Description:
Introduction: Organophosphates are a class of insecticides used globally by the agricultural industry for insect control. Acute consequences of organophosphate exposures are well known, while there has been limited research on their long-term effects. The objective of this review was to discuss the health effects of chronic organophosphate exposure in farmers. Methods: Medline, Scopus and Web of Science were searched to find the relevant articles. Articles published only in English and until December 2018 were reviewed. The selected articles were then categorised as neurological (neurobehaviour, neurodevelopmental, neurological signs and symptoms) or non-neurological subheadings. Results: A total of 53 articles for neurological effects and 17 articles for non-neurological effects were identified. Chronic organophosphates exposure was associated with deficits in the neurobehaviour subsets of attention and short-term memory, increased incidence of neurodegenerative diseases and effects on peripheral nerves and neurodevelopment. However, research to support non-neurological effects such as respiratory symptoms, increased cancer risk, endocrine disruption, cardiac issues, chronic fatigue and infertility was limited. Conclusion: Chronic organophosphate exposure was found to affect four of the five areas of described neurological effects in the literature. A large proportion of the research in this area was not methodologically strong, therefore few recommendations can be conclusively made. Future research is warranted to investigate the non-neurological effects of chronic exposure to ensure the occupational risks of low-level chronic exposure are clearly communicated to farmers and farm workers.
Description:
Introduction: Organophosphates are a class of insecticides used globally by the agricultural industry for insect control. Acute consequences of organophosphate exposures are well known, while there has been limited research on their long-term effects. The objective of this review was to discuss the health effects of chronic organophosphate exposure in farmers. Methods: Medline, Scopus and Web of Science were searched to find the relevant articles. Articles published only in English and until December 2018 were reviewed. The selected articles were then categorised as neurological (neurobehaviour, neurodevelopmental, neurological signs and symptoms) or non-neurological subheadings. Results: A total of 53 articles for neurological effects and 17 articles for non-neurological effects were identified. Chronic organophosphates exposure was associated with deficits in the neurobehaviour subsets of attention and short-term memory, increased incidence of neurodegenerative diseases and effects on peripheral nerves and neurodevelopment. However, research to support non-neurological effects such as respiratory symptoms, increased cancer risk, endocrine disruption, cardiac issues, chronic fatigue and infertility was limited. Conclusion: Chronic organophosphate exposure was found to affect four of the five areas of described neurological effects in the literature. A large proportion of the research in this area was not methodologically strong, therefore few recommendations can be conclusively made. Future research is warranted to investigate the non-neurological effects of chronic exposure to ensure the occupational risks of low-level chronic exposure are clearly communicated to farmers and farm workers.
Description:
INTRODUCTION: Organophosphates are a class of insecticides used globally by the agricultural industry for insect control. Acute consequences of organophosphate exposures are well known, while there has been limited research on their long-term effects. The objective of this review was to discuss the health effects of chronic organophosphate exposure in farmers. METHODS: Medline, Scopus and Web of Science were searched to find the relevant articles. Articles published only in English and until December 2018 were reviewed. The selected articles were then categorised as neurological (neurobehaviour, neurodevelopmental, neurological signs and symptoms) or non-neurological subheadings. RESULTS: A total of 53 articles for neurological effects and 17 articles for non-neurological effects were identified. Chronic organophosphates exposure was associated with deficits in the neurobehaviour subsets of attention and short-term memory, increased incidence of neurodegenerative diseases and effects on peripheral nerves and neurodevelopment. However, research to support non-neurological effects such as respiratory symptoms, increased cancer risk, endocrine disruption, cardiac issues, chronic fatigue and infertility was limited. CONCLUSION: Chronic organophosphate exposure was found to affect four of the five areas of described neurological effects in the literature. A large proportion of the research in this area was not methodologically strong, therefore few recommendations can be conclusively made. Future research is warranted to investigate the non-neurological effects of chronic exposure to ensure the occupational risks of low-level chronic exposure are clearly communicated to farmers and farm workers.
