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BMC Public Health Jun 2024Global warming has led to an increase in the number and intensity of extreme heat events, posing a significant threat to the health and safety of workers, especially...
PURPOSE
Global warming has led to an increase in the number and intensity of extreme heat events, posing a significant threat to the health and safety of workers, especially those working outdoors, as they often have limited access to cooling strategies. The present systematic literature review (a) summarizes the current knowledge on the impacts of climate change on outdoor workers, (b) provides historical background on this issue, (c) explores factors that reduce and increase thermal stress resilience, (d) discusses the heat mitigation strategies, and (e) provides an overview of existing policy and legal frameworks on occupational heat exposure among outdoor workers.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this systematic review, we searched scientific databases including Scopus (N = 855), Web of Science (N = 828), and PubMed (N = 202). Additionally, we identified relevant studies on climate change and heat-stress control measures through Google Scholar (N = 116) using specific search terms. In total, we monitored 2001 articles pertaining to worker populations (men = 2921; women = 627) in various outdoor climate conditions across 14 countries. After full-text assessment, 55 studies were selected for inclusion, and finally, 29 eligible papers were included for data extraction.
RESULTS
Failure to implement effective control strategies for outdoor workers will result in decreased resilience to thermal stress. The findings underscore a lack of awareness regarding certain adaptation strategies and interventions aimed at preventing and enhancing resilience to the impact of climate change on heat stress prevalence among workers in outdoor tropical and subtropical environments. However, attractive alternative solutions from the aspects of economic and ecological sustainability in the overall assessment of heat stress resilience can be referred to acclimatization, shading, optimized clothing properties and planned breaks.
CONCLUSION
The integration of climate change adaptation strategies into occupational health programs can enhance occupational heat resilience among outdoor workers. Conducting cost-benefit evaluations of health and safety measures for thermal stress adaptation strategies among outdoor workers is crucial for professionals and policymakers in low- and middle-income tropical and subtropical countries. In this respect, complementary measures targeting hydration, work-rest regimes, ventilated garments, self-pacing, and mechanization can be adopted to protect outdoor workers. Risk management strategies, adaptive measures, heat risk awareness, practical interventions, training programs, and protective policies should be implemented in hot-dry and hot-humid climates to boost the tolerance and resilience of outdoor workers.
Topics: Humans; Climate Change; Heat Stress Disorders; Occupational Exposure; Hot Temperature; Female; Male
PubMed: 38926816
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19212-3 -
Cureus Apr 2024Entering and acclimatizing to a university is crucial for achieving academic goals and graduation. Chronic illnesses can reduce a person's capacity to perform tasks,... (Review)
Review
Entering and acclimatizing to a university is crucial for achieving academic goals and graduation. Chronic illnesses can reduce a person's capacity to perform tasks, whether physically, cognitively, or emotionally, about inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), there is a lack of research about the impact of IBD on the daily lives of students. IBD can be seen as having an adverse effect on the life of college students. The objective of this review was to examine the psychological ramifications, particularly in relation to stress levels, that IBD elicits in the daily lives of students. The elementary search utilized specific databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The search terms employed were "IBD," "University," "Students," and "Stress." We reviewed 80 papers and selected 25 for their applicability and relevance. The current review includes at least a total of 12 articles. The following issues arose: 1) adaption to university, 2) managing IBD individually and from the university setting, 3) social impact, and 4) methods of controlling and coping with the IBD. Students with IBD have a tough time adapting to new situations. Their emotional and social status plays a significant role in this. The proper management and treatment of IBD throughout studies can have a significant impact on student's academic achievement as well as their later lives.
PubMed: 38807823
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59176 -
Journal of Thermal Biology Feb 2024Cross-adaptation (CA) refers to the successful induction of physiological adaptation under one environmental stressor (e.g., heat), to enable subsequent benefit in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Cross-adaptation (CA) refers to the successful induction of physiological adaptation under one environmental stressor (e.g., heat), to enable subsequent benefit in another (e.g., hypoxia). This systematic review and exploratory meta-analysis investigated the effect of heat acclimation (HA) on physiological, perceptual and physical performance outcome measures during rest, and submaximal and maximal intensity exercise in hypoxia. Database searches in Scopus and MEDLINE were performed. Studies were included when they met the Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome criteria, were of English-language, peer-reviewed, full-text original articles, using human participants. Risk of bias and study quality were assessed using the COnsensus based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments checklist. Nine studies were included, totalling 79 participants (100 % recreationally trained males). The most common method of HA included fixed-intensity exercise comprising 9 ± 3 sessions, 89 ± 24-min in duration and occurred within 39 ± 2 °C and 32 ± 13 % relative humidity. CA induced a moderate, beneficial effect on physiological measures at rest (oxygen saturation: g = 0.60) and during submaximal exercise (heart rate: g = -0.65, core temperature: g = -0.68 and skin temperature: g = -0.72). A small effect was found for ventilation (g = 0.24) and performance measures (peak power: g = 0.32 and time trial time: g = -0.43) during maximal intensity exercise. No effect was observed for perceptual outcome measures. CA may be appropriate for individuals, such as occupational or military workers, whose access to altitude exposure prior to undertaking submaximal activity in hypoxic conditions is restricted. Methodological variances exist within the current literature, and females and well-trained individuals have yet to be investigated. Future research should focus on these cohorts and explore the mechanistic underpinnings of CA.
