Metformin instigates cellular autophagy to ameliorate high-fat diet-induced pancreatic inflammation and fibrosis/EMT in mice.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pancreatic dysfunction is frequently observed as a consequence of prolonged high-fat diet consumption and is a serious public health concern. This pro-diabetic insult aggravates inflammation-influenced fibrotic lesions and is associated with deregulated autophagy. Metformin, a conventional anti-hyperglycemic drug, might be beneficial for pancreatic health, but the complex molecular regulations are not clarified. Considering the worldwide prevalence of chronic pancreatic dysfunction in obese individuals, we aimed to unwind the molecular intricacies explaining the involvement of oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis and to approbate metformin as a plausible intervention in this crossroad. MAIN METHODS: Age-matched Swiss Albino mice were exposed to high-fat diet (60 kcal%) against control diet (10 kcal%) to establish diet-induced stress model. Metformin treatment was introduced after 4 weeks to metformin-control and HFD-exposed metformin groups. After 8 weeks, metabolic and molecular outcomes were assessed to establish the impact of metformin on chronic consequences of HFD-mediated injury. KEY FINDINGS: High-fat diet administration to healthy mice primes oxidative stress-mediated chronic inflammation through Nrf2/Keap1/NF-κB interplay. Besides, pro-inflammatory cytokine bias leading to fibrotic (increased TGF-ß, α-SMA, and MMP9) and pro-EMT (Twist1, Slug, Vimentin, E-cadherin) repercussions in pancreatic lobules were evident. Metformin distinctly rescues high-fat diet-induced remodeling of pancreatic pro-diabetic alterations and cellular survival/death switch. Further, metformin abrogates the p62-Twist1 crosstalk in an autophagy-dependent manner (elevated beclin1, LC3-II/I, Lamp2) to restore pancreatic homeostasis. CONCLUSION: Our research validates the therapeutic potential of metformin in the inflammation-fibrosis nexus to ameliorate high-fat diet-induced pancreatic dysfunction and related metabolic alterations.

Cancer causing chewing habits and related oral lesions - A comparative study among females of socio-culturally different areas of West Bengal.

Background: Smokeless tobacco, as well as areca-nut both, causes cancerous and precancerous lesions of the oral cavity. The traditional value of India, as well as West Bengal do not allow females for smoking, but there is no such disapproval for using smokeless tobacco or areca nut. Geographically and socio-culturally, the Northern part of West Bengal differs from its Southern part. Aims: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of different chewing habits, habit products, and habit-related different oral lesions among females in two socio-culturally different areas of West Bengal. Methods: A total of 222 women from areas of North Bengal and 173 women from areas of South Bengal aged 15 years and above were selected. A face-to-face interview was conducted using a structured questionnaire. An oral cavity examination was done to rule out any oral mucosal alterations caused by cancer-causing habits. Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test or Fischer's exact tests were used to compare unpaired proportions as appropriate. Results: In areas of the northern part of Bengal, 42.34% of females were chewers, and in areas of the southern part of Bengal 18.50% of females were chewers. Younger female chewers were more from areas of the northern part of Bengal. Women, residing in different areas of the northern part of Bengal had more habit-related oral lesions, compared to the southern part of Bengal. Conclusion: Special attention should be given to increasing awareness regarding chewing habit-related health hazards among females, especially in areas of North Bengal.

The effects of using an ergonomic aid on the physical workload and body discomfort reported by pre-adolescent farmers in West Bengal, India.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the major health hazards among farmers. Pre-adolescents are mainly associated with agricultural work due to poor socioeconomic conditions. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to implement a new ergonomics aid for the betterment of job procedures and improvement of productivity, health, and safety of the preadolescent farmers. METHODS: 100 male and 100 female preadolescent farmers were randomly selected from the villages of Tarakeswar, West Bengal, India, to evaluate and reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders, physiological stress. Modified Nordic questionnaires, Body Part Discomfort (BPD) scale, and handgrip strength were assessed before and after using the ergonomics aid. RESULTS: The results of the study show that there was a significant change (decrease) in discomfort in the lower back, wrists, shoulder, and hands among preadolescent farmers when using the newly designed ergonomic aid. Handgrip strength increased and physiological stress was decreased among preadolescent farmers in post-intervention than pre-intervention in just after work conditions. Productivity has been increased in farming by decreasing absenteeism from work with the use of ergonomic aid. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that productivity has been increased in farming by decreasing absenteeism from work as well as by using the ergonomic aid the discomfort feeling has been decreased markedly.

