Evaluation of Camera Recognition Performance under Blockage Using Virtual Test Drive Toolchain.

This study is the first to develop technology to evaluate the object recognition performance of camera sensors, which are increasingly important in autonomous vehicles owing to their relatively low price, and to verify the efficiency of camera recognition algorithms in obstruction situations. To this end, the concentration and color of the blockage and the type and color of the object were set as major factors, with their effects on camera recognition performance analyzed using a camera simulator based on a virtual test drive toolkit. The results show that the blockage concentration has the largest impact on object recognition, followed in order by the object type, blockage color, and object color. As for the blockage color, black exhibited better recognition performance than gray and yellow. In addition, changes in the blockage color affected the recognition of object types, resulting in different responses to each object. Through this study, we propose a blockage-based camera recognition performance evaluation method using simulation, and we establish an algorithm evaluation environment for various manufacturers through an interface with an actual camera. By suggesting the necessity and timing of future camera lens cleaning, we provide manufacturers with technical measures to improve the cleaning timing and camera safety.

Workplace and non-workplace cannabis use and the risk of workplace injury: Findings from a longitudinal study of Canadian workers.

OBJECTIVES: Findings of previous studies examining the relationship between cannabis use and workplace injury have been conflicting, likely due to methodological shortcomings, including cross-sectional designs and exposure measures that lack consideration for timing of use. The objective was to estimate the association between workplace cannabis use (before and/or at work) and non-workplace use and the risk of workplace injury. METHODS: Canadian workers participating in a yearly longitudinal study (from 2018 to 2020) with at least two adjacent years of survey data comprised the analytic sample (n = 2745). The exposure was past-year workplace cannabis use (no past-year use, non-workplace use, workplace use). The outcome was past-year workplace injury (yes/no). Absolute risks and relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated between workplace and non-workplace cannabis use at one time point and workplace injury at the following time point. Models were adjusted for personal and work variables and were also stratified by whether respondents' jobs were safety-sensitive. RESULTS: Compared to no past-year cannabis use, there was no difference in workplace injury risk for non-workplace cannabis use (RR 1.09, 95%CI 0.83-1.44). However, workplace use was associated with an almost two-fold increased risk of experiencing a workplace injury (RR 1.97, 95%CI 1.32-2.93). Findings were similar for workers in safety-sensitive and non-safety-sensitive work. CONCLUSION: It is important to distinguish between non-workplace and workplace use when considering workplace safety impacts of cannabis use. Findings have implications for workplace cannabis use policies and substantiate the need for worker education on the risks of workplace cannabis use.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIFS: Les résultats d'études antérieures portant sur la relation entre la consommation de cannabis et les accidents du travail sont contradictoires, probablement en raison de lacunes méthodologiques, notamment les études transversales et les mesures de l'exposition qui ne tiennent pas compte du moment de la consommation. L'objectif était d'estimer l'association entre la consommation de cannabis sur le lieu de travail (avant et/ou pendant le travail) et la consommation en dehors du lieu de travail et le risque d'accident du travail. MéTHODES: Les travailleurs canadiens participant à une étude longitudinale annuelle (de 2018 à 2020) avec au moins deux années adjacentes de données d'enquête constituaient l'échantillon analytique (n = 2 745). L'exposition était la consommation de cannabis au travail au cours de l'année écoulée (pas de consommation au cours de l'année écoulée, consommation en dehors du lieu de travail, consommation sur le lieu de travail). Le résultat était l'accident du travail de l'année écoulée (oui/non). Les risques absolus et les risques relatifs (RR) avec des intervalles de confiance (IC) de 95% ont été estimés entre la consommation de cannabis sur le lieu de travail et en dehors du lieu de travail à un moment donné et l'accident du travail au moment suivant. Les modèles ont été ajustés pour tenir compte des variables personnelles et professionnelles et ont également été stratifiés selon que les emplois des répondants étaient ou non sensibles à la sécurité. RéSULTATS: Par rapport à l'absence de consommation de cannabis au cours de l'année écoulée, il n'y avait pas de différence dans le risque d'accident du travail en cas de consommation de cannabis en dehors du lieu de travail (RR 1,09, IC à 95% 0,83­1,44). Cependant, la consommation sur le lieu de travail était associée à un risque presque deux fois plus élevé de subir un accident du travail (RR 1,97, IC à 95% 1,32­2,93). Les résultats étaient similaires pour les travailleurs exerçant des activités sensibles à la sécurité et pour ceux qui ne le sont pas. CONCLUSION: Il est important de distinguer entre la consommation en dehors du lieu de travail et la consommation sur le lieu de travail lorsqu'on étudie les effets de la consommation de cannabis sur la sécurité sur le lieu de travail. Les résultats ont des implications pour les politiques relatives à la consommation de cannabis sur le lieu de travail et justifient la nécessité d'informer les travailleurs sur les risques liés à la consommation de cannabis sur le lieu de travail.

