism. Finally, the CS metabolic profile was associated with frequency of cord blood Tregs.ConclusionsThese findings propose that CS is programming the risk of childhood asthma through perturbed immune responses and gut microbial colonization patterns reflected in the blood metabolome at birth.


Author(s):  
K Aginsky

Background: Being overhead athletes, water polo players can present with muscular imbalances of the shoulder, between the internal rotators (IR) and external rotators (ER), leading to changes in posture and an increased risk of injury.Objectives: To assess posture and isokinetic shoulder strength of female club-level water polo players.Methods: A descriptive study assessing posture and isokinetic strength of the IR and ER shoulder muscles in 15 female club-level South African water polo players (age: 21.3 ± 1.5 years) was conducted. Posture was assessed using a posture grid. Isokinetic shoulder rotator muscle strength was tested over five repetitions concentrically and eccentrically at 60°/sec using a Biodex system 3 isokinetic dynamometer. The bilateral, reciprocal and functional dynamic control ratios (DCR) were calculated.Results: Typical postures noted were a forward head, rounded shoulders, increased thoracic spine kyphosis, elevated non-dominant shoulder and mild scapula winging. The mean concentric reciprocal ratios for the dominant (52.2 ± 7%) and non-dominant (51.9 ± 6.4%) sides indicated ER muscle weakness. DCR values were within normal limits for the group. (D: 0.75 ± 0.2 and ND: 0.75 ± 0.1).Conclusion: There is a trend for these female water polo players to have rounded shoulders and forward head postures, as well as ER muscle strength weakness, the combination of which could predispose the athletes to shoulder injury.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohd Norzaliman Mohd Zain ◽  
Zalhan Md Yu ◽  
Katrul Nadia Basri ◽  
Farinawati Yazid ◽  
Yong Xian Teh ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: A force applied during orthodontic treatment induces inflammation to root area and lead to root resorption known as Orthodontically Induced Inflammatory Root Resorption (OIIRR). Dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) is one of the most abundant non-collagenous protein in dentine that was released into gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during OIIRR. The aim of this research is to compare DSPP detection using the univariate and multivariate analysis in predicting classification level of root resorption. Methods: The subjects for this study consisted of 30 patients in 3 group classified as normal, mild and severe groups of OIIRR. The GCF samples were taken from upper permanent central incisors in the normal and mild group while the upper primary second molars in the severe group. The DSPP qualitative detection limit was determined by analyzing the whole absorption spectrum utilizing multivariate analysis embedded with different preprocessing method. The multivariate analysis represents the multi-wavelength spectrum while univariate analyzes the absorption of a single wavelength. Results: The results showed that the multivariate analysis technique using Partial Least Square-Discriminate Analysis (PLS-DA) with the preprocess method has successfully improved in classification prediction for the normal and mild group at 0.88 percent accuracy. The multivariate using PLS-DA algorithm with Mean Center preprocess method was able to predict normal and mild tooth resorption classes better than the univariate analysis. The classification parameters have improved in term of the specificity, precision and accuracy. Conclusion: Therefore, the multivariate analysis helps to predict an early detection of tooth resorption complimenting the sensitivity of the univariate analysis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lina Youssef ◽  
Jezid Miranda ◽  
Miquel Blasco ◽  
Cristina Paules ◽  
Francesca Crovetto ◽  
...  

AbstractPreeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific multisystem disorder and a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The exact pathogenesis of this multifactorial disease remains poorly defined. We applied proteomics analysis on maternal blood samples collected from 14 singleton pregnancies with early-onset severe preeclampsia and 6 uncomplicated pregnancies to investigate the pathophysiological pathways involved in this specific subgroup of preeclampsia. Maternal blood was drawn at diagnosis for cases and at matched gestational age for controls. LC–MS/MS proteomics analysis was conducted, and data were analyzed by multivariate and univariate statistical approaches with the identification of differential pathways by exploring the global human protein–protein interaction network. The unsupervised multivariate analysis (the principal component analysis) showed a clear difference between preeclamptic and uncomplicated pregnancies. The supervised multivariate analysis using orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis resulted in a model with goodness of fit (R2X = 0.99, p < 0.001) and a strong predictive ability (Q2Y = 0.8, p < 0.001). By univariate analysis, we found 17 proteins statistically different after 5% FDR correction (q-value < 0.05). Pathway enrichment analysis revealed 5 significantly enriched pathways whereby the activation of the complement and coagulation cascades was on top (p = 3.17e−07). To validate these results, we assessed the deposits of C5b-9 complement complex and on endothelial cells that were exposed to activated plasma from an independent set of 4 cases of early-onset severe preeclampsia and 4 uncomplicated pregnancies. C5b-9 and Von Willbrand factor deposits were significantly higher in early-onset severe preeclampsia. Future studies are warranted to investigate potential therapeutic targets for early-onset severe preeclampsia within the complement and coagulation pathway.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Yongsheng Qu ◽  
Liang Wang ◽  
Wei Guo