Smokeless tobacco use and related oral mucosal changes in Bengali Women.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco use is called the single most cause of preventable cause of death all over the world. The various study confirmed that smokeless tobacco use is directly related to oral cancer and pre-cancer. The prevalence of smokeless tobacco use varies widely in different countries and states based on age group, gender, with varied socioeconomic, cultural and educational backgrounds. CONTEXT: Bengali female population. AIM: Explore the pattern of smokeless tobacco use and oral mucosal changes caused by it. METHODS: 155 women aged 15 years and above were selected. Face-to-face interview was conducted using a structured questionnaire. Data were summarized and statistically, analysis was done. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi-square test and univariate logistic regression done. RESULTS: The prevalence of current smokeless tobacco use was found to be 18.7%. On univariate logistic regression, it was found that there was a significant association between smokeless tobacco use and less educated females, odds ratio 0.4209 (0.1855-0.9550) family income less than 10,000, odds ratio 3.9773 (1.3047-12.1242), and oral changes odds ratio 0.2693 (0.1027-0.7061). CONCLUSIONS: Health care providers, as well as social workers, should give all efforts to bring the women from behind the curtain and educate them about the hazards of smokeless tobacco use.

Occupational agricultural injuries among the preadolescent workers of West Bengal, India.

INTRODUCTION: Agricultural injuries are an important factor in mortality and morbidity for populations of preadolescents globally. Working preadolescents in agricultural sector are exposed to occupational risks and injury in India. OBJECTIVE: This study mainly assesses the nature of injuries among the preadolescent agricultural workers of West Bengal, India. METHODS: The survey was done by collecting the data on agricultural injuries from the Hooghly district of West Bengal. The injury data for 7 years between years 2010 and 2016 were collected by conducting a survey and personal interviews with the victims. The questionnaire-based approach was used for data collection information on the injury characteristics. RESULTS: The agricultural injury incident rate was 8.99 (male) and 7.89 (female) per 1000 workers/year. The leading causes of farm injuries were hand tools (65.7%). The most frequently involved tools were spades and sickles. The main cause of hand tool injuries was repetitive work, which lead to fatigue and slippage of hand tools from the hand. The study indicated that preadolescent workers are highly prone to injuries in their occupation, mostly affecting the toes (27.8% and 26.3%) and fingers (24.8% and 25%) in both male and female preadolescents, which consequently affected their health, productivity and work performance. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that (1) agricultural injuries affecting different body parts such as toes, fingers, feet and ankles. (2) Occurrence of injuries was much higher among males than females. (3) Hand tools accounted for the majority of injuries followed by farm machinery. (4) Cut injuries are the main ones followed by lacerations, abrasions, sprains and contusions.

Hepatoprotective effect of food preservatives (butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene) on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rat.

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), a hepatotoxic agent is widely used to study the toxic mechanisms in experimental animals. This study was carried out to establish the hepatoprotective measures of food preservative antioxidants butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytolune (BHA, BHT) when mixed with food towards carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intoxication (230 mg/ kg b wt/rat/day) in rat. Biochemical markers like serum glutamate pyruvate tranaminase (AST), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin content, antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT, GPx, and malondialdehyde (MDA) as the end product of lipid peroxidanion were measured. The results had shown the elevated level of AST (121.16%), ALT (124.68%), ALP (122.41%) an, bilirubin content (57.14%) after CCl4 treatment. Marked decrease of activity of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD (85.36%), CAT (67.47%), GPx (50.7%) had indicated that the ROS mediated toxicity and pretreatment of BHA and BHT restored the activity of these enzymes. High level of MDA content with reduced GSH value was also observed due to oxidative stress. The hepatic antioxidant status was restored with the food preservative (BHA, BHT) antioxidant treatment which had indicated the significant protective effect against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity and finally confirmed by histopathological studies.

Examination of postures and frequency of musculoskeletal disorders among manual workers in Calcutta, India.