Description:
INTRODUCTION: Organophosphates are a class of insecticides used globally by the agricultural industry for insect control. Acute consequences of organophosphate exposures are well known, while there has been limited research on their long-term effects. The objective of this review was to discuss the health effects of chronic organophosphate exposure in farmers. METHODS: Medline, Scopus and Web of Science were searched to find the relevant articles. Articles published only in English and until December 2018 were reviewed. The selected articles were then categorised as neurological (neurobehaviour, neurodevelopmental, neurological signs and symptoms) or non-neurological subheadings. RESULTS: A total of 53 articles for neurological effects and 17 articles for non-neurological effects were identified. Chronic organophosphates exposure was associated with deficits in the neurobehaviour subsets of attention and short-term memory, increased incidence of neurodegenerative diseases and effects on peripheral nerves and neurodevelopment. However, research to support non-neurological effects such as respiratory symptoms, increased cancer risk, endocrine disruption, cardiac issues, chronic fatigue and infertility was limited. CONCLUSION: Chronic organophosphate exposure was found to affect four of the five areas of described neurological effects in the literature. A large proportion of the research in this area was not methodologically strong, therefore few recommendations can be conclusively made. Future research is warranted to investigate the non-neurological effects of chronic exposure to ensure the occupational risks of low-level chronic exposure are clearly communicated to farmers and farm workers.
Description:
In this note we prove a symmetric version of the Neumann lemma as well as a symmetric version of the Soderlind-Campanato lemma. We establish in this way two partial generalizations of the well-known Casazza-Christenses lemma. This work is related to the Birkhoff-James orthogonality and to the concept of near operators introduced by S. Campanato. (C) 2019 Published by Elsevier Inc.
Description:
In this note we prove a symmetric version of the Neumann lemma as well as a symmetric version of the Soderlind-Campanato lemma. We establish in this way two partial generalizations of the well-known Casazza-Christenses lemma. This work is related to the Birkhoff-James orthogonality and to the concept of near operators introduced by S. Campanato. (C) 2019 Published by Elsevier Inc.
Description:
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) constitutes 90% of ovarian cancers (OC) and is the eighth most common cause of cancer-related death in women. The cancer histologically and genetically is very complex having a high degree of tumour heterogeneity. The pathogenic variability in OC causes significant impediments in effectively treating patients, resulting in a dismal prognosis. Disease progression is predominantly influenced by the peritoneal tumour microenvironment rather than properties of the tumor and is the major contributor to prognosis. Standard treatment of OC patients consists of debulking surgery, followed by chemotherapy, which in most cases end in recurrent chemoresistant disease. This review discusses the different origins of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), the major sub-type of EOC. Tumour heterogeneity, genetic/epigenetic changes, and cancer stem cells (CSC) in facilitating HGSOC progression and their contribution in the circumvention of therapy treatments are included. Several new treatment strategies are discussed including our preliminary proof of concept study describing the role of mitochondria-associated granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor signaling protein (Magmas) in HGSOC and its unique potential role in chemotherapy-resistant disease.
Description:
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) constitutes 90% of ovarian cancers (OC) and is the eighth most common cause of cancer-related death in women. The cancer histologically and genetically is very complex having a high degree of tumour heterogeneity. The pathogenic variability in OC causes significant impediments in effectively treating patients, resulting in a dismal prognosis. Disease progression is predominantly influenced by the peritoneal tumour microenvironment rather than properties of the tumor and is the major contributor to prognosis. Standard treatment of OC patients consists of debulking surgery, followed by chemotherapy, which in most cases end in recurrent chemoresistant disease. This review discusses the different origins of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), the major sub-type of EOC. Tumour heterogeneity, genetic/epigenetic changes, and cancer stem cells (CSC) in facilitating HGSOC progression and their contribution in the circumvention of therapy treatments are included. Several new treatment strategies are discussed including our preliminary proof of concept study describing the role of mitochondria-associated granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor signaling protein (Magmas) in HGSOC and its unique potential role in chemotherapy-resistant disease.