The leaves of Morus alba (LMA) are crucial traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) of clearing heat. In ancient Chinese materia medica and the current Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China, LMA are recorded to be harvested after frost for medicinal purpose. However, the reason and mechanism of this traditional usage have been still unknown so far. In this work, it was confirmed firstly that the antipyretic effect of LMA after frost was better than that of before frost significantly on feverish rats. Subsequently, the chemical profiles of LMA before and after frost were characterized by fingerprint, respectively. Then, the endemic peaks after frost and positive differential peaks were screened as the research object of spectrum-effect correlation by orthogonal signal correction partial least square discrimination (OPLS). Finally, a multivariable and continuous-index spectrum-effect correlation model coupled with OPLS was established. As a result, the antipyretic components of postfrost LMA were screened and identified as citric acid derivative and tryptophan which may be the synergistic material basis. The study can provide a scientific foundation for the enhancement of effects in the postfrost LMA. Moreover, the strategy of this research could provide a valuable reference for revealing the material basis of synergetic or antagonistic effects among other complex drug systems.


Life ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 86
Author(s):  
Lina Youssef ◽  
Francesca Crovetto ◽  
Rui Vasco Simoes ◽  
Jezid Miranda ◽  
Cristina Paules ◽  
...  

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a multi-system disorder unique to pregnancy responsible for a great part of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The precise pathogenesis of this complex disorder is still unrevealed. Methods: We examined the pathophysiological pathways involved in early-onset preeclampsia, a specific subgroup representing its most severe presentation, using LC-MS/MS metabolomic analysis based on multi-level extraction of lipids and small metabolites from maternal blood samples, collected at the time of diagnosis from 14 preeclamptic and six matched healthy pregnancies. Statistical analysis comprised multivariate and univariate approaches with the application of over representation analysis to identify differential pathways. Results: A clear difference between preeclamptic and control pregnancies was observed in principal component analysis. Supervised multivariate analysis using orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis provided a robust model with goodness of fit (R2X = 0.91, p = 0.002) and predictive ability (Q2Y = 0.72, p < 0.001). Finally, univariate analysis followed by 5% false discovery rate correction indicated 82 metabolites significantly altered, corresponding to six overrepresented pathways: (1) aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis; (2) arginine biosynthesis; (3) alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism; (4) D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism; (5) arginine and proline metabolism; and (6) histidine metabolism. Conclusion: Metabolomic analysis focusing specifically on the early-onset severe form of preeclampsia reveals the interplay between pathophysiological pathways involved in this form. Future studies are required to explore new therapeutic approaches targeting these altered metabolic pathways in early-onset preeclampsia.


The major challenges organizations facing today’s competitive world is diversified work force and ever changing environment and technology. It is, therefore, imperative to utilize the employees ‘capabilities to the maximum possible extent to achieve individual and organizational goals. In this perspective, it has been discussed that job satisfaction and employee motivation are wide influencer of employees’ performance. Employee dedication and commitment towards work leads to improved outcomes in performance, organizational productivity and profit. Employees are more loyal and satisfied to the organization when they get recognition from their employers. The understanding of organizations on the factors satisfying employees will lead to deal with the people and get the extra ordinary results from them. The employee engagement and business performances are complimentary to each other. Higher is the employee engagement then greater the business performance. The present research makes an attempt to investigate the concept of job satisfaction and its impact on performance among the employees in the automobile industry, which is one of the key drivers that boost the economic growth of the country. In the time of recessions, the survival of the organization depends on the fully engaged employee. There is no agreement between defining the employee engagement by the earlier researchers and also its impact on job satisfaction and performance. In this concern, this study is significant in the definition of employee engagement and to find its relationship with job satisfaction and job performance in automobile industry.