BACKGROUND: Manual material handling (MMH) activities require workers to adopt various awkward postures leading to the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). OBJECTIVES: To investigate the postures adopted during heavy load handling and the frequency of MSDs among MMH workers in Calcutta, India. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 100 MMH workers. MSD frequency was assessed via the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. The Ovako Working Posture Assessment System (OWAS) was used to analyze working posture. We used logistic regression to predict MSD risk factors. RESULTS: Ninety five percent of workers reported a MSD in at least one body part in the past 12 months. According to OWAS results, 83% of the analysed work postures require immediate corrective measures for worker safety. The most harmful posture was carrying a heavy load overhead. Carrying more than 120 kg increased the odds of low back and neck pain by 4.527 and 4.555, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This sample had a high frequency of reported MSDs, likely attributed to physiologically strenuous occupational activities repeated on average of 30-40 times daily. Ergonomic interventions, such as the use of handcarts, and occupational training are urgently needed.

Impact of rest breaks on musculoskeletal discomfort of Chikan embroiderers of West Bengal, India: a follow up field study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine risk factors that predict musculoskeletal discomfort in Chikan embroiderers of West Bengal, India, and to compare the effect of two rest break schedules to reduce these symptoms. METHODS: The Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was performed on 400 Chikan embroiderers at baseline containing questions on job autonomy, working behavior, and work stress factors. Relative risk was calculated to identify prognostic factors for musculoskeletal discomfort in different body regions. Two groups of workers received two rest break schedules for 4 months and compared in a between-subject design. Outcome variables were scores of Body Part Discomfort (BPD) scale. RESULTS: Chikan embroiderers are afflicted with musculoskeletal discomfort mainly in the lower back, neck/shoulder and wrist/forearm region, which is attributed to their prolonged working timeinvolving hands and wrists, being in a static seating posture. Rigidity in working methods, prolonged working time, inadequate rest break during the working day, dissatisfaction regarding earning, monotonous work, static sitting posture, and repetitive movement of wrist and forearm were the significant predictors of these symptom developments. Rest break schedule 1 with more frequent and shorter breaks had more significant improvement on the severity of these musculoskeletal discomforts. CONCLUSIONS: Chikan embroiderers perform a highly dreary occupation and various ergonomics conditions work as predictors for developing musculoskeletal discomforts among them. Design of proper rest break schedule involving shorter and frequent breaks was competent for reducing these discomforts to a certain extent.

Is There an Economic Case for Training Intervention in the Manual Material Handling Sector of Developing Countries?

OBJECTIVE: To estimate cost-effectiveness ratios and net costs of a training intervention to reduce morbidity among porters who carry loads without mechanical assistance in a developing country informal sector setting. METHODS: Pre- and post-intervention survey data (n = 100) were collected in a prospective study: differences in physical/mental composite scores and pain scale scores were computed. Costs and economic benefits of the intervention were monetized with a net-cost model. RESULTS: Significant changes in physical composite scores (2.5), mental composite scores (3.2), and pain scale scores (-1.0) led to cost-effectiveness ratios of $6.97, $5.41, and $17.91, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that program adherence enhanced effectiveness. The net cost of the intervention was -$5979.00 due to a reduction in absenteeism. CONCLUSIONS: Workplace ergonomic training is cost-effective and should be implemented wherein other engineering-control interventions are precluded due to infrastructural constraints.

An ergonomics study on the evaluation of carpal tunnel syndrome among Chikan embroidery workers of West Bengal, India.

BACKGROUND: Chikan embroidery is a popular handicraft in India that involves hand-intensive stitching while seated in a static posture with the upper back curved and the head bent over the fabric. Women perform most Chikan embroidery. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the repetitive nature of this work among female Chikan embroiderers by measuring the prevalence of upper extremity discomfort and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS: The Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to analyze the extent of upper extremity pain symptomology. The repetitive nature of Chikan embroidery work was evaluated using the Assessment of Repetitive Tasks of the upper limbs tool (ART). Motor nerve conduction studies of median and ulnar nerves were performed with embroidery workers and a control group to determine the risk of CTS. RESULTS: Among embroidery workers, the prevalence of wrist pain was 68% and forearm pain was 60%. The embroiderers also commonly reported Tingling and numbness in the hands and fingertips. The ART analysis found that Chikan embroidery is a highly repetitive task and nerve conduction studies showed that the embroidery workers were more likely to experience CTS than women in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Chikan embroidery is a hand-intensive occupation involving repetitive use of hands and wrists and this study population is at risk of experiencing CTS. Future research should explore the potential benefits of ergonomics measures including incorporating breaks, stretching exercises, and the use of wrist splints to reduce repetitive strain and the probability of developing CTS.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and physiological stress among adult, male potato cultivators of West Bengal, India.