Assessment of Residual Full-Length SV40 Large T Antigen in Clinical-Grade Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors Produced in 293T Cells.

Efficient production of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors is a significant challenge. Human embryonic kidney HEK293T cells are widely used in good manufacturing practice facilities, producing higher yield of AAV vectors for clinical applications than HEK293 through the addition of a constitutive expression of SV40 large T antigen (SV40T), which stimulates Rep expression. However, the theoretical potential for tumorigenic consequences of a clinical AAV product containing residual DNA encoding SV40T, which may inhibit p53 growth suppressive functions is a safety concern. Although the risk is theoretical, to assure a low risk/high confidence of safety for clinical drug development, we have established a sensitive assay for assessment of functional full-length transcription competent SV40T DNA in HEK293T cell-produced AAV vectors. Using HEK293T generated 8, 9, and rh.10 serotype AAV vectors, the presence of SV40T in purified vector was assessed in vitro using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeting a 129 bp amplicon combined with nested PCR targeting full-length SV40T DNA. Although low levels of the smaller amplicon were present in each AAV serotype, the full-length SV40T was undetectable. No transcription competent full-length SV40T DNA was observed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction using an in vivo amplification of signal in mouse liver administered (2-10 × 1010 gc) 129 bp amplicon-positive AAV vectors. As a control for gene transfer, high levels of expressed transgene mRNAs were observed from each serotype AAV vector, yet, SV40T mRNA was undetectable. In vivo assessment of these three liver-tropic AAV serotypes, each with amplicon-positive qPCR SV40T DNA, demonstrated high transgene mRNA expression but no SV40T mRNA, that is, detection of small segments of SV40T DNA in 293T cell produced AAV inappropriately leads to the conclusion of residuals with the potential to express SV40T. This sensitive assay can be used to assess the level, if any, of SV40T antigen contaminating AAV vectors generated by HEK293T cells. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03634007; NCT05302271; NCT01414985; NCT01161576.

Cannabis use and workplace cannabis availability, perceptions and policies among Canadian workers: a comparison before and after the legalisation of non-medical cannabis.

OBJECTIVES: Little data exist examining the impact of non-medical (recreational) cannabis legalisation among a working population. The objective was to compare cannabis use patterns and workplace risk perceptions, cannabis availability and workplace use policies before and almost 1 year after legalisation in Canadian workers. METHODS: Two overlapping cross-sectional samples of Canadian workers were surveyed 4 months before legalisation (time 1 (T1), n=2011) and 9-11 months after legalisation (time 2 (T2), n=4032), gathering information on cannabis use (overall and workplace use), workers' perceptions regarding risks of workplace use, availability of cannabis at work and awareness of workplace substance use policies. The marginal distributions of these variables at T1 and T2 were compared, adjusting for sociodemographic, work and health and lifestyle factors. RESULTS: Cannabis use status changed from prelegalisation to postlegalisation (p<0.0001), with fewer respondents reporting former use (ie, more than 1 year ago; 40.4% at T1, 33.0% at T2) and a greater proportion of workers reporting past-year use (30.4% at T1, 39.3% at T2). Never use remained stable (29.2% at T1, 27.6% at T2). Workplace cannabis use also remained stable (9.4% at T1, 9.1% at T2; p=0.4580). At T1, 62.7% of respondents reported being aware of their workplace having a substance use policy, increasing to 79.0% at T2 (p<0.0001). Small magnitude changes occurred in perceptions of risk and workplace availability. CONCLUSIONS: Results point to a lack of substantive changes in the short-term from prelegalisation to postlegalisation. Longer-term data among workers are needed given the evolving nature of this legislative policy.