Description:
Accessible SummaryWhat is known about shared decision-making? There is increasing evidence of the positive impact of shared decision-making on health outcomes. There has been little exploration of shared decision-making regarding people diagnosed with serious mental illness from the perspectives of key stakeholders including consumers, families and mental health professionals. What this paper adds to existing knowledge? Consumers show variability in the preference for their involvement. Most stakeholders acknowledge the importance of family involvement. MHPs should share the responsibility and right to facilitate consumer involvement. There is bidirectional association between shared decision-making and therapeutic relationships. The practice of shared decision-making is related to multiple factors, and one main perceived barrier is time. The majority of studies are from Western countries. What are the implications for practice? Elicit consumer preferences and establish a collaborative therapeutic relationship. Encourage and engage families in treatment decision-making. Inter-professional collaboration should be integrated into shared decision-making. It might require lengthier consultation time. Studies in non-Western countries are needed to fully understand the impact of culture on shared decision-making. Shared decision-making (SDM) has been broadly advocated in health services and constitutes an important component of patient-centred care and relationship-based care. To review available literature related to perceptions of key stakeholders about shared decision-making in serious mental illness. An integrative review was conducted through a search of four online databases from January 2012 to June 2019. Forty-six articles were included. Six themes were generated from the data analysis: (a) dynamic preferences for SDM, (b) various stakeholders are rarely involved, (c) SDM is not routinely implemented, (d) multiple facilitators and barriers to SDM, (e) SDM and therapeutic relationships interact, (f) SDM has a promising impact on health outcomes. Overall, most stakeholders have recognized the importance and flexibility of SDM in serious mental illness, although it is not routine in mental health service. Consumer preferences show variability in their involvement. Most stakeholders acknowledged the importance of family involvement to treatment decision-making. There are several significant challenges to practice SDM. It may require extended consultation times and increasing empirical evidence regarding the SDM outcomes, as well as integrating inter-professional collaboration into SDM. Most studies were conducted in Western culture. Mental health nurses should elicit consumer preferences and establish a collaborative therapeutic relationship. Encourage and engage families in treatment decision-making when consumers prefer their families to be involved. Inter-professional collaboration should be integrated into shared decision-making. The practice of shared decision-making might need extended consultation time and more robust evidence about the outcome of shared decision-making. Studies in non-Western cultures are needed to fully understand cultural issues of shared decision-making. IntroductionAimMethodResultsDiscussionImplications for practice
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In the present study, the effects of graphene oxide (GO) nano-particles on performance and emissions of a diesel engine fueled with Oenothera lamarckiana biodiesel was investigated. Biodiesel was used in the blend of B20. The GO nano-particles with concentrations of 30, 60, and 90 ppm were considered for each fuel blend. Experiments were performed at a constant speed of 2100 rpm at loads of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. Various parameters, such as power, exhaust gas temperature (EGT), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), unburned hydrocarbons (UHCs), and nitrogen oxides (NOx), were investigated. Results showed that by using GO, power and EGT significantly increase. Furthermore, by using GO nanoparticles, significant reductions in CO (similar to 5%-22%) and UHC5 (similar to 17%-26%) were observed. However, under similar conditions, a slight increase in CO2 (similar to 7%-11%) and NOx (similar to 4%-9%) emissions observed. Finally, it can be concluded that nano-graphene oxide can be introduced as a suitable alternative fuel additive for Oenothera lamarckiana biodiesel blends. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Introduction. Freezing of gait (FOG) is one of the most severe symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). Physiotherapy treatment could be an effective strategy for treating FOG, but no systematic review has been carried out in this regard. Aim. To identify the characteristics, methodological quality, and main outcomes of the studies that have analyzed the effects of physiotherapy interventions in FOG up to date, by performing a systematic review and a meta-analysis. Patients and methods. Four electronic databases were searched in order to find randomized controlled trials that provided information regarding the effects of any kind of physiotherapy treatment on FOG. The methodological quality of the included investigations was assessed by means of the PEDro scale. Results. Twelve studies were identified for inclusion into the qualitative analysis, with four randomized controlled trials included in the final meta-analysis. The quality of the trials was generally good. Those physiotherapy modalities including cues were more effective for treating FOG than traditional physiotherapy approaches. The meta-analysis indicated that physiotherapy interventions had a significantly greater impact on FOG than control comparisons. Conclusions. Physiotherapy treatment, especially those modalities including visual and auditory cueing, should be prescribed to PD patients with FOG. Future studies including PD patients with cognitive impairment and FOG objective measurement tools are need to complete the existing scientific evidence.
Description:
Introduction. Freezing of gait (FOG) is one of the most severe symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). Physiotherapy treatment could be an effective strategy for treating FOG, but no systematic review has been carried out in this regard. Aim. To identify the characteristics, methodological quality, and main outcomes of the studies that have analyzed the effects of physiotherapy interventions in FOG up to date, by performing a systematic review and a meta-analysis. Patients and methods. Four electronic databases were searched in order to find randomized controlled trials that provided information regarding the effects of any kind of physiotherapy treatment on FOG. The methodological quality of the included investigations was assessed by means of the PEDro scale. Results. Twelve studies were identified for inclusion into the qualitative analysis, with four randomized controlled trials included in the final meta-analysis. The quality of the trials was generally good. Those physiotherapy modalities including cues were more effective for treating FOG than traditional physiotherapy approaches. The meta-analysis indicated that physiotherapy interventions had a significantly greater impact on FOG than control comparisons. Conclusions. Physiotherapy treatment, especially those modalities including visual and auditory cueing, should be prescribed to PD patients with FOG. Future studies including PD patients with cognitive impairment and FOG objective measurement tools are need to complete the existing scientific evidence.
