Separate and Joint Associations of Shift Work and Sleep Quality with Lipids

Luenda E Charles,Ja K. Gu,Cathy A. Tinney-Zara,Desta Fekedulegn,Claudia C. Ma,Penelope Baughman,Tara A. Hartley,Michael E. Andrew,John M. Violanti,Cecil M. Burchfiel 한국산업안전보건공단 산업안전보건연구원 2016 Safety and health at work Vol.7 No.2

Background: Shift work and/or sleep quality may affect health. We investigated whether shift work and sleep quality, separately and jointly, were associated with abnormal levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), and low-and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in 360 police officers (27.5% women). Methods: Triglycerides, TC, and high-density lipoprotein were analyzed on the Abbott Architect; lowdensity lipoprotein was calculated. Shift work was assessed using City of Buffalo payroll work history records. Sleep quality (good, < 5; intermediate, 6e8; poor, > 9) was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire. A shift work þ sleep quality variable was created: day plus good sleep; day plus poor sleep; afternoon/night plus good; and poor sleep quality. Mean values of lipid biomarkers were compared across categories of the exposures using analysis of variance/analysis of covariance. Results: Shift work was not significantly associated with lipids. However, as sleep quality worsened, mean levels of triglycerides and TC gradually increased but only among female officers (age- and raceadjusted p = 0.013 and 0.030, respectively). Age significantly modified the association between sleep quality and TC. Among officers > 40 years old, those reporting poor sleep quality had a significantly higher mean level of TC (202.9 ± 3.7 mg/dL) compared with those reporting good sleep quality (190.6 ± 4.0 mg/dL) (gender- and race-adjusted p = 0.010). Female officers who worked the day shift and also reported good sleep quality had the lowest mean level of TC compared with women in the other three categories (p = 0.014). Conclusion: Sleep quality and its combined influence with shift work may play a role in the alteration of some lipid measures.

Sputum Inflammatory Mediators Are Increased in Aspergillus fumigatus Culture-Positive Asthmatics

Michael A Ghebre,Dhananjay Desai,Amisha Singapuri,Joanne Woods,Laura Rapley,Suzanne Cohen,Athula Herath,Andrew J Wardlaw,Catherine H Pashley,Richard May,Chris E Brightling 대한천식알레르기학회 2017 Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research Vol.9 No.2

Aspergillus fumigatus sensitization and culture in asthma are associated with disease severity and lung function impairment, but their relationship with airway inflammation is poorly understood. We investigated the profile of 24 sputum inflammatory mediators in A. fumigatus culture-positive or-negative moderate-to-severe asthmatics. Fifty-two subjects were recruited from a single center. A. fumigatus was cultured from 19 asthmatics. Asthma control, symptom score, lung function, and sputum cell count were not significantly different between the asthmatics with and without a positive A. fumigatus culture. All of the sputum mediators were numerically increased in subjects with a positive versus negative sputum A. fumigatus culture. Sputum TNF-R2 was significantly elevated (P=0.03) and the mediator that best distinguished A. fumigatus culture-positive from culturenegative subjects (receiver-operator characteristic area under the curve 0.66 [95% CI: 0.51 to 0.82, P=0.045]). A. fumigates-positive culture in moderate- to-severe asthma is associated with increased inflammatory sputum mediators.

Carbon Nanofiber Multiplexed Array and Wireless Instantaneous Neurotransmitter Concentration Sensor for Simultaneous Detection of Dissolved Oxygen and Dopamine

Michael P. Marsh,Kendall H. Lee,Kevin E. Bennet,Jessica E. Koehne,Russell J. Andrews,M. Meyyappan 대한의용생체공학회 2012 Biomedical Engineering Letters (BMEL) Vol.2 No.4

Purpose While the mechanism of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) remains poorly understood, previous studies have shown that it evokes release of neurochemicals and induces activation of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)blood oxygen level-dependent signal in distinct areas of the brain. Therefore, the main purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the capabilities of the Wireless Instantaneous Neurotransmitter Concentration Sensor system (WINCS) in conjunction with a carbon nanofiber (CNF) multiplexed array electrode as a powerful tool for elucidating the mechanism of DBS through the simultaneous detection of multiple bioactivemolecules. Methods Patterned CNF nanoelectrode arrays were prepared on a 4-inch silicon wafer where each device consists of 3 ×3 electrode pads, 200 μm square, that contain CNFs spaced at 1 μm intervals. The multiplexed carbon nanofiber CNF electrodes were integrated with WINCS to detect mixtures of dopamine (DA) and oxygen (O2) using fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) in vitro. Results First, simultaneous detection of O2 at two spatially different locations, 200 um apart, was demonstrated. Second,simultaneous detection of both O2 and DA at two spatially different locations, using two different decoupled waveforms was demonstrated. Third, controlled studies demonstrated that the waveform must be interleaved to avoid electrode crosstalk artifacts in the acquired data. Conclusions Multiplexed CNF nanoelectrode arrays for electrochemical detection of neurotransmitters show promise for the detection of multiple analytes with the application of time independent decoupled waveforms. Electrochemistry on CNF electrodes may be helpful in elucidating the mechanism of DBS, and may also provide the precision and sensitivity required for future applications in feedback modulated DBS neural control systems.