Unionisation and injury risk in construction: a replication study.

OBJECTIVE: To replicate, in a more recent time period, a previous cross-sectional study to estimate the association between unionisation and the risk of workers' compensation injury claims. METHODS: The sampling frame was workers' compensation company account records in the industrial, commercial and institutional construction sector in the province of Ontario, Canada, 2012-2018. Company unionisation status was determined through linkage with records of unionised contractors. Outcomes were cumulative counts of workers' compensation injury claims, aggregated to company business. Risk ratios were estimated with multivariable negative binomial regression models. Models were also fit separately to lost-time claims stratified by company size. RESULTS: Business unionisation was associated with a lower lost-time claim incidence (crude risk ratio, CRR=0.69, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.74); adjusted risk ratio, ARR=0.75, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.80). In subgroup analyses, the magnitude of the ARR declined as company size decreased and was not statistically significant for the smallest-sized companies of ≤4 full-time equivalent employees. Unionisation was associated (positively) with the incidence of no-lost-time claims in a crude model, but not in an adjusted one (CRR=1.80, 95% CI 1.71 to 1.89; ARR=1.04, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.09). CONCLUSIONS: Company unionisation was associated with a lower risk of lost-time workers' compensation injury claims, corroborating a similar study from an earlier time period. The protective effect of unionisation declined as company size decreased. In contrast to the previous study, a positive relationship between company unionisation and no-lost-time claim incidence was not found, due in part to a methodological refinement.

Facile and versatile ligand analysis method of colloidal quantum dot.

Colloidal quantum-dots (QDs) are highly attractive materials for various optoelectronic applications owing to their easy maneuverability, high functionality, wide applicability, and low cost of mass-production. QDs usually consist of two components: the inorganic nano-crystalline particle and organic ligands that passivate the surface of the inorganic particle. The organic component is also critical for tuning electronic properties of QDs as well as solubilizing QDs in various solvents. However, despite extensive effort to understand the chemistry of ligands, it has been challenging to develop an efficient and reliable method for identifying and quantifying ligands on the QD surface. Herein, we developed a novel method of analyzing ligands in a mild yet accurate fashion. We found that oxidizing agents, as a heterogeneous catalyst in a different phase from QDs, can efficiently disrupt the interaction between the inorganic particle and organic ligands, and the subsequent simple phase fractionation step can isolate the ligand-containing phase from the oxidizer-containing phase and the insoluble precipitates. Our novel analysis procedure ensures to minimize the exposure of ligand molecules to oxidizing agents as well as to prepare homogeneous samples that can be readily analyzed by diverse analytical techniques, such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry.

Technical note: Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and proteinase-K improve the efficiency of DNA extraction from Japanese larch wood and PCR success rate.