A total of 70 male potato cultivators were selected randomly from the villages of West Bengal, India, to evaluate musculoskeletal disorder (MSD), thermal stress, and physiological stress and were compared with 70 controls from the urban sector of West Bengal. Modified Nordic questionnaire studies and a posture analysis were performed in for the male potato cultivators by the Rapid Entire Body Assessment method. Most of the participants suffered discomfort at different parts of the body, especially in the lower back, knee, ankle, and feet regions. Potato cultivators suffered maximum discomfort during spading, planting seeds, weeding, picking crops, and sprinkling water. Therefore, it can be concluded that prolonged work activity, high repetitiveness, and remaining constantly in an awkward posture for a prolonged period of time may lead to MSDs. This study also revealed that a significant physiological load is exerted on the potato cultivators, as shown by increased heart rates.

Prevalence of low back pain among handloom weavers in West Bengal, India.

BACKGROUND: Handloom is one of the oldest industries in India, particularly in West Bengal, where a considerable number of rural people are engaged in weaving. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of low back pain among the handloom weavers in India. METHODS: A modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorder Questionnaire and Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire along with a body part discomfort scale were administered to handloom weavers (n = 175). Working posture of the participants was assessed using the Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS). RESULTS: Sixty eight per cent of the participants reported suffering from low back pain, making it the most prevalent disorder in our sample. Analysis of the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire data revealed that among those with low back pain (n = 119), 2% had severe disabilities, 46% had moderate disabilities, and 52% had minimal disabilities. Statistical analyses revealed a positive significant association between the intensity of pain in the lower back and an increased number of years of work experience (P<0·05). CONCLUSIONS: The study underlines the need for further research regarding the postural strain of weavers and also suggests the implementation of ergonomic design into weaver workstations to minimize the adverse effect of their current working postures. Improving upon the weaver's work-posture could improve their quality of life.

Design and evaluation of ergonomic interventions for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders in India.

BACKGROUND: Improper workstation, work procedures and tools are found to be the risk factors for the development of musculoskeletal disorders among the informal sector workers of the developing countries. Low cost ergonomic interventions can effectively improve such adverse conditions. CASE PRESENTATION: In the present article some studies related to design interventions in different informal and agricultural sectors were discussed and their efficacies were analyzed. It was observed that with the help of appropriate interventions musculoskeletal disorders were reduced, adverse physiological conditions were improved when awkward postures were corrected and ultimately the organisational productivity was increased. CONCLUSION: Proper implementation of ergonomic interventions can ultimately improve the economy of the nation.

Prevalence of respiratory symptoms and disorders among rice mill workers in India.

OBJECTIVES: Lung function tests have become an integral part of assessment of pulmonary disease. Diseases of the respiratory system induced by occupational dusts are influenced by the duration of exposure. The aim of the study is to investigate the impairment of lung function and prevalence of respiratory symptoms among the rice mill workers. METHODS: A total of 120 rice mill workers from three districts of Karnataka were included in this study. Fifty urban dwellers from the same socio-economic level were selected as controls. The study included clinical examination, assessment of respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function test, measurement of peak expiratory flow rate, absolute eosinophil count, ESR estimation, total IgE estimation and radiographic test. RESULTS: The present study has shown that the rice mill workers complained of several types of respiratory disorders like phlegm (40.8 %), dyspnea (44.2 %), chest tightness (26.7 %), cough (21.7 %), and nose irritation (27.5 %). Rice mill workers exposed to dust presented significantly (p < 0.05) lower levels of FVC (3.44 ± 0.11), FEV1 (2.73 ± 0.15) and PEFR (304.95 ± 28.79) than the controls. The rice mill workers are having significantly higher absolute eosinophil counts, total IgE and ESR than control groups. The hematological findings suggest that the harmful effects may be linked to both non-specific irritation and allergic responses to rice husk dust among rice mill workers. CONCLUSION: Dust exposure in the working environment affects the lung function values and increased the respiratory symptoms among the rice mill workers.

Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders among Indian tabla players.