A National Analysis of Temporal Changes in Prescribing of Testosterone Replacement Therapy Considering Methods of Delivery and Government Regulation

Morton Andrew,Williams Michael,Perera Marlon,Ranasinghe Sachinka,Teloken Patrick E.,Williams Marissa,Chung Eric,Roberts Matthew J. 대한남성과학회 2021 The World Journal of Men's Health Vol.39 No.1

Purpose: Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is commonly used for various causes of androgen deficiency and subsidized by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in Australia when appropriate. In response to a sharp increase in the prescribing of subsidized TRT, the Australian government instituted new, stricter prescription criteria in April 2015. We aim to demonstrate longitudinal changes in the prescription patterns of subsidized TRT over time. Materials and Methods: The publicly available PBS database was accessed for TRT prescription data between 1992–2018. Population estimate data was collected from the Australian Bureau of Statistics for population-adjustment. Data analysis was performed according to class and specific formulation of TRT. Total and population-adjusted trends were considered, as was indexation to 2015 when restrictions were implemented. Results: Longitudinal trends in subsidized TRT prescription demonstrated a progressive overall increase since 2000, according to total prescriptions and population-adjusted estimates, with greater use of topical formulations (gel, patch, cream/spray) and injections. Since 2015, a 37% decline in total population-adjusted prescriptions was observed (1,399–883 per 100,000 persons). Since 2015, relatively increased use of injections (50%) and 1% gel (30%) comprise the majority of contemporary TRT. Annual financial burden due to TRT was $AU16,768 per 100,000 persons prior to 2000 (mean cost 1992–2000), increasing to $AU112,539 in 2018 (due to use of injections). The rate of change in costs slowed after the restrictions were introduced in 2015. Conclusions: The restrictions in subsidized TRT eligibility enforced by the PBS have reduced overall TRT prescriptions and slowed the cumulative financial burden.

Electron delocalization and charge mobility as a function of reduction in a metal–organic framework

Aubrey, Michael L.,Wiers, Brian M.,Andrews, Sean C.,Sakurai, Tsuneaki,Reyes-Lillo, Sebastian E.,Hamed, Samia M.,Yu, Chung-Jui,Darago, Lucy E.,Mason, Jarad A.,Baeg, Jin-Ook,Grandjean, Fernande,Long, Ga Nature Publishing Group UK 2018 Nature Materials Vol.17 No.7

<P>Conductive metal-organic frameworks are an emerging class of three-dimensional architectures with degrees of modularity, synthetic flexibility and structural predictability that are unprecedented in other porous materials. However, engendering long-range charge delocalization and establishing synthetic strategies that are broadly applicable to the diverse range of structures encountered for this class of materials remain challenging. Here, we report the synthesis of KxFe2(BDP)(3) (0 <= x <= 2; BDP2- =1,4-benzenedipyrazolate), which exhibits full charge delocalization within the parent framework and charge mobilities comparable to technologically relevant polymers and ceramics. Through a battery of spectroscopic methods, computational techniques and single-microcrystal field-effect transistor measurements, we demonstrate that fractional reduction of Fe-2(BDP)(3) results in a metal-organic framework that displays a nearly 10,000-fold enhancement in conductivity along a single crystallographic axis. The attainment of such properties in a KxFe2(BDP)(3) field-effect transistor represents the realization of a general synthetic strategy for the creation of new porous conductor-based devices.</P>

An Organotypic Human Lymph Node Model Reveals the Importance of Fibroblastic Reticular Cells for Dendritic Cell Function

Morrison Andrew I.,Mikula Aleksandra M.,Spiekstra Sander W.,de Kok Michael,Affandi Alsya J.,Roest Henk P.,van der Laan Luc J. W.,de Winde Charlotte M.,Koning Jasper J.,Gibbs Susan,Mebius Reina E. 한국조직공학과 재생의학회 2024 조직공학과 재생의학 Vol.21 No.3