Illegal distribution of timber disrupts the timber market and depletes forest resources. DNA markers are used to verify the legal distribution of wood. However, it is difficult to obtain the quantity and quality of DNA suitable for genetic analysis because of the physicochemical properties of wood; therefore, an efficient wood DNA extraction method is required. In this study, to prepare an efficient DNA extraction method from Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) wood, we investigated the ability of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and proteinase-K to improve DNA extraction efficiency and PCR success rate. It was found that the addition of PVP resulted in a significant increase in the DNA concentration of the treatment group compared to that of the control group, while the purity (A260/A280) showed no difference. Moreover, the addition of proteinase-K significantly increased both the DNA concentration and purity of the treatment group compared to those of the control group. Further analysis showed that the PCR success rate of psbC (approximately 350 bp) was higher than 90% in the control, PVP treatment, and proteinase-K treatment groups. However, in the PCR success rate of rbcL (approximately 1.3 kb) was higher in the proteinase-K and PVP treatment groups than in the control group. The addition of PVP and proteinase-K increased the success rate of PCR amplification for long regions by preventing DNA damage caused by phenolic compounds and proteins in the wood. The results of this study can thus develop DNA extraction methods to identify the species and origin of woods.

Template-Assisted Plasmonic Nanogap Shells for Highly Enhanced Detection of Cancer Biomarkers.

We present a template-assisted method for synthesizing nanogap shell structures for biomolecular detections based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering. The interior nanogap-containing a silver shell structure, referred to as a silver nanogap shell (Ag NGS), was fabricated on silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs)-coated silica, by adsorbing small aromatic thiol molecules on the Ag NPs. The Ag NGSs showed a high enhancement factor and good signal uniformity, using 785-nm excitation. We performed in vitro immunoassays using a prostate-specific antigen as a model cancer biomarker with a detection limit of 2 pg/mL. To demonstrate the versatility of Ag NGS nanoprobes, extracellular duplex surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) imaging was also performed to evaluate the co-expression of cancer biomarkers, human epidermal growth factor-2 (HER2) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), in a non-small cell lung cancer cell line (H522). Developing highly sensitive Ag NGS nanoprobes that enable multiplex biomolecular detection and imaging can open up new possibilities for point-of-care diagnostics and provide appropriate treatment options and prognosis.

Clinical Significance of Velamentous Cord Insertion Prenatally Diagnosed in Twin Pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of velamentous cord insertion (VCI) and the actual association between pathologically confirmed VCI and perinatal outcomes in twins based on the chorionicity. METHODS: All twin pregnancies that received prenatal care at a specialty clinic for multiple pregnancies, from less than 12 weeks of gestation until delivery in a single institution between 2015 and 2018 were included in this retrospective cohort study. RESULTS: A total of 941 twins were included in the study. The prevalence of VCI in dichorionic (DC) twins and monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twins was 5.8% and 7.8%, respectively (p = 0.251). In all study population, the prevalence of vasa previa and placenta accreta spectrum was higher in VCI group than that of non-VCI group (p = 0.008 and 0.022). In MCDA twins with VCI, birth weight, 1 and 5-min Apgar score were lower than DC twins with VCI (p = 0.010, 0.002 and 0.000). There was no significant association between VCI and selective fetal growth restriction (p = 0.486), twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (p = 0.400), and birth-weight discordance (>20% and >25%) (p = 0.378 and 0.161) in MCDA twins. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in the incidence of VCI in twins based on the chorionicity. Moreover, VCI was not a risk factor for adverse perinatal outcomes excepting vasa previa and placenta accreta spectrum, which had a high incidence in twins with VCI.

Clinical Utility of Increased Nuchal Translucency at 11-13 Weeks of Gestation in Twin Pregnancies Based on the Chorionicity.