Playing a percussion instrument demands great force and effort, which may make percussionists prone to playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs). Of all of the percussion instruments in India, tabla is the most popular. The present study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of discomforts among professional tabla players. Eighty-five professional tabla players voluntarily participated in the study. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and visual analog scale were administered to all the participants. Demographic details, music-related activities, and symptoms of discomfort were also recorded. It was found that prone anatomical areas were the low back, right shoulder, neck, left shoulder, upper back, and knees. The frequency of discomfort was found to be mostly weekly for the shoulders and monthly for neck, low back, and knees. There was an association between visual analog scale and prevalence of self-reported discomforts in some body parts. It can be said that the prolonged, unsupported, folded-knee sitting posture may be the cause of discomforts.

Child work in agriculture in West Bengal, India: assessment of musculoskeletal disorders and occupational health problems.

OBJECTIVE: Children are universally considered to be the most important asset for any nation. The main aims of the present study were 1) to investigate the causation of discomfort related to working postures 2) to assess the physiological strain among the child farmers and 3) to assess the thermal stress during work in an agricultural field. METHODS: For this study, 120 child agricultural workers and 120 control subjects aged 10-16 years were selected randomly, and a detailed posture analysis was performed among them by REBA and OWAS methods. The Modified Nordic Questionnaire was applied to assess the discomfort felt among both groups of workers. Physiological assessment of workload was carried out by recording the heart rate and blood pressure of the workers prior to work and just after work in the field. RESULTS: Child agricultural workers suffered from pain especially in the low back (98%), knees (88%), hands (82%), shoulder (77%) and neck (68%). Among the agricultural activities in potato cultivation, the child potato workers, felt discomfort during spading (99%), sprinkling water (90%) and picking crops (87%). The post-activity heart rate of the child agricultural workers was 170.1 beats/min, whereas the systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 129.0 and 67.0 mm/Hg respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the agricultural activities in potato cultivation were strenuous ones that affect the children, who suffered from acute pain and discomfort for a long period of time, which mainly hampers and restricts their education.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and occupational health problems among groundnut farmers of West Bengal, India.

The main aim of the study was to determine the nature and extent of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and physiological and thermal working stress among the groundnut farmers. In the present investigation, eighty-five groundnut farmers were recruited from the villages of Tarakeswar of West Bengal, India. Eighty-five control office workers were also selected as a control group. The modified Nordic questionnaire and a posture analysis using the OWAS method were applied in the case of groundnut farmers. The working environment and physiological stress of the groundnut cultivators were also assessed. The analysis of working posture indicated that most of the groundnut cultivation activities needed corrective measures as soon as possible. Most of the groundnut farmers suffered from discomfort at different parts of the body, especially at the lower back (99%), knee (92%), ankle (66%), shoulder (61%) and hand (60%) regions. This study also showed that groundnut farmers suffered from excessive thermal (33.4 degrees C) and physiological stress (heart rate rose up to 121.5 beats/min, systolic and diastolic blood pressure up to 132 and 80 mm/Hg, respectively, PEFR values are 403 lit/min) which affects their health. From the observation and analysis of the results, it was concluded that the health of the groundnut farmers was highly affected by improper body postures and work-load. Twisting, bending, and awkward postures during work could lead to musculoskeletal disorders among them.

Effect of an ergonomic intervention on muscle fatigue and respiratory stress of goldsmiths during blowing pipe activity in India.

OBJECTIVE: One of the main activities of the goldsmiths is Blowing Pipe. The blowpipe is to expand and shape the gold beads by means of positive pressure produced by careful, controlled oral expiration. Objective of this study was to assess the effect of ergonomic intervention on facial muscle fatigue and respiratory stress of goldsmiths to continue their work. PARTICIPANTS: For this current study 100 male goldsmiths were selected from the Davangere District of Karnataka. METHODS: This study used the questionnaire, Examination of Pulmonary Function, Measurement of peak expiratory flow rate and electromyography of three major facial muscles. Three primary types of ergonomic interventions were provided to the goldsmiths. Subjects were interviewed at the end of each week to ascertain intervention acceptance. From the analysis of subject's preference, the hand air pipe was selected by. RESULTS: A large number of goldsmiths complained of respiratory symptoms in this industry. Reduced lung volumes and peak expiratory flow rates of goldsmiths was found, presumably from heavy pressure generated by using blow pipe. This work habit also increases the fatigue of facial muscles, at the end of the day. CONCLUSION: It was found that, by implementing the ergonomic intervention can reduce facial muscle fatigue and respiratory stress of goldsmiths.