Background: Human lymph node (HuLN) models have emerged with invaluable potential for immunological research and therapeutic application given their fundamental role in human health and disease. While fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) are instrumental to HuLN functioning, their inclusion and recognition of importance for organotypic in vitro lymphoid models remain limited. Methods: Here, we established an in vitro three-dimensional (3D) model in a collagen-fibrin hydrogel with primary FRCs and a dendritic cell (DC) cell line (MUTZ-3 DC). To study and characterise the cellular interactions seen in this 3D FRC-DC organotypic model compared to the native HuLN; flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and cytokine/chemokine analysis were performed. Results: FRCs were pivotal for survival, proliferation and localisation of MUTZ-3 DCs. Additionally, we found that CD1a expression was absent on MUTZ-3 DCs that developed in the presence of FRCs during cytokine-induced MUTZ-3 DC differentiation, which was also seen with primary monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs). This phenotype resembled HuLN-resident DCs, which we detected in primary HuLNs, and these CD1a− MUTZ-3 DCs induced T cell proliferation within a mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR), indicating a functional DC status. FRCs expressed podoplanin (PDPN), CD90 (Thy-1), CD146 (MCAM) and Gremlin-1, thereby resembling the DC supporting stromal cell subset identified in HuLNs. Conclusion: This 3D FRC-DC organotypic model highlights the influence and importance of FRCs for DC functioning in a more realistic HuLN microenvironment. As such, this work provides a starting point for the development of an in vitro HuLN. Background: Human lymph node (HuLN) models have emerged with invaluable potential for immunological research and therapeutic application given their fundamental role in human health and disease. While fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) are instrumental to HuLN functioning, their inclusion and recognition of importance for organotypic in vitro lymphoid models remain limited. Methods: Here, we established an in vitro three-dimensional (3D) model in a collagen-fibrin hydrogel with primary FRCs and a dendritic cell (DC) cell line (MUTZ-3 DC). To study and characterise the cellular interactions seen in this 3D FRC-DC organotypic model compared to the native HuLN; flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and cytokine/chemokine analysis were performed. Results: FRCs were pivotal for survival, proliferation and localisation of MUTZ-3 DCs. Additionally, we found that CD1a expression was absent on MUTZ-3 DCs that developed in the presence of FRCs during cytokine-induced MUTZ-3 DC differentiation, which was also seen with primary monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs). This phenotype resembled HuLN-resident DCs, which we detected in primary HuLNs, and these CD1a− MUTZ-3 DCs induced T cell proliferation within a mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR), indicating a functional DC status. FRCs expressed podoplanin (PDPN), CD90 (Thy-1), CD146 (MCAM) and Gremlin-1, thereby resembling the DC supporting stromal cell subset identified in HuLNs. Conclusion: This 3D FRC-DC organotypic model highlights the influence and importance of FRCs for DC functioning in a more realistic HuLN microenvironment. As such, this work provides a starting point for the development of an in vitro HuLN.

Separate and Joint Associations of Shift Work and Sleep Quality with Lipids

Charles, Luenda E.,Gu, Ja K.,Tinney-Zara, Cathy A.,Fekedulegn, Desta,Ma, Claudia C.,Baughman, Penelope,Hartley, Tara A.,Andrew, Michael E.,Violanti, John M.,Burchfiel, Cecil M. Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute 2016 Safety and health at work Vol.7 No.2

Background: Shift work and/or sleep quality may affect health. We investigated whether shift work and sleep quality, separately and jointly, were associated with abnormal levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), and low-and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in 360 police officers (27.5% women). Methods: Triglycerides, TC, and high-density lipoprotein were analyzed on the Abbott Architect; low-density lipoprotein was calculated. Shift work was assessed using City of Buffalo payroll work history records. Sleep quality (good, ${\leq}5$; intermediate, 6-8; poor, ${\geq}9$) was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire. A shift work + sleep quality variable was created: day plus good sleep; day plus poor sleep; afternoon/night plus good; and poor sleep quality. Mean values of lipid biomarkers were compared across categories of the exposures using analysis of variance/analysis of covariance. Results: Shift work was not significantly associated with lipids. However, as sleep quality worsened, mean levels of triglycerides and TC gradually increased but only among female officers (age- and race-adjusted p = 0.013 and 0.030, respectively). Age significantly modified the association between sleep quality and TC. Among officers ${\geq}40$ years old, those reporting poor sleep quality had a significantly higher mean level of TC ($202.9{\pm}3.7mg/dL$) compared with those reporting good sleep quality ($190.6{\pm}4.0mg/dL$) (gender- and race-adjusted p = 0.010). Female officers who worked the day shift and also reported good sleep quality had the lowest mean level of TC compared with women in the other three categories (p = 0.014). Conclusion: Sleep quality and its combined influence with shift work may play a role in the alteration of some lipid measures.