To assess clinical implications of increased nuchal translucency (INT) in twin pregnancies based on the chorionicity. This was a retrospective review of the twin pregnancies who underwent first trimester ultrasound with nuchal translucency (NT) measurement at 11-13 weeks of gestation from January 2006 to December 2014. Data were collected using the OB database and the chart review. Pregnancy outcomes, including gestational weeks at the delivery, abnormal fetal karyotypes, fetal structural anomalies, and twin-specific complications, were analyzed. A total of 1622 twin pregnancies with INT ≥ 95th percentile in one or both fetuses were identified. In all twin pregnancies with INT, abnormal fetal karyotypes were identified in 17 (8.6%) patients (odds ratio = 13.28, CI = 5.990-29.447, p = 0.000) and twin-specific complications were identified in 23 (11.6%) patients (odds ratio = 2.398, CI = 1.463-3.928, p = 0.001) compared to those with normal NT. Among the INT group, when the groups were subdivided into monochorionic (MC) and dichorionic (DC) pregnancies, 14.8% and 29.6% of the MC pregnancies had structural anomalies in one or both fetuses (odds ratio = 5.774, 95% CI = 1.445-23.071, p = 0.01) and twin-specific complications (odds ratio = 4.379, 95% CI = 1.641-11.684, p = 0.03), respectively, compared to DC pregnancies with 2.9% for structural anomalies and 8.8% for twin-specific complications. The prevalence of abnormal fetal karyotypes was not statistically different in patients with INT when compared between MC and DC pregnancies (p = 0.329). INT was associated with a higher rate of twin-specific complications and fetal structural anomalies in MC twin pregnancies rather than abnormal fetal karyotype. Therefore, NT measurement in MC twin pregnancies can be a useful tool for predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes. Appropriate counseling and surveillance based on the chorionicity are imperative in the prenatal care of twin pregnancies.

Patterns and correlates of workplace and non-workplace cannabis use among Canadian workers before the legalization of non-medical cannabis.

BACKGROUND: Little information exists about cannabis use and its correlates among workers, particularly use before or at work, which may impact occupational safety. This study explores overall and workplace cannabis use patterns before legalization among Canadian workers and estimates the associations of personal and work-related characteristics with workplace and non-workplace cannabis use. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were collected from 1651 Canadian workers in June 2018. The primary outcome was past-year cannabis use pattern: use, including before/at work (past-year workplace use); use, but not before/at work (past-year non-workplace use); no past-year use (non-past-year use). The associations of personal (sociodemographic, health) and work-related factors with workplace and non-workplace cannabis use were estimated using multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: A quarter of respondents reporting past-year cannabis use used cannabis before and/or at work. Respondents reporting workplace use were more likely to report more frequent cannabis use, use for medical or mixed purposes, and high THC cannabis use than workers reporting non-workplace use. Several personal factors were positively associated with workplace and non-workplace use (e.g., younger age, lower education). A safety-sensitive job, drug testing, supervisor role, less job visibility, lower perceived ability of supervisors to identify use/impairment, and less restrictive workplace smoking policies were positively associated with workplace use only. CONCLUSIONS: A non-trivial proportion of workers reported workplace use, but the nature of this use is complex. Work-related factors addressing the likelihood of detection and being in a safety-sensitive job were associated with workplace use. Worker education on lower risk use appears warranted.

Preventing fall-from-height injuries in construction: Effectiveness of a regulatory training standard.

INTRODUCTION: A regulatory training standard for construction workers using fall protection equipment became mandatory in 2015 in the province of Ontario, Canada. By the end of the transition period in 2017, 418,000 workers had been trained to the new standard. Two primary research questions were posed: (1) To what extent does the WAH training affect practices at the worksite? and (2) Has there been a change in the incidence of fall-from-height injuries coincident with the introduction of the WAH Training Standard? MATERIALS AND METHODS: A longitudinal survey of 633 learners was conducted in 2017 at one-, four- and seven-week post-training. A quasi-experiment estimated the incidence of lost-time injuries attributed to falls from heights in 2017 compared to 2012-2014 for a census of construction workers insured for work disability in Ontario, Canada. RESULTS: Learners self-reported substantial increases in knowledge of and improvements in safe work practices when working at heights. The incidence rate of lost-time claim injuries attributed to falls targeted by the training declined by 19.6% (95% CI: 10.7, -27.6), compared to corresponding declines of 2.1% (95% CI: -6.3, 9.9) for other fall injuries and 7.2% (95% CI: 1.8, 12.3) for non-fall traumatic injuries. The observed decline was largest among the smallest employers (<5 full-time equivalent employees). CONCLUSION: The evaluation findings provide consistent support for a conclusion that the mandatory training standard was effective in reducing the incidence of injuries targeted by the training. However, the effects were modest and did not eliminate the problem. Practical application: A mandatory training standard should be considered as one approach to preventing traumatic injuries. However, other approaches higher in the hierarchy of risk controls should also be considered.