Topics: Male; Humans; Acclimatization; Adaptation, Physiological; Heat-Shock Response; Exercise; Hypoxia; Heat Stress Disorders
PubMed: 38471285
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2024.103793 -
International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2023Brassinosteroids (BRs), the sixth major phytohormone, can regulate plant salt tolerance. Many studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of BRs on plant salt... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Promotion of Ca Accumulation in Roots by Exogenous Brassinosteroids as a Key Mechanism for Their Enhancement of Plant Salt Tolerance: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.
Brassinosteroids (BRs), the sixth major phytohormone, can regulate plant salt tolerance. Many studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of BRs on plant salt tolerance, generating a large amount of research data. However, a meta-analysis on regulating plant salt tolerance by BRs has not been reported. Therefore, this study conducted a meta-analysis of 132 studies to elucidate the most critical physiological mechanisms by which BRs regulate salt tolerance in plants from a higher dimension and analyze the best ways to apply BRs. The results showed that exogenous BRs significantly increased germination, plant height, root length, and biomass (total dry weight was the largest) of plants under salt stress. There was no significant difference between seed soaking and foliar spraying. However, the medium method (germination stage) and stem application (seedling stage) may be more effective in improving plant salt tolerance. BRs only inhibit germination in Solanaceae. BRs (2 μM), seed soaking for 12 h, and simultaneous treatment with salt stress had the highest germination rate. At the seedling stage, the activity of Brassinolide (CHO) was higher than that of Homobrassinolide (CHO), and post-treatment, BRs (0.02 μM) was the best solution. BRs are unsuitable for use in the germination stage when Sodium chloride is below 100 mM, and the effect is also weakest in the seedling stage. Exogenous BRs promoted photosynthesis, and antioxidant enzyme activity increased the accumulation of osmoregulatory and antioxidant substances and reduced the content of harmful substances and Na, thus reducing cell damage and improving plant salt tolerance. BRs induced the most soluble protein, chlorophyll a, stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic rate, Glutathione peroxidase, and root-Ca, with BRs causing Ca signals in roots probably constituting the most important reason for improving salt tolerance. BRs first promoted the accumulation of Ca in roots, which increased the content of the above vital substances and enzyme activities through the Ca signaling pathway, improving plant salt tolerance.
Topics: Brassinosteroids; Antioxidants; Salt Tolerance; Chlorophyll A; Seedlings; Plant Roots
PubMed: 38003311
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216123 -
PloS One 2023Parasitic contamination in vegetables is a reality in several countries and a challenge for food safety. The risk of consumption usually raw, associated with failures in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Parasitic contamination in vegetables is a reality in several countries and a challenge for food safety. The risk of consumption usually raw, associated with failures in good practices of production, transportation, and preparation further increase the possibility of ingesting contaminated food. Given this, a systematic review was carried out to scientifically demonstrate the effectiveness of sanitization protocols in the parasitic decontamination of plants.
METHODS
This review was conducted following the guidelines of the Cochrane Manual, being registered in the PROSPERO protocol base (CRD42020206929) and reported according to the PRISMA 2020 statement. The review evaluated studies published in the MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, FSTA, LILACS, and AGRIS databases, as well as manual searches of related articles, references, and theses and dissertations directories. The meta-analysis was performed using the Revman 5 software program, the bias assessment used the Robins I Tools with some adaptations, and the quality of the evidence was evaluated using GRADE.
DISCUSSION
The review included a total of 31 studies, most of which were carried out in countries with a high incidence of plant parasites, such as Brazil and Iran. Interventions combined with 200ppm chlorination preceded by brushing, rinsing, or immersion in detergent showed the greatest efficiency in parasitic decontamination. Despite the high heterogeneity and risk of bias in the primary studies, this review can inspire the planning of new studies which observe the critical and methodological evaluation for research in the field of food safety.
Topics: Animals; Acclimatization; Brazil; Databases, Factual; Parasites; Vegetables
PubMed: 37656694
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290447 -
International Journal of Environmental... Aug 2023This study comprehensively investigates the effects of digitization in the workplace, with a specific focus on white-collar employees, using the job demands-resources...