Description:
It is known that polytopes with at most two nonsimple vertices are reconstructible from their graphs, and that d-polytopes with at most d- 2 nonsimple vertices are reconstructible from their 2-skeletons. Here we close the gap between 2 and d- 2 , showing that certain polytopes with more than two nonsimple vertices are reconstructible from their graphs. In particular, we prove that reconstructibility from graphs also holds for d-polytopes with d+ k vertices and at most d- k+ 3 nonsimple vertices, provided k
Description:
It is known that polytopes with at most two nonsimple vertices are reconstructible from their graphs, and that d-polytopes with at most d- 2 nonsimple vertices are reconstructible from their 2-skeletons. Here we close the gap between 2 and d- 2 , showing that certain polytopes with more than two nonsimple vertices are reconstructible from their graphs. In particular, we prove that reconstructibility from graphs also holds for d-polytopes with d+ k vertices and at most d- k+ 3 nonsimple vertices, provided k
Description:
Simulations and projections of the El Nino Southern Oscillation's (ENSO's) influence on TC track variability was analysed globally using Coupled Model Intercomparison project Phase 5 (CMIP5) models. The ability of these models to simulate the historical (1970-2000) ENSO-TC track relationship and inform us of the likely projected changes resulting from high carbon emissions (RCP8.5) in a climate projection (2070-2100) was determined through cluster analysis. The number of seasonal TC occurrences during traditional ENSO events ("El Nino" and "La Nina") in each cluster were used to determine whether each cluster was "El Nino dominant", "La Nina dominant" or "neither". Only seven out of a combined total of 28 clusters across all basins were found to disagree in terms of "ENSO dominance" between the observed records and historical model simulations. This suggests that models can simulate the ENSO and TC track relationship reasonably well. Under sustained high carbon emissions, La Nina TCs were projected to become dominant over El Nino TCs in the central South Indian Ocean ( 60-100 degrees E), the southern Bay of Bengal and over straight-moving TCs in the South China Sea. El Nino TCs were projected to increase and become dominant over La Nina TCs in a larger area of the western South Pacific ( 160 degrees E-165 degrees W) and central North Pacific ( 160 degrees E-145 degrees W) Oceans. Projections of track directions and lifetimes, while less robust, indicated that El Nino TCs would track westward more often in the Coral Sea (150-165 degrees E), while El Nino TCs that took an eastward track here would have longer lifetimes ( 3 days).
Description:
Simulations and projections of the El Nino Southern Oscillation's (ENSO's) influence on TC track variability was analysed globally using Coupled Model Intercomparison project Phase 5 (CMIP5) models. The ability of these models to simulate the historical (1970-2000) ENSO-TC track relationship and inform us of the likely projected changes resulting from high carbon emissions (RCP8.5) in a climate projection (2070-2100) was determined through cluster analysis. The number of seasonal TC occurrences during traditional ENSO events ("El Nino" and "La Nina") in each cluster were used to determine whether each cluster was "El Nino dominant", "La Nina dominant" or "neither". Only seven out of a combined total of 28 clusters across all basins were found to disagree in terms of "ENSO dominance" between the observed records and historical model simulations. This suggests that models can simulate the ENSO and TC track relationship reasonably well. Under sustained high carbon emissions, La Nina TCs were projected to become dominant over El Nino TCs in the central South Indian Ocean ( 60-100 degrees E), the southern Bay of Bengal and over straight-moving TCs in the South China Sea. El Nino TCs were projected to increase and become dominant over La Nina TCs in a larger area of the western South Pacific ( 160 degrees E-165 degrees W) and central North Pacific ( 160 degrees E-145 degrees W) Oceans. Projections of track directions and lifetimes, while less robust, indicated that El Nino TCs would track westward more often in the Coral Sea (150-165 degrees E), while El Nino TCs that took an eastward track here would have longer lifetimes ( 3 days).
Protocol for the development and validation of a measure of persistent psychological and emotional distress in cardiac patients : the cardiac distress inventory