Laxative Activity of the Hot-Water Extract Mixture of Hovenia dulcis Thunb. and Phyllostachys pubescens Mazel in Chronic Constipation Model SD Rats.

This study examined the laxative effects of hot-water extracts of Hovenia dulcis Thunb. (HD), Phyllostachys pubescens Mazel (PM), and a 2:8 mixture of both (HP) in two chronic constipation models. For the loperamide-induced constipation model, animals were divided into an untreated group, negative control group (loperamide 4 mg/kg), positive control group (bisacodyl 4 mg/kg) group, and six treatment groups (HP 100 or 400, HD 50 or 100, and PM 100 or 400 mg/kg). For the lowfiber diet-induced constipation model, animals were divided into an untreated group (normal diet), negative control group (low-fiber diet), positive control group (Agio granule, 620 mg/kg), and the same treatment groups. Fecal number, weight, fecal water content, and intestinal transit ratio were higher in the groups treated with HP, HD, and PM than in the groups treated with loperamide or lowfiber diet. Thickness of colon mucosa and muscle layers were increased in the treated groups. Colon tension increased in the HP groups, and [Ca2+]i measurements using fura-2 as an indicator showed that HP inhibits ATP-mediated Ca2+ influx in IEC-18 cells. These results showed that the HP mixture has laxative activity by increased mucin secretion and inducing contractile activity and relaxation. It may be a useful therapeutic strategy for ameliorating in chronic constipation.

Distribution of 239,240Pu in marine products from the seas around the Korean Peninsula after the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident.

In March 2011, an earthquake caused the shutdown of the active reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), with the succeeding tsunami resulting in the release of radioactively contaminated water into the adjacent Japanese coastal waters. Marine biota selected from various trophic levels were collected in Korean coastal waters throughout 2014 and 2015 and their plutonium levels were measured to evaluate the radioactive contamination levels in the marine organisms that constitute the primary seafood diet in the Republic of Korea (ROK). The results showed that the activity concentrations of 239,240Pu in plankton, macroalgae, mollusks, crustaceans, and cephalopods ranged from 13 to 58, 0.64 to 0.80, 0.94 to 5.40, 0.06 to 0.50, and 0.26 mBq kg-1 of wet weight (w.w.), respectively. The activity concentrations of 239,240Pu measured in the muscles of fish varied from 0.09 to 0.30 mBq kg-1 (w.w.), relatively low values compared to those in other groups regardless of fish species, size, and sampling area. The concentration characteristics of 239,240Pu in the various organs in the respective marine products revealed that the internal organs showed higher concentrations than the muscle or skin (or exoskeleton). The highest concentration of 239,240Pu was measured in the viscera of an abalone, which had an activity concentration of 6.31 mBq kg-1 (w.w.). The concentration factors (CFs) in the >300-µm fraction of plankton and in anchovy, shrimp, and mackerel ranged 67-84% of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)-recommended values, although the CF in macroalgae was much lower at approximately 5% of IAEA values, suggesting a wide range of 239,240Pu CF in macroalgae. The mean transfer factor (TF) between macroalgae (0.6-0.8 mBq kg-1) and abalone (5.4 mBq kg-1) was estimated to be 7.5, implying that effective Pu transfer occurred between the two species. These figures equate to annual effective doses of 239,240Pu to Koreans through consumption of macroalgae, shellfish, and fish of 1.8 × 10-6, 1.4 × 10-6, and 7.1 × 10-7 mSv yr-1, respectively, and a total dose of 3.9 × 10-6 mSv yr-1, values that are negligible compared to the annual effective dose limit of 1 mSv yr-1.