This study comprehensively investigates the effects of digitization in the workplace, with a specific focus on white-collar employees, using the job demands-resources (JD-R) model as a theoretical framework. By examining the intricate interplay between digital job demands and digital job resources, the research offers valuable insights to help organizations navigate the complexities caused by technological advancements. Utilizing a qualitative triangulation approach, the research combines a systematic literature review with a thematic analysis of 15 interdisciplinary expert interviews. Thereby, the study establishes a robust theoretical foundation for exploring stress, motivation, and the organizational consequences arising from integrating technology in the workplace. The JD-R model is extended to incorporate digital job demands and resources, enabling a thorough examination of both the positive and negative aspects of digitization within organizations. Moreover, the study highlights the necessity for the consistent adaptation of the JD-R model across diverse job contexts in the ever-evolving digital landscape. It advocates for organizations to effectively leverage digital resources and proactively manage job demands, aiming to transform digitization into a valuable job asset while preventing the onset of overwhelming burdens. In conclusion, the research encourages organizations to embrace the vast potential of digitization while prioritizing digital health in the workplace.
Topics: Humans; Workplace; Acclimatization; Motivation; Research Design
PubMed: 37623167
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20166581 -
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) Sep 2023Augmented feedback is often used during resistance training to enhance acute physical performance and has shown promise as a method of improving chronic physical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Augmented feedback is often used during resistance training to enhance acute physical performance and has shown promise as a method of improving chronic physical adaptation. However, there are inconsistencies in the scientific literature regarding the magnitude of the acute and chronic responses to feedback and the optimal method with which it is provided.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to (1) establish the evidence for the effects of feedback on acute resistance training performance and chronic training adaptations; (2) quantify the effects of feedback on acute kinematic outcomes and changes in physical adaptations; and (3) assess the effects of moderating factors on the influence of feedback during resistance training.
METHODS
Twenty studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. This review was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Four databases were searched, and studies were included if they were peer-reviewed investigations, written in English, and involved the provision of feedback during or following dynamic resistance exercise. Furthermore, studies must have evaluated either acute training performance or chronic physical adaptations. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified Downs and Black assessment tool. Multilevel meta-analyses were performed to quantify the effects of feedback on acute and chronic training outcomes.
RESULTS
Feedback enhanced acute kinetic and kinematic outputs, muscular endurance, motivation, competitiveness, and perceived effort, while greater improvements in speed, strength, jump performance, and technical competency were reported when feedback was provided chronically. Furthermore, greater frequencies of feedback (e.g., following every repetition) were found to be most beneficial for enhancing acute performance. Results demonstrated that feedback improves acute barbell velocities by approximately 8.4% (g = 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.36-0.90). Moderator analysis revealed that both verbal (g = 0.47, 95% CI 0.22-0.71) and visual feedback (g = 1.11, 95% CI 0.61-1.61) were superior to no feedback, but visual feedback was superior to verbal feedback. For chronic outcomes, jump performance might have been positively influenced (g = 0.39, 95% CI - 0.20 to 0.99) and short sprint performance was likely enhanced (g = 0.47, 95% CI 0.10-0.84) to a greater extent when feedback is provided throughout a training cycle.
CONCLUSIONS
Feedback during resistance training can lead to enhanced acute performance within a training session and greater chronic adaptations. Studies included in our analysis demonstrated a positive influence of feedback, with all outcomes showing superior results than when no feedback is provided. For practitioners, it is recommended that high-frequency, visual feedback is consistently provided to individuals when they complete resistance training, and this may be particularly useful during periods of low motivation or when greater competitiveness is beneficial. Alternatively, researchers must be aware of the ergogenic effects of feedback on acute and chronic responses and ensure that feedback is standardised when investigating resistance training.