Maximum Weight Matching Using Odd-Sized Cycles: Max-Product Belief Propagation and Half-Integrality

Ahn, Sungsoo,Chertkov, Michael,Gelfand, Andrew E.,Park, Sejun,Shin, Jinwoo IEEE 2018 IEEE transactions on information theory Vol.64 No.3

<P>We study the maximum weight matching (MWM) problem for general graphs through the max-product belief propagation (BP) and related Linear Programming (LP). The BP approach provides distributed heuristics for finding the maximum <I>a posteriori</I> (MAP) assignment in a joint probability distribution represented by a graphical model (GM), and respective LPs can be considered as continuous relaxations of the discrete MAP problem. It was recently shown that a BP algorithm converges to the correct MAP/MWM assignment under a simple GM formulation of MWM, as long as the corresponding LP relaxation is tight. First, under the motivation for forcing the tightness condition, we consider a new GM formulation of MWM, say C-GM, using non-intersecting odd-sized cycles in the graph; the new corresponding LP relaxation, say C-LP, becomes tight for more MWM instances. However, the tightness of C-LP now does not guarantee such convergence and correctness of the new BP on C-GM. To address the issue, we introduce a novel graph transformation applied to C-GM, which results in another GM formulation of MWM, and prove that the respective BP on it converges to the correct MAP/MWM assignment, as long as C-LP is tight. Finally, we also show that C-LP always has half-integral solutions, which leads to an efficient BP-based MWM heuristic consisting of making sequential, “cutting plane”, modifications to the underlying GM. Our experiments show that this BP-based cutting plane heuristic performs, as well as that based on traditional LP solvers.</P>

Associations of Depressive Symptoms and Brachial Artery Reactivity among Police Officers

John M Violanti,Luenda E Charles,Ja K Gu,Cecil M Burchfiel,Michael E Andrew,Parveen N Joseph,Joan M Dorn 한국산업안전보건공단 산업안전보건연구원 2013 Safety and health at work Vol.4 No.1

Objectives: Mental health has been shown to be linked with certain underlying physiological mechanisms. The objective of this cross sectional study was to investigate the relationship between depressive symptoms and brachial artery reactivity (BAR) in an understudied population: police officers. Methods: Participants were 351 police officers who were clinically examined in the Buffalo Cardio-Metabolic Police Stress (BCOPS) study. BAR was performed using standard B-Mode ultrasound procedures. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scale. Mean values of the difference between the baseline and maximum diameters of the brachial artery were determined across three categories of CES-D score using the analysis of variance and the analysis of covariance. p-values for linear trends were obtained from linear regression models. Results: The mean age (± standard deviation) of all officers was 40.9 ± 7.2 years. Women had a slightly higher mean CES-D score than men (8.9 ± 8.9 vs. 7.4 ± 6.4) and a slightly higher percentage increase of BAR than men (6.90 vs. 5.26%). Smoking status significantly modified the associations between depressive symptoms and BAR. Among current smokers, mean absolute values of BAR significantly decreased as depressive symptoms increased after adjustment for age, gender, race/ethnicity, hypertension, and diabetes; the multivariate-adjusted p-values were 0.033 (absolute) and 0.040 (%). Associations between depressive symptoms and BAR were not statistically significant among former smokers or never smokers. Conclusion: Depressive symptoms were inversely associated with BAR among police officers who were current smokers and together may be considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease among police officers. Further prospective research is warranted.

Shift Work and Occupational Stress in Police Officers

Claudia C. Ma,Michael E Andrew,Desta Fekedulegn,Ja K Gu,Tara A. Hartley,Luenda E Charles,John M. Violanti,Cecil M Burchfiel 한국산업안전보건공단 산업안전보건연구원 2015 Safety and health at work Vol.6 No.1

Background: Shift work has been associated with occupational stress in health providers and in those working in some industrial companies. The association is not well established in the law enforcement workforce. Our objective was to examine the association between shift work and police work-related stress. Methods: The number of stressful events that occurred in the previous month and year was obtained using the Spielberger Police Stress Survey among 365 police officers aged 27e66 years. Work hours were derived from daily payroll records. A dominant shift (day, afternoon, or night) was defined for each participant as the shift with the largest percentage of total time a participant worked (starting time from 4:00 AM to 11:59 AM, from 12 PM to 7:59 PM, and from 8:00 PM to 3:59 AM for day, afternoon, and night shift, respectively) in the previous month or year. Analysis of variance and covariance were used to examine the number of total and subscale (administrative/professional pressure, physical/psychological danger, or organizational support) stressful events across the shift. Results: During the previous month and year, officers working the afternoon and night shifts reported more stressful events than day shift officers for total stress, administrative/professional pressure, and physical/psychological danger (p < 0.05). These differences were independent of age, sex, race/ethnicity, and police rank. The frequency of these stressful events did not differ significantly between officers working the afternoon and night shifts. Conclusion: Noneday shift workers may be exposed to more stressful events in this cohort. Interventions to reduce or manage police stress that are tailored by shift may be considered.