Distribution and accumulation of artificial radionuclides in marine products around Korean Peninsula.

We investigated the distributions of the artificial radionuclides 137Cs, 239+240Pu, and 90Sr in the various marine products around Korean Peninsula collected in 2015-2017. The activities of 137Cs, 239+240Pu, and 90Sr were in the ranges of 12.2-258.4 mBq kg-1, 0.014-1.879 mBq kg-1, and 11.3-18.3 mBq kg-1, respectively. The higher 239+240Pu (a factor of 10-50) relative to fishes were observed in mollusks. 137Cs in fishes were significantly enriched with growths. The calculated concentration factors (CFs) of 137Cs, 239+240Pu, and 90Sr in marine products were 7-143, 3-407, and 15-25, respectively. Overall, no noticeable artificial radioactivity was detected in marine organisms when comparing these results with previous data reported before the Fukushima nuclear accident and recommended CF values. The annual effective doses of 137Cs, 239+240Pu, and 90Sr by seafood consumption in South Korea were estimated to be 1.1 × 10-4, 1.6 × 10-5 and, 2.9 × 10-5 mSv yr-1, respectively, which is insignificant relative to that of natural radionuclides.

Accurate Quantification and Characterization of Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors.

One of the main challenges in the gene therapy viral vector development is to establish an optimized process for its large scale production. This requires optimization for upstream and downstream processes as well as methods that enable the step-by step analytical characterization of the virus, the results of which inform the iterative refinement of production for yield, purity and potency. The biggest problem here is a plethora of viral vector formulations, many of which interfere with analytical techniques. We took adeno-associated virus (AAV) as an example and showed benefits of combined use of molecular methods and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for viral vectors' characterization and quantification. Results of the analyses showed that droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) performs better than quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), in terms of robustness and assay variance, and this was especially relevant for partially purified (in-process) samples. Moreover, we demonstrate the importance of sample preparation prior to PCR analysis. We evaluated viral structure, presence of aggregates and impurities with TEM analysis and found that these impacted the differences in viral titers observed by qPCR and ddPCR and could be altered by sample preparation. These results serve as a guide for the establishment of the analytical methods required to provide measures of identity and purity for AAV viral vectors.

A Blend of Extracts from Houttuynia cordata, Nelumbo nucifera, and Camellia sinensis Protects Against Ethanol-Induced Liver Damage in C57BL/6 Mice.

The protective activity of a mixture of aqueous and ethanolic extracts from Houttuynia cordata Thunb, Nelumbo nucifera G. leaves, and Camellia sinensis seed (HNC) was evaluated in C57BL/6 mice. Pretreatment with HNC prevented the elevation of serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase caused by ethanol-induced hepatic damage. The HNC-treated mice showed significantly lower triglyceride levels, reduced CYP2E1 activity, and increased antioxidant enzyme activities and lipogenic mRNA levels. These results suggest that HNC might be a candidate agent for liver protection against ethanol-induced oxidative damage, through enhancement of antioxidant and antilipogenic activity.