Topics: Humans; Resistance Training; Muscle Strength; Exercise; Adaptation, Physiological; Acclimatization
PubMed: 37410360
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-023-01877-2 -
Clinical & Translational Oncology :... Feb 2024Glioblastoma (GBM) constitutes the most common primary brain tumor in adults. The challenges in GBM therapeutics have shed light on zebrafish used as a promising animal... (Review)
Review
Glioblastoma (GBM) constitutes the most common primary brain tumor in adults. The challenges in GBM therapeutics have shed light on zebrafish used as a promising animal model for preclinical GBM xenograft studies without a standardized methodology. This systematic review aims to summarize the advances in zebrafish GBM xenografting, compare research protocols to pinpoint advantages and underlying limitations, and designate the predominant xenografting parameters. Based on the PRISMA checklist, we systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and ZFIN using the keywords "glioblastoma," "xenotransplantation," and "zebrafish" for papers published from 2005 to 2022, available in English. 46 articles meeting the review criteria were examined for the zebrafish strain, cancer cell line, cell labeling technique, injected cell number, time and site of injection, and maintenance temperature. Our review designated that AB wild-type zebrafish, Casper transparent mutants, transgenic Tg(fli1:EGFP), or crossbreeding of these predominate among the zebrafish strains. Orthotopic transplantation is more commonly employed. A number of 50-100 cells injected at 48 h post-fertilization in high density and low infusion volume is considered as an effective xenografting approach. U87 cells are used for GBM angiogenesis studies, U251 for GBM proliferation studies, and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) to achieve clinical relevance. Gradual acclimatization to 32-33 °C can partly address the temperature differential between the zebrafish and the GBM cells. Zebrafish xenograft models constitute valuable tools for preclinical studies with clinical relevance regarding PDX. The GBM xenografting research requires modification based on the objective of each research team. Automation and further optimization of the protocol parameters could scale up the anticancer drug trials.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Glioblastoma; Transplantation, Heterologous; Zebrafish; Heterografts; Brain Neoplasms; Cell Line, Tumor; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays; Disease Models, Animal
PubMed: 37400666
DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03258-7 -
PloS One 2023Variability in spine kinematics is a common motor adaptation to pain, which has been measured in various ways. However, it remains unclear whether low back pain (LBP) is...
BACKGROUND
Variability in spine kinematics is a common motor adaptation to pain, which has been measured in various ways. However, it remains unclear whether low back pain (LBP) is typically characterised by increased, decreased or unchanged kinematic variability. Therefore, the aim of this review was to synthesise the evidence on whether the amount and structure of spine kinematic variability is altered in people with chronic non-specific LBP (CNSLBP).
METHODS
Electronic databases, grey literature, and key journals were searched from inception up to August 2022, following a published and registered protocol. Eligible studies must investigated kinematic variability in CNSLBP people (adults ≥18 years) while preforming repetitive functional tasks. Two reviewers conducted screening, data extraction, and quality assessment independently. Data synthesis was conducted per task type and individual results were presented quantitatively to provide a narrative synthesis. The overall strength of evidence was rated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation guidelines.
FINDINGS
Fourteen observational studies were included in this review. To facilitate the interpretation of the results, the included studies were grouped into four categories according to the task preformed (i.e., repeated flexion and extension, lifting, gait, and sit to stand to sit task). The overall quality of evidence was rated as a very low, primarily due to the inclusion criteria that limited the review to observational studies. In addition, the use of heterogeneous metrics for analysis and varying effect sizes contributed to the downgrade of evidence to a very low level.
INTERPRETATION
Individuals with chronic non-specific LBP exhibited altered motor adaptability, as evidenced by differences in kinematic movement variability during the performance of various repetitive functional tasks. However, the direction of the changes in movement variability was not consistent across studies.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Low Back Pain; Spine; Acclimatization; Benchmarking; Databases, Factual
PubMed: 37315096
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287029 -
Physiological Reports Jun 2023Physiological properties and function of the lymphatic system is still somewhat of a mystery. We report the current knowledge about human lymphatic vessel contractility... (Review)
Review
Physiological properties and function of the lymphatic system is still somewhat of a mystery. We report the current knowledge about human lymphatic vessel contractility and capability of adaptation. A literature search in PubMed identified studies published January 2000-September 2022. Inclusion criteria were studies investigating parameters related to contraction frequency, fluid velocity, and lymphatic pressure in vivo and ex vivo in human lymphatic vessels. The search returned 2885 papers of which 28 met the inclusion criteria. In vivo vessels revealed baseline contraction frequencies between 0.2 ± 0.2 and 1.8 ± 0.1 min , velocities between 0.008 ± 0.002 and 2.3 ± 0.3 cm/s, and pressures between 4.5 (range 0.5-9.2) and 60.3 ± 2.8 mm Hg. Gravitational forces, hyperthermia, and treatment with nifedipine caused increases in contraction frequency. Ex vivo lymphatic vessels displayed contraction frequencies between 1.2 ± 0.1 and 5.5 ± 1.2 min . Exposure to agents affecting cation and anion channels, adrenoceptors, HCN channels, and changes in diameter-tension properties all resulted in changes in functional parameters as known from the blood vascular system. We find that the lymphatic system is dynamic and adaptable. Different investigative methods yields alternating results. Systematic approaches, consensus on investigative methods, and larger studies are needed to fully understand lymphatic transport and apply this in a clinical context.
Topics: Humans; Lymphatic System; Lymphatic Vessels; Adaptation, Physiological; Acclimatization
PubMed: 37269161
DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15697