Vision ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 47
Author(s):  
Natasha Spiteri ◽  
Nino Hirnschall ◽  
Katherine van Bysterveldt ◽  
Alec Lin Hou ◽  
Gregory Moloney ◽  
...  

Purpose: To investigate whether Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) genotype, specifically transcription factor 4 (TCF4) CTG triplet repeat “load” predicts time to clearance following Descemet’s Stripping Only (DSO). Methods: This prospective, interventional trial was conducted on consecutive FECD patients undergoing DSO. Genetic analysis using patients’ saliva was performed to assess the extent of CTG expansion using short tandem repeat analysis, corroborated gel electrophoresis and Sanger sequencing. Polymerase chain reaction and bidirectional Sanger sequencing was undertaken. Partial least square regression and logistic regression modelling was used to evaluate the predictive power of TCF4 repeats on corneal clearance. Results: Of 11 eyes of 11 patients, 8 showed complete corneal clearance. For these 8 patients, mean TCF4 allele repeat was 24.8 (SD: 23.7, range: 11–63) and 63.4 (SD: 30.3; range: 11–97), respectively. In total, 9/11 (81.8%) had expanded CTG repeats (>40) in one allele. In cases with an allele repeat ≥80, there was a significantly increased risk of corneal non-clearance (odds ratio 18.2, p = 0.009). Conclusion: Whilst it was not possible to predict time to corneal clearance based on CTG repeats, there is a significant correlation between allele repeats and achievement of corneal clearance.


PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e10816
Author(s):  
Siti Junaidah Ahmad ◽  
Noraziah Mohamad Zin ◽  
Noor Wini Mazlan ◽  
Syarul Nataqain Baharum ◽  
Mohd Shukri Baba ◽  
...  

Background Antiplasmodial drug discovery is significant especially from natural sources such as plant bacteria. This research aimed to determine antiplasmodial metabolites of Streptomyces spp. against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 by using a metabolomics approach. Methods Streptomyces strains’ growth curves, namely SUK 12 and SUK 48, were measured and P. falciparum 3D7 IC50 values were calculated. Metabolomics analysis was conducted on both strains’ mid-exponential and stationary phase extracts. Results The most successful antiplasmodial activity of SUK 12 and SUK 48 extracts shown to be at the stationary phase with IC50 values of 0.8168 ng/mL and 0.1963 ng/mL, respectively. In contrast, the IC50 value of chloroquine diphosphate (CQ) for antiplasmodial activity was 0.2812 ng/mL. The univariate analysis revealed that 854 metabolites and 14, 44 and three metabolites showed significant differences in terms of strain, fermentation phase, and their interactions. Orthogonal partial least square-discriminant analysis and S-loading plot putatively identified pavettine, aurantioclavine, and 4-butyldiphenylmethane as significant outliers from the stationary phase of SUK 48. For potential isolation, metabolomics approach may be used as a preliminary approach to rapidly track and identify the presence of antimalarial metabolites before any isolation and purification can be done.


2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-88
Author(s):  
Tyas Tunjung Sari ◽  
Pandu Nuansa Luhur

This study aims to determine the motivation of work to mediate the effect of training and work environment on employee performance at PT. Telkom Witel Yogyakarta Yogyakarta. The purpose of this study is to determine and analyze 1) the effect of training on employee performance at PT. Telkom Witel Yogyakarta 2) the effect of training on employee performance through motivation at PT. Telkom Witel Yogyakarta 3) the influence of the work environment on employee performance at PT. Telkom Witel Yogyakarta 4) the influence of the work environment on employee performance through motivation at PT. Telkom Witel Yogyakarta. This study uses primary data through research on 62 respondents. Structural Equation is used to analyze data, using PLS (Partial Least Square) version 2.0. The results of this study indicate that there are 1) positive and significant influence of training on employee performance 2) positive and significant influence of work environment on employee performance 3) positive and significant effect of training on employee performance through motivation 4) positive and significant influence of work environment on employee performance through motivation.


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