Etiological evaluation of repeated biochemical pregnancy in infertile couples who have undergone in vitro fertilization.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate whether there are any notable etiologies for repeated biochemical pregnancy (RBP) and, if so, to compare those etiologies associated with repeated spontaneous abortion in infertile couples who have undergone in vitro fertilization (IVF). METHODS: Forty-four infertile couples who underwent IVF and experienced RBP were included in this study. RBP was defined as more than 2 early pregnancy losses that occurred before the detection of a gestational sac, with ectopic pregnancies specifically excluded by serial serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin evaluation. Forty-three infertile couples who underwent IVF and experienced recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) were included as a control group. Karyotype analysis, anatomic evaluation of uterus, endocrine and immunological evaluation were performed. In addition, the number of pregnant women confirmed by 12 weeks' gestation was compared between groups. RESULTS: Immunological factors (RSA: 20.9% vs. RBP: 29.5%, P=0.361), diminished ovarian reserve (RSA: 10.9% vs. RBP: 17%, P=0.552), and parental chromosomal abnormalities (RSA: 18.6% vs. RBP: 9.1%, P=0.218) were not different between groups. Additionally, the incidence of uterine factors (RSA: 11.6% vs. RBP: 4.6%, P=0.206), unknown cause (RSA: 48.8% vs. RBP: 54.5%, P=0.161), and the pregnancy outcome identified until 12 weeks' gestation (RSA: 46.5% vs. RBP: 38.6%, P=0.520) did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: In the present study, the causes of RBP after IVF were similar to those of RSA. Accordingly, we suggest that efforts should be made to define the etiology of RBP, particularly for infertile couples, and that possible management strategies should be offered.

Prognostic assessment of sarcomatous histologic subtypes of ovarian carcinosarcoma.

OBJECTIVE: Ovarian carcinosarcoma is a rare subtype of this disease that has not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic factors and out comes in patients with ovarian carcinosarcoma. METHODS: All patients with histologically confirmed ovarian carcinosarcoma who were treated at Cheil General Hospital and Women's Healthcare Center between January 2000 and December 2015 were identified and analyzed. Data were extracted from medical records, and statistical analyses were performed to determine correlations between clinicopathological parameters and survival outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 822 patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer over 16 years, 11 (1.3%) had ovarian carcinosarcoma histology. Every patient underwent surgery as the initial treatment followed by intravenous adjuvant chemotherapy. Only 18.1% of cases were early stage (I or II) while 81.8% were advanced stage (III or IV) according to the FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) classification. Six cases were of the homologous subtype (54.5%) and five were of the heterologous subtype (45.5%). There was no significant difference in survival according to stage (P=0.24). The heterologous subtype and residual disease were associated with poor disease-free survival (P=0.02 and P=0.04) and overall survival (P=0.02 and P=0.04), On multivariate analysis, the histological subtype was an independent prognostic factor (P=0.02). CONCLUSION: Optimal cytoreduction without gross residual disease and a homologous subtype are favorable prognostic factors in terms of disease relapse and survival.

How Do Organizational Policies and Practices Affect Return to Work and Work Role Functioning Following a Musculoskeletal Injury?

Purpose Organizational-level policies and practices that promote safety leadership and practices, disability management and ergonomic policies and practices are considered key contextual determinants of return to work. Our objective was to examine the role of worker-reported organizational policies and practices (OPPs) in return to work (RTW) and work role functioning (WRF) and the mediating role of pain self-efficacy and work accommodation. Methods A worker cohort (n = 577) in Ontario, Canada was followed at 1, 6 and 12 months post injury. Both RTW (yes/no) and WRF (WLQ-16) status (3 levels) were measured. OPPs were measured (high vs. low) at 1 month post-injury. Pain self-efficacy (PSE) and work accommodation (WA) were included in mediation analyses. Results OPPs predicted RTW at 6 months (adjusted OR 1.77; 95 % CI 1.07-2.93) and 12 months (adjusted OR 2.07; 95 % CI 1.18-3.62). OPPs predicted WRF at 6 months, but only the transition from working with limitations to working without limitations (adjusted OR 3.21; 95 % CI 1.92-5.39). At 12 months, OPPs predicted both the transition from not working to working with and without limitations and from not working or working with limitations to working without limitations (adjusted OR 2.13; 95 % CI 1.37-3.30). Offers of WA mediated the relationship between OPPs and both RTW and WRF at 6 months follow-up. PSE mediated the relationship between OPPs and RTW and WRF at 6 months. At 12 months neither mediated the relationship. Conclusions The findings support worker-reported OPPs as key determinants of both RTW and WRF. These results point to the importance of WA and PSE in both RTW and WRF at